The Best Scopes for Marlin 60 in 2022

Any hunter will most likely find it fun and exciting if they get the chance to tinker the most innovative and modern hunting rifles. However, there are instances when using simple pieces is already enough to give you a satisfying and fun hunting experience.

If that is the case, then your top pick is the Marlin 60, which many consider as their go-to option in case they want to enjoy a no-hassle hunting experience. However, your gear will not be completed if you do not pair it up with the best scope for Marlin 60.

A high-quality scope for this rifle is required 3 factors, including lightweight, free of any complication, and compact. If you are still shopping for good quality yet cheap scopes then you will find this article, which will serve as your ultimate buying guide, extremely helpful.

It also contains a review section, which can provide plenty of useful information about seven of the most dependable scopes for Marlin 60 that you can use for a big game hunt or for something as simple as squirrel hunting.

Best Scope for Marlin 60 Reviews of 2022

Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope

This brand left a positive impression not only on me but also on other users because of its overall quality. It also takes pride in its incredible performance despite being offered at a budget-friendly price. I am so glad that I came across this Marlin 60 scope because of its accuracy and dependability.

It takes pride in its fully-coated optical glass, which contributes a lot in showing a high-contrast and clear image. This high contrast is beneficial especially if you plan to hunt down your targets in environments with low lightings. I am also greatly satisfied with its lightweight design.

It is mainly because it is only constructed in one piece, making it easier to handle and tapering down its weight. This promotes its portability. It also makes use of the Truplex reticle, which also features a cross reaching various parts of the lens, including the left and right sides and the top and bottom parts.

At the middle, I noticed that the crosshairs are getting thinner, which, I think, plays a major role in giving you a clear view of your exact point of impact. It also boasts of its fast-focus eyepiece and quick target acquisition. Another strength of this scope is that it can resist a number of harsh conditions.

This means that regardless if it is water, fog, or shock, you can expect it to handle it without negatively affecting its overall performance. It just confirms how tough this riflescope is.

However, you will notice an initial tightness on the zoom ring, which indicates that you still have to break it in.

After breaking it in, though, you will start loving the smooth and incredible performance of this scope, which is compatible with Marlin 60.

Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 BDC Rimfire Reticle Riflescope

I like the incredible range promised by this riflescope. It makes it possible for you to make accurate targets and aims with up to 125 yards distance. This makes it extremely useful even for the somewhat challenging long-range shooting. You can further receive help in long-range shooting with the help of the scope’s side focus parallax adjustment.

It is also possible to use this adjustment to make some changes on the focus based on your specific needs. I am also glad that this riflescope features a fast-focus eyepiece. It is mainly because it promotes ease in focusing quickly and giving you all the things needed to zero in on whatever it is you are targeting.

The durability of this scope is also unmatched, thanks to its aluminum alloy construction. Adding to the scratchproof and the rustproof nature of this item, you will surely be able to enjoy its function for quite a long time. It is also O-ring sealed, which offers an advantage as it prevents dust from penetrating the interiors.

This results in more sustainable functionality and performance. This waterproof Marlin 60 scope also takes pride in its multicoated lenses and optics guaranteed to promote amazing brightness.

However, it is also worth noting that this riflescope is heavier than the other scopes designed for the Marlin 60.

For its price, this Bushnell riflescope delivers a lot, including accuracy, durability, and functionality, making it one of those items you should include in your hunting gear collection.

Simmons 4×32 Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope

I find both these features incredible considering the fact that having them around instantly results in sharp and bright images that you can use to reach your target without any effort. I am also very glad that there is a HydroShield coating used in this scope’s lens.

It is because it ensures that the clear sight picture generated by the scope will be maintained no matter what type of harsh weather you are currently encountering. I also figured out how easy it is to acquire your target using this scope with ease. It is mainly because of its eyepiece, which promotes quick target acquisition.

I also discovered that it has sure-grip adjustments that promote ease when it comes to fine-tuning the scope. Making the adjustment is also possible even if you put on the gloves. Another favorable fact about this scope is that it can resist the majority of safety hazards, including fog and shock.

This promotes an even better hunt, regardless of the weather. Another strength that I got the chance to discover upon using this riflescope is that it promotes incredible strength, durability, and lightweight handling – that is all thanks to its one-piece tube construction.

However, I also noticed that the small eye box built into this scope also makes it more critical and complex thaneel proud each time yo other scopes when it comes to delivering eye relief and proper positioning.

Even with the presence of that issue, no one will be disappointed upon starting to use this scope because it truly has most of the capabilities that any hunter is looking for.

CVLIFE 3-9×40 Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope

This is a 3-9×40 power riflescope. This specific capability and power make it possible for shooters and hunters to focus even on small targets that are positioned at long distances. It also takes pride in its 9-power focus enlargement capable of giving you accurate, sharp, and bright images of your target.

This scope also caught my attention because of its highly sturdy and tough aircraft aluminum alloy construction. This unique and sturdy construction makes this scope as long-lasting as possible no matter what environment you constantly expose it to. I am also impressed with its fully coated optics.

This multicoated glass makes it possible for the scope to supply more than 90 percent light transmission as well as incredible color contrast and clear and brilliant images. Another great advantage delivered by this scope is that it has a coating, which boasts of its scratch-resistant nature.

This specific coating makes it possible for the scope’s exterior lens to protect itself not only from scratches but also from dirt and oil. It also has a smart and stylish design, making you feel proud of each time you carry it during your hunt.

Furthermore, it takes pride in its windage and elevation adjustment, which guarantees great precision.

One possible disadvantage that you might see in this scope, though, is that it is slightly difficult to zero it in.

While this is a disadvantage, you will not feel disappointed upon receiving this scope, especially because even with its affordable price, it is still capable of providing you with a high-quality piece that contains most of the features that you would want to take advantage of when hunting.

BARSKA 3-9×32 Plinker-22 Riflescope

One quality that delights me the most about this scope is its durability. The optics and lenses are fully multi-coated while being built in a way that they can withstand even the harshest abuse. It showcases its resilience, durability, and strength with its overall construction.

I even discovered that it has a strong resistance against fog, water, and shock. It also boasts of its adjustable windage and elevation, which makes it even stronger and more capable of handling excessive abuse. I am also very satisfied with its illuminated 30/30 reticle that promotes a high level of accuracy.

It also takes pride in its ¼ MOA click values that I find effective in making its windage and elevation turrets more functional. Another nice thing about this scope is that it is offered at an inexpensive price without compromising its ability to zero in. In fact, zeroing in with the aid of the scope is easy.

I can also confirm that this riflescope is truly easy to install. You will never encounter any issues putting this scope together. It also boasts of its great accuracy. In fact, many say that it is highly accurate more than 95 percent of the time, especially when used at their claimed 100-yard distance.

When it comes to its flaws, the only thing that comes to my mind is that it causes a foul smell at first use but this will diminish with time.

Created with quality in mind, allowing it to withstand even the most rugged and challenging situations outdoors faced by a lot of hunters, I can genuinely say that this is one of those low-cost scopes for the Marlin 60 made to satisfy most users.

BSA Sweet .22 3-9x40mm Riflescope

With its objective lens, I am sure that you can get rid of all the guesswork, especially when it comes to hitting your target. I am also delighted to say that this scope has a truly great range. In fact, its high level of accuracy makes it effective in shooting up to a 175-yard range.

It also promotes a truly effective and accurate shooting based on the mentioned range, thanks to its 36-grain turret, which you can use to make some changes on the focus based on your preferred distance. I like the sturdy construction of this scope, which proves how durable it is.

It is even built in a way that it can resist even those conditions that might cause damage to the scope, including water, fog, and shock. Most of the features added into this riflescope are also built in a small, compact, and lightweight package, so users can rest assured knowing that the scope is not that difficult to handle in the hunting field.

This scope ideal for the Marlin 60 is also compatible with target shooting as well as with both hunting and plinking. It is easy to use plus the lens integrated into this scope is crystal clear.

However, one fault I discovered is that it is bulkier compared to the other scopes ideal for Marlin 60.

So far, I am completely impressed with all the things that the BSA Sweet .22 Duplex Rifle Scope, especially when it comes to making my life as a hunting enthusiast easier and more fun.

Tasco Rimfire 3-7x20mm 30/30 Reticle Riflescope

One unique fact about this riflescope is that it is specifically calibrated in a way that it works for short-range shots. I am also one hundred percent satisfied with its ability to deliver clear and bright images, thanks to its fully coated optics. These optics are of top-notch quality, allowing them to deliver exceptional high-definition clarity.

This also makes it capable of promising variable power performance, making the riflescope even more versatile and promoting ease of shooting even when you are using it for longer distances. It is also designed in a way that it can increase light transmission so the images it delivers to you will always be bright and clear.

I really like the beautiful design of this riflescope, leaving a good impression to everyone each time you bring it on your hunting adventures. Add to that its gloss finish and I am sure those around you will be in awe of your scope. I also discovered that it works ideally for small game hunting and target shooting.

The raised adjustment tabs that you can find beneath the caps are also helpful in promoting ease when it comes to adjusting the scope. This means that it is no longer necessary to utilize a coin or screwdriver when making adjustments. Another thing that I am sure will impress most users is that it is fog-resistant.

It works well even when used during wet and cold weather.

However, one thing I would like to complain is that it does not come with a MOA adjustment click value, which causes zero stops in the adjustment.

Overall, I am impressed with the quality and capabilities of this scope, and I can confirm that it is really the perfect match for your Marlin 60.

What Makes a Great Marlin 60 Scope?

The Marlin 60 is probably one of the most iconic .22 cal hunting rifles out there. Even after 50 years, the Marlin Model 60 is still one of the most sought after rifles for both beginners and experienced shooters. Even though the Marlin 60’s tin sights are quite accurate for shooting mid-range targets, if you want even more accuracy, you will need a good riflescope.

The Marlin does pretty good on its own when plinking targets at 50m. However, if you have a good scope, your shots can be accurate up to 200m, which is more or less the range of the .22 caliber bullet.

First of all, because one of the reasons why you bought a Marlin 60 is because of its lightweight, keep in mind that equipping it with a scope that makes its top heavy will be counterproductive. You need a power scope that will not add that much weight to the rifle.

The .22 cal rounds do not have that much in terms of range, so equipping a huge scope meant for long-range shooting on the Marlin 60 is a bit overkill. If you are going to get a scope for your Marlin, stick to the ones that have magnification values of 3x – 9x, or any mid-range scopes.

Lastly, a good scope for the Marlin 60 is one that is weatherproof. You will most likely be taking your Marlin 60 with you on hunts, so you will need a scope that can keep up with you. Your scope needs to be waterproof and fog proof, dustproof, and shockproof to a certain degree.

Expect your Marlin 60 to take quite a beating when you take it out small game hunting, so your scope should at least be as tough.

Factors to Consider when Buying a Scope for Marlin 60

When you are out in the market for a new scope for your Marlin 60, there are a couple of things that you need to take into consideration so that you will only be getting the best one for your needs. Here they are:

Weight

Ideally, the scope you should get for your Marlin 60 should not weigh more than half a pound. You can find a lot of lightweight scopes that will work great on a Marlin 60. Most 3x-9x zoom scopes do not usually weigh that much because the lenses are not that big and heavy at all.

In addition, you would not want a scope that is too heavy because the Marlin 60 is already quite lightweight. Perching a heavy scope on top of a lightweight rifle will make it too top heavy, making it harder to aim.

Maximum Magnification Power

When you are using a Marlin 60, you do not need a long range scope. The Marlin 60 can only chamber .22 cal rounds and it does not have much in terms of range.

Usually, these rounds can only fly straight for more or less 200 yards. This means getting a scope that can zoom in on targets that are more than 1,000 yards will be too much.

The ideal scopes for Marlin 60 are the ones that can give you a clear target up to 200 yards away. This means a mid-range scope will be more than enough for your needs.

If you will be using the Marlin 60 mainly for hunting in the forest, a scope with a zoom of 3x will do. If you want something that can handle targets and prey that are a bit farther away, go for ones that have 9x zoom capabilities.

Body Construction

A good scope will usually have a uni-body design, which means the main body of the scope is made of a single piece of metal. This means that the scope will be sturdier and thus be more accurate in the long run.  This also means that the adjustment knob will not move on its own.

A scope with a uni-body construction is also usually waterproof and dustproof. This is the ideal type for a rifle that you will be taking on hunting trips as this will be a lot more durable than other scopes.

Reliability

There are only a few things in the world that are worse than having a scope lose its zero settings after just a couple of shots. This is especially true when you are hunting and you need to take advantage of the opportunities that your target affords you. This is something that you cannot do if your scope is not reliably holding zero.

Eye Relief

The eye relief is that distance between the eyepiece and the eye where you can still see a clear sight picture. If you have a high-caliber rifle, you will need an eye relief that is at least three to four inches or else you will be nursing a black eye because the eyepiece will get kicked back into your eyes because of the recoil of the rifle.

For the Marlin 60, eye relief is not much of an issue since it will not have much in terms of a kickback. It is actually alright to have a scope with an eye relief of just an inch or two.

Elevation Adjustment

Just like the eye relief, you do not need much in terms of elevation adjustment when choosing a scope for your Marlin 60. You will be using this, but only sparingly as the Marlin is just for medium-range target shooting only. You will mostly be tweaking this when you are shooting targets that are beyond 100 yards.

Where will you be using the rifle?

What you will be using the rifle for will play a huge part in choosing a scope. If you will only be using the Marlin 60 for simple homesteading, a fixed 3x scope will do. It is mainly because you will mostly be using the rifle for protection purposes only.

Now, if you will be hunting in the thick brush, a variable 3-9x magnification scope will do. Also, make sure that the scope you get is weatherproof since you will never know when the weather will turn when you are out hunting.

You will also need to know where you will be using the Marlin the most because this will serve as your basis for choosing objective lens size. If you will be using the rifle more in well-lit conditions, like in the firing range, or when you are just patrolling your homestead, a scope with a medium-sized objective lens can help.

If you will be using the rifle primarily in a hunting field in low light conditions, a scope with a 40mm objective lens that has the best light transmission will be the best choice.

Reticles

Since you cannot reach targets that are far beyond 200 yards, a simple ballistic reticle will do. A ballistic reticle is one that has multiple aiming points depending on bullet-drop compensation (BDC reticle), windage and elevation.

However, when firing low-caliber rounds like the .22, you rarely need to compensate for bullet drop since they do not travel that long anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of scope rings are ideal for Marlin model 60?

There are two basic types of scope rings on the market for the Marlin 60. You can choose from the one-piece mount and the two-piece mount. Both of these choices have their own benefits and shortcomings. It will be up to you to decide which one of them actually suits your needs.

The two-piece scope rings are comprised of two, similar-looking rings that clamp down onto the Picatinny rail of the Marlin 60. The great thing about two-piece mounts is that they are adjustable, and most of them still allow the use of the iron sights of the Marlin for close quarters combat. However, the problem with this setup is that the mounting rings tend to get a bit loose with every shot fired.

Ideally, the best choice is the one-piece mount as this is more secure, and you do not run the risk of one of the scope rings getting undone. The two-piece mounts tend to get loose with every pull of the trigger and kickback of the gun.

How to mount a scope on a Marlin model 60?

First, make sure that the rifle is not loaded. Open and check the breach if there are still bullets loaded in the barrel. Once you have made sure that the rifle is not loaded, click on the safety. Clamp down the rifle lightly on a table top vise.

Before tightening the rifle down, make sure that the rifle is level by running a simple level on any flat surface of the Marlin. You can also run your level along the length of the Marlin’s barrel.

Now that the rifle is secured, take your scope mount of choice then insert it into the receiver, which has dovetail grooves already milled in then lightly tighten the screws. Take your level again and check if the mounting base is level. Once you are satisfied, partially tighten the screws alternately until they are as tight as can be.

Next, unscrew the top ring holders and then cradle the scope into the mounting rings. Place the top part of the rings and lightly screw them down but do not tighten them just yet.

Peek into the scope. The vertical axis of the reticle should be parallel to the barrel of the rifle. If it is a bit skewed, gently rotate the scope until the vertical line points downward. Once you are happy with the positioning of the reticle, slowly tighten the screws on the scope mount.

Check if everything is still level to the ground. Also, check all of the screws to make sure that your scope is completely secured. Remove the rifle from the vise and start to zero in the scope.

Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Rimfire Matte BDC 150 vs. CVLIFE Tactical 3-9×40 Optics

These two rifle scopes are practically the same in every way. Both are made from high-grade aluminum. The inside of which contains nitrogen, which means that this scope is basically waterproof and dustproof.

Both scopes have a variable-powered magnification of 3 to 9x, making them both ideal for both long range and short range. The only thing that sets the CVLIFE Tactical 3-9x Optics is, of the two, it is the inexpensive scope. It has a cost, which is just a little over a fifth of the price of the Nikon.

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7X32 Plex Rimfire vs. Tasco Rimfire 3-7×20

The Tasco Rimfire is, by far, one of those rimfire scopes currently out in the market offered at an affordable price. However, not far behind it is the Vortex Crossfire II, as their other features seem very similar to each other.

The biggest difference between these two scopes is that the Vortex has a wider magnification range of 2-7x, which gives it an edge when it comes to focusing on short-range targets. It also has a bigger objective lens so it can do better in different lighting conditions.

In addition, the Tasco Rimfire already comes with mounting rings in its kit. However, you might still want to use aftermarket mounting rings for this since the ones that come in the package are not that good.

If you want a great rifle scope that sells at a low price range, and you actually want your Marlin 60 scope to last for years to come, then you should cough out a bit more money and get the Vortex Optics.

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Conclusion

Whoever said that you do not need to put a scope on a Marlin 60 just because it is essentially just a short-mid range shooter does not know his firearms. It is because this is the same reason why you need scopes in the first place, especially the best scope for Marline 60.

Even though you can hit a target at 50 yards just using the iron sights, you can hit it much easier when you use a scope. If you want your Marlin 60 to reach its full potential then do not leave it as stock.

Adding a good short-mid range scope to this rifle is probably the most effective modification that you can make, and the best part is that doing so will not really ruin your budget.

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