While rifles serve many uses, sometimes the classics are best for the classic function: good, old fashioned hunting. The Marlin 336 is an astounding rifle that has been taking down deer for the last 65 years.
While we have covered some of the best scopes for automatic rifles, finding the right scope for an oldie but goodie, like the Marlin 336, doesn’t require any extravagant features. We put together this review of some of our favorite scopes that would do well on a Marlin 336, and we’ll let you know which we think is the best option for the average gunowner. We covered both ends of the price range in this article, so there are great bargains to be found as well as high end scopes that will never fail you.
Leupold VX-1 Riflescope
Materials – The Leupold VX-1 Riflescope is a rugged body tube, constructed of 6061 T6 high grade aluminum. The tube has been treated to be waterproof and fog proof. This scope is renowned for it’s crystal clear glass lens, superior light transmission, and crisp images. The adjustable turrets click at ¼ MOA. The magnification range is 3-9x, but it can also be purchased in 4-12x and 2-7x. The 40mm objective lens is, of course, multicoated and has a duplex reticle. Every Leupold VX-1 Waterproof Riflescope is backed by Leupold’s full warranty for the life of the scope, regardless of whether you’re the original owner or not.
Performance – The Leupold VX-1 Riflescope is a high quality product for the price, and this is a great starting point for anyone who wants a good performing Marlin 336 scope on a small budget. The look of this scope is really sleek and simplified, making it a discrete accessory that still looks good. We think the 3-9x range is perfect for a Marlin 336 rifle, but the additional Leupold scope options make this a good buy for your other guns too. We do wish there was a little more detail, such as some markings on the adjustment turrets, and we wish we had some more options than the duplex reticle. However, everything that is actually a part of this scope is clear and precise.
What we say – The Leupold VX-1 Riflescope costs between $175 and $200, depending on where you purchase it from. This is the lowest priced option within this review, and it’s one of the best bargains you’ll find online, period.
- Lowest cost
- Well coated lens and totally water and fog proof
- Available in multiple magnification ranges and objective lens
- Missing small detail that could help
- A versatile 3:1 zoom ratio erector system that is ideal for virtually any situation.
- 1/4 MOA precision finger click adjustments for windage and elevation offer absolute repeatability and dependability over a lifetime of extreme use.
- Absolute waterproof and fog proof integrity - each is ready for a lifetime in the field, in all conditions.
Nikon Prostaff Target EFR Riflescope
Materials – The Nikon Prostaff Target EFR Riflescope is a single, aluminum tube that comes in a matte black finish. Its specialty is being able to focus at both close and long range distances for accurate targeting, which is perfect for hunting. This scope features the new Nikon Precision Reticle, which is composed of a fine cross hair with a centered dot. The magnification range is a standard 3x-9x, and it has a 40mm objective lens that is fully multicoated for water proof, fog proof, and shock proof functionality. The quick focus eyepiece is set in a large ocular, so there’s no squinting or trouble acquiring the target. The Nikon Prostaff Target EFR Riflescope is almost exactly one foot long, and it weighs just under one pound.
Performance – The Nikon Prostaff Target EFR Riflescope is one of the best Marlin 336 scopes for hunters, whether you’re competitive or a hobbyist. Nikon, as always, provides a crystal clear picture that receives excellent light transmission and contrast. Their Precision Reticle is brilliant and accurate. Although the magnification is standard, you can trust Nikon to give you one of the highest performances for even basic features. The adjustment turrets on this scope also have notches for accurately correcting for windage and elevation. This rifle scope is a little bigger and heavier than many others, and that’s really its only downfall.
What we say – The Nikon Prostaff Target EFR Riflescope costs about $190 online, keeping it just under the $200 mark. Not only are you getting the high quality craftmanship from Nikon, but you’re also getting their innovative features that are unique to the brand. You won’t want another scope for your Marlin 336 after you try out this one.
- Good cost for the quality
- Nikon Precision Reticle as as as
- Focuses at all distances
- Heavier and larger than others
- Quick Focus eyepiece
- Adjustable Objective - Parallax free viewing down to 10 meters
- New Precision Target reticle-perfect for rimfire or air rifles
Vortex Optics Viper HS-T
Materials – If you often do your best shooting from a distance, then this scope is for you. The Vortex Optics Viper HS-T scope is a one piece tube made of machined aluminum in a matte black finish. The HS-T stands for “Hunting Shooting Tactical”, which means it can satisfy various types of use. The advanced optical system has a magnification range of 4x-16x, or it can be purchased with a 6x-24x range. The 44mm tube has an objective lens that’s made of extra low dispersion glass to increase resolution and color fidelity. An increased eye relief gives shooters plenty of room for comfort. The hashmark based reticle is precise and one of the best at locking in on targets. The best part: it comes with an unconditional lifetime warranty.
Performance – The Vortex Optics Viper HS-T scope is great in assisting you with those one hit kills. Whether you’re hunting for trophy, your dinner, or both, the precise reticle and ability to focus on bigger magnifications will make this the best scope you’ve ever used on your Marlin 336. Obviously, you’ll want the 4x-16x option, but the 6x-24x is popular for other firearms. The adjustment turrets are well labeled and marked for proper and accurate corrections during targeting, and the picture is very clear and bright. However, if you thought the Nikon scope was a little on the heavy side, this scope is a few ounces under one and a half pounds, which we think is starting to push it for a tube scope. However, all of the other excellent features on the Vortex Optics Viper HS-T scope quickly “weigh out” the bad ones (pun intended).
What we say – The Vortex Optics Viper HS-T scope costs between $560 and $570 online. That’s a few hundred dollar jump from where we started in this review; but, if you have the money to spend, this is a great Marlin 336 scope that will help bring in some of your most prized hunting moments.
- Great for long range shooting
- Unconditional lifetime warranty
- XD glass for best picture
- Fine crosshair reticle
- Weighs almost one and a half pounds
- Expensive as as
- The Viper HS-T 4-16x44 is one of multiple configurations in the Viper HS-T (Hunting & Shooting Tactical) line. VMR-1 Reticle (MOA) is perfect for accurate holds at extended ranges.
- Incorporating our premium, fully multi-coated, extra-low dispersion lenses brings excellent resolution and color fidelity. The XR coatings provide enhanced light gathering capability while Armortek coating protects the lenses.
- The exposed target-style turrets are constructed for precise and repeatable finger-adjustable clicks. A CRS Zero Stop allows for reliable return to zero capability after dialing temporary elevation corrections.
Trijicon RS20 AccuPower Riflescope
Materials – Trijicon is a gateway brand into the world of high technology scopes with options up the wazoo. The Trijicon RS20 AccuPower Riflescope is constructed of aircraft grade aluminum housing that is tough against exterior weather elements. The 40mm objective lens is multicoated for the highest quality picture that gathers the most light. This scope is the only one in this review with adjustable brightness settings, having eleven in total. Even better, you can choose between a duplex crosshair reticle, a MIL-square crosshair, or an MOA crosshair, which all come in your choice of red or green. This scope allows for around three and a half inches of eye relief, and it has a standard 3x-9x magnification.
Performance – We love Trijicon, but we especially love their AccuPower Riflescopes for the Marlin 336. While the magnification range is standard, this is one of the more affordable scopes you’ll find that offers illuminated reticles with adjustable brightness levels. The look is sleek and almost entirely in matte black, with just enough detail to accurately adjust turrets for windage and elevation. This scope weighs about seventeen ounces, which is a weight we can handle without complaining. You can trust Trijicon will give you one of the best scopes you’ve ever installed on your rifle.
What we say – The Trijicon RS20 AccuPower Riflescope costs just under $700 online, making it the most expensive option within this review. However, that price covers any illuminated reticle and any reticle type that is offered. You’re investing in one of the most high end scopes out there.
- Multiple styles of reticle and illumination
- Simple adjustments and function
- Comfortable weight
- Most expensive option
- Superior Quality Lenses: Multi-coated lenses provide superior clarity and light gathering capabilities with zero distortion
- Illuminated Reticle: Powered by a CR2032 battery
- Adjustable Brightness Settings: Eleven brightness settings with an "Off" feature between each brightness setting
Our Favorite Marlin 336 Scope
We think the best Marlin 336 scope we can suggest for you is, surprisingly, the Leupold VX-1 Riflescope. After all of those styles of reticles, technology, and performance, we still believe the most basic and standard option is not only best option for installing on your Marlin 336, but it’s also the best bargain for the money. You can stick with the 3x-9x selection, or you can go for the 4x-12x, if you plan to shoot at a longer range. The adjustments are accurate, and the reticle is precise. At less than $200, you’re getting a fantastic scope for a rifle that doesn’t need anything too flashy being attached to it in the first place. The Leupold VX-1 Riflescope keeps things simple, classy, and affordable. Who could ask for anything else?
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