Hey gang,
I just took ownership of a 1955 made, Marlin 336 SC in .35 Remington. It is in great condition, although it has not been hunted since the 60s. That is going to change, and this rifle will go hunting every year, now that it is mine. Most shots will be between 50 and 100 yards, although I do have one area where 180 yard shots are fairly common. Just looking for scope recommendations based on these circumstances.
My V3 is pretty nice
If I was rescoping my 35 Rem it would be the Leupold 1-4x20 or 1.5-5x20.
I have used the VX-2 1-4X20 on a .44 mag rifle and a .308 carbine. On 1-power, the field of view is tremendous and aids with shots where deer are moving through the brush, and the 4 power would help with the longer-shot scenario you speak of, though I'd probably still use the lower power for that. Nonetheless, the extra magnification would be available.
2-7X33 is nice, also, but I prefer the 1-4X20.
On that rifle a 1-4X20 of your choice. A 2-7X is a very distant 2nd place finisher. If I already had one laying around I'd use it, but if buying one anyway just go with a 1-4X scope.
Up close and fast 1X is faster than irons and a lot better than 2x than you'd believe until you try it. On 4X you have more magnification than you really need
VX3 1.5-5x with a heavy duplex reticle?
Since these are not my primary hunting rifles, I have Bushnell 1.5-4.5x Banners and Scopechiefs on a couple of 336s. For purely aesthetic reasons, I prefer a non-belled objective on my Marlin and Mossberg exposed hammer lever guns.
If you like Marlin lever guns, Marshall Stanton has some good write-ups at
www.beartoothbullets.com
I have always favored straight tube, low powered variable scopes on my lever guns.
Nikon, Pentax, older Redfields and an old Weaver are what is on my rifles at this time.
Hunting in Florida and Georgia pine forests and swamps, the shots are not at long range. Good performance in low light is a big plus for any scope.
While I have fixed powers on my Marlins, I used them because that is what was lying around.. As many said, I would opt for the 1-4 or 1.5-5x.. You have the best of both worlds there.
I've got an old M8-4X Leupold on my 336SC .30/30. I had it "lying around", too. I doubt anything more would be useful, frankly.
Heck, I've used 4X scopes to kill deer at a quarter-mile, it oughta work on something of shorter range......................
4x32 tasco japan made thats it.
Hey fellas,
Thanks for all the good suggestions!
Leupold 1.5x5 as low as you can mount it.
I have a VX-2 1x4x20 on mine and like it.
Whatever you take a liking to between a 2.5 fixed up to not more than a 2-7. Like others say, a 1-4 may be ideal.
Jack
Just picked up a Leupold VX Hog 1-4 love their pig plex reticle it's the reason I bought the scope it's basically an improved German #4 great optics for my Glenfield 30GT 30-30.
I've been equally happy with either a 1-4 Variable or a 2-7 Variable on mine. The top photo is a 35 REM, the bottom a 45/70 GOVT.
The 336 marlin rifles beg for a short tube scope, I wish Leopold would bring back the 1.75X 6 short tube...the perfect scope for a Marlin 226 series regardless of caliber.
Doc
I prefer a Nikon 3X9X40 Prostaff BDC scope myself as I prefer Nikon . But any good 3X9X40 scope is a great choice for that gun also I prefer see thru mounts in the case of a short shot in the brush
fixed leup 2.5 on the 357 is perfect.
I've got a Bushnell 2.5x with "Command Post" mounted low on my 35Rem 336 RC and think it is about perfect. Use the fine cross hairs for load development and the post for practice and hunting.
Leupold 2-1/2 or VX II 1x4, could not go wrong
Ive got 3 Marlins and they all wear Leupold 4x compacts, but those 2.5 fixed would be my second choice.
A lot depends on how much you want to spend. You can't go wrong with a Leupold. On lever guns I like 1-5 or 2-7 power. For a good, low power, low priced scope, take a look at the Konus 1.5-5. Great like scope for about $75.