Scope recommendations for a Marlin 1894c (.357/.38)

[Deleted member 66305]

I assume I want something low-powered. Other than that, I am open to recommendations.

Variable or fixed power? How much should I expect to spend (I'm not looking for a top-of-the-line dream scope. Something reliable, holds zero, and can get knocked around a bit.)

 

[28lx]

I just bought one in 44 Mag. I put a new Redfield 2X7 on mine and am more than happy with its performance.

 

[Random Discharge]

Weaver V3

The Weaver V3 is a 1-3x20 scope. Very compact, plenty bright for the magnification range and plenty of magnification for 357/38. At 1X there is absolutely zero hunting around in the scope for the target. At 3X you have all you need for the range capabilities of the cartridge. Runs about $150 if you shop around.

 

[Kilgor]

I had a Leupold 2-7x on mine, but have settled on these: http://www.skinnersights.com/ I use it for hunting and won't shoot the .357 farther than 75-100 yards on deer. These sights keep the rifle clean and light weight, while still giving excellent accuracy.

 

[tdv]

I like the Bushnell "Dusk to Dawn" series rifle scopes. They are not expensive, yet perform very well and are pretty tough. They come in a variety of variable power configurations. 1.5x4, 2x7, or 3x9 would do well for your Marlin. Another option would be a fixed 4x scope. I had good success with both Nikon and Weaver fixed power scopes.
All of these are reasonably priced scopes, yet of good quality.

 

[357Shooter]

Nikon

I use a Nikon Monarch 4x40

 

[Warners]

X2 on the Redfield 2-7x33. Great scope for the money! I have one on my Marlin 336c (30-30)

Warner

 

[dewalt-2]

I have a 3-9X40 Nikon Buckmasters on my .44 and love it. Clear optics and tool free adjustments. Reasonable price too...

 

[Smaug]

IMO, bigger scopes look a little silly on these guns, so I'd first look into the suggestion for a Weaver 1-3X.

That said, I found a good deal on a fixed Pentax 4x32 at my local shop for my Marlin 1894. ($75, superb optics) It is a bit too big, aesthetically, for this gun, but for me, it is performance first. The way I see it, these are not true cowboy guns anyway. We are using modern cartridges in them, why not use modern optics to get all we can out of them?

I wish someone would make a compact, non-rimfire, 4x28 scope. Or even 6x28. The rimfire scopes are the perfect size, but I'm not sure they could take heavier recoil.

 

[dewalt-2]

I prefer function over aesthetics, and in the central PA woods I hunt in, the bigger scope lets me get a better sight picture through the brush for a clean kill shot. All my lever guns are set up for scopes and peeps depending on the shooting situation.

 

[wingman]

I second the Redfield 2x7-33 excellent scope good clarity, the 2 power is super at close range, I have one mounted on a mini-30.

 

[Hoth206]

X2 on the 1-3 Weaver. Also check out the Leupold 2.5 x 20 Ultralight.

 

[CraigC]

I prefer receiver sights but if you must scope one, you can do no better than a low powered variable like the aforementioned 1-3x or 1-4x variety. The Leupold VXII 1-4x is also excellent.

I wish someone would make a compact, non-rimfire, 4x28 scope. Or even 6x28. The rimfire scopes are the perfect size, but I'm not sure they could take heavier recoil.

I don't think you'd have to worry about the little Leupold Rimfire Special. Probably those from Weaver would work fine as well. On a .357 or .44 rifle anyway. They tend to be built just as ruggedly as their centerfire counterparts. The main difference being the parallax adjustment and compact size.


IMHO, a 3-9x is way too much glass for a pistol cartridge levergun and offers no more utility than the lower powered variables, which do not have such a handicap for short range shots on moving hogs.

 

[Badlander]

X3 on the weaver V3. I have one on my 336 shorty. Great little scope for the money.

 

[_N4Z_]

Skinner peep and front sight blade. Scope get smacked dinking around in the brush and it may lose zero. Not such a probability with irons.

 

[TheCracker]

I've got the 44mag 1894. It's my favorite deer gun as of late.

Anyhow,what I have and think is a perfect scope is the nikon prostaff 2-7x32 shotgun scope. It has a 50 yard parallax which IMO is much more suited to these rifles, at least for what I use mine for.

Another plus is it's a tad smaller than the traditional 3-9x40.

 

[TheCracker]

I'll also add that I've got the Warn detachable scope mounts on mine becuase I love plinking with open sights. It you set the mounts up exactly as the directions tell you you should have barely, if any adjusting to do to re-zero.

I actually have more fun with open sights but consider a scope a must for hunting. I hate to have a animal that I want to kill come in and not be able so see the sights towards the end of legal light.

 

[Deleted member 66305]

Thanks, everybody. I went with the Bushnell Dusk & Dawn 1.5-4.5x32. I found it on sale at Gander Mountain for $10 less than the Amazon price.

The windage on the iron sights is off, and though I imagine a gunsmith could fix it, I'd rather just use the scope.