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  • Post last modified:October 23, 2023

The Marlin 336 is a well-liked lever-action rifle chambered in .30-30, recognized for its user-friendly design and formidable power, delivering up to 1930 ft-lbs of force.

If you're in search of the best scopes for the Marlin 336, specifically for close to medium-range shooting, up to 200 yards with an average 4-inch shot grouping at 100 yards, we have you sorted.

Our team has conducted comprehensive tests on a range of optics, including red dot sights and prism sights, to present you with the top 4 choices.

Best Scopes for Marlin 336 Comparison Chart ( .30-30)

The Marlin 336 is best paired with a 3-9X magnified scope for versatile use, while a prism optic is perfect for a truck gun setup. For up-close plinking and hunting, a red dot sight is the way to go.

Vortex Crossfire II 3-9X50mm

The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x50 scope offers a decent glass quality with a multi-anti-reflective coating on its air-to-glass surfaces. It handles Marlin 336 recoil effectively and provides accurate zeroing for 100 yards.

The capped turrets, while spongy, work well for a "set it and forget it" approach. It boasts a 3.8-inch eye relief and features a straight dead hold reticle in the secondary focal plane, along with a reliable Vortex warranty. This budget-friendly scope, priced around $250, is suitable for hunting but not intended for precision shooting.

Leupold VX Freedom 3-9X50


The Leupold VX-Freedom rifle scope offers excellent optics, precision, and a range of reticles designed for hunters and shooters. Leupold's advanced optical system delivers outstanding clarity, excellent light transmission, reduced glare, and impressive resolution.

The VX-Freedom comes with ballistic reticles or pre-calibrated dials that align with popular calibers, offering a broad array of ballistic solutions. Leupold offers a custom dial system that revolutionizes field performance. Simply provide basic information about your ammunition and rifle, and Leupold will craft a user-friendly custom dial for your scope.

This scope is built to withstand fog, water, and scratches, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee. It is proudly designed, machined, and assembled in the United States.

Primary Arms SLX 3X Prism Scope

The Primary Arms SLx 3x MicroPrism is a rugged and compact scope featuring a fixed 3x magnification and an illuminated glass-etched ACSS Raptor reticle, which is particularly beneficial for shooters with astigmatism. It comes with quarter-minute of angle adjustments and low-profile, snag-free turrets.

This scope is highly portable, offers forgiving eye relief, and performs reliably even in extreme weather conditions. With 80 minutes of angle for both elevation and windage adjustment, the ACSS Raptor reticle provides auto-ranging and drop data out to 600 yards.

For Marlin 336 lever action rifles, the fixed 3x magnification is an excellent choice for medium-range shooting, and the Primary Arms SLx 3x MicroPrism's compact and lightweight design complements such rifles perfectly.

Moreover, the ACSS Raptor reticle is well-suited for hunting applications, offering a clear and precise aiming point that simplifies target acquisition and accuracy at various distances. In summary, the Primary Arms SLx 3x MicroPrism is an affordable, high-performance scope that's an excellent match for lever action rifles like the Marlin 336.

Holosun 515GM

The Holosun HS515GM is widely regarded as Holosun's best red dot sight, often referred to as a military-grade optic that has gained popularity among various armed forces worldwide.

Crafted from robust 7075 T6 aluminum, the HS515GM surpasses the durability of cheaper models employing 6061 aluminum. It boasts a quick-detach (QD) mount and can accommodate a kill flash and flip-up lens caps, both of which come included. Unlike lower-priced models, the HS515GM offers superior mount compatibility and works seamlessly with Aimpoint T1 Micro mounts.

For close-quarter hunting, the HS515GM stands out as an excellent choice for a lightweight Marlin 336. Its compact and lightweight design perfectly complements the Marlin 336, a favored hunting rifle appreciated for its reliability, accuracy, and manageable weight.

Featuring a 2MOA dot, the HS515GM facilitates rapid target acquisition, while the circle reticle enhances accuracy. Furthermore, the HS515GM incorporates user-friendly top-mounted button controls and a side-mounted battery housing, ensuring ease of operation and maintenance.