Would like to put a vx1 leupold 3x9 scope on my 45-70 marlin lever action guide gun. My brother has the same scope but it's a 2x7 with a 30mm objective with medium scope rings that clears the factory sights. The 3x9 I want has a 40mm objective. Does any one know if I can use the medium rings or do I need the high to clear the sights.

Get both and return the ones that don't work.

Sounds like the way I should go too

A 40mm objective scope in medium rings will have your cheek pretty far off the stock on a Marlin 1895. Their stock design is made for shooting open sights. Only a scope with an objective size of 32-33mm or less in low to extra low rings will get you close to the proper cheek weld for this rifle. I would suggest a 2-7x32 or smaller scope.

That scope is pretty unsuited to that rifle unless you have a neck like a goose and the jaw of a jackass. If, on the other hand, you have more normal human anatomy, you need your scope mounted as low as possible to have your cheek on the comb of the stock and your eye in line with your scope at the same time. I'd recommend something with a 20mm objective mounted in low Weaver rings on a Weaver type base.

I took a chance on the medium scope rings and found that a 40mm objective barely clears the sights. When I shouldered the marlin it felt comfortable and I didn't see any real problems with it. I'm by far not a expert but feel that this set up is as good as any of my other deer rifles. I do have a long neck and my x-wife did call me a jackass.

I used Talley stainless bases and low rings in mine with a 40mm Leupold Ultimateslam, and it works great. However, I put a dovetail blank in place of the rear sight, and plugged the front sight holes as well.

I use Talley two piece

That's the reason I don't own any lever actions. I like small objective scopes but I can't even get them as low as I like on a lever action.

Maybe I'm just lucky, or my anatomy is such that a couple each of 3X scopes and red dots work out just fine on levers. 4X are OK too. I do have a 3.5-10x40 on a .219 Zipper, but that would not be satisfactory on a .444 or .45-70.

Jack

Just received my new rifle and scope today, and call Tally for advice and place order...yea they're closed !!!

Listen, you're talking 10mm or 4/10ths of an inch clearance difference - take your brother's rig and from the bottom of the objective, drop down 4/10ths - would it clear, 4/10ths lower on his gun? If not, step up a size - if yes, you're good to go

Sorry, that's an aw sh_t on me. Should be 5mm height difference or 2/10ths of an inch. My bad