The Marlin 336 is a popular lever-action rifle chambered in .30-30, known for its ease of use and powerful performance of up to 1930 ft-lb force.
If you're looking for the best scopes for Marlin 336 for close to medium-range shooting of up to 200 yards with an average 4" shot group at 100 yards, we've got you covered.
Our team has tested various optics, including red dot sights and prism sights, to bring you the top 4 options.
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 is a good quality budget-friendly scope for hunting, priced around $250. The glass quality of the scope is decent, with a multi-any-reflective coating on all air to glass surfaces. It can handle Marlin 336 recoil well, and is accurate at zeroing in for 100 yards. The turrets are capped and spongy, but suitable for a set it and forget it approach. The eye relief is 3.8 inches and the reticle is a straight dead hold reticle with a secondary focal plane, with a good warranty offered by Vortex. Overall, the scope is suitable for hunting but not for precision shooting.
Leupold VX Freedom 3-9X50
The VX-Freedom rifle scope is manufactured by Leupold and offers high-quality optics, accuracy, and a variety of reticles for hunters and shooters. Leupold's advanced optical system provides exceptional clarity, light transmission, glare reduction, and resolution.
The VX-Freedom is available with ballistic reticles or pre-calibrated dials that match popular calibers and offer a wide range of ballistic solutions. Leupold provides a custom dial system that is a game changer in the field. After providing basic information about the ammo and rifle, Leupold makes a custom dial for the scope that is easy to install and use.
The VX-Freedom is fog proof, waterproof, has scratch-resistant lenses, and is guaranteed for life. It is designed, machined, and assembled in the USA.
Primary Arms SLX 3X Prism Scope
The Primary Arms SLx 3x MicroPrism is a compact and rugged scope with a 3x fixed magnification and an illuminated glass etched ACSS Raptor reticle, which is great for shooters with astigmatism. It has quarter-minute of angle adjustments and low profile, zero-snag turrets.
The scope is highly portable, has forgiving eye relief, and is reliable in extreme weather conditions. It has 80 minutes of angle of total elevation and windage adjustment, and the ACSS Raptor reticle offers auto-ranging and drop data out to 600 yards.
This scope is an excellent choice for a Marlin 336 lever action rifle. The fixed 3x magnification is suitable for medium-range distances and lever action rifles benefit from a compact and lightweight scope like the Primary Arms SLx 3x MicroPrism.
Additionally, the ACSS Raptor reticle is ideal for hunting applications as it offers a clear and precise aiming point, making it easier to acquire and hit targets at varying distances. Overall, the Primary Arms SLx 3x MicroPrism is a reliable, affordable, and high-performance scope that is well-suited for a lever action rifle like the Marlin 336.
Holosun 515GM
The Holosun HS515GM is considered by many as the best red dot sight made by Holosun. It is referred to as a military-grade red dot sight and has seen some widespread adoption with various militaries around the world.
The HS515GM is made of 7075 T6 aluminum, which is stronger and more durable than the cheaper 6061 aluminum used in other models. It also features a QD mount, and can accept a kill flash and flip-up lens caps which are included. The HS515GM has better mount integration than cheaper models, and it is compatible with Aimpoint T1 Micro mounts.
For close quarter hunting, the HS515GM is an excellent choice for a lightweight Marlin 336. The lightweight and compact design of the HS515GM make it a perfect fit for the Marlin 336, which is a popular hunting rifle due to its reliability, accuracy, and lightweight.
The 2MOA dot allows for quick target acquisition and the circle reticle which aids in better accuracy. Additionally, the HS515GM has top-mounted button controls and a side-mounted battery housing, which makes it easier to operate and maintain.
As the content creator of badassoptic.com, My background in the firearms industry and shooting sports gives me the experience to recommend tried and true products and keep away subpar ones.