Which scope for my Marlin 336SS?

[Centaur 1]

I know that a lot of you prefer open sights for this gun, but my eyes need a scope. It's a 30-30 so long range shooting isn't necessary, and high power scopes are not needed. I also do not believe that a large objective lens is needed to see a deer sized target at under 150 yards. I think that I like the idea of a 2-7X32 sized scope. The 32mm objective lens is still large enough to collect light at 7 power, and it'll sit lower on the gun so it won't upset the balance of the levergun as much as a larger scope. I see that some brands have 28mm lens' which is fine also. I was looking, and some manufacturers consider scopes of this size as .22 rimfire scopes (Weaver is one of these), it wasn't that long ago when a scope of this size was considered a big game scope. I may be wrong, but I find it hard to believe that they won't take the recoil of the 30-30.

Some of the options that I've found are these.

Leupold VX-1 2-7X33mm with the heavier shotgun reticle. I can't find the standard reticle in a silver finish.

Weaver 2.5-7X28mm. They list this as a rimfire scope.

Konus 2-7X32mm. Are Konus scopes any good?

There aren't many more options that fit my criteria so if anyone has any suggestions please speak up.

That all being said, here's my question, because there aren't many options out there that fit my criteria.

1) Silver, it's a stainless steel rifle and I have a cheap matte black scope on it now, and I don't like the look.

2) $200ish or less.

3) Magnification, low end 1.5-2X, high end 5-7X.

4) Objective lens, 28mm thru 32mm

[handloader1]

On my Marlin Model 336 .30-30 Win. I have a Leupold M8 4x. Good luck.

[jerry d]

I have Bushnell 4X 32mm on my 336 seems to work fine for the areas I hunt.

[Centaur 1]

I was thinking about that also, maybe just get an old fashioned fixed power scope. It's just that some areas that I hunt are so thick that a 2X would be nice, and if I stand on a fire line it would be nice to turn up the power if a long shot presents itself.

[liquidorange]

Originally Posted by handloader1

I have a Leupold M8 4x. Good luck.

thats what i use highly recommend!

[Carpmaster]

Loopy fixed 4!

[Centaur 1]

The leupold fixed power scopes don't come in silver. How about the Bushnell Trophy series, they make a 2-6X32mm?

[cjwink]

Look into the Nikon Prostaff.. I have several of them in Silver on my stainless guns.. The 3-9x40 goes for about 175.00 and it is a great scope..

[Centaur 1]

Originally Posted by cjwink

Look into the Nikon Prostaff.. I have several of them in Silver on my stainless guns.. The 3-9x40 goes for about 175.00 and it is a great scope..

This is a great scope for the money, but I was hoping for a smaller sized scope. Something with an objective lens of 28-32mm so that I can use low rings, a couple of inches shorter would be nice also. My eyes need help, but I hate to upset the balance of a nice lever action with a scope that's larger than necessary.

[statjunk]

Originally Posted by Centaur 1

The leupold fixed power scopes don't come in silver. How about the Bushnell Trophy series, they make a 2-6X32mm?

I would have voted for a 2-7 x 33.

Tom