I have been looking to get a Marlin in 375 WCF for a while. I saw one for sale at gunbroker.com and might put in a bid. I would put a 1.5-4.5x32 on it and use it as my brush gun this coming season. My question is, what is the lowest scope mounting option (other than a scout mount) for a Marlin lever gun?

By the by, methinks that the 375 is a 336 frame. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

I have a Leupold 1.5-5X20 on my .45-70 guide gun in Talley Mounts. The scope is quite low over the barrel. In fact, when the scope is on 1X, you can see the barrel in the scope. I like it very much. Give me your email and I will send you a photo. Jeff

I would also suggest the Screw lock Talley mounts. These are extremely rugged, and always return to zero when reinstalled. That way, you can sight it in with both the sights and scope.
Besides the Vari-X III 1.5-5x Leupold, take a look at the Vari-X II 1-4x Leupold. They recently redesigned this scope. It uses the same lens coatings as the Vari-X III's, but is much less expensive.
I am going to scope my Marlin 1894 45 LC, and I am using the Talley rings and bases and the 1-4x Leupold.

I have a Marlin 336 in 35 Rem that I am going to scope with a Japanese made Tasco 1.75-5x20. I am using a Weaver one piece base and very low Weaver rings.I can then quickly detach the scope and use the iron sights.Yes, the 375 is on the 336 frame.

I have a 2.5x compact leupold on my 1895ss 45/70 in weaver mounts & bases and it sits very low. It is a great scope with heaps of eye releif.