10 Best Scope for Marlin 336 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Even though it comes back from the 1940s, the Marlin 336 is still one of the most popular rifles for hunting. And as such, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of scopes to get for it.

But you don’t want just any scope for this rifle. You’ll want the best scope for Marlin 336. That means a medium-range, resilient, easy-to-use, and still, the light model that helps shoot 30-30 cartridges more accurately. 

There’s a lot more to consider, though. That’s why we’re going to talk about some of these scopes deeply. We’re going over their best and worst features so you can know them well before picking. More importantly, we’ll explain how they can make your Marlin 336 a more precise rifle.

So, want to start the next deer-hunting season fully equipped? Check our best choices for Marlin 336 scopes below!

10 Best Scopes for Marlin 336 Reviews in 2022: A Quick Comparison Table

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES	PRICE
	Burris Scout Hunting Riflescope	• Dimensions: 12 x 3 x 3 inches • Weight: 368.54 Grams • Color: Black	Check Price
	Vortex Optics Diamondback Riflescope	• Dimensions: 14.5 x 2 x 1.73 inches • Weight: 1.3 Pounds • Color: Black	Check Price
	CVLIFE Compact Rifle Scope	• Diameter: 1.26" (32mm); Eye Relief: 3.3" (83.82mm) Length: 7.48"(190mm) • Length: 7.48"(190mm) • Objective Diameter: 32mm	Check Price
	Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Riflescope	• Dimensions: 16.3 x 2.5 x 3.12 inches • Weight: 0.81 Pounds • Color: Black	Check Price
	Vortex Optics Crossfire II Scope	• Dimensions: 14 x 3 x 3 inches • Weight: 1.4 Pounds • Color: Black	Check Price
	UTG Accushot EZ-TAP Outdoor MS Rings Scope	• Dimensions: 10.39 x 1.57 x 2.09 inches • Weight: 1.45 Pounds • Color: Black	Check Price
	Simmons 511039 Riflescope	• Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches; 9.6 Ounces • Weight: 9.6 Ounces • Color: Matte Black	Check Price
	Athlon Optics Talos BTR Riflescope	• Dimensions: 16 x 4 x 4 inches • Weight: 0.45 Kilograms • Color: Black	Check Price
	Primary Arms SLX Rifle Scope	• 6-illumination settings powered by a common CR2032 battery • Exposed tactical style turrets with Zero Reset • Shockproof, waterproof, and fog resistant	Check Price
	Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint Riflescope	• SUPERIOR QUALITY LENSES • SECOND FOCAL PLANE RETICLE • ZERO FORWARD EMISSION	Check Price

With so many different options in the market, we had to spend countless hours to find scopes that truly met the needs of a Marlin 336. We focused on their performance for hunting as well as accuracy in mid-range shooting. After reviewing 10 of these scopes deeply, here’s what we found: 

1. Burris Scout Hunting Riflescope

Shooting at distances of 100 to 200 yards? Then you’ll love a scope with a magnification level of 2x to 7x. The Scout from Burris is precisely that kind of scope.

It is not only the power levels that set it apart. It also comes with a sufficiently large 20mm objective lens. This diameter ensures maximum light transmission alongside the high-grade lenses, increasing brightness and clarity even in challenging areas.

As for its convenience, you won’t be disappointed. A light design at 0.8 pounds makes it possible to handle your Marlin 336 with little effort. 

Accuracy relies heavily on the Heavy Plex reticle, making it simple to shoot on target. But aiming at the spot gets even better with the low-profile turrets that are small and move smoothly for easy adjustments. 

Then you can enjoy the precision-gauge construction with a nitrogen-filled body. Even the hand-fitted internal assembly is other-worldly. This combination prevents any damage from fog, shock, or water. More excitingly, it boasts a matte black finish that doesn’t scratch easily. 

2. Vortex Optics Diamondback Riflescope

Among the most popular optics on the list, we find the Diamondback as the king of sought-after models. And it’s all due to the unbeatable quality Vortex offers, making this riflescope a must-have option for the buck.

One of the significant advantages comes from 3-9x magnification. This power capacity is more than enough to give your hunting sessions perfect reach. For a Marlin 336, it will feel like a charm to increase your precision.

Another accuracy-oriented feature comes from the reticle. You can go either for a Dead-Hold BBC for a more versatile range experience or a V-Plex, making it easy to aim with high accuracy. Add the fast-focus eyepiece for extra speed when aiming. 

But it is not the reticle or zooming that sets it apart, but the quality lenses. A multi-coated design with high-end crystals ensures maximum brightness at any moment. 

This lens quality pairs well with the one-piece tube at 32mm diameter. The argon-purged build with O-ring seals prevents any type of humidity or fog from causing damage. Along with the hard-anodized finish, the scope is set to last a lifetime. 

3. CVLIFE Compact Rifle Scope

Even though a Marlin 336 is a powerful rifle, you can still mount cheap scopes that get the job done. The Compact riflescope from CVLIFE is one of those.

This is a fixed power scope, meaning it only offers 4x of magnification. With a 3.3-inch eye relief and a 32mm diameter, it lets you shoot at up to 200 yards with perfect accuracy.

Despite being a cheap model, this scope boasts high-strength aluminum in a one-piece tube. This combination ensures maximum resilience, especially with the gas-purged build. There’s no chance fog or water can damage it.

As for the reticle, you get a Mil-Dot with MOA adjustments. Along with the fully-coated optical glass, you can enjoy decent aiming with excellent image quality. 

Last but not least, you still get a set of practical turrets. Changing windage and elevation won’t be much of a problem considering how smooth and easy-to-use they are. 

 

4. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Riflescope

When it comes to quality, few brands can match Bushnell’s. And it is not a secret why – each scope coming from this brand is other-worldly in both resilience and features. The Banner Dusk & Dawn is not an exception.

Also called the BDD scope, it is a 3-9x alternative for most mid-range hunting needs. Considering the 40mm diameter lens, you can say it is an almost perfect option to mount on a Marlin 336.

The power level and lens size are not enough, though. What truly makes it such a great alternative is the Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) coating. It is a multi-coating from Bushnell that increases brightness so you can hunt at dawn or dusk without lack of visibility.

Such quality of lenses matches well with a Multi-X reticle. Along with the 1/4 MOA adjustments, you’ll feel like missing a shot is impossible. 

There’s a lot more to enjoy about it. The 0.8 pounds of weight, for example, make it a light scope for easy use. Even then, you get 3.3 inches of eye relief for a safe experience.

As for the construction, you get a thoroughly waterproof and fog-proof scope, capable of withstanding difficult situations. What’s more important, it’s filled with dry nitrogen. It boasts a scratch-resistant surface – delivering a shockproof and pristine product overall. 

5. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Scope

Coming back with Vortex Optics, we now find the Crossfire II – another heavily sought-after model. Thanks to unique high-end construction, tons of aiming features, and a decently low price, it becomes a top-notch option to go for. 

It all starts with an anti-reflective lens. Being fully-multicoated, they deliver the perfect brightness to tackle low-light environments without fear. But these lenses wouldn’t be useful without the 32mm diameter build, ensuring maximum light transmission.

Together with the lenses, you get a 2x to 7x magnification. It’s perfect for accurate mid-range shots using your Marlin 336, especially with the MOA turrets that won’t let you down. Add the V-Plex reticle for an even more comfortable aiming experience. 

Don’t overlook the ability to also go for the 3-9x version at 40mm with Dead-Hold BDC or V-Brite reticles if needed. 

Lastly, the one-piece tube on the scope is magnificent. An aircraft-grade aluminum construction, the O-ring seals, and nitrogen purging make it a waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof model for any environment. 

6. UTG Accushot EZ-TAP Outdoor MS Rings Scope

With an excellent price tag, unique aiming features, and durable construction – the UTG Accushot is an option you don’t want to dismiss. 

At first sight, you’ll notice it is a bulky scope. This comes from the 44mm diameter lens, one of the thickest you can mount on a Marlin 336. What makes it such a great option is the magnification levels, going from 3x to 12x so you can handle long-distance shots with more confidence.

The second thing you’ll notice is the EZ Tap reticle. It boasts 36 colors on a Mil-Dot system so that you can customize the aiming point to your liking. This also helps see in low-light areas when needed. They work amazingly well with the premium turrets with a lock option. 

A third can’t-miss feature comes from the multi-coated emerald lenses. They add up to an already tremendous scope, reducing blurriness and increasing clarity.

And fourth, the scope is exceptionally well-made. A nitrogen-filled build with a True Strength body makes the whole scope rain-proof, shockproof, and fog-proof. You won’t have to worry about a thing when using this scope on your Marlin 336. 

7. Simmons 511039 Riflescope

Offering quality scopes for a premium cost, Simmons delivers the chance to go the extra mile in your hunting sessions without spending a fortune. One great example of that would be the 511039 scope.

As a perfect option for your Marlin 336, the scope comes with a 3-9x magnification system. You are getting up to 100 yards with a decent field of view, allowing magnificent accuracy at any level. 

But it is not only the magnification that makes that possible but a high-quality glass with fully-coated lenses. The combination ensures super-sharp images, preventing any type of blurriness in the process. Add the Quick Target Acquisition (QTA) eyepiece for 3.5 eye relief to ensure a safe and effortless aim. 

The adjustment turrets won’t let you down either. A 1/4 MOA system, parallax turret, and a Truplex reticle take these settings to another level. Getting your shots on target will be a lot easier than you think, especially with the SureGrip rubber build, allowing comfy & smooth adjustments.

On top of that, you can enjoy the HydroShield coating, helping you maintain clarity under any circumstance. It pairs up nicely with a quality construction despite its low price that withstands any situation. 

8. Athlon Optics Talos BTR Riflescope

One of the most underrated brands in the scope market, Athlon Optics, comes with the Talos BTR to make your Marlin 336 a more accurate rifle. 

In contrast with other options in the list, this one boasts a 4x by 14x magnification. Yes, you can get your sight far enough to bring large hunts down. This is especially helpful if you love next-level adjustments.

We say this because the scope also comes with an APLR2 IR MIL reticle. This is a first focal plane reticle that delivers all kinds of data to get your shot on target. For experienced users who like to play with their holdover, distance, windage, and illumination – this scope will give them exactly what they want.

The scope boasts fully multi-coated lenses for clarity, a nitrogen-purged build for durability, and a completely waterproof case to make this work like a charm. More interestingly, it comes with a heat-treated exterior that prevents any moisture or heat from causing damage.

Last but not least, you can enjoy a practical set of adjustment turret and a light build of only 1 pound. Considering all this, the Talos BTR still feels like a bargain for the price. 

9. Primary Arms SLX Rifle Scope

Also boasting a long-range system, the SLX Riflescope from Primary Arms ensures the maximum accuracy in every shot. Designed for experienced MIL shooters, it comes with tons of features to not dismiss.

When we say long-range, we refer to a first focal plane scope at 4-14x of magnification. Combined with a 44mm objective lens, it can get your aim to another level of accuracy at distances of 1,000 yards or more.

But this scope doesn’t rely on lenses for illumination. It boasts a 5-brightness system powered by a CR2032 battery. It can get you maximum visibility at any time of the day. And that’s without mentioning the high-quality lenses with a fully-coated design for a super-clear image.

To get the most out of this illumination, you get an ACSS HUD DMR reticle. Specifically designed to work with .308 Winchester rounds, you can still enjoy it to the max with your Marlin 336. Boasting MIL data and a 4-turret adjustment system, getting the bullet on target will be a no-brainer. 

Despite all its fantastic performance-oriented features, this scope is exceptionally well-made. An aircraft-grade 6063 aluminum build, fog-proof construction, and 30mm tube with waterproof construction will make it possible to shoot freely even in the harshest of environments. 

10. Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint Riflescope

We couldn’t finish this list without going over a premium-level scope, like the Trijicon TR22. Also known as the AccuPoint, it is the perfect choice for anyone who wants superb quality without drawbacks.

What makes it ideal for a Marlin 336 is the 2.5x by 10x magnification. This one goes low enough for close-range shots and far enough for long ones in contrast with other scopes. 

Boasting a 56mm objective lens, you’re set to enjoy superb image quality. This gets better with the fiber-optic technology and multi-coated design. It gives you an outstanding amount of clarity and brightness, offering the chance to adjust as needed.

This battery-free system pairs up with a tritium phosphor lamp. It illuminates the reticle for even better aiming in low-light situations. On top of that, it is an SFP reticle that adjusts to your power level automatically. 

The reticle on this scope can be anything. You get the chance to pick between a Mil-Dot, a Duplex, and a Triangle Post. What’s even better, you can choose between Amber, Red, or Green reticle colors for an even more customizable aim. 

Because Trijicon takes quality as the most crucial factor, you can also expect the aircraft-grade aluminum housing to withstand any situation. Being a fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof scope, there’s nothing it can’t handle. 

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Scope for Marlin 336

It won’t be easy to find the best scope for Marlin 336 that meets all your standards. Luckily, you can always get close to that as long as you know what to look for. This section aims to show you all the factors to think about when choosing one of these scopes.

We go over each factor as if you were a beginner. But even if you have some experience or know a thing or two about scopes, you might learn some more with this guide. Check it out:

• Magnification Range

When choosing the ideal magnification or power level for a rifle, you need to consider how far it is accurate. In other words, you’ll want to know the effective range. And for a Marlin 336 rifle, that would be around 100 yards. 

Because 100 yards would be a close to mid-range shot, you need something with sufficient low-level magnification that still goes decently far. In that case, nothing beats a 3x by 9x scope. For 30-30 ammunition, the 3-9x would be an almost perfect choice.

Still, some people like using the Marlin 336 for distances of over 200 yards. In that case, you can always pick scopes of 12x and 14x of high-level magnification. The effectiveness of the rounds will decrease exponentially, but you will still enjoy accurate results. 

• Magnification Mode

Once you have the range figured out for your needs, then you can consider how this power level works. Here, you’ll have to choose between fixed and variable.

A fixed scope is non-adjustable. That means you get one specific magnification level that you can’t change. If the fixed scope says 4x (the most common for Marlin 336), then that’s the only magnification you’ll get.

As you may guess, variable scopes are the opposite. These can be modifiable at different levels. As said before, a 3-9x scope offers the chance to go from 3x to zoom 9x as needed. 

Both will work well on a Marlin 336. However, variable scopes are always more practical. If you prefer simplicity, though, fixed scopes won’t let you down. 

• Turrets & Adjustments

It is not enough to have a practical magnification system. You also want the ability to adjust windage, elevation, and parallax.

For that, nothing will help you more than accurate, easy-to-adjust, smooth, and well-made turrets. Metal-on-metal turrets are typically the best at offering all these advantages. 

If you can get a turret system with parallax adjustment, then that’s a huge advantage. Some scopes will help you keep the reticle in place, preventing any unwanted out-of-focus aim. More importantly, it will help you get more accurate results at 9x, 12x, and 14x magnification. 

• Reticle

Apart from magnification and adjustments, you’ll want a decent reticle. Even though this is not an essential part of the scope, it can change your experience exponentially.

If you’re an experienced scope user, you’ll know that reticles are mostly about preference. But if you’re a beginner, you’ll want to go for the simplest reticle possible.

Apart from that, the Marlin 336 is a mid-range rifle. Generally, you don’t need a BDC or utterly-complex reticle that makes the process harder. Instead, Duplex or V-Plex reticles can get the job done. 

There are tons of alternatives to go for. But as a rule of thumb, the Marlin 336 works better with standard options. There’s no need to overdo it. 

• Lens & Tube Size

When choosing a scope for any firearm, you’ll want it to be thick enough to let enough illumination in. Obviously, the higher the diameter of the scope, the more light that goes in, so the more brightness and clarity you’ll get.

But be aware that lens size also changes the tube size. And with a thick tube, the scope tends to weigh more. A massive scope can change how easy it is to use the Marlin 336.

Either way, we recommend 30mm to 40mm scopes. Anything below that range may not offer the ideal light for your hunting. And with more than that, the rifle may feel heavier and bulkier, often reaching over 1.5 pounds of weight, which can become a nuisance when shooting. 

• Glass & Coatings Quality

It doesn’t matter the size of the scope when the lens glass is not made of high-end materials. More importantly, it needs to have the right coatings as well.

We typically recommend low-dispersion glass for the highest fidelity. High-definition glass also works like a charm. And with unique proprietary blends, you may get even more light transmission and resolution than usual.

To make this glass quality work at its best, you’ll want to go for fully multi-coated lenses. Depending on the coatings, you can expect less or more transmission. At the same time, this coating helps protect against fog, oil, dirt, and dust. 

• Eye Relief

When shooting a rifle like the Marlin 336, you’ll notice the recoil is not as much as with other high-powered rifles. This will give you an idea of how much eye relief you’ll need.

This eye relief refers to your eye’s distance from the scope so you can see things properly. The closer your watch needs to be to the scope, the more likely it is to put your eyebrow in danger. But with the mild recoil of a Marlin 336, you can go for eye relief as short as 3 inches.

Whether you’re using 30-30 or .35 caliber bullets, you’ll notice that you won’t need that much eye relief. Overall, the standard eye relief of most 3-9x scopes will be enough. 

How to Install a Scope on a Marlin 336?

When you start looking at the Marlin 336 for the first time, you begin to realize that mounting a scope is a bit more complicated than you thought. But if you have even a little experience, you’ll know it is not. 

Because we know this mounting process can be confusing at first, here’s a brief yet detailed guide on how to do so:

1. Check that the scope you’re mounting matches with the base and design of the Marlin 336. Most of the copes in the above list will fit almost instantly.
2. Gather all the equipment and hardware for the mounting process. You will also need a screwdriver for the job.
3. Proceed to clamp the rifle on a vise grip if possible. You can also use a standard clamp. Try to make it as tight as possible.
4. Before the mounting stage, clean the area with a bit of alcohol. Then rub some mineral oil so it doesn’t rust over time. 
5. With the area clean, apply some glue or sealant into the area. This is to make sure the scope doesn’t move while on the hunt. 
6. Now, you can line up the scope into the mounting area. The holes of the base and the receiver of the rifle need to line up perfectly. 
7. You can now adjust the lower halves of the rings loosely. Then tighten down the upper halves.
8. Check that the scope is aligned, the reticle is in the right position, and the eye relief feels comfortable. If so, then you can tighten the rings up. 
9. When the scope is perfectly lined up for your needs, use some sealant on the screw holes. Then place the screws in and tighten them up with a screwdriver. Then check that the scope doesn’t move.

If you’ve gone through all these steps and the scope looks pristinely aligned to your rifle, then you’ve successfully installed it. You should be ready to tackle any hunting adventure. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Even though we talked about almost everything there’s to know about scopes for Marlin 336; we may have left some things out. Luckily for you, we bring this section with additional info you won’t find above. Take a look: 

Is a fixed scope the best choice for a Marlin 336?

The traditional way to use a Marlin 336 is with a fixed 4x scope. Believe it or not, this is what many hunters used on their adventures, especially in short and mid-range environments. But for long-range shots, these scopes were not the best.

That’s why we can say a fixed scope is practical and will give you excellent accuracy in short and mid-range distances. But if you want true precision, then get a variable scope that gets to 9x power. 

What’s the effective range of a Marlin 336?

Even though we already talked about this, we didn’t go deeply into it. First off, let’s remember that a Marlin 336 typically uses 30-30 caliber bullets. They can typically reach 150 yards at the max. 

Having said that, it is also common to shoot at a 250-yard range without drawbacks. Generally, though, these are lucky shots and require a lot of preparation to meet the target. 

So, what is the effective range of a model 336 from Marlin? The most accurate range would be 75 to 125 yards.

Is an illuminated reticle useful for Marlin 336?

It depends on your needs. If you’re an experienced hunter who’s tackling the wild in the morning or early afternoon, you won’t need any illumination. And that’s without mentioning that most Marlin 336 users prefer non-illuminated scopes as well.

However, if you need a bit of illumination when hunting at dawn or dusk, that’s also a practical choice. Be aware that illumination means batteries, more weight, and a more fragile scope. In general, we recommend going for non-illuminated. 

First focal plane or second focal plane scope for Marlin 336?

A factor that’s entirely up to you is the focal plane. If you don’t know what to pick between an SFP and an FFP, we always recommend going for the simpler SFP. 

Why? Because FFP means the reticle will move with the magnification. This is useful to deliver more accurate results but can also adjust the aim harder.

With an SFP scope you won’t have that problem. The reticle will look the same regardless of how magnified it is. This is way easier to use than FFP and saves a lot of effort and time. 

Conclusion

Getting the best scope for Marlin 336 can be a little complicated if you haven’t used this rifle before. And even if you had, it may not come as a smooth experience either.

Luckily, this article comes with all the information necessary to get the right scope home. Whether it is for hunting or merely testing your aim on shooting fields, the scopes in this article won’t let you down.

Remember to choose one that meets all your standards and needs over anything else. As long as you’re getting a product that makes it easier to aim and shoot on target, then that’s a scope to go for. 

So, what are you getting? There’s a scope for everyone – choose yours now!