I am looking for a scope to put on my Marlin Guide gun. First choice is a Leupold 1x4 but I noticed a lot of shotgun scopes on the market that are also low powered variables and with good eye relief. The shotgun scopes seem to be a lot lower in price. What are the differences between the rifle and shotgun scopes?

Don't hold my feet to the fire with this answer, but I think shotgun scopes tend to have parallax set for ~ 50 yards, instead of ~ 150 yards for non AO scopes.

i have a leupold 2.5x fixed...cant complain. if money is the issue just get a tasco and if it goes out...big deal. if you want to rely on it thick and thin...leupold. my next scope will be the aimpoint 2moa

Money isnt an issue..dependability is.

I have a Weaver Grand Slam 1.5-5 on my GG. It's been through several Alaska moose seasons without a problem.

Leupold shotgun scopes have the parallax set at 75 yards. Some others brands are 50. Whether its 50 or 150 yards, probably won't make that much difference in the Marlin 1895.

I put a Leupold 1x4 on my 1885 45-70, the shotgun version because I shoot withing 100 yds. But the heavy duplex was heavier than the specs and covered 3" at 100 yds.I had them put fine duplex on it and have been happy ever since.

What effect if any would having the parallax set at 75 yards have on a 150 yard shot? Very few rifle scope are adjustable for parallax anymore.

leupold made the 2.5 fixed for the guide gun with long eye relief...nuff' said. but like snowwolf said dependability is evrything...especialy on a hunt. if it is for shits and giggles...tasco

I have a 2.5x fixed on my marlin 45/70 and I am happy with it, it has enough magnification for the ranges I shoot my 45/70 at.

The maximum error presented by using a scope that is parallax free at 75 yards for a 150 yard shot would be less than one-half inch if the shooters eye is aligned with the center of the reticle. Potential error is increased with increased magnification and distance the eye deviates from the center of the reticle.