My favorite small scope has always been the Leupold 1.5-5x20. I used one on a Ruger .338 Win. for about 12 years. Worked out to 400 yards and late evening moose and bear hunts. My current one I have had for quite awhile and is a VX3 with a German #4 reticle. It fits nicely on my Big Bore .356 Win. and only weighs about 9.3 ounces, is less then 10 inches long and has 4.5 inches of eye relief. A great little scope that was very popular in Africa for many years. I will probably grab a used one as a back up for my .338 Winny.and am looking for a 30mm one with illuminated reticle.
Skinner Sights makes a receiver sight that is milled out for medium height Talley QD Rings. If I wanted to scope a Marlin I would use that system and have quick access to the receiver sight.
