I have a pre-safety Marlin 336 in .30-30. For years I've been shooting a Williams peep sight and doing quite well. Now that I am over 40 I have noticed that my low light vision is not what it used to be so I'm considering scoping the gun. My choices are Leupold 2X compact, M-8 4X, VX-II 1x4, or a Weaver k2.5(one of the new ones). If I must scope it, which would be best?

Barry i would stay with either of the 2x's, realy don't see the need for a variable on the 336, on 2 of mine I have gone to the Express Sights scout scope mount and the simmons pistol scope in 2x

Dave, I hadn't thought of a scout set-up. Now, something else to consider! I am leaning toward the fixed 2x, though.

I'm also experiencing the same vision concerns. Years of use of aperture sights only has made use of high magnification scopes difficult for me. My nearsightedness might be a contributing factor (despite correction to 20/20 vision). I've found the Weaver 2�X scopes to be the bees knees for me. I now have a couple of 4X and adjustable but the adjustable stay at near 2�X and none are so satisfactory. I just couldn't mount a scope on a lever gun and so am using a Contender carbine, but the lever gets a walk when the weather is atrocious!

Barry,
I would go with the best quality variable you can afford that doesn't "overpower" the 336. The fact that the 30-30 is not ideal for those long bean field shots shouldn't prevent you from looking at a quality variable with a little higher top end magnification for a couple of reasons.

1)The higher magnification is more than appreciated at the range when working up a load for accuracy.

2)Most importantly, it's in the evening at last light when the high quality optics with higher magnifications come into their own, irrespective of range. Two weeks ago, I took a very nice 10 pointer just before it was too dark to shoot. I had a Leupold Vari-X III 2.5-8 on my 7-08AI. I always leave the scope set to 2.5X. It would be unusual not to have time to crank it up if I needed more magnification. The cartridge I was using doesn't matter since the buck was well within 30-30 range. I had time to crank my scope up to 8X. The scope gathered enough light and gave a nice enough sight picture that I could easily get a good look at this buck and his rack to determine whether or not to shoot in the last precious seconds of that days hunt. I'm 50, and my eyes aren't what they used to be. A lesser scope would not have afforded me that option.

[ 12-05-2003, 05:35: Message edited by: SST ]

If you decide to get a Leupold 4x let me know! There is one in the reloading room that needs to find a home on top of a deer rifle and would probably love the new digs on that 336! GHD

I own 3 Leupold vari-x II 1x4 20mm scopes.These are the perfect scope for leverguns.I bought 3 of them because Dicks Sporting Goods store had a in store sale for $179ea.I just could't walk away,so i bought 3 of them.Great scope!

Barry,
I hunted this year and last with a Marlin 444 and a Weaver 2.5. I took deer both years, like Ray says put the cross hairs on'em and pull the trigger. Bryan

[ 12-06-2003, 08:34: Message edited by: 7x57 ]

I just picked up a Weaver V3 1-3x variable to replace an old K3 that sprung a crosshair on my .35 Marlin. I'm favorably impressed with it especially on the 1x setting. It is nearly as good as the Leupold Vari-X II 1-4x that I have on another rifle but is about $100 cheaper. If you see any of the Leupolds at less than $200 though, grab it.

I am also a fan of lowered powders scopes on a lever action. I have most of mine set up with ShotGun Scopes.

They are focused with a 50 yd parallax, and also can be had with thicker crosshairs that are great in close cover.

At the same time, dial it up to 4 power and it works just fine for any range a lever action rifle is good for.

Since shotgun scopes are designed to take the kick of a 12 gauge, they work great on anything thru a Hot Loaded Marlin 45/70.

Although not high buck, I have great luck with Bushnells scopes with the circle X reticle. Just put the "pie pan" as I call it, on game and pull the trigger. I even mounted one on a 10/22 for prairie dogs, and those that used it, said it was quicker to use than any other scope, regardless of power. The same scopes also have a rear focus adjustment that is just the ticket when your eye sight is getting old, and is different this week than last week. Older guys will relate. For $50.00 to $100.00 or so, these are great options for a 30/30, 10/22 etc.

I've found without a doubt the best scope for woods hunting at short range is a red dot scope. I have an Ultra Dot and a Tasco and both of them are really great for late afternoon and early morning hunting.
They are very strong and dependable and don't have any paralax.
Just my $.02...

I have a nice old beat up Marlin 336 stright lever Marlin 30-30 and I put a 2.5X Leupold Alaskan on it, that 26MM scope sure looks cute on top of that trim little rifle and my grandson will shoot his elk with it next month on a draw hunt thats sure to put him on a good bull.....

Thanks for all the thoughtful insight. I went ahead and mounted a Leupold M8-4X simply because I had one on hand. I'm sure the VX-II 1x4 or M8 2.5 would have been equally suited. I'm off to the range tomorrow to play.