The Best Scopes for Marlin 336 in 2022

Finding the best scope for Marlin 336 does not have to be extremely taxing. It is mainly because aside from the numerous options available in the market, the price range for this type of scope is completely reasonable. In fact, you do not have to set aside a huge sum of money to get a dependable scope for it.

You can find inexpensive ones since the maximum magnification setting for the Marlin 336 are usually just the 7x or the 12x. Magnification ranges that are more than what is mentioned can be an overkill while adding additional weight to the rifle without supplying extra benefits.

Just make sure that prior to shopping, you determine your exact needs first. Find out whether you are planning to shoot on various distances or outdoors. If that is the case then you need waterproof scopes that also have variable magnification. If you have a hard time choosing then you might want to begin by checking out our buying guide starting with our top 6 products in this category.

Best Scopes for Marlin 336 in 2022

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 SFP BDC (MOA) Riflescope

It also boasts of its impressive flexibility, allowing it to handle numerous situations and conditions. The rigid and tough built of this scope can be attributed to the aircraft-grade and solid aluminum material used in creating it. I also noticed how easy it is to adjust the settings of the scope.

With this scope, you no longer have to guess or check the adjustments for windage and elevation manually. I like the ease of setup and operation promoted by this scope, too. I am also happy to say that it has a tough body constructed to handle the harsh challenges outdoors.

This means that no matter how rugged the landscapes you are dealing with or how the weather condition is, it can withstand such challenges. With the full multi-coating added into this scope, it is also successful in promoting a generous amount of light transmission.

Such benefit makes it possible for you to hit your target even if you are in an environment with low light. The coating used in this scope is also anti-reflective, promoting an even better transmission of light. Furthermore, it has a long eye relief and an eye box, which is truly forgiving.

With both those features, getting a clearer sight and acquiring your target will be easy.

However, the built-in eye box is slightly uncomfortable to use at first.

Despite that, no one can deny how incredible this scope is for Marlin 336 owners because of its reasonable price and plenty of valuable features.

Simmons 3-9×40 Truplex Riflescope

It is built to be tough. In fact, you will immediately notice its shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof design. Another impressive advantage of this riflescope is its ability to prevent movements once it goes beyond zero with the help of the fingertip adjustment for windage and elevation.

The presence of such adjustment system ensures that you will no longer have to deal with challenges and complexities setting it correctly. You can even do some quick changes or alterations into the settings, which is helpful in preparing your scope before actually losing sight of your target.

I also find its fully coated and quality optics amazing due to its clarity and brightness. It takes pride in its quick target acquisition focus eyepiece, which works well in terms of acquiring your target fast. Being lightweight is also one of its benefits as it improves its portability and promotes ease of manageability.

It also works well for hunting, particularly on Safari. It is easy to dial down the scope’s magnification in case you need to shoot a dangerous game up-close. You can also dial it up conveniently each time you need to make long shots. This specific scope also works in promoting a more intuitive and faster shooting style.

It even works in strengthening your ability to track your target. You can also use this scope to hunt a big game or for thick brush or tree stand hunting. It is due to its high level of accuracy.

However, the included elastic band covers are not that high in quality.

This scope for the Marlin 336 indeed carries with it several beneficial properties, especially with its ability to deliver optimal brightness, accuracy, and sharpness, so it is indeed one of the most affordable products worthy of your investment.

Nikon ProStaff 2-7×32 Black Matte Riflescope

I am fond of its fully multicoated optical system because I noticed how incredible and effective it is in transmitting almost one hundred percent of available light. This ability makes it suitable for all forms of low-light conditions and situations. Some are also pleased with the ease of its setup process.

It is mainly because of its zero-reset turret, as well as its user-friendly adjustment knob. It also holds the patented and unique Nikoplex design, which is actually a big advantage as it promotes quick focus and comes with plenty of innovative adjustment capabilities and technologies.

I would also like to emphasize the amazing eye relief applied to this scope. Such eye relief also boasts of an O-ring sealing for its nitrogen-filled housing, allowing the scope to deliver its optimal performance even in harsh and challenging conditions.

The versatility of this scope is also one of its most amazing traits. You can easily mount and use it and is compatible not only with the Marlin 336 but also with other rifles, like the AR 15 and .22 rimfire.

However, there are instances when its elevation knob does not work properly. Rest assured, though, that this only happens occasionally.

Even with the indicated flaw, it is still safe to say that the Nikon ProStaff is the ultimate solution if you are looking for lightweight compactness and sturdy construction in a scope.

Leupold Rifleman 4-12x40mm Riflescope

I am also happy with the standard and classic fast focus eyepiece that is so unique and distinguishable in the Leupold brand. This eyepiece also has a low-profile lock ring, which is a big help in easily achieving and maintaining the focus of the scope’s wide duplex reticle.

The fully fog-proof and waterproof construction of the scope also proves how effective it is in withstanding a number of harsh situations in the field and in any other hunting settings. The optical system built into this scope also works in supplying the crispest images possible, thereby ensuring that you can enjoy clear shots and precise adjustments.

It has a magnification setting, which also promotes optimal precision and accuracy regardless of the range. It is strong and durable plus it has a sleek and great design, which is perfectly compatible with its high-quality and premium material. It is also built with a high level of accuracy.

Furthermore, it features friction dials that you can easily adjust based on the present windage and elevation. I am proud to recommend it to all hunters as it is also capable of holding its zero amazingly while supplying crystal clear pictures irrespective of the weather.

However, one minor flaw that it possesses is the absence of a lens cover.

To conclude, it is a fantastic all-around Marlin 336 gear because aside from its amazing performance as a scope, you can also expect it to function well even when used with low lights.

BARSKA 3-9×40 Huntmaster 30/30 Riflescope

I also specifically love this riflescope because of its dependability when used in the field while still being reasonably priced. One thing that proves how durable and high-quality this scope is its offered extended warranty. In fact, BARSKA offers a limited lifetime guarantee for this riflescope, which just shows how confident they are in terms of its ability to last long.

The whole scope also has a straightforward design. This means that you no longer have to worry about dealing with a lot of complexities and challenges when using it. You can easily use and set it up, preventing you from losing a lot of time preparing to hunt and shoot your target.

Mounting the scope on your Marlin 336 is also easy. You can even make adjustments to its settings based on your specific requirements quickly. I am also very pleased with the parallax-free setup of this Marlin 336 scope. In other words, it prevents you from dealing with parallax errors that might only distort your vision.

It is even safe to stay that this scope is highly precise and accurate with its ability to make adjustments for any detected parallax error. Furthermore, it showcases its robustness by ensuring that it is built to be shock-proof, fog-resistant, and waterproof.

It also has an amazing field of view, which is around 36 feet at a 100-yard range.

The only flaw I spotted in this scope is that it tends to get blurry from time to time when used in low-light environments.

For its affordable price, though, the quality and features that this BARSKA scope holds are enough to give you your money’s worth.

Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Compact Riflescope

Perhaps, it is due to its fog-proof and waterproof nature. Just like other users, I am also completely satisfied with its crystal-clear glass lens and highly superior light transmission. It has a 40-mm objective lens diameter and boasts of its wide duplex reticle and the multi-coating for its lens.

Such type of lens can produce crisp and clear images and deliver sufficient brightness, even when using it in situations with low light. I am also glad that Leupold tried to take care of issues that might revolve around adjusting settings while you are in the field. It does so by including finger-adjustable dials that promote ease and speed in zeroing in and making adjustments.

The scope also works in enhancing clarity and brightness through the entire visual field. You will also find this scope a great choice if you value aesthetics and style. I am sure you will be impressed with its stylish and sleek look, allowing you to hunt in style.

There is also a tactile indicator, which makes it possible for you to zoom it in and zoom it out with just one touch. What is good about Leupold is that it offers a full lifetime warranty for this specific scope.

One slight problem, though, is the absence of lens cover.

The overall quality of this scope and the value-added benefits and features integrated into it make it a great option for your Marlin 336. I am sure you will also enjoy using it for several or multiple purposes because of its variable magnification.

What Makes a Great Marlin 336 Scope?

The Marlin 336 .35 or 30-30 lever action rifle has been one of the most popular hunting rifles ever since 1948, which was the year when it first came out. The Marlin 336 lever action rifles are a favorite among deer and black bear hunters mainly due to its stopping power and fast lever-action cocking system. Since this is primarily a hunting rifle, you will need to equip it with a good scope so you can make the most use of it.

Even though the Marlin 336 is not really a long-range rifle (the 30-30 Remington and the .35 Remington only has an effective range of 200 yards), putting a scope on this rifle will make it more effective at target acquisition and making sure you get a kill-shot almost every time.

What are good scopes for your Marlin 336? First, you need to determine what you will be using it for the most? Will you be using this lever-action rifle for plinking, or will you bust it out during the deer hunting season? If you will be out in the range most of the time, a regular scope with a 3-9x magnification will do.

The same is ideal for hunting purposes. However, in addition, the scope should have a bigger objective lens or night-vision capabilities. It should also be lightweight, and waterproof and fog proof as well. It is not recommended that you get a high power scope for the Marlin 336 because you will not need it when your ammunition can only fly accurately at under 200 yards.

Factors to Consider when Buying a Scope for Marlin 336

When shopping for a rifle scopes for Marlin 336, you need to take into consideration the following factors:

Magnification

Before putting down your money on a scope, you must first determine what you will be hunting more often, and where you will be hunting. Since the Marlin 336 is more suited to hunting small and medium game, the classic fixed 4x or variable magnification 3-9x scopes is more suitable.

When you are hunting in the woods, it is safe to assume that you will not be taking shots that are further than 100 yards. This magnification is perfect for game like deer, hogs, and others.

Many hunters these days have another candidate for their all-around rifle scope, the 2.5-10x magnification scopes. These ones are still low magnification but with a bigger zoom ratio.

Tube Construction

The main tube of the scope can come in different sizes, like 25mm, 30mm, and 34mm, and this mainly depends on the brand and type of scope you want. Larger tubes are usually indicative of long-range shooting scopes, which are not what you want to place on your Marlin 336.

Aside from dealing with a lot of extra weight (when using high-powered scopes, the rifle should be on a bipod or on a sand bag), holding the rifle on your shoulders while aiming will be a challenge. A typical feature of all modern scopes is that they are filled with an inert gas (either nitrogen or argon) to create a fog-proofing feature. It can also make it shockproof and waterproof to a certain degree.

Objective Lens

The larger the objective lens of a scope, the more light it gathers. This objective lens allows for better performance, especially in low-light conditions. Objective lenses range in size is quite large, from as small as 20mm to as large as 72mm. The most popular size so far is the 40mm objective lens.

Ideally, the scope should be mounted low but without the objective bell touching the barrel of the rifle. This is why you need to mount scopes with 50mm or bigger objective lenses higher. The downside to this is that scope-eye alignment will be affected.

It would also be best to have multi-coated lenses showcasing anti-glare and anti-reflective film to make the sight image clearer. In addition, the lenses should also be protected with a hydrophobic coating so you can still use it outside when it is raining a bit.

Eye Relief

Usually, eye relief for hunting rifles like the Marlin 336 should be at least four inches, so you should steer clear from rifle scopes that have only 3-3.5 inches of eye relief. The Marlin 336 has a bit of kick, especially when chambered with the 30-30 Winchester.

This is the reason why you should get a scope that has an eye relief that is greater than the recoil of the gun, or else you will risk shattering your eye socket with the eyepiece when the rifle kicks back.

Reticle and Focal Plane

If you are on the market for your very first rifle scope, it is best that you choose one with a standard “Duplex”, or a German No.4 reticle. These types of reticles are enough for casual hunters and for plinking. In fact, this kind of reticle is enough for the Marlin 336 because it does not have that long a range.

Scopes with BDC reticle (bullet drop compensation), and windage and elevation adjustment are for high-powered sniper rifles whose ammunition can go beyond 500 yards or more. You do not really have to compute for bullet drop or windage when your rounds can only be accurate at 150-200 yards.

Aside from the reticle, you also need to decide where the reticle is placed in the scope. This could be either in the first or second focal plane. If the reticle is placed in the first focal plane (FFP), it will maintain the same size in relation to the target regardless of the magnification. This setup is preferred more by long-range shooters.

If the reticle is on the second focal plane (SFP), the reticle will remain the same size even if you zoom in or out of the target. If you will be using the Marlin 336 mainly for hunting, you can also choose to get an illuminated reticle. This will help greatly when you are in a low-light environment, like when you are in the woods in the early dawn or just before dusk settles in.

Turrets

The turrets on a scope are the knobs where you make adjustments to windage and elevation. Different kinds of riflescopes have different kinds of turrets that also serve different purposes. If you are buying your first riflescope, opt for the ones with the standard ballistic turrets. These are the ones that have adjustments that are in relation to the distance of your targets in yards. These non-tactical turrets have adjustments in increments of ¼” or 1/8”.

In addition, you can also find low-profile ballistic knobs. These are the ones that are capped to prevent the user from accidentally twisting the turrets. There are also target knobs that are open-type turrets designed for precise adjustment. These are often mounted high on the rails and have small incremental adjustments.

You can also find turrets that come with two key adjustment systems. The first one is in MOA (minute of angle) and it corresponds to an inch when shooting at a hundred yards. The other is a bit more complicated, and it is in MRAD (milliradian), which is 3.6 inches when shooting at 100 yards. Although the MOA is the most common, the MRAD is the one preferred by long-range shooters because of its accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Marlin 336 Scope vs. Iron Sights

There is a debate among Marlin 336 owners about using riflescopes. Some are averse to using scopes while others say that it actually makes the rifle perform even better. Those who say that scopes are not needed are the experienced hunters and shooters. Since the Marlin 336 can only shoot accurately up to 150 yards, which is actually 100 yards in practical use, putting a scope on it would be overkill.

For them, using the iron sights are enough to hit their targets. On the other hand, those who promote the use of scopes say that it really makes a difference, especially if you are a new gun owner. Actually, adding a scope to any firearm will help greatly increase its accuracy and shorten the time it takes to acquire a good sight picture.

If you can shoot accurately just using the iron sights then you can opt to go without scopes. However, if you want to increase your accuracy and make your shot groups a whole lot tighter, then go get the scope.

What Scope Base to Work with Marlin 336?

There are various scope bases to choose from, and your choice will depend on what you will be using your Marlin 336 hunting rifle for.

The Weaver style is a popular scope mounting system still in use today. These scope bases use 7/8” flat bases that feature milled crosswise recoil slots. They have recoil slots that are the exact size for Weaver-style scope rings. The parts are securely and safely fitted together like puzzle pieces to prevent unnecessary movement and recoil.

Weaver scope bases can be in either a single piece or a couple of pieces, and they are often milled out of solid billet steel, or aluminum, which is lighter. The great thing about these bases is that you can remove them without taking off the scope. This means you can remove and reattach the scope base onto your Marlin 336 without losing too much of your zero. This makes cleaning and maintaining the Marlin 336 much easier.

Picatinny bases are similar to the Weaver-style but have one big difference, which is the overall width of the recoil slots. Picatinny rings and bases adhere with the design standards set by the US Navy. For instance, the recoil slots found in the bases as well as the built-in recoil lug on the Picatinny rings are noticeably thicker in comparison to the Weaver’s.

This means that you can use Weaver-style rings on Picatinny, but not the other way around. The best thing to do is to get the Picatinny scope base first as it will accommodate different types of scopes. With this base, you can get to try different scopes to see which ones you will like best. The best thing is that you do not have to swap out the scope base, too.

How to Mount a Scope on a Marlin 336?

Mounting a scope on a Marlin 336 is pretty simple and straightforward. However, if you do it incorrectly then it will mean that you will miss all of the shots you will take. First off, almost all modern firearms these days already come pre-drilled and pre-tapped, or pre-milled to accept different kinds of scope mount and bases, so you need to find out what kinds of scope bases your Marlin 336 can accommodate.

Once you have all the necessary pieces and tools gathered, you need to prepare your rifle for mounting your scope. First, you need to place the rifle on a solid base, preferably a workshop vise. Place a soft rag in the vise and clamp down the Marlin 336 in place. Make sure that the rifle is level with the ground before securing it tightly.

Next, clean the receiver and rub a bit of mineral oil all over it to prevent rust from forming there later. Do the same thing with the base of the scope. Line up the base of the scope with the receiver. Make sure that the holes line up perfectly, and that the base is not placed backwards.

To prevent the scope from shaking loose, before you screw in the base, place a drop of Blue Loctite to secure the screws in place. Before the Loctite dries, alternately tighten all the screws until the base no longer jiggles. Place the bottom half of the mounting rings onto the base. Make sure that they are spaced far enough from each other that they will not interfere with the turrets then secure them using Loctite and the appropriate screws.

With the lower halves of the rings in place, put the scope in them then place the upper halves of the rings. Just screw the top halves of the rings loosely for now. Tighten the screws enough that the scope can rotate and move back and forth.

Before tightening down the upper halves of the mounting rings, rotate the scope so that the reticle is aligned properly (the vertical axes are parallel with the barrel of the rifle). Also, adjust the eye relief to a distance that you are comfortable with (be careful not to put it too close to your eyes).

Once you are happy with the placement of the scope, apply Loctite on the screw holes and tighten them down. You can now proceed to zero in the scope to whatever distances you like.

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x40mm vs. Leupold VX-1 3-9x40m

Both of these rifle optics are very similar to each other. The only noticeable difference between the two are in terms of the price and the product warranties. In addition, Leupold is manufactured entirely in the USA while the Vortex has its manufacturing plants in China, Philippines, and in Japan.

Quality-wise, some people say that the Leupold optic can handle recoil much better but only marginally so. The Vortex is the choice if you want a dependable scope that is also easy on the budget. If you are the type who would always support American-made products, and price is not an issue, then go for the Leupold.

Nikon Buckmasters II 4-12x40mm vs. Leupold Rifleman 4x12x40mm

Both these scopes are similar to each other in terms of build quality and performance. The biggest difference is that Nikon’s manufacturing plants are in Japan, Philippines and China while Leupold scopes are completely made in the USA, which is the reason why they are quite expensive. However, the Nikon Buckmasters are still above $150, so they are not really considered as cheap.

Go for the Leupold Rifleman if you are an experienced shooter who likes top-of-the-line accessories for your top-of-the-line firearms. If you are on a tight budget, but you would still like a high-quality riflescope, then the Nikon Buckmasters II is the perfect choice for you.

Conclusion

The Marlin 336 is not really a long-distance shooter nor does it claim to be. However, that does not mean that it would not benefit from a good-quality scope. Most purists say that since the Marlin 336 can only fire effectively up to 150 yards away, the iron sights are more than enough to shoot the rifle accurately.

However, installing the best scope for Marlin 336 will help quick target acquisition and ensure that your shot groups are much tighter. The type of scope that you choose will depend mostly on your shooting preference and where you will be using the rifle the most. Try out as many of them as you can before settling on just one.

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