First introduced by Marlin Firearms in 1948, the Marlin 336 is one of the most popular centerfire lever rifles still in production. If you asked ten different deer hunters to name their idea of the most iconic deer rifle, I’m betting that more than half would say a lever action 30-30 Marlin 336. The first deer rifle I ever fired and carried into the woods as a teenager was a Marlin 336 chambered in 30-30.
Having grown up in North Carolina, the lever action 30-30 was the most popular deer rifle during my youth and the gun of choice for deer hunting in heavy cover where the average shot on a deer was 100 yards or less.
The shorter barrel (compared to most bolt rifles of that era) made it easy to handle in cover, the lever action was more than fast enough for rapid follow-up shots, and the 30-30 caliber was more than sufficient for ethically taking deer at 100 yards or less. While more popular as a deer cartridge, the 30-30 is also used for hunting Black Bears as well.
Even today, the Marlin 336 is still a popular option for deer hunting with new and experienced hunters alike. The timeless lever-action design still appeals to hunters and shooters as a lever action rifle was the traditional weapon of the cowboys and frontiersmen of the past. Even today, one of the questions I’m routinely asked at my day job is: what’s the best scope for 30-30 Marlin 336 lever action rifle?
In a hurry, here are my top 10 picks for the best Marlin 30 30 scopes:
#1 – Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 #2 – Simmons 8 Point 3-9×40 #3 – Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×50 #4 – Leupold FX-3 6×42 #5 – Vortex Crossfire II 3-12×56 #6 – Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12×40 #7 – Vortex Diamondback 3.5-10×50 #8 – Leupold VX3i 3.5-10×40 #9 – Simmons AETEC 2.8-10×44 illuminated #10 – Meopta MeoPro 6×42
Honorable mentions:
Nikon Prostaff P3 3-9×40 BDC Weaver K-4 Classic 4X38
Each scope that I’ve suggested as a possible option for a 30 30 lever action rifle has both pros and cons. Let’s get into why I think each of the rifle scope models below is a good option for a Marlin 336 30-30, and then I’ll go over what to look for in a Marlin 30-30 scope in a buyer’s guide down below.
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32
When discussing Marlin 336 scope options, the smaller and lower-powered scope models should always be part of the conversation.
Built on a 1-inch tube, the Vortex 2-7×32 offers a compact and lightweight scope option for the Marlin 336. Given that most shots with a 336 take place under 100 yards, it’s not necessary to outfit one with a higher magnification scope.
The 2-7 power range offers more than enough magnification for shots out to 75 yards or longer. The 32mm objective is small enough so the scope can be mounted closer to the bore, yet offers enough light transmission for a bright, clear picture.
With an overall length of 10.71 inches and a weight of 14.3 ounces, this Crossfire II scope is small and light enough not to slow down or interfere with the maneuverability of the lever-action 336 in dense brush.
This scope is available with either a Vortex V-Plex reticle or the Dead-Hold BDC reticle. I’m a fan of the Dead-hold BDC reticle as it offers a serious amount of versatility.
Pros Cons Outstanding 3.9 inches of eye relief
A very wide field of view of 42-12.6/100 yards
The Dead-Hold BDC can be used to extend the range of the rifle
Great Warranty
Built like a tank, but it also means that this scope weighs more than most models with the same dimensions.
A fixed 100-yard parallax (Not a deal-breaker, but I prefer an adjustable parallax if possible)
Here are the best prices and deals I could find for the Crossfire II 2-7×32 models:
Simmons 8 Point 3-9×40
When you start shopping for a Marlin 30 30 scope, you’re most likely going to see a number of suggestions for scopes in the 3-9 power range. This is due to the overall popularity of that specific scope magnification range.
If you want a decent 3-9 optics for your 3030, then the Simmons 8 Point 3-9×40 might be worth checking out. It’s a no-frills 3-9 scope that offers better than average optical quality and features at a price that won’t break your budget.
This scope offers an optical quality that exceeds the price, coupled with 3.75 inches of eye relief, and Simmons patented TrueZero windage and elevation system.
The 8 Point scope offers a good value at a good price.
Pros Cons The price point is a big plus
Surprisingly, decent glass for the $
Very lightweight for a 3-9 scope
Compact 40mm objective lens
A non-adjustable 100-yard parallax
The power adjustment ring can be hard to turn at first, but it loosens up with use
Here are some of the best deals I could find on the Simmons 8 Point 3-9×40 scope:
Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×50
The Burris Fullfield E1 series of scopes is the workhorse scope series within the Burris scope line. The E1 offers good quality optics and features at a very reasonable price. Is it the cheapest 3-9 scope model in this list? No, but it’s a quality scope that will last a lifetime with proper care.
This scope comes with the Burris E1 reticle that functions as a standard duplex when needed but also features BDC functionality for bullet drop compensation. I like this reticle option as it’s very flexible.
This scope model features better than average glass that is crisp and clear, even in low light conditions. As an added bonus, it’s covered by the Burris Forever warranty program.
Even though the 30-30 is a light recoiling rifle, this scope has a history of durability and will hold up to a lifetime of recoil on a lever-action 30-30.
Pros Cons Excellent low light optics for this price range
The E1 reticle can also extend your shooting distances if you learn the reticle
Great Warranty
Like many 3-9 scopes in this price range, it has a fixed 100-yard parallax setting. (Not a deal-breaker though)
While the eye relief is listed at 3.1 to 3.4 inches and seems fine to me, some people have complained about the eye relief being “too short.”
Here are the best deals I could find on the Burris E1 Fullfield 3-9×50:
Leupold FX-3 6×42
A fixed power scope has always been a good choice for a Marlin 336 lever gun as they are simple to operate, very light, and very compact. The first Marlin 30-30 rifle I ever shot was equipped with a 4X fixed power scope, and it was a highly effective combination.
The Leupold FX-3 6×42 is a fixed 6X power scope that is built on a 1-inch tube. This scope model offers outstanding optical quality, but it comes at a higher price point than most of the other scopes on this list. This model also offers excellent low-light visibility via Leupold’s patented Twilight Management system.
The FX-6 comes with a standard parallax setting of 50 yards, but Leupold can also adjust the parallax point to another distance if you prefer. The FX-3 weighs 13.6 ounces so it’s a lightweight option for most any lever action 30-30.
Pros Cons Excellent optical quality glass
Excellent low light scope option
Comes with a fabulous warranty
Pricey but worth the cost if you prefer a fixed power scope
Not a heavy scope but not the lightest fixed power scope on the market
Here are the best prices I could find on the Leupold VX-3 6×42:
Vortex Crossfire II 3-12×56
While some people may look at the 3-12 power range on this Vortex scope as being too much, I’m a huge fan of this power range for a lever rifle. This power range offers more magnification range than a standard 3-9 scope, without having to move up to a higher-powered and heavier 4-12 or 4-16 scope.
Now, this scope does have a 56mm adjustable objective which is on the larger side as most of the other scopes on this list feature either a 40mm objective or a 42mm objective. The 56mm objective means that you’ll need either a set of higher rings or maybe see-thru rings. Another potential downside is the larger objective also adds overall weight to the scope.
However, the larger objective also pulls in quite a bit of light during low light conditions, and this scope features an illuminated reticle. These two features make this scope a good option for hunting in areas with a heavy leaf canopy or where a specific low light scope is needed.
Vortex advertises this scope as a “hog hunter” model but I’ve had customers at my day job who love this specific scope on a lever-action rifle. This model is built on a 30mm tube and features an adjustable parallax that will focus all the way down to 10 yards.
If you’re looking for an illuminated scope for a 30-30, then this scope might be worth checking out.
Pros Cons The 3-12 power range can be a big plus if a 3-9 is on the smaller side for you
Illuminated reticle
Adjustable parallax that focuses down to 10 yards
The larger 56mm objective lens will require scope rings that are higher than usual or see-thru rings (which I like as well)
All the extra features come at a price, and it’s the weight. This scope weighs nearly 22 ounces, which is much more substantial than most of the other scopes on this list.
Here are the best prices I could find on the Vortex Optics 3-12X56 IR:
Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12×40
As you shop for the best scope for a Marlin 30 30, you are bound to come across some recommendations for the Leupold brand of scopes, and I would agree with those suggestions.
The Leupold VX Freedom scope series is designed as a more budget-friendly mid-range scope within the Leupold line that offered very good optics at a reasonable price. While the VX-Freedom scopes are not the least expensive scope series on this list, they do offer a very good value for the cost.
Built on a 1-inch tube, the Freedom 4-12×40 model offers enough magnification to handle a shot from almost any distance. As with most all Leupold scopes, this 4-12 Freedom scope performs very well during low light situations and offers excellent light transmission.
The 4-12 model is compact enough to fit nicely on a lever-action brush gun yet offers enough scope for most any hunting scenario.
Pros Cons Impressive low light performance
At 11 ounces, it’s very light for a 4-12 scope
Backed by Leupold’s outstanding warranty
Comes with a fixed 100-yard parallax
Only available with the Tri-MOA reticle (which I like but some don’t)
Here are the best deals I could locate for the Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12×40:
Vortex Diamondback 3.5-10×50
The Vortex Diamondback scope models are a step up above the Vortex Crossfire II scope that I mentioned previously. The entire Diamondback line is really geared for hunting and is built like a tank to stand up to a lifetime of recoil.
The 3.5×10 configuration may be the ideal power magnification for most hunting situations as the 3.5 power is low enough for short-range shots and the 10X power offers enough magnification to push a 30-30 or .35 Remington round out past 100 yards if needed.
The optical quality on the Diamondback series is slightly better than the Crossfire II scopes and offers a crisp, clear image.
This model is built on a 1-inch tube and comes in weighing 16.2 ounces.
Pros Cons Excellent magnification range for any lever action rifle
Offers a good weight to the magnification ratio
Offered with two very effective reticle options
Fixed 100-yard parallax
The eye relief is 3.3” inches, which is a bit on the shorter side. It’s fine for a 30-30, but I wouldn’t suggest it for a heavier recoiling caliber
Here are the best deals I could locate for the Vortex Diamondback 3.5-10×50 scope:
Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×40
The 3.5-10 power range has been one of Leupold’s most popular power ranges for several years. The VX-3i series is a step above the VX-Freedom series in terms of glass quality, and that is reflected in the price.
This scope is built on a 1-inch tube, weighs in at 12.6 ounces, and the 40mm objective pulls in plenty of light.
Like most of the Leupold scope models, the VX-3i series also uses Leupold’s Twilight Management system for premium low-light performance.
While this scope model usually costs more than the Leupold VX-Freedom series I mentioned above, it’s still not a terribly expensive Marlin 30 30 scope option.
Pros Cons Clear optics with excellent low light performance
Covered by Leupold’s second to none warranty program
Manufactured in America
One of the more expensive options on this list
Comes with a fixed 100-yard parallax setting (This isn’t a deal-breaker, but I prefer an adjustable parallax if possible)
Here are the best scope offers I found for the Leupold VX-3i 3-10×40 scope:
Simmons AETEC 2.8-10×44 Illuminated
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly scope with an illuminated reticle, then this Aetec 2.8-10×44 with an illuminated reticle might be worth checking out.
While this scope model is equipped with a power range that is a bit out of the ordinary, the 2.8-10 range is an excellent all-around range for a 3030 lever rifle. The 10X magnification offers more than enough power for longer shots, and the 2.8 magnification works well for close-in shots in thick cover.
Built on a 1-inch tube, this Simmons Aetec scope weighs in at a hefty 16 ounces and is 13.4 inches long. While this scope seems to perform well in low light dawn and dusk situations, the low performance is not as good as the Leupold scopes I highlighted above. However, that’s to be expected as this Aetec scope costs less than half as much as a Leupold.
Pros Cons Optical quality is average, which is about what you would expect for the cost
The illuminated reticle is a deal at this price point
Much heavier than expected for a 1-inch tube in this power range
The illuminated reticle does not have an auto-shutoff feature
The eye relief is advertised as 3.5″, which is right on the edge of being a bit short.
If you are shopping for a Simmons Aetec 2.8-10×44, here are the best prices I was able to locate:
Meopta MeoPro 6×42
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