All:

I have a 336 made in 1976 in 30-30 that needs a scope. Any suggestions from here?

2.5x20 Leupold Ultralight. Seems they use to offer it with the heavy duplex. Now all I see is it with the wide duplex. Still makes for a nice aiming device.

I've got a Leupold VX-2 1-4x20 on mine. Works great for the woods hunting I do.

You can get the scope in heavy plex. Just need to go through the Custom Shop.

All the low powered leupolds...vx1...vx2....fx...
The Weaver V3 is also an excellent excellent choice.
Get something short and lightweight and it makes it easier for one hand carry.

Another vote for the VX2 1-4 X 20

2.5 or 4x Leupold.

I never moved my 1-4x off 4x, so I never found a reason to add more weight and sheit to go wrong.

I have a FX ll 4x 33 you might could talk me out of.

Leupold VX II 1-4x20

^This

I'd be inclined to go with this^^^^

I have this scope and the 2.5 FX-II UL, and just like the eyebox and field of view better on the 1-4X20.

I tend to keep my scopes on the lowest powers, especially in thick cover, so that's how my preference has evolved. And, that's just what it is, a preference. Nothing at all wrong with the 2.5, especially if eye relief is a concern. Not that the 1-4X20 is lacking, the 2.5X20 just has more.

All,

Thank you for the recommendations. I think Steelhead is correct. A straight 4x in a quality make is just about right for this rifle.

I like the look of a straight tube, but will have to forego that for the 4x fixed.

I stumbled upon this rifle out of the blue. A guy needed funds, and I can't pass up a real JM Marlin. But now I need a mount, rings and a scope.

Just FYI, colodog has a Weaver K4 elpaso for sale in the classifieds, $60.00 shipped.
Sounds like a good deal if you finally decide on a 4x.

All my Marlin lever guns (.30-30, .35 & .444) wear 2-7x33 Leupold Shotgun scopes with Hvy. Duplex. Tried a 1.5-5 Leupold and didn't care for it.

My 1971 .30-30 Marlin 336 came stock with a Marlin branded 1.5-5x40 scope in tip-off mounts.

Tip-off mounts or side-swing mounts? (Tip-off mounts are those cheap old .22 rifle scope mounts.)

The style of mounts I refer to requires that just one screw (per mount) be loosened in order to remove the scope.

4x Burris on mine!

I have Leupold 2-7x33 shotgun scopes in Vari-X IIc, Rifleman, and VX-I on my Marlin 336s in 25-35, 30-30, 307, 32 WS, 35, and 356.

That said, I have Leupold 2-7x scopes installed on dozens of rifles, so it is an easy choice for me.

I too have a 2-7x27. Looks great! But in low light that x27 is a hinderance. I suspect the x33 would be better.

Leupold 2.5x Ultralight gets my vote.

Leupold 4 power, myself a good set of receiver sights