When it comes to finding the best scope for Marlin 336, there is a broad range of models available on the market today. This lever-action rifle is designed with ease of customization in mind and today’s post, our focus will be on the best Marlin 336 scopes.
Marlin 336 is an iconic lever-action rifle. It has a shorter barrel than today’s bolt rifles. This makes it very easy to handle in thick cover while allowing for rapid follow-up shots. It is chambered in 30-30 Winchester, a popular deer hunting cartridge that has an effective range of about 200 yards.
Today, this time-less lever-action rifle is widely used for hunting where it is more than sufficient to deliver ethical kills at different ranges. It is fun to use and even more fun to hunt with when you have a quality scope at hand. A worthy rifle scope will get you closer to the action, help you track the mobile game with ease, and boost your odds of placing the shot accurately.
What Makes a Great Scope for Marlin 336?
Several attributes make a great scope for Marlin 336 and the first one is quality construction. A scope that is built well with the most hard-wearing materials will last long and deliver consistently even in the most unforgiving hunting conditions.
Secondly, the scope should have a lightweight design. Given that Marlin 336 rifles are widely used for hunting, a light scope is vital to ensure ease of maneuverability.
The other features that the best scope for Marlin 336 should have include:
- Moderate magnification power
- High transmission optics and proper lens coatings
- A generous eye relief of above 3.5 inches
- Good visibility in low light
- A housing that is fully waterproof, fog proof and dust proof
Best Scopes for Marlin 336 – Our Top Picks
Whether you are in the hunt for your first Marlin 336 scope or you are looking for an upgrade, here is a comprehensive roundup of the very best rifle scope models to choose from. Let’s have a look.
1) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Coming in first is the VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope from Leupold. This is a highly versatile rifle scope that is multi-platform friendly. It is easy to mount and use for hunters of all levels, even beginners.
Built with a variable 3-9x magnification power, this rifle scope is good for close and mid-range deer hunting in thick brush. It maintains a significantly large field of view through the whole zoom range for easy scanning of the game.
To complement the versatile zoom range, this rifle scope employs a Twilight Light Management System that makes it usable even in twilight conditions. It increases glassing light in such conditions and makes target acquisition a walk in the park.
Furthermore, this optic has an ultra-robust construction that makes it the best scope for Marlin 336. It is rigid enough to weather all the rough handling that comes with hunting. Over and above that, it is fully waterproof, fog proof and shock proof.
Features
- 1-inch body tube
- Twilight Light Management System
- Second focal plane reticle
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- 3-9x total magnification
- Scratch resistant lenses
- 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum
Pros
- Large field of view
- Affordable
- Lightweight and durable
- Sufficient eye relief
Cons
- Not illuminated
2) Bushnell Trophy 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
The Bushnell Trophy 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is a good quality hunting scope that comes at a price that is remarkably affordable. It is versatile enough to meet your hunting needs in all hunting environments and make your hunting expeditions more competitive.
The selling point of this rifle scope is the light gathering ability in low light. This is attributed to the large 40mm objective lens that enhances low light performance. Additionally, the scope is built with fully multi-coated optics that boost transmission of light in low level light settings.
When it comes to construction, the scope has a 1-inch body tube that is made with the most durable materials. The quality construction coupled with water, dust and fog protection makes this rifle scope ideal for use in any environment.
Moreover, the Bushnell Trophy 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope has 1/4 MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustments which make precision targeting simple. Also included is a fast focus eyepiece that is vital for easy focusing of the reticle.
Features
- Waterproof and fog proof
- 1-inch body tube with integrated saddle
- 1/4 MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustments
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 3-9x total magnification
- Rear focal plane reticle
- 25 MOA impact point correction
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Excellent low light performance
- Lightweight construction
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Fixed parallax
- No lens cover included
3) Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 mm Rifle Scope
Third in our list we have the Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 mm Rifle Scope. This rifle scope is lightweight for convenient handling in the hunting field and sealed to be operable in all weather conditions.
Built with a 40mm objective lens, this rifle scope is good for use even in low light environment. On top of that, it has Hi-Lume multi-coating on every single air to glass lens surface to boost light transmission in low light settings and limit glare when you are hunting in broad daylight.
Construction-wise, the scope is made from aircraft grade aluminum that guarantees unmatched durability. It is sturdy enough to withstand shock, impact and vibrations from the heaviest recoiling calibers and guarantee reliable performance all through.
Not only is this rifle scope durable, but also operable in all weather conditions. It is waterproofed and filled with nitrogen gas to prevent fogging in cold and rain. Other than that, this rifle scope provides long range accuracy in a design that is simple and very easy to use.
Features
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- Second focal plane reticle
- High grade optical glass
- Solid 1-inch body tube
- 3-9x magnification power
- Durable, integrated eyepiece
- 50 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range
- Precision-ground lenses
- Hi-Lume multi-coated optics
Pros
- Quality construction
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Bright and clear optics
Cons
- Short eye relief at highest zoom level
4) Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44mm Rifle Scope
Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44mm Rifle Scope is your ideal optic if you want to take your hunting skills to the next big level. It is a stripped-down but highly effective and accurate rifle scope that excels in all hunting applications.
The scope is graced with a powerful and variable 4-12x magnification power that gives you dynamic flexibility when it comes to choosing a hunting environment. Other than that, it features a second focal plane reticle whose size stays constant through the entire magnification.
Complementing the adjustable zoom power is a 44mm objective lens that makes the scope usable even at the highest 14x setting. Moreover, it has multi-coated lenses to help you shoot precisely in the low lighting conditions of dusk and dawn.
Vortex scopes are built with longevity in mind and the Crossfire II 4-12x44mm Rifle Scope is not any different. It is made with a single piece aluminum tube and finished with a hard, scratch proof anodized coating. The scope is also waterproof, fog proof and shock proof to stay ready for anything nature will have in store for it.
Features
- 4-12x magnification power
- Second focal plane Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- 1-inch tube diameter
- Aircraft grade aluminum construction
- 50 MOA adjustment range
- Hard anodized finish
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Capped reset turrets
Pros
- Solid construction
- Generous eye relief
- Clear glass
- Low cost
Cons
- Focusing issues
5) Primary Arms GLx Series 2.5-10 x 44mm Rifle Scope
Next on our list of the best scope for Marlin 336 is Primary Arms GLx Series 2.5-10 x 44mm Rifle Scope. This incredible variable power rifle scope is good for hunting at close to long ranges in all kinds of hunting environments.
The scope features an adjustable 2.5-10x magnification power built in a first focal plane ACSS Grifin MIL reticle. This reticle has an incredible and eye-catching horseshoe that functions just like a red dot at low magnifications to enable rapid target acquisition. At the highest 10x setting, the full features if the reticle come to life allowing precise shooting at extended ranges.
In terms of construction, the scope boasts a robust 30mm tube that guarantees great strength and rigidity. It is crafted with 6061-T6 aluminum, a material that is durable enough to stand up to any punishment.
Furthermore, the Primary Arms GLx Series 2.5-10 x 44mm Rifle Scope is built with steel-on-steel precision adjustments and locking turrets to prevent accidental adjustment. Also included is a removable and replaceable magnification ring fin that is responsible for ensuring easy magnification adjustment.
Features
- Integrated return-to-zero
- Waterproof and fog proof
- 30mm main tube
- Front focal plane ACSS Grifin MIL reticle
- Premium grade glass
- 5-10x adjustable magnification
- Autolive illuminated reticle
- Tactile and audible 1/10 Mil click value
Pros
- Solid turrets
- Robust and durable make
- Bright and clear glass
Cons
- Poor illumination
6) Barska 3-9x40mm Huntmaster Rifle Scope
Barska 3-9x40mm Huntmaster Rifle Scope is another quality rifle scope that offers the best balance between affordability and functionality. It is accurate, dependable and versatile enough to meet the needs of every avid hunter out there.
The scope features a 30/30 reticle put on the rear focal plane. This reticle is great for deer hunting as well as all-round hunting. Moreover, the scope is parallax free at 100 yards and lightweight to be easy to carry in the field.
While this rifle scope is cheap, it doesn’t cut corners on quality. It has a shockproof 1-inch main tube to weather rough handling. The tube is also sealed and fog proofed to deliver reliable performance in all kinds of weather conditions.
In addition to everything else, Barska 3-9x40mm Huntmaster Rifle Scope has fully coated optics to limit glare and ensure high levels of light transmission.
Features
- 1-inch main tube size
- Waterproof, fog proof and fog proof
- 30/30 second focal plane reticle
- Fully coated optics
- 60 MOA adjustment range
- 3-9x total magnification
- Capped turrets
- 40mm objective lens
Pros
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
- Easy to use
Cons
- Short eye relief
7) Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope
Last in our list of the best scope for Marlin 336 is Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope. Getting this versatile powerhouse for your hunting excursions will not just better your performance in the fields, but also make you a better hunter.
A highlight of the scope is superb low light optical performance. It is crafted with Leupold’s exclusive DiamondCoat 2 lens coating and Xtended Twilight Lens System that reveal all the detail of the game even in low light environments. The scope also features blackened lens edges that provide more usable light to the user’s eyes for a brighter sight picture.
Another remarkable facet of the Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope is solid construction. It has a robust 6061-T6 aluminum construction to stand up to rough use. On top of that, the scope has waterproof and fog proof integrity so you can take on exciting hunts in all weather conditions.
For additional convenience, this rifle scope has a generous eye relief which enhances glassing comfort during every hunt. Also included is a twin bias spring erector system that provides additional protection from stress and heavy recoil.
Features
- Xtended Twilight Lens System
- Durable lens cover
- 6061-T6 aluminum housing
- Blackened lens edges
- Twin bias spring erector system
- Waterproof and fog proof
- DiamondCoat 2 lens coating
- Second focal plane reticle
- 5-10x magnification
Pros
- Ruggedized construction
- Generous eye relief
- Lightweight
- Great low light visibility
- Clear glass
Cons
- Non illuminated
Read Also
- 7 Best Scope for 270 Winchester
- 7 Best LPVO under 500
- 7 Best Scopes for Varmint Hunting
- 7 Best Scope for Ruger AR-556
What Magnification Do You Need?
For you to achieve the absolute best from the Marlin 336, you need a scope whose magnification is powerful enough to meet all of your shooting needs. Since the Marlin 336 has an effective range of about 200 yards, you can choose either a fixed power scope or a variable scope with moderate magnification.
If you use the Marlin 336 to shoot at constant ranges in the same environments, a fixed power scope with 3x, 4x or 5x magnification power will suffice. On the other hand, a variable powered scope with 3-9x is sufficient for hunting at close to medium ranges where this rifle excels.
Things to Look for in the Best Scope for Marlin 336
Let’s now take a look at the important features you should take into account when shopping for a Marlin 336 scope.
Optics Quality
A Marlin 336 scope is only as good as the optics it is made with. Look at the quality of glass elements used and pick a scope that is made with high-transmission glass. Such scopes will not only enhance resolution, but also ensure that the sight pictures are bright and rich in detail.
Lens Coatings
Lens coatings are what separate quality scopes from a cheap one. For the best scope for Marlin 336, we recommend that you settle for a unit that employs either fully multi-coated or fully-coated lenses. These coatings help boost light transmission in poor light settings and limit glare in broad daylight.
Build Quality
The quality of a scope is determined by the nature of construction as well as the type of materials used. Irrespective of whether you are a beginner buying a scope for the first time or you are looking for an upgrade, go for a scope that is optimized for longevity.
Marlin 336 scopes made from aircraft grade aluminum or magnesium alloy are the best in terms of durability. The scope you decide to purchase needs to also have reliable protection from weather elements to add on durability.
Reticle Style
Reticle style is another make-or-break feature for many people. You will want a scope that has an uncluttered, easy to use reticle in all hunting environments. Since the Marlin 336 is ideal for close and medium range hunting, we recommend mil-dot, BDC and crosshair reticle styles for hunters of all levels.
Weight
Make sure that you get a scope that is built lightweight but durable. Hunting is an activity that requires one to move from one point to the other looking for game.
If the scope you are using is big and heavy, it will be cumbersome to carry and might get in your way of shooting. Conversely, a lightweight scope is easy to carry around and simple to shoot with.
FAQs
- What is the best scope tube for Marlin 336?.
Modern day rifle scopes are available in different tube sizes. The two most popular tube sizes for Marlin 336 are 1-inch and 30mm. Both tubes are popular in the hunting field because they tend to weigh less.
- What is the effective range of Marlin 336?
200 yards. The Marlin 336 is chambered in 30-30 caliber and has a maximum effective range of about 200 yards.
Final Thoughts
Buying a scope for Marlin 336 lever action rifle does not necessarily have to be a hard, taxing and time-consuming task. With the array of rifle scopes available out there, focus on finding a model that will work best for your individual hunting needs. Hopefully, the information in this guide has helped steer you in the right path.