Best scope specs for 30-30

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sleepyone

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I have a Marlin 336c that I want to scope. I know many purists think it is blasphemy to scope a lever action, but my eyes aren't as good as they used to be. Anything over 50 yards with open sights is not going to be doing the deer any favors.

So my questions are this:

Best size objective lens: 32mm or 40mm. I probably won't ever shoot anything over 150 yards with it.

Best magnification range 2x7 or 3x9 or neither?

Best type of scope rings/bases? individual bases or one-piece mount? I prefer Leupold rings/bases.

Does the 336 need a shorter scope than a bolt action?

I'm looking at the new Redfields. I have always been a Nikon Buckmasters.
 
A 2-7x32 is about perfect for a Marlin in my opinion. A one piece mount should be sturdier. You might check out the Vortex Viper 2-7x32. They are on clearance at a few online dealers. I just got one and think it is an excellent scope for the money.
 
I think a 2-7x32 would LOOK good on the Marlin but I think the vast number of 3-9 variables keeps the cost down. I think most bases for Marlin lever actions are one piece, they are just riding on top of the flat receiver.
 
I have A Nikon prostaff 2-7x32 on A 336SS and A Weaver V3 1-3x20 on my 336SC shorty. Not sure which I like better.Both are nice. 3-9x40 would be to much IMHO.
 
Right there with you on the eyes. Astigmatism stinks..

I have this little scope on my 1894 Marlin in 44mag and I think it's just about the perfect little lever gun scope. Makes a good useful little gun great and in my opinion it looks pretty good mounted. Only gripe i have is, and this may sound ridiculous, it almost has too much eye relief

http://swfa.com/Swift-15-45x21-Reliant-Rifle-Scope-P8855.aspx
 

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Ridiculous because i don't know that i have ever heard of anyone complain that a scope had too much eye relief..May just be me though, I am pretty tall and that is short gun.
 
IMHO a 3-9x is way too much glass for a 150yd rifle. A variable in the 1-4x range would be plenty. The Leupold VXII 1-4x is a lot of scope for the money.
 
Not saying this is the definitive scope for your application, but something I'd take a look at. I do not have one, but although Simmons is considered a very inexpensive scope, their new "true zero" flex erector tube is quite innovative. It's light and small and in keeping with a quick handling lever action.

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=81066

I have Nikons on my other primary go-to guns. I am assembling my 336rc as I right this (waiting for some stock finish to harden). I'm scoping mine with Weaver Pro-View Marlin mounts. They are low and use 4 screws per base to lock down the top ring, much like the new "Sure Grip" system. My 336 will be wearing a Weaver steel tube (from the El Paso days) 1.5x Micro-Trac. It's heavier, but hell for strong and uses a four point suspension that is as robust as they come. Micro-Trac was one of the toughest and most repeatable adjustment systems made. But I suspect that the Simmons system is equally rugged? Covered by a lifetime warranty?

The back-up scope for the 336 is either another Weaver 4x (I do have a pile of them :)), or a really compact Apache 4x w/o turrets. Since nothing sticks out, it is easy to carry and smooth against you arm/hand while walking. Apache scopes are rare and a bit finicky about wet, but out here it's mostly dry 9 mos a year.

My point is before you go spending big bux on Leupold or even Redfield or something, grab a smaller lightweight scope and see if you like the idea/combination? Maybe you'll find it just isn't to your liking? If not, you are not into the test a lot of money and you can probably get more than 1/2 back on the 'Bay for the pieces and parts. All these options are pretty short tubes so they fit easily.

The 336 is pretty short between bases. You can get a rail that will spread out the bases for a longer tube, but it cantilevers the front base out in front of the receiver, so I stay away from that scenario. However, the rail will accept Leuplod QR bases if you want. I prefer a short tube scope that fits the base spread drilled into the top of the receiver.

If the scope thing does not work out, you can go to XS for their ghost ring system, maybe with a fiber optic "fire sight" front and get a long sight radius with good iron sight performance :)

And a 336 with Hornady LeverEvolution ammo is capable out to 200 yds, although you'll need a fair bit of practice to get that all dialed in :)
 
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A 2-7x32 or 3-9x40 is a good way to go. I personally love sigthron scopes great glass and replacement warranty, but bushnell and nikon are just as good.
 
As with others - 2-7 or 3-9 is fine. Just personally, I leave just about all of my hunting scopes at 5x all the time, so anything that has that in it's range is fine :).
 
I put a Bushnell 4200 3 - 9 on mine. Got the scope from overstock at a pretty decent price. I thought it would look funny but it turned out pretty good. I decided on the 40mm since I hunt hogs in low light.

- Custom steel rail from EGW
- Leupold low QRW
- Bushnell 4200 3-9

Wish I had pics ...
 
I like this little Bushnell that I put on my Marlin 336C in 35 Rem. The 30-30 and 35 Remington don;t need much. This is a 2-7x32 with Burris Zee rings and a one-piece Weaver base.

IMG_3779.jpg

The scope stays set on about 4x most of the time.
 
scoping a 30-30 is like wearing a condomm when you are 70....why??? if your eyesight is that bad you dont need to be shootin....
Click to expand...

What about people who hunt in dark areas like in the woods? Scopes work great on any rifle. Why do people scope in-line muzzle loaders?...Because its useful. I shoot a longbow during archery hunts, but I don't rag compounders who choose to use pulley systems, drop-rests, and fiber-optic sights.
 
Personally, I'd opt for a good fixed 4X ... and probably hunt the auction sites for a second hand Leupold M8. I've got a couple of these and they are simple, work well, and have a bulletproof warranty.
 
I just recently picked up a Nitrex 1.5-5 from natchez shooting supplies for my 336. It was about $140 and has a $50 rebate making it a screaming deal.
I used the Talley low rings also, no need for separate base and rings.
This scope previously sold for $400, reviews online are great.

I don't see any reason to spend more on a scope than on the rifle. But then again, some people spend more on a car stereo than on their car.
 
I have found the Leupold 2.5x Scout Scope to be perfection for the 336C. Using the LeverEvolution ammo, I can shoot more than accurately enough for 200 yard shots. It's my skill (not the rifle nor ammo) that limits me to 200 yards (closer is better just stating my outside ethical limit). For this distance or closer, a 2.5X fixed power is adequate.
 
because i don't know that i have ever heard of anyone complain that a scope had too much eye relief..
Click to expand...
I bought this Nikon 1.65X5X36 to go on a 94 .30-30, but failed to check what the eye relief was before ordering. The eye relief is 5", and I could not use it on that rifle as it would not mount far enough forward. It works great mounted forward on an AR though, so all was not lost.
 
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