As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with the legendary Marlin 336. This timeless lever-action rifle has been a staple in the hunting community for decades, and for good reason. But even the best rifle can benefit from a quality scope, and that’s where I come in. I’ve spent countless hours in the field testing various scopes on my trusty Marlin 336, and I’m excited to share my findings with you.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the top 10 scopes that can take your Marlin 336 to the next level in 2024. Whether you’re stalking whitetails in dense forests or taking long shots across open fields, I’ve got you covered. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let’s explore the world of Marlin 336 scopes together.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Riflescope
Kicking off our list is the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32. I remember the first time I mounted this bad boy on my Marlin 336 – it was like giving my rifle a pair of eagle eyes.
Key Features:
– 2-7x magnification range
– 32mm objective lens
– V-Plex reticle
– Fully multi-coated lenses
What I love about this scope is its versatility. The 2-7x magnification range is perfect for the .30-30 cartridge, allowing for both close-range brush hunting and longer shots across open fields. The clarity of the glass is impressive, especially in low light conditions – a must for those early morning or late evening hunts.
The V-Plex reticle is simple yet effective, providing a clear sight picture without cluttering your view. And let’s not forget about Vortex’s legendary VIP warranty – it’s like having insurance for your scope.
Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Riflescope
Next up is the Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm. Leupold has been a trusted name in optics for years, and this scope lives up to the hype.
Key Features:
– 2-7x magnification
– 33mm objective lens
– Twilight Light Management System
– Waterproof and fogproof
I’ve taken this scope on several hunts in varying weather conditions, and it’s never let me down. The Twilight Light Management System is a game-changer, offering exceptional clarity in low light situations. I’ve been able to take ethical shots during those crucial last minutes of legal shooting light thanks to this feature.
The durability of this scope is also worth mentioning. I’ve accidentally banged it against tree trunks (don’t judge, we’ve all been there), and it’s held zero without issue. For the price point, it’s hard to beat the quality and performance of the Leupold VX-Freedom.
Burris Fullfield II 2-7x35mm Riflescope
The Burris Fullfield II 2-7x35mm is another solid option for your Marlin 336. I’ve found this scope to be particularly well-suited for hunters who prefer a slightly larger objective lens.
Key Features:
– 2-7x magnification
– 35mm objective lens
– Ballistic Plex reticle
– Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses
The Ballistic Plex reticle is a standout feature of this scope. It provides holdover points for different distances, which can be a real asset when taking longer shots with the .30-30. I’ve used this to great effect on prairie dog hunts, where quick range estimation is crucial.
The Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses offer excellent light transmission, and the slightly larger 35mm objective lens gathers just a bit more light than some competitors. This can make a noticeable difference during those twilight hunting hours.
Nikon ProStaff P3 2-7×32 Riflescope
Nikon may have exited the riflescope market, but their legacy lives on in the ProStaff P3 2-7×32. If you can find one of these, it’s definitely worth considering for your Marlin 336.
Key Features:
– 2-7x magnification
– 32mm objective lens
– BDC reticle
– Fully multi-coated optics
I’ve had the pleasure of using this scope on several hunts, and it’s always performed admirably. The BDC reticle is particularly useful for the .30-30 cartridge, allowing for quick holdover adjustments at various ranges.
The eye relief on this scope is generous, which is a big plus when shooting a hard-kicking lever action. I’ve never had to worry about scope bite, even when taking quick follow-up shots.
Simmons Truplex .22 Mag 3-9x32mm Riflescope
Don’t let the “.22 Mag” in the name fool you – this Simmons scope is more than capable of handling the recoil of a .30-30. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on quality.
Key Features:
– 3-9x magnification
– 32mm objective lens
– Truplex reticle
– HydroShield lens coating
I’ll admit, I was skeptical about using a scope marketed for .22 Mag on my Marlin 336. But after extensive testing, I can confidently say it holds up beautifully. The 3-9x magnification range gives you a bit more reach than some other options on this list, which can be handy for those longer shots.
The HydroShield lens coating is a nice touch, ensuring clear views even in wet conditions. I’ve used this scope in light rain without any issues. For the price, it’s hard to beat the performance of this Simmons scope.
Bushnell Banner 1.5-4x32mm Riflescope
The Bushnell Banner 1.5-4x32mm is a compact scope that’s perfect for those who prefer a more traditional look on their lever action rifle.
Key Features:
– 1.5-4x magnification
– 32mm objective lens
– Multi-X reticle
– Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) coating
This scope really shines in low light conditions thanks to its DDB coating. I’ve used it for early morning squirrel hunts, and the clarity at dawn is impressive. The 1.5-4x magnification range is ideal for close to medium range shots, which is where the Marlin 336 excels.
The Multi-X reticle is simple and uncluttered, allowing for quick target acquisition in thick brush. It’s a great choice for hunters who spend a lot of time in dense woods.
CVLIFE 3-9×40 Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope
For those on a tight budget, the CVLIFE 3-9×40 offers a lot of bang for your buck. While it may not have the brand recognition of some other scopes on this list, it’s a capable performer.
Key Features:
– 3-9x magnification
– 40mm objective lens
– R4 reticle
– Adjustable objective lens
I was pleasantly surprised by the clarity of this scope, especially considering its price point. The 3-9x magnification range gives you plenty of versatility, and the 40mm objective lens gathers plenty of light.
The R4 reticle is a bit busier than some others on this list, but I found it useful for range estimation. It’s held zero well through several hunting trips, which is impressive for a budget scope.
Sig Sauer Whiskey3 2-7x32mm Scope
Sig Sauer may be better known for their firearms, but their Whiskey3 scope is a solid contender for your Marlin 336.
Key Features:
– 2-7x magnification
– 32mm objective lens
– Quadplex reticle
– Low dispersion glass
I’ve been impressed with the optical clarity of this scope. The low dispersion glass provides excellent contrast and color fidelity, which can be crucial when trying to spot game in dense cover.
The Quadplex reticle is simple and effective, and the scope has held zero admirably even after some rough handling. It’s a bit pricier than some options on this list, but the quality is evident.
Monstrum 2-7×32 AO Riflescope
The Monstrum 2-7×32 AO is another budget-friendly option that offers some premium features.
Key Features:
– 2-7x magnification
– 32mm objective lens
– Rangefinder reticle
– Adjustable objective (AO)
I was intrigued by the rangefinder reticle on this scope. After some practice, I found it quite useful for estimating distances in the field. The adjustable objective is a nice touch, allowing for parallax adjustment at various ranges.
While it may not have the optical clarity of some higher-end scopes, it’s more than adequate for the effective range of the .30-30 cartridge. It’s a solid choice for hunters on a budget.
Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope
Rounding out our list is another offering from Leupold, the VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm. This compact scope is perfect for those who want to maintain the sleek profile of their Marlin 336.
Key Features:
– 1.5-4x magnification
– 20mm objective lens
– Duplex reticle
– Twilight Light Management System
Don’t let the small 20mm objective lens fool you – this scope gathers light like scopes with much larger lenses. The Twilight Light Management System really shines here, providing excellent low-light performance.
I’ve found this scope to be particularly well-suited for fast-moving hunts in thick cover. The low magnification and simple Duplex reticle allow for lightning-fast target acquisition.
Conclusion
Choosing the right scope for your Marlin 336 can significantly enhance your hunting experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the world of lever actions, there’s a scope on this list that will suit your needs and budget.
Remember, the best scope is the one that fits your specific hunting style and conditions. Don’t be afraid to try out a few different options to find what works best for you. Happy hunting, and may your Marlin 336 always find its mark!