Hey there, fellow hunters and shooting enthusiasts! Joel Mccartan here, and boy, do I have a treat for you today. We’re diving deep into the world of scopes for the legendary Marlin 1895. Now, if you’re anything like me, you know that pairing this powerhouse rifle with the right scope can make all the difference between a successful hunt and a frustrating day in the field.
The Marlin 1895 is a beast of a rifle, known for its incredible accuracy and powerful performance in medium-range shooting. It’s a favorite among deer hunters and those who need a reliable firearm for wilderness defense. But here’s the thing – even a strong and solid rifle like the Marlin 1895 needs the right optics to truly shine. That’s where we come in.
I’ve spent countless hours testing various scopes on my trusty Marlin 1895, trudging through dense forests and open fields alike. Today, I’m excited to share my top picks for 2024 with you. Whether you’re gearing up for your next big game hunt or just want to improve your shooting accuracy, I’ve got you covered. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s explore the best scopes to elevate your Marlin 1895 experience!
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout Scope
Kicking off our list is the Vortex Optics Crossfire II Scout Scope. Let me tell you, this bad boy has been my go-to for quick target acquisition in thick brush, and it’s earned its place at the top of our list.
The Crossfire II boasts a versatile 2-7x magnification range, which is perfect for the Marlin 1895’s effective range. I’ve used it for everything from close-quarter brush hunting to medium-range shots across open fields. The 32mm objective lens provides a great balance between light gathering capability and compact size.
One of the standout features of this scope is its generous eye relief of 9.45 inches. When you’re dealing with the stout recoil of the .45-70 cartridge, that extra distance between your eye and the scope can be a real lifesaver. Trust me, your eyebrows will thank you!
The V-Plex reticle is simple yet effective, allowing for quick target acquisition without cluttering your sight picture. It’s positioned in the second focal plane, which means it maintains the same visual size regardless of your magnification setting. This consistency can be a real advantage when you’re making quick adjustments in the field.
Durability is another area where the Crossfire II really shines. The scope is constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, making it incredibly robust. It’s also nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed, ensuring waterproof and fogproof performance in any weather conditions. I’ve taken this scope through some pretty rough terrain, and it’s held up beautifully.
The capped reset turrets are finger adjustable with MOA clicks that can be easily reset to zero after sighting in. This feature comes in handy when you need to make quick adjustments on the fly.
Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope
Next up is the Leupold VX-Freedom, and let me tell you, if you’re looking for top-notch American craftsmanship, this scope delivers in spades.
The VX-Freedom features a 1.5-4x magnification range, which is ideal for the close to medium-range shooting that the Marlin 1895 excels at. The 20mm objective lens keeps the scope compact and lightweight, which is a huge plus when you’re carrying your rifle through rough terrain all day.
One of the standout features of this scope is Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System. This proprietary technology provides excellent clarity in low-light conditions, extending your shooting time during those crucial dawn and dusk periods when game is most active. I’ve used this scope in some pretty dim lighting conditions, and the clarity it provides is truly impressive.
The duplex reticle is clean and simple, perfect for quick target acquisition. It’s a classic design that works well in a variety of hunting scenarios. The reticle is positioned in the second focal plane, maintaining its size as you adjust the magnification.
Durability is where Leupold really shines. The VX-Freedom is built like a tank, with a rugged construction that can handle the recoil of the .45-70 cartridge with ease. It’s waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, so you can confidently take it into any hunting environment. I’ve knocked this scope around plenty, and it holds zero like a champ.
The scope features capped finger click adjustments for windage and elevation, allowing for precise zeroing. The adjustments are crisp and audible, which is a nice touch when you’re making changes in the field.
Burris Scout 2.75x20mm Scope
For those who prefer a fixed magnification option, the Burris Scout is a solid choice that shouldn’t be overlooked.
This scope features a fixed 2.75x magnification, which might seem limiting at first glance. However, I’ve found it to be spot-on for most hunting situations with the Marlin 1895. The fixed power eliminates the need to adjust magnification in high-pressure situations, allowing you to focus solely on your target.
The 20mm objective lens keeps the scope compact and lightweight. When you’re lugging a hefty lever-action rifle around all day, every ounce counts, and the Burris Scout delivers without compromising on optical quality. It’s one of the lightest scopes on our list, weighing in at just 7 ounces.
The Ballistic Plex reticle is a standout feature of this scope. It offers holdover points for longer shots, which comes in handy when you need to stretch your range a bit. The reticle is intuitive to use and doesn’t clutter your sight picture, allowing for quick target acquisition.
Burris has built this scope to last, with a durable aluminum construction that can handle the recoil of the Marlin 1895 with ease. It’s nitrogen-filled and sealed, ensuring fogproof and waterproof performance in any weather conditions.
The Scout scope offers a generous eye relief of 9.2-12 inches, which is perfect for scout-style mounting on the Marlin 1895. This forward mounting position allows for both-eyes-open shooting, improving your situational awareness in the field.
Sig Sauer Buckmasters 3-9x40mm Riflescope
If you’re looking for a bit more magnification range, the Sig Sauer Buckmasters scope is a versatile option that’s worth considering.
The Buckmasters scope offers a 3-9x magnification range, providing a great balance of close-range capability and the ability to reach out a bit further when needed. This range is particularly useful if you hunt in varied terrain, from dense forests to open fields.
The 40mm objective lens provides excellent light gathering capabilities, which is crucial for those low-light hunting situations at dawn and dusk. I’ve found the image quality to be impressively bright and clear, even in challenging lighting conditions.
One of the standout features of this scope is the Buckmasters BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle. This reticle is specially designed for hunting, with holdover points that make it easier to compensate for bullet drop at longer ranges. It takes some practice to master, but once you’re familiar with it, it can greatly extend your effective shooting range.
The scope is constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring durability and reliability in the field. It’s fully waterproof and fogproof, so you can confidently use it in any weather conditions. I’ve used this scope in some pretty nasty weather, and its performance has never let me down.
The Buckmasters scope features low-profile turrets for windage and elevation adjustments. These turrets offer positive clicks for precise zeroing, and they’re capped to prevent accidental adjustments in the field.
Leupold VX-3HD 1.5-5x20mm Riflescope
For those willing to invest a bit more in their optics, the Leupold VX-3HD is a premium option that’s hard to beat.
The VX-3HD features a 1.5-5x magnification range, which is perfect for the Marlin 1895. This range gives you plenty of versatility without unnecessary bulk, allowing for quick shooting at close ranges and the ability to reach out a bit further when needed.
The optical clarity on this scope is simply outstanding. Leupold’s Elite Optical System provides exceptional light transmission and edge-to-edge clarity. This is crucial for those low-light hunting scenarios where every bit of light matters. I’ve used this scope in some pretty dim conditions, and the image quality is truly impressive.
The Duplex reticle is clean and simple, allowing for quick target acquisition without cluttering your sight picture. It’s a classic design that works well in a variety of hunting scenarios. The reticle is positioned in the second focal plane, maintaining its size as you adjust the magnification.
What really sets this scope apart is its durability and reliability. The VX-3HD is built to Leupold’s exacting standards, with a rugged construction that can handle the recoil of the .45-70 cartridge with ease. It’s waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, so you can confidently take it into any hunting environment.
The scope features Leupold’s CDS (Custom Dial System) elevation adjustment. This allows you to customize the elevation dial to your specific load and conditions, making long-range shots much more manageable. It’s a feature that really shines when you’re dealing with the significant bullet drop of the .45-70 at longer ranges.
Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope
Last but certainly not least, we have the Primary Arms SLx, a scope that offers incredible value for money and some unique features that set it apart from the crowd.
The SLx features a versatile 1-6x magnification range. The true 1x setting is perfect for close-range, both-eyes-open shooting, while the 6x upper end allows you to reach out a bit further when needed. This range makes the scope incredibly versatile, suitable for everything from brush hunting to moderate-distance shots.
The standout feature of this scope is the ACSS (Advanced Combined Sighting System) reticle. It’s a bit more complex than a simple duplex, but once you get used to it, it’s incredibly versatile. The reticle includes bullet drop compensation, range estimation, and wind hold features, all in an intuitive design. I’ve found it particularly useful for quick ranging and holdovers, which can be a real advantage in the field.
The 24mm objective lens provides a good balance between light gathering capability and compact size. The glass quality is impressive for the price point, providing clear and bright images even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
The scope is constructed from 6063 aluminum, providing durability without excessive weight. It’s fully waterproof and fogproof, so you can confidently use it in any weather conditions. The overall build quality feels much more premium than you’d expect at this price point.
One unique feature of this scope is the illuminated reticle, powered by a common CR2032 battery. The illumination has multiple brightness settings, allowing you to adjust it for optimal visibility in any lighting condition. This can be particularly useful during those critical low-light periods at dawn and dusk.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Scope for Your Marlin 1895
Now that we’ve covered my top picks, let’s talk about what you should keep in mind when choosing a scope for your Marlin 1895. These factors can make a big difference in your shooting experience and hunting success.
Magnification Range: For most hunting situations with the Marlin 1895, a low to medium magnification range (1-4x, 2-7x, or 3-9x) is ideal. The Marlin 1895 isn’t typically used for long-range shooting, so ultra-high magnifications aren’t necessary and can actually be a hindrance in close-quarters situations. Consider the type of hunting you’ll be doing and choose a magnification range that suits your needs.
Durability: The .45-70 cartridge packs a serious punch, so you need a scope that can handle significant recoil. Look for scopes with solid construction, preferably made from aircraft-grade aluminum. Shockproof ratings are important, as is the overall build quality. A scope that can’t handle the recoil of your Marlin 1895 will quickly lose zero and become unreliable.
Eye Relief: Given the substantial recoil of the Marlin 1895, generous eye relief is crucial. Look for scopes with at least 3-4 inches of eye relief to avoid the dreaded “scope eye.” Some scout-style scopes offer even more eye relief, which can be beneficial for forward mounting on the Marlin 1895.
Optical Quality: Good light transmission and clarity are essential, especially if you’re hunting in low-light conditions. Multi-coated lenses are a must, as they help to reduce glare and improve light transmission. Look for scopes that offer good edge-to-edge clarity and minimal distortion.
Reticle Type: Simple reticles like duplex or dot reticles work well for quick target acquisition, which is often necessary when hunting with the Marlin 1895. If you plan on taking longer shots, a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle can be helpful. Consider illuminated reticles if you frequently hunt in low-light conditions.
Weight: The Marlin 1895 is already a hefty rifle. A lightweight scope can help keep your overall setup manageable, especially if you’re doing a lot of hiking or stalking. However, be careful not to sacrifice too much in terms of durability or optical quality just to save weight.
Weather Resistance: Ensure your scope is waterproof and fogproof. You never know what conditions you might encounter in the field, and the last thing you want is for your scope to fog up or take on water when you’re lining up that perfect shot.
Adjustments: Look for scopes with positive, audible clicks when making windage and elevation adjustments. The ability to easily reset to zero after sighting in can be a valuable feature. Some scopes offer custom turrets that can be calibrated to your specific load, which can be very helpful when dealing with the significant bullet drop of the .45-70 at longer ranges.
Price and Value: While it’s tempting to go for the most expensive option, it’s important to consider the value you’re getting for your money. Sometimes, mid-range scopes can offer features and performance that rival their more expensive counterparts. Consider your budget, but also think about the long-term investment you’re making in your hunting setup.
Mounting Options: Consider how you plan to mount the scope on your Marlin 1895. Some hunters prefer a forward “scout” style mount, while others opt for a traditional mounting position. Make sure the scope you choose is compatible with your preferred mounting style.
Conclusion
Choosing the right scope for your Marlin 1895 can significantly enhance your shooting experience and hunting success. Each of the scopes we’ve discussed has its strengths, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and hunting style.
Personally, I’ve had great success with the Vortex Optics Crossfire II for its versatility and durability. It offers a great balance of features at a reasonable price point. However, if you’re looking for premium optical quality and don’t mind spending a bit more, the Leupold VX-3HD is hard to beat. For those who prefer a fixed-power option, the Burris Scout offers excellent performance in a lightweight package.
Remember, the best scope is the one that fits your shooting style and hunting conditions. Don’t be afraid to try out a few options if possible. Visit your local gun shop and look through different scopes to get a feel for their optical quality and reticle designs.
Once you’ve chosen your scope, take the time to properly mount and zero it. Even the best optic won’t perform well if it’s not correctly installed. And most importantly, practice, practice, practice! Familiarize yourself with your new scope and how it performs with your Marlin 1895. Spend time at the range getting comfortable with your setup before taking it into the field.
Investing in a quality scope for your Marlin 1895 is more than just adding an accessory to your rifle – it’s about enhancing your capabilities as a hunter and shooter. With the right scope, you’ll be able to make the most of the Marlin 1895’s legendary power and accuracy.
Happy hunting, folks! Here’s to making every shot count with your Marlin 1895. Remember, the right gear can make a big difference, but it’s your skills and ethical hunting practices that truly matter. Stay safe out there, and may your hunts be successful!