7 Best Scopes for Marlin 336 Rifle - Top Optics in 2022
Looking for the best scope for the Marlin 336? You're in the right place.
First produced in 1948, the Marlin 336 has long since been one of the most popular lever-action rifle models on the market, and for good reason.
In fact, if you went out into some deer-filled woods and plucked the first hunter you came across from the bushes (which we don't recommend doing, by the way), you'd likely find them using a Marlin 336.
Either that, or they'll probably be lamenting the fact that no, they aren't using one, and perhaps it's why they haven't hit any targets yet! The Marlin 336 rifle is reliable, affordable, and guarantees great performance every time.
Whether you're a serious hunter or simply enjoy shooting as an outdoorsy hobby, a Marlin 336 rifles can be a huge asset to your gear kit.
It's pretty great in and of itself, however, adding a quality scope into the mix increases this rifle's effectiveness and versatility, and increases the likelihood of the shooter getting a clear shot. Some of the best Marlin 336 riflescopes are extremely affordable.
This can be attributed to the fact that the maximum magnification this type of rifle needs is 9x or 12x at the very most. If you try to go any higher, you're likely to weigh yourself down without leveraging any extra benefits.
You'll find plenty of budget options, like the Truplex Riflescope by Simmons, on the market that are affordable and manage to get the job done just fine. However, you shouldn't compromise on a quality scope just to save a few bucks. That's why we've taken affordability into account, but have aligned it with performance metrics to understand whether the scopes we've chosen are worth their price tags.
When it comes to picking out the perfect scope for Marlin 336 rifles, you'll need to think about your exact needs.
Think about whether you're planning to shoot outdoors, and at which kinds of distances.
Consider whether you'll be shooting in harsh or low-light conditions. Asking yourself these questions will help you to understand exactly what it is you need out of a great riflescope. So, we'll give you a few minutes to have a chat with yourself... Done? Now it's time for us to take the reigns! Although perhaps we'd better take the rifle instead, we're not experts on horse riding.
Choosing the best scope for a 336 rifle can prove quite challenging and time-consuming, as you sift through numerous scope specs, features, and online reviews.
That's why we've done the hard work for you! In this article, we'll review our 7 top picks for the best Marlin 336 scopes, discuss what features to consider when choosing a great scope, and answer some common questions on the topic. So settle in folks, and let's get started.
BEST MARLIN 336 SCOPES
Are you ready to discover the best scopes for a Marlin 336 rifle? We've made our choices based on overall performance, durability, and affordability. We've taken into consideration performance features such as reticles, magnification, eye relief, etc.
There are a lot of important factors to consider to ensure you're getting the most out of your riflescope, and we've done our best to provide you with all the detail can. We've got plenty to cover, so let's jump into with the first scope on our list: The Diamondback 3-9x40mm by Vortex.
Top 7 Marlin 336 Scopes
Scope Image | Scope | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Vortex Optics Diamondback 1. 75-5x32 | |
 | Leupold Rifleman 4-12x40mm Riflescope | |
 | Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 | |
 | Burris Optics fullfield E1 Scope, 3X-9X-50mm | |
 | Vortex Optic Crossfire II 3-12X56 AO Hog Hunter Riflescope | |
 | Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Riflescope | |
 | BARSKA 3-9x40mm Huntmaster 30/30 Riflescope |
In Our opinion These Are The
Best 7 Marlin 336 Scopes
1. Vortex Optics Diamondback 1. 75-5x32 (Editors Choice)
Vortex is a household name when it comes to great scopes, and it's easy to see why they're go-to hunting scopes for many experienced shooters. Vortex scopes guarantee affordability, durability, and high-quality every time, and the Vortex Diamondback 1. 75-5x32 riflescope is no exception. One of the best things about Vortex scopes? They all come with a lifetime guaranteed warranty that promises no questions asked.
This standout scope features a V-Plex MOA Reticle multi-purpose hunting reticle which can be used with a variety of hunting applications. You'll find the second focal plane (SFP) reticles located near the scope’s eyepiece.
The advantage of having this kind of reticle is that its size doesn't change when it's adjusted, so it's appearance always remains the same. This means less time for your eyes to adjust, and a lower likelihood of missed targets.
The Diamondback 1. 75-5x32 is the ideal scope for the Marlin 336. If you're using your action rifle for shooting big game, then you won't find a better scope than this. Its lenses are multi-coated lenses for crystal clear vision in all light conditions, from dusk until dawn.
You'll be able to focus quickly to ensure you don't miss a shot with the fast-focus eyepiece. What's more, metal on metal precision turrets allow you to zero reset and the precision glide erector system ensures accuracy when tracking.
Possibly the best scope for 336 rifles, the Diamondback 1. 75-5x32 riflescope's design can only be defined as sleek. Its design features a solid tube with an anodized finish which helps to camouflage the user's position, increases durability, and adds a shockproof factor.
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2. Leupold Rifleman 4-12x40mm Riflescope
If you're looking for the best scope for Marlin 336 rifles, then you don't have to look much further than the Leupold Rifleman riflescope. Among some of its exceptional features are a wide duplex reticle and a flexible 3:1 zoom erector system.
Let's go a bit deeper and discover what makes the Leupold Rifleman 4-12x40mm is a fantastic scope for your Marlin 336 rifle.
As we've already mentioned, the wide duplex reticle is a standout feature of this rifle scope, and it's ideal for anyone hunting for Marlin 336 scopes that they can rely on. Standard among models from the Leupold brand, this scope has a classic fast-focus eyepiece for effortless focusing.
What's more, the eyepiece also has a lock ring, helping you to achieve and maintain the focus you want from the wide duplex reticle. If you've ever tried to shoot in adverse conditions, you'll recognize how it important it is that your scope is waterproof and fog proof.
One of the best options for Marlin 336 scopes, the optical system built into the Leupold Rifleman 4-12x40mm scope provides the crispest images possible and ensures that you get precise adjustments and a clear shot every time.
It features friction dials which enable you to easily adjust to external levels of windage and elevation.
Moreover, its magnification setting promotes precision and accuracy despite the magnification range you're shooting at. The design emphasizes durability and simplicity, making it perfectly compatible with a Marlin 336 rifle.
If you're looking for great scopes for Marlin 336 rifles, number 2 on our list won't let you down.
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3. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32
If you're looking to combine affordability with quality when investing in a great action rifle scope for your Marlin 336, then we'd like to introduce you to the Vortex Crossfire II. We've already mentioned a Vortex scope on our list so far, so the fact that it's making a second appearance attests to its brilliance in the competitive rifle scope market.
Exemplifying a great scope for Marlin rifles, this Vortex Optics scope offers a variety of excellent features that'll help you to enjoy the best hunting experience, whatever the weather. This scope features the same V-Plex reticle as the aforementioned Vortex scope, which is designed for all kinds of hunting applications and doesn't change in size when magnification is adapted.
Investing in the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32 gives you great flexibility and a rifle scope that can handle various situations and conditions. Due to the aircraft-grade solid aluminum material used to create this scope, you can rest assured that it's tough, durable, and will last for years to come.
The aluminum tube is nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed, ensuring a waterproof and fog-proof performance. This rifle scope was specifically designed for dedicated hunters and shooters to provide the highest possible levels of performance and reliability.
That's why it features long eye relief, a fast-focus eyepiece, fully coated lenses, and resettable MOA turrets for reaching optimum performance levels. You'll no longer have to check adjustments for elevation and windage manually and can withstand the challenge of any rugged or harsh environment.
What's more, the full multi-coating promotes a good amount of light transmission, so you can hit your target even in extremely low-light conditions.
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4. Burris Optics Full Field E1 Scope, 3X-9X-50mm
If you've made it to number 4 on our list, then perhaps none of the reticles so far have convinced you. The Fullfield E1 3-9x50mm riflescope might just do the trick. This state of the art scope is the perfect match for this classic rifle and will guarantee you great performance every time.
It features cascading windage and elevation dots that allow you to carry out long-range shots up to 500 yards in any weather condition. It's fully water and fog proof, so all you need to remember is your raincoat!
It offers excellent precision multicoated lenses that resist glare and enhance performance even in low-light hunting conditions.
The sleek design of this scope boasts upgrade elevation and windage knobs, and is housed in a 1-piece tube that's super simple to assemble, and has double spring tension for shockproofing. What's more, the separate power ring and eyepiece are compatible with flip-up lens caps for extra protection.
If you're looking for a durable and precise rifle scope that performs well regardless of magnification range, then look no further than the Fullfield E1 3-9x50mm riflescope.
What's more, it comes with a lifetime Burris Forever Warranty, so you can rest assured that this scope will be with you (and your Marlin 336 rifle) for years to come.
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5. Vortex Optic Crossfire II 3-12X56 AO Hog Hunter Riflescope
We've reached number 5 on our list, and we're happy to report there's still no drop in quality scopes! The Crossfire II 3-12x56 AO Hog Hunter riflescope definitely stands up to the other Vortex scope models mentioned on our list as one of the best scopes for Marlin 336 rifles.
This is a fantastic scope that really shows its potential when hunting in low light conditions. It's ideal for, well, hunting hogs - as the name suggests! You can enjoy clear and precise vision from the first inkling of dawn, to the last ray of light at dusk.
The illuminated reticle uses V-plex formats alongside battery-powered electronics to light up the center dot for the best light performance and most precise aim possible. Multicoated optics, anti-reflective coatings, an illuminated reticle, and a durable 30mm tube design means that hunters can hit any target even in the worst lighting conditions.
The exterior design is made from air-craft grade aluminum, and the tube is nitrogen purged to ensure its proofed against water and fog. Its versatile 3-12x magnification, long eye relief, and a fast-focus eyepiece - you'll have your target in view in no time at all.
What's more, it features capped reset turrets that can be easily adjusted by hand, and MOA clicks that can be set to zero once a target is in sight.
If you're an experienced hunter seeking a scope for your Marlin 336 rifle, you'll find that the Crossfire II 3-12x56 AO Hog Hunter excels at providing exceptional vision under any amount of cover, and in any weather and lighting conditions due.
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6. Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Riflescope
If you're familiar with the world of riflescopes (which we hope you are if you're reading this article!), then it'll come as no surprise to see another Leupold scope on our list. The Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Riflescope delivers the great quality, guaranteed performance, and durability that shooters and hunters have come to expect from Leupold.
The Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm scope allows you to quickly change magnification in your field of view using the easy to grip power selector. Each scope is shockproofed to withstand 5,000 impacts from the Punisher (a recoil simulation machine used by Leupold).
You can rest assured that if the scope doesn't achieve the desired results during this test, the tough people behind these excellent scopes will keep adjusting and testing until it does.
This scope also features rear focal plane reticles to fully cover the target, ensuring a clear shot every time. It also has a 3:1 zoom ratio erector system for great performance in various situations, whether you're at close or far range.
You can adjust the windage & elevation seamlessly with simple finger click adjustments, which ensures repeatability and dependability for the entire time you're using it. What's more, it's completely fog and waterproof and equipped with a twilight management system and scratch-resistant lenses to perform in any conditions.
The ultra-lightweight design and 1-inch main tube make this Leupold VX model the most comfortable scope for 3030 Marlin 336 action rifles.
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7. BARSKA 3-9x40mm Huntmaster 30/30 Riflescope (Best Budget)
The 3-9x 40mm Huntmaster riflescope with a silver finish from Barska is a great option for dedicated shooters and hunters who want the best riflescope features at an affordable cost. This is a great 30/30 scope for general hunting, as well as target shooting and plinking.
It's parallax-free at 100 yards and features fully coated optics as well as a 30/30 duplex reticle, which is perhaps its most valuable feature. It allows you to capture your subject even from the limited and unfavorable shooting positions.
This Huntmaster riflescope offers a 3-9x magnification range, a 40mm objective lens, as well as a 36ft field of view at 3x at 100 yards, and 14ft field of view at 9x at 100 yards. It also features a 13.3-4.4mm exit pupil and great eye relief.
It's fully water and fog proof, so you can enjoy hunting and shooting in any weather. The 12.2-inch design features a sleek silver finish, ensuring the 3-9x40mm Huntmaster riflescope will complement your Marlin 336 nicely.
What's more, it comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer, so you can rest assured that it'll prove the best scope for Marlin 336 for years to come. If you're looking for a 3030 reticle with scope purchase, then the 3-9x 40mm Huntmaster scope provides great quality for a reasonable price.
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MARLIN 336 SCOPE BUYERS GUIDE
Model and Caliber
It's important to consider the model and caliber of your Marlin 336 action rifle when choosing the best scope to suit your needs. There are many different models available in two different calibers.
You'll need to check for compatibility when it comes to mounting the scope. Some models will already have a rail in place, whereas others might use a screw-in scope base. Ease of setup is something to consider when choosing a scope.
The two current caliber options for the 336 are the 30-30 and 35 Remington. You'll find that the 35 caliber has a stiffer recoil but this isn't enough to affect a scope. However, older models with more powerful cartridges need to be considered. If you have one of these older models, like one chambered in 375 Winchester, you'll probably benefit from a scope with greater eye relief.
If you have an older Marlin 336 chambered in .375 Winchester, you may want a scope with a little more eye relief. A lot of this depends on how recoil sensitive you are, and if you're quite sensitive then you might want to consider how you could benefit from a few extra inches of eye relief. Getting a scope to the eye definitely isn't a pleasant experience, trust us.
Magnification
When investing in a riflescope for a Marlin 336 there's no need to go overboard with extreme magnification optics. 6x - 8x magnification will do perfectly fine with this rifle, providing you with just the right amount of magnification to get a clear shot and a good visual field in any condition.
Most scopes offer between 3x and 9x magnification, which is more than enough for successful shooting, whether at distances of 100 yards or 500 yards.
Tube Construction
When it comes to the construction of the scope tube, you should think about the overall effect the design will have on your activities. The material the tube is made out of an impact on durability.
When choosing a scope consider the design, material, and how shockproof they are. If you're spending money on a scope you need to be sure that it can resist adverse weather conditions and that it won't weigh you down while you're shooting.
Be sure to double-check the scope is fog proof and waterproof and can withstand use in the bad weather conditions that mother nature can spring on us.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is extremely important when choosing the best Marlin 336 scope. These rifles can be quite heavy, with weighty barrels, rails, and various other attachments. In comparison, other Marlin 336 rifles are relatively lightweight and feature short barrels.
This means that there are no set rules when it comes to deciding how far eye relief should be. It also depends on how accustomed the shooter is to recoil. Usually, body size and strength can make this easier for some people to handle.
When choosing your scope, you'll need to pick up your rifle and test it (don't shoot!) to figure out the best position for your eye relief. After all, there's nothing worse than getting a riflescope straight to the face!
Reticles
When it comes to Marlin 336 scopes, there's truly not much need for overly-complicated, range delineated reticles. This kind of rifle doesn't provide the range needed to make complex reticles useful - so it's a good idea to stick to standard or duplex style crosshairs when it comes to target acquisition
Illuminated reticles can be beneficial if you're prone to hunting in low light conditions, as they enhance accuracy. You'll want to choose a rifle with reticles that provide good visibility in all kinds of lighting conditions.
Whether you're an early morning shooter, or more a dusk kind of guy, your scope's reticles shouldn't let you down. Check the reviews to get an understanding of how the rifle has performed for others during different times of the day.
Dead-hold bullet drop compensation MOA reticles are designed to minimize the need for guesswork when it comes to bullet hold-over at long distances. By selecting the appropriate reticle hashmark, a shooter can attain a reliable dead hold bullet-drop reference for all reasonable distances (within 100 yards, for instance.)
They're usually customized with a dot design that provides clear targets. SFP reticles are beneficial because they don't visually change in size when the magnification is adapted. The advantage of this being that they always maintain the same appearance, and require less adjustment.
FAQ´s
Marlin 336 Scope vs. Iron Sights
Scopes and iron sights provide different benefits to dedicated hunters and shooters, but which is better?
It all depends on your needs.
Scopes are designed to be used during long-range shooting. A Marlin 336 scope allows you to remain undetected at a distance, and to effortlessly hit your target. Scopes magnify targets, thus enhancing the effectiveness of aiming, targeting, and shooting. Scopes can also help you to see better in low-light conditions.
On the other hand, an iron sight is a sighting accessory that you can attach to your rifle. It works by estimating the point of impact depending on where it is you're aiming from. Iron sights provide the best target acquisitions through the human eye. Your eye has to focus at the front sight before you take a shot, which can tire your eye and blur your target.
They can also work in low-lighting and at long ranges, however, they don't provide magnification, which is why most experienced hunters prefer using a 30 30 with scope over an iron sight.
Scopes are a lot more popular among beginners who want to enhance their sight without causing unnecessary stress, whereas iron sights are more popular with old-school shooters who prefer to do things the traditional way.
How to mount a scope on a marlin 336
When it comes to mounting a scope on a Marlin 336, you shouldn't have any trouble. This process will also depend on the model of your rifle, as older models might require different processes for mounting a scope or have a rail in place already. You can follow these steps to ensure your scope is mounted securely using a mounting base:
- Choose a mounting base for your scope.
- Once the base is firmly in place, you can mount the factory-supplied mount rings and remove the tops.
- Set the scope carefully into the base and replace the top rings.
- Next, align the scope’s reticle square to the rifle bore.
- Check the scope eye relief with your shooting eye while holding the rifle to your shoulder in a shooting position, continue to check the reticle square.
- Slowly tighten the scope ring tops, alternating from screw to screw, keeping the gaps between the upper and lower ring sections as even as possible.
Remember to always read the instructions.
Consult the manual that comes with your scope for a detailed set-up process. It might even have pictures too, and let's face it, that makes following instructions much easier - not just for under 7-year-olds!
CONCLUSION
So there you have it, our guide to the best scope for Marlin 336 action rifle. If you're looking for the best scopes for your action rifle, we've outlined 7 excellent options, each possessing unique features, and characteristics.
We found it difficult to choose a single scope to recommend over the others, as each delivers great results. However, we have to say that the Vortex Diamondback 1. 75-5x32 riflescope tops our list. Not only is Vortex a name that you can trust when it comes to great scopes, but this model provides unparalleled precision in all conditions (regardless of weather and low-lighting), and features V-Plex MOA reticles, a fast-focus eyepiece, and precision turrets for complete accuracy every shot. What's more, it comes with a lifetime guarantee and features a lightweight design that's durable and sleek.
However, if you prioritize affordability over anything else, but you don't want to compromise completely on quality, then we highly recommend the Barska 3-9x 40mm Huntmaster riflescope, which is durable, effective, and available at a very reasonable price point. There are other options for those seeking the best Marlin 336 scope on a budget, such as the Simmons Truplex Riflescope, which is one of the cheapest on the market. However, it's important to find the right balance between quality and affordability - which is where the Barska model covered in our view ticks all the boxes.
When it comes to choosing the best scope for your Marlin rifle, it all comes down to your specific needs. Check out the Marlin 336 scopes available and compare the features they offer to what you want from your scope. Consider whether you'll be using it outdoors, and for what purpose. This way you'll ensure that the scope you eventually invest in will enhance your shooting, eliminate frustrations, and allow you to enjoy hunting and shooting for years to come.
For other rifle and scope types check: