The Marlin 336 is a timeless American lever-action rifle, renowned for its reliability and classic handling. Whether you’re tracking through dense timber or taking a stand in a deer blind, this rifle is a trusted companion. However, to truly harness its potential for accuracy at various ranges, pairing it with the right optic is a critical step. The right scope can make all the difference in a successful hunt or a rewarding day at the range.
With a vast array of scopes on the market, selecting the perfect one for your 336 can be a challenge. You need an optic that complements the rifle’s quick-handling nature, offers a clear and bright sight picture, and can withstand the .30-30’s recoil. This roundup is designed to cut through the noise and present you with a selection of the best scopes that balance performance, durability, and value for your Marlin 336.
Our Top Picks for Marlin 336 Scopes
- Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope
- Burris Optics Handgun Scope 2X-7X
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Riflescope
- Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope
- Burris Fullfield II 2-7x35mm Riflescope
- Nikon ProStaff P3 3-9×40 BDC Riflescope
- Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Diamondback HP 4-16×42 Riflescope
Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm is an outstanding choice for hunters who value a lightweight and compact optic. Its lower magnification range is perfectly suited for the quick, close-to-mid-range shots typically encountered when using a Marlin 336. The scope’s Twilight Light Management System provides extra minutes of shooting light in dawn and dusk conditions, which is when many big game animals are most active.
Built with the ruggedness Leupold is known for, this scope is guaranteed to handle the recoil of a .30-30. Its waterproof and fog-proof construction ensures reliability in all weather conditions. The generous eye relief and forgiving eye box make it easy to get on target quickly, a significant advantage when a deer appears unexpectedly.
Burris Optics Handgun Scope 2X-7X
While marketed as a handgun scope, the Burris 2X-7X model is a fantastic and often overlooked option for a scout-style setup on a Marlin 336. Its long eye relief is ideal for mounting over the rifle’s receiver, allowing for a fast, both-eyes-open shooting style. This configuration is excellent for hunting in thick cover where rapid target acquisition is paramount.
The 2-7x magnification provides great versatility, from close-range snap shots to more precise aiming at extended ranges. The 32mm objective lens gathers a good amount of light, and the crisp Plex reticle is simple and uncluttered. This scope offers a unique way to configure your lever-action for speed and effectiveness.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Riflescope
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 is a top contender for the best value in a lever-action scope. This magnification range is widely considered the classic sweet spot for a .30-30, offering enough power for a 150-yard shot while remaining fast on target at 30 yards. The fully multi-coated lenses provide a bright and clear sight picture, which is crucial in low-light hunting situations.
This scope is built to be tough, with a single-piece tube constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum. It is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, making it both waterproof and fog-proof. Backed by Vortex’s VIP Unlimited Unconditional Warranty, you can be confident this optic will perform reliably for years to come.
Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope
Appearing twice due to its popularity, this Leupold model deserves another mention for its specific utility. The 1.5x low-end magnification is exceptionally low, making it function almost like a red dot sight for the fastest possible close-range shots. This is the scope to choose if your primary hunting grounds are dense forests and brush.
The lightweight design prevents it from upsetting the Marlin 336’s natural balance, keeping it a quick-handling rifle. The friction-based adjustment system is simple and robust, with dials that are easy to manipulate, even with gloves on. For a dedicated woods rifle, it is difficult to find a better-matched optic.
Burris Fullfield II 2-7x35mm Riflescope
The Burris Fullfield II 2-7x35mm is another excellent classic choice for the Marlin 336. It features the Ballistic Plex reticle, which provides aiming points for holdover at longer distances, helping to extend the effective range of your .30-30 cartridge. The scope’s optics are exceptionally bright and sharp for its class, thanks to high-quality multi-coatings.
Its robust construction includes a one-inch machined aluminum tube that is both waterproof and shockproof. The precision click adjustments are reliable and repeatable, allowing for easy zeroing and confidence in your shot placement. It represents a fantastic blend of optical performance and practical features.
Nikon ProStaff P3 3-9×40 BDC Riflescope
For those who may take longer shots from a stand or in more open terrain, the Nikon ProStaff P3 3-9×40 offers more magnification. The 3-9x range is incredibly versatile, and the 40mm objective lens provides a bright image. Nikon’s BDC reticle is designed to compensate for bullet drop, which can be very helpful for maximizing the trajectory of your ammunition.
Nikon optics are known for their clarity and light transmission. The ProStaff P3 is built to be resilient, with a spring-loaded turret system and a nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed body to prevent internal fogging. It is a solid, full-featured scope from a trusted name in optics.
Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Sig Sauer brings its combat optics heritage to the hunting world with the Whiskey3 3-9x40mm. This scope features HD glass elements that produce a sharp, high-contrast image with minimal distortion. The waterproof and fog-proof construction ensures it can handle harsh environmental conditions without fail.
It comes with Sig’s versatile HoldPoint reticle, which provides multiple aiming references for windage and bullet drop. The turrets offer tactile and audible clicks for precise adjustments. For a hunter looking for modern features and exceptional glass quality, the Whiskey3 is a compelling option.
Vortex Optics Diamondback HP 4-16×42 Riflescope
The Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16×42 is for the shooter who wants to push the limits of their Marlin 336, perhaps for target shooting or hunting in wide-open spaces. The high-magnification range allows for precise shot placement at longer distances. The High-Performance (HP) optical system includes XD glass elements for enhanced resolution and color fidelity.
It features a side focus parallax adjustment, which is a premium feature that allows you to correct for parallax error and sharpen the image at any range. While larger than other options, it offers incredible capability for those who need it, all while being protected by Vortex’s stellar warranty.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Scopes For Marlin 336 Rifle
Choosing the right glass for your Marlin 336 is more than just picking the one with the best reviews. You need to think about how and where you shoot. I’ve found that a few key factors make all the difference in getting a scope that feels like a natural part of the rifle.
First, let’s talk about eye relief. The Marlin 336, especially in its classic .30-30 chambering, has a solid kick. You don’t want a scope that sits too close to your eye. I always look for a scope with at least 3.5 to 4 inches of eye relief. This gives you a safe buffer to avoid getting a scope ring tattoo on your brow after a long day at the range. It’s a simple thing, but it’s probably the most important for comfort and safety.
Next is magnification. The .30-30 cartridge is a champ in the woods, not on the open plains. You’re typically taking shots within 150 yards. Because of this, I think a low-power variable optic (LPVO) is the perfect match. Something like a 1-4x or a 1-6x scope is ideal. You can keep it on 1x for fast, close-range shots on moving game, and then crank it up to 4x or 6x for a more precise aim when you have a still target. A fixed 4x scope is also a classic, no-fuss option that has worked for generations.
The reticle is your interface with the target. For a brush gun like the 336, a simple duplex reticle is hard to beat. It’s uncluttered, fast to acquire, and works great in low light. Some modern scopes offer illuminated reticles, which can be a big help during those first and last minutes of shooting light. Just remember, more features usually mean more weight and a higher price.
Finally, consider the physical size and weight of the scope. The Marlin 336 is a handy, lightweight rifle. Slapping a huge, heavy scope on top ruins its classic balance. I aim for a compact and lightweight scope that complements the rifle’s quick-handling nature. You want to maintain that point-and-shoot feel, not turn it into a cumbersome benchrest rifle. By keeping these points in mind—eye relief, practical magnification, a simple reticle, and compact size—you’ll find a scope that makes your Marlin 336 even better.
FAQ
What is the best magnification range for a Marlin 336?
For the typical uses of a Marlin 336, like hunting in wooded areas, a low-power variable optic is your best bet. I find a 1-4x, 1-6x, or even a 2-7x scope provides all the versatility you need. The 1x setting is fantastic for quick shots at close range, almost like using a red dot. The higher end of the range gives you enough magnification to place a careful shot out to 150-200 yards. A fixed 4x power scope is also a timeless and very effective choice.
Do I need a specific scope mount for a Marlin 336?
Yes, the Marlin 336 has a unique mounting system compared to many modern rifles. It is drilled and tapped on the top-receiver for a scope base, but it uses an 8-40 thread size, which is finer than the more common 6-48 threads. You will need a base specifically made for the Marlin 336. Furthermore, because the 336 is a top-ejecting rifle, you often need either a scout-style mount that sits forward on the barrel or a side-mounting solution to allow spent cartridges to clear the scope safely.
Is the .30-30’s recoil too much for a standard scope?
While the .30-30 isn’t a magnum cartridge, it does generate a sharp, snappy recoil that can be tough on scopes over time. You don’t need a scope built for a .458 Lott, but you should avoid ultra-cheap, poorly made optics. Look for a scope from a reputable brand that is built to handle the recoil of a modern hunting rifle. A scope with generous eye relief, as mentioned in the buying guide, is also critical for managing the perceived recoil and ensuring your safety.
Can I use a red dot sight on my Marlin 336?
Absolutely. A red dot sight is an excellent option for the Marlin 336, especially if most of your shooting is inside 100 yards. It’s the fastest sighting system for close-quarters and moving targets. Mounting one requires a Picatinny rail base made for the 336, and then you simply attach the red dot. This setup keeps the rifle incredibly light and handy. It’s a modern upgrade that fits the rifle’s traditional role perfectly.
What is a good budget for a scope for this rifle?
You can find a perfectly good scope for your Marlin 336 without spending a fortune. Given the need for a scope that can handle recoil, I feel a budget in the $150 to $400 range will get you a very reliable optic from trusted brands. In this price bracket, you’ll find scopes with good glass clarity, solid construction, and reliable adjustments. Spending more gets you better light transmission and tougher materials, but it’s not strictly necessary for the effective range of the 8 Best Scopes For Marlin 336 Rifle.