I am looking into investing in a marlin 30-30 and I am going to top it with a straight power compact scope. I am thinking of something in the 4x range. Any thoughts on a good one?

Before anyone says anything, yes I know that it may be pointless to have a scope on a 30-30 as it is not a long range gun but not all of us are blessed with perfect eye sight and I want one regardless. I already have a scope-less Winchester 94.

I've put scopes on any of the rifles I plan to hunt with, including the muzzle loader. I can't see iron sights well enough any more to risk a wounded critter. I'm using the same model scope (a Bushnell Elite 3200, 1.5-to-4.5x w/ "Firefly" reticle) on my Marlin 1895 and Encore .50 ML. The 4x sounds like a good choice to me but I can't recommend any particular one.

look at a leupold fixed 4x with thick cross bars...they make a few as shotgun scopes..very good looking scopes. I have an older 4x m8 that is simply awesome on my bush gun.

Unfortunately pumpkin slinger, here in Oregon we cannot scope black powder rifles for black powder hunts but if we use them during rifle season then we can.

A 4x is a very good scope for a 30.30 of any brand. I would be looking for a long eye relief or scout scope. Have a look at the XS Sights website for a mount. They have a XS Lever Scout Mount for the Marlin lever gun. I have the Model 94 mount on my Winchester and it is a great mount.

Vince wrote:

I would be looking for a long eye relief or scout scope.

tlo7mm, I was going to suggest a scout scope set-up also. I placed a Leupold 2.5x on my Marlin lever action after I picked up a friend's 30-30 Winchester that had one. I couldn't believe how quickly I could acquire targets plus I could shoot both eyes open!

It depends what you prefer. My .30/30 and other lever action rifles wear 4X scopes. That works well for me. All the best...
Gil

Have you considered other sighting options such as prismatic, reflex or red dot? I use a red dot on my combination .22 mag and 20 guage and find it great for quick close shots.

I use a Nikon Monarch 1-4X20 German recticle on my .35 Remington. Unfortunately it isn't long eye relief but I like being able to leave it at 1X for the quick shots and 4X when I have the time for a better look.

I already have a scope rail which of course is the least expensive part of the equation. I like the idea of a 1-4x mac. I am not interested in any type of sight for it other than a scope. I may opt for a reflex or red dot sight for my 12 gauge but not for the 30-30. I really don't want to spend a hell of a lot of money for the scope though but if that is what I have to do when I get the gun I may change my mind. I was thinking of elevated see through rings with a ghost ring sight on the rear as well. I am not sure if that would work with the scope mount I have but It was a thought.

tlo7mm wrote:

I was thinking of elevated see through rings with a ghost ring sight on the rear as well. I am not sure if that would work with the scope mount I have but It was a thought.

These have not worked well for me. To get the scope high enough to provide enough of a view to use the rear sight, the scope is too high and not easy to use because your eye doesn't link up with it. I have Weaver 1-3 and Accupoint 1-4 and use the 1x feature with two eyes open all the time. However, if would suggest trying any 1-4x in the one power first. I found several examples were the distortion in the optics would not allow me to use it 2 eyes open. Close one eye and it was ok, but my eyes could not fuse the image of the scope with the real world.

yip high scope set ups are a waste of time..and a right bitch to work out where to aim as good old 3" high at 100 turns it into a nightmare...did it on a .303 and threw mounts away in frustration.
my loopy cost us less than $100 NZ second hand just been refurbished through factory so is BETTER than new.
the m8s are small scopes so dont look out of place and you would be able to mount it super low . a 1.5x5 loopy will show you your front site on lowest setting makes it like shooting a shottie.

I'm not a great fan of Simmons scopes, but they sell a 4X32 shotgun scope that works great for short range rifles. It's tough as nails and very lightweight. I've used them on several rifles, including a single shot .500 S&W with 440gr. bullets. If it stands up to that recoil and is built for use on shotguns, your 30-30 should have no problems.
Here's a few links:
www.theconsumerlink.co...rt=0&.
www.midwayusa.com/prod...uctFinding

I use a simmons 1x shotgun scope on my muzzleloader, its held up well from the heavy recoil. Thompson Center actually purchased the rights to it and now sell it under their name.


-DallanC