Choosing the right scope for your Marlin 60 can significantly enhance your shooting experience. This classic .22 LR rifle is known for its reliability and accuracy, making it a favorite for plinking, small game hunting, and target practice. A well-matched optic not only improves your precision but also maximizes the rifle’s inherent capabilities, turning a fun day at the range into a truly rewarding session.
With so many options on the market, finding the perfect scope can feel overwhelming. This guide simplifies your search by rounding up ten of the best scopes available. We have considered a range of factors, from optical clarity and durability to specific features like parallax adjustment and reticle type, to help you find the ideal optic for your needs and budget.
Our Top Picks for Marlin 60 Scopes
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Riflescope
- BSA Sweet 22 3-9X40 Rifle Scope
- CVLIFE 3-9×40 Optics R4 Reticle Scope
- Tasco 2-7×32 AO Air Gun Scope
- Athlon Optics Talos BTR 4-14X44 Riflescope
- Barska Plinker-22 Scope 3-9×32
- BURRIS FullField II 3-9×40 Rifle Scope
- Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9X40mm Scope
- Ncstar 3-9X42 Mark III Tactical GEN II
- Primary Arms 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom represents a benchmark for quality in its class. Its Advanced Optical System provides exceptional light transmission and clarity, which is a significant advantage during early morning or late evening hunting sessions. The 3-9x magnification is perfectly suited for the effective range of the Marlin 60, and the capped, finger-click adjustments offer a clean profile and reliable, repeatable zeroing.
Built with Leupold’s legendary ruggedness, this scope is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, ready to handle any environment you take it into. The Hunt-Plex reticle is simple and uncluttered, allowing for fast target acquisition on small game. For shooters seeking a trusted name with proven performance, the VX-Freedom is an outstanding choice.
BSA Sweet 22 3-9X40 Rifle Scope
The BSA Sweet 22 is specifically engineered for .22 LR ballistics, making it a fantastic partner for the Marlin 60. Its key feature is the multi-grain turret, which is calibrated for different .22 LR ammunition weights. This allows you to dial in your elevation for various rounds, significantly improving accuracy at different distances without needing to hold over.
The side parallax adjustment is another valuable feature, letting you correct for parallax error at close ranges common with a .22 rifle. With a one-piece aluminum tube, 1/4 MOA clicks, and a zero-reset function, this scope offers specialized performance that can help you get the most out of your rifle’s capabilities.
CVLIFE 3-9×40 Optics R4 Reticle Scope
For the budget-conscious shooter, the CVLIFE 3-9×40 scope delivers essential functionality without a high cost. It provides the versatile 3-9x magnification range that works well for most applications with a Marlin 60. The R4 reticle with crosshairs offers a clear aiming point for fast shooting.
This package includes 20mm scope mounts, which adds to its value by providing everything you need to get mounted and zeroed. It’s a solid, no-frills option that is perfect for casual plinking or as a first scope for a new rimfire owner who wants to test the waters before investing in a more premium model.
Tasco 2-7×32 AO Air Gun Scope
The Tasco 2-7×32 model is an excellent choice for the Marlin 60, especially for shooters who frequently engage targets at shorter distances. Its lower 2x starting magnification provides a wide field of view for close-range, fast-moving targets. The adjustable objective (AO) allows you to focus and eliminate parallax down to 10 yards, a common range for .22 LR plinking.
Built to withstand the unique double-recoil of spring-piston air rifles, this scope is more than durable enough for the lighter recoil of a .22 LR. Fully coated lenses ensure a bright and clear sight picture, making it a reliable and purpose-built optic for rimfire use.
Athlon Optics Talos BTR 4-14X44 Riflescope
For the shooter who uses their Marlin 60 for precision target shooting or varmint control at extended ranges, the Athlon Talos BTR offers impressive features. The 4-14x magnification gives you plenty of power for seeing and hitting smaller targets precisely. It features a first focal plane (FFP) reticle, meaning the reticle’s size changes with magnification, allowing the holdover points to remain accurate at any power.
Additional high-end features include a side focus for parallax adjustment and a precision zero-stop system, which allows you to quickly return to your primary zero after making elevation adjustments. With advanced fully multi-coated glass and a waterproof construction, this scope brings tactical-level performance to your rimfire rifle.
Barska Plinker-22 Scope 3-9×32
The Barska Plinker-22 is designed with the rimfire shooter in mind. It comes with rings and is ready to mount on your Marlin 60’s 3/8″ dovetail rail. The 30/30 reticle is a simple duplex style, which is easy to use and effective for hunting and target shooting.
This scope is built to be waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring it can handle the elements and the recoil of your rifle. With fully coated optics for clarity and 1/4 MOA click adjustments for sighting in, the Plinker-22 represents a solid value package from a recognized optics brand.
BURRIS FullField II 3-9×40 Rifle Scope
The Burris Fullfield II has long been a respected name in the hunting scope world, known for delivering premium features at an accessible price point. Its high-grade optical glass and Hi-Lume multicoating provide excellent brightness and clarity, giving you a distinct advantage in low-light conditions.
The scope features a durable, integrated eyepiece design and positive steel-on-steel adjustments for reliable and repeatable performance shot after shot. The Ballistic Plex reticle offers useful holdover points for longer shots, making this a versatile scope that feels right at home on a dependable rifle like the Marlin 60.
Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9X40mm Scope
Sig Sauer’s Whiskey3 series brings a level of rugged reliability and optical quality that is hard to beat. Engineered with a robust chassis and low-dispersion glass, this scope reduces chromatic aberration for a sharp, clear sight picture. The fully multi-coated lenses maximize light transmission for a bright image.
It features capped turrets for a snag-free profile and reliable protection from accidental adjustments. The BDC-1 Quadplex reticle provides a clean sight picture at the center with useful holdover points. For those who appreciate industrial-grade construction and top-tier optics, the Whiskey3 is a compelling option.
Ncstar 3-9X42 Mark III Tactical GEN II
If you prefer a tactical look and feel for your Marlin 60, the Ncstar Mark III Gen II fits the bill. It features an integral quick-detach base that mounts directly to Picatinny rails, offering a low-profile and secure fit. The 3-9x magnification is versatile, and the 42mm objective lens gathers a good amount of light.
The Mil-Dot reticle is excellent for range estimation and holdovers, adding a layer of functionality for the technically-minded shooter. This scope provides a distinct tactical aesthetic and practical features for those who use their rifle for various training scenarios.
Primary Arms 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope
For the ultimate in precision rimfire shooting, the Primary Arms 4-14x44mm FFP scope is a top contender. Its illuminated ACSS HUD DMR reticle is a highly advanced system designed for rapid firing and moving targets, with holdpoints and windage marks that are always accurate because it’s a first focal plane design. The 4-14x magnification range is ideal for long-range .22 LR shooting.
This scope is built to perform like optics costing much more, with reliable tracking, clear glass, and durable construction. If you demand the highest level of technical performance from your Marlin 60 for competition or extreme long-range plinking, this scope is worth serious consideration.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Scopes For Marlin 60
Choosing the right scope for your Marlin 60 is about matching the optic to the rifle’s purpose. This isn’t a long-range magnum; it’s a light, handy .22 designed for plinking and small game. I always start by thinking about what I’ll be doing most. If I’m mostly punching paper at a fixed distance, a higher magnification scope makes sense. But if I’m walking through the woods for squirrels, a lower power or a variable scope set on a low setting is much better for quick shots.
The next thing I look at is the reticle. For a .22, a simple duplex reticle is often perfect. It’s uncluttered and gets me on target fast. I tend to avoid overly complex reticles with lots of hash marks; they’re just not necessary for the ranges I shoot a Marlin 60. The tube diameter is another practical consideration. Most scopes for this rifle will be 1-inch tubes, which are standard and give you a huge selection of rings and mounts. I make sure the scope I pick has adjustable parallax, preferably down to 25 or even 15 yards. This prevents the reticle from appearing to move on the target when my head shifts, which is a big deal for accuracy at close range.
Durability and lens quality are important, but I don’t need the same level of ruggedness as I would for a big-game rifle. That said, I still want fully multi-coated lenses for a bright, clear sight picture, especially in the low light of a forest. I also check that the windage and elevation adjustments are crisp and reliable. Finally, I think about weight and size. A huge, heavy scope defeats the purpose of the Marlin 60’s lightweight, balanced feel. I look for something compact and light to keep the rifle quick-handling. This careful selection process is key to finding one of the 10 best scopes for Marlin 60 that fits my specific needs.
FAQ
What magnification scope is best for a Marlin 60?
For a versatile setup, I find a 3-9x variable power scope is the sweet spot. It gives me the flexibility to use 3x or 4x for quick, close-range shots on small game and then crank it up to 9x for precise target shooting at 50 to 100 yards. A fixed 4x scope is also a classic and reliable choice if you prefer simplicity.
Do I need expensive rings for my .22 scope?
You don’t need to spend a fortune, but you shouldn’t buy the absolute cheapest rings either. I look for a solid, one-piece base and rings from a reputable brand. Good rings will hold zero and prevent your scope from getting damaged. It’s a false economy to put a nice scope on lousy mounts.
What is parallax and why does it matter for a .22?
Parallax is an optical effect where the reticle seems to move over the target if your eye isn’t perfectly centered behind the scope. Many scopes are set at 100 yards, but we shoot .22s much closer. I always prefer a scope with an Adjustable Objective (AO) or side focus that lets me set the parallax for the exact distance I’m shooting, like 25 or 50 yards, for the best accuracy.
Can I use a rimfire-specific scope on my Marlin 60?
Absolutely, and I often do. Rimfire scopes are fantastic because they are typically built with the .22 shooter in mind. They often have parallax set at 50 yards from the factory, which is more appropriate than a 100-yard setting. They also tend to be lighter and more compact, which matches the character of the Marlin 60 perfectly.
How much should I spend on a scope for this rifle?
There’s a great scope for every budget. You can find perfectly serviceable options for under $100 that will work well. I think the $150 to $250 range is where you find some of the best value, with much better glass clarity, reliable adjustments, and improved durability. This price point aligns well with many options in a typical 10 best scopes for Marlin 60 buyer’s guide.
Is it difficult to mount a scope on a Marlin 60?
It’s one of the easier rifles to scope. The receiver is pre-drilled and tapped for a standard rimfire scope base. The process involves installing the base with the provided screws, then attaching the rings to the base, and finally mounting the scope in the rings. You will need a gunsmithing screwdriver set to avoid stripping the screws and a torque wrench is helpful for proper tightening.