Best scope specs for 30-30

[kyle1974]

I think a 2-7 would be a good fit for that rifle.

as for people making the asshat comments about scoping a lever action, I would challenge any of you to outshoot a marlin with factory open sights versus a lower power scope at 100 yards.

you are absolutely FOS if you claim to shoot better with that type of sight than a scope.

but I know...I know... your grand pappy could shoot the balls off a gnat at 300 yards with his old 30-30 with an open sight made from an old tin can.

 

[natman]

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....

Being able to see is one thing. Being able to see distance AND the sights with the same prescription is another.

You'll find out if you live into your fourties.

----------

Anyway, to address the OPs question, First try a peep sight. It will increase your depth of field, possibly enough to make iron sights practical. If you must use a scope, 3x9 is too much scope for a 30-30. I'd try a 2.5 fixed, if you can find one. Otherwise a 1x5 variable will do. On a 30-30, it's more important to get a LOW enough low power than a big high power.

 

[El General]

Weaver has a throwback steel tube K4 that would look good on any lever.

 

[hunt]

i have a 3 x 9 x40 bushnell on my marlin 336
works great in the low light when i hunt the adirondack cedars
its on 4 most always but have turned it to 6 a few times
my eyes just cant see the iron sights like when i was young
but can still see the difference between a 10 point and a hunter
slinking through the brush

 

[justgoto]

I have used a 10x scope and a 4.5x.
I made my best shot to date with the 10x, but if I was hunting I would want the 4.5x hoping to reacquire the target quicker.

 

[oldfool]

I agree with those who say "less is more" on this
any low X power fixed scope will do for me, 3X is plenty, not more than 32mm
mostly I prefer the more compact "shotgun" scopes on mine, 2 1/2X

why a scope on a lever action ?
because it works
light gathering, precise aiming, etc.
because I can put a green hole in a black 1" shoot-n-see dot at 50 yards w/ the scope, and cannot with open sights
some here who can, no scope required...
YEMV
(your eyes may vary)

I am just old, not harmless

 

[chas08]

Ive got one of these http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=696984on an 1895 Guide Gun 45/70 in Talley low base one piece rings. It works great, and with a little range time, you can make the multiple aiming points of the ballistic plex reticle work for your caliber at longer ranges. They also offer it in a standard duplex style reticle.

 

[foghornl]

I have a fixed power 4x-32 in my Marlin Mdl 30AW. All the scope I need

 

[CajunBass]

I've got a 3x9 Simmons on mine, but only because I happened to have it handy and was too cheap to buy another scope. IF I was go buy one specifically for the rifle I'd probably look for one in the 1.5-4X range.

 

[Nautilus]

I have two 336's I use specifically for "loaner" guns or back up guns for whitetail season. On both of them I have the Medium height Game reaper one piece scope mount and a Redfield 2-7x32 scope. I love that setup, nice compact lightweight scope but still has a good variable power range.

I have another one with a Nikon 3-9x40. I like the scope better, but on the little lever action the scope just looks & feels wrong.

 

[heeler]

I placed a Burris Timberline 2x7x26 on my 336.
I used a Weaver rail and Millet low rings.
A very,very good setup.
The scope is short,light,has great glass and good eye relief and enough magnification for 200 yard shots and looks very good on a small carbine like the 336.
I truely hate to over scope a carbine type of rifle..Or any rifle really.

Edit to add..That's saying it the way it is Natman.
Live long enough and you will all be down this road.

 

[Hansli]

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.

The exact solution for my 1894 in .45 Colt. Opted for the C3 reticle so as not to lose brush shooting capability.

http://swfa.com/Vortex-2-7x32-Viper-Rifle-Scope-P11227.aspx

 

[achildofthesky]

Scope 4 336...

A 3-9 variable on a 336, to me anyway is pretty big and bulky. I like to keep it lean and simple, a straight 4x or low power variable (just cuz it was sitting on the shelf)...
Shorty:


Marvin the wonder rifle:


To me a big part of the attraction of a 336 is it is a easy to handle, quick pointing rifle.

Be safe and enjoy it which ever way you decide to go on the scope.
Patty

 

[Badlander]

Patty
That lupy is A sweet setup. Marvin is lookin good also!

 

[dougw47]

Sleepy...

Good luck with the choice you made, I believe it will serve you well.

 

[philthygeezer]

Leupold FX-II 2.5x20mm. Shortest and lightest scope on the market. Low Weaver rings and you're set.

 

[M1key]

I prefer the Leupold 2.5x on mine. Fast handling and minimal added weight.

With it I can put three Winchester 170gr PP into an inch a 100yrds and spank the 200yd gong all day long.


M

 

[BrocLuno]

... is like waring a condom at 70, why bother ...

Because there's AIDs and other STDs out there. Maybe you don't care, but some of us do.

... and I like the way a target looks through a scope when you are "holding over" as often happens with a 30-30

 

[sleepyone]

some nice looking 336s. thanks for the ideas. Here is mine. It started out as a 336c 30-30 with standard wood, but I had to send it back to Marlin for warranty work and they had it for seven months. They felt so bad about it that they replaced my wood with the premium walnut that comes on the 336 selling at Cabela's for $850.

Here is the link

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=540816

 

[skipjack]

The Burris Timberline is a great value. I have sold a number of them in the 4x fixed version, and they are always nice and clear.
Plus, they weigh almost nothing, which is a consideration for me, at least.

 

[MYREDTAIL]

For the price I like the BSA's scopes they are very clear & priced right, Have a one mounted on my Savage 243 win for coyote hunting & it serves the purpose nice.