Ihave had, and shot many diff versions of the marlin. If you are going to target shoot primarily, then get a scope with at least 24x; this will let you see tiny holes, at 100 yds-- an 18x may let you do this, but not sure. I know with the 24x, the holes at 100 are hard to see, but you can.
If you have some very good scope mounts, the double wide, 2 screw base type, and that has one of them that has a allen screw that bites down through the middle of the mount, into the dovetail, then I would do those.
If you can't find what i have described, then get some kwik site, tip off blocks, and put them on first, and then use what mounts you want.
Also, I have found that they really like to be super free floated; so really channel out that stock some, under the bbl. then take and cut off 1/2 to 1 coil from the trigger return spring, to make your trigger lighter.
Lastly, you bbl may still like a prressure pad up front, so get a drawer close pad, or cabinet drawer close pads, from home despot, and put under the bbl, at the tip of the stock. shoot 2 5 shot groups, with at least 1 minute between shots. then move the pad back half an inch, and repeat your 2 groups. do this for an inch to an inch/half. either you will find a sweet spot with some very tight groups, or it will group no better, than with no pad at all.
Also since there are about 12 diff types of hmr ammo out there, make sure you get 1 of each box.
Lastly, I have found many 17 hmrs, that will change favorite ammo, or really tighten down on groups, as far out as about 500 rounds. So don't be afraid to retest after several hundred rounds.
Oh yeah, 1 more thing, clean the bbl out first, then do a breakin on that 17
or you will copper streak it. 1shot, and clean, after each shot, for 5 shots.
then shoot 5 shots, clean, and do this for 5 groups. then do about 50 shots, or when you see the accuracy fall off, but wait no more than 50 shots.
Final clean and lube, then shoot to your hearts desire, and only clean, when the accuracy starts to fall off again.
getting back to the origional question now; if you are not going to primarily target shoot,
anything from a variable 9 to 12 power, or even to 14 x, is plenty.
I primarily target shoot with my 17s, so they all have 24 x's. The Tasco Varmint , I have 3 of
those, and have 1 on a 243, and used to have one on a 308. All have been an excellent scope
for the money.
