Alright guys here is a question for you. My son has a 30-30 marlin what wouod be a good 4x scope for the gun or should I get a variable scope. I have always heard that a 4x scope is hard to beat for longevity and accuracy. I really like nikon scopes but dont know if they make a straight 4x scope.

thanks as always chris

I would get a Nikon 3x-9x for it. Then he could leave it set on 3x but if he ever needed ot get more magnification it is there. I have one on my 300 WSM and it stays on 4x for 90% of my hunting. I have no problem shooting it 200 yards on 4X but like being able to zoom in and see what is coming my way and exactly what im shooting.

get a leupold m-8 4x great scope for $150 or less!

I don't ever want another Leupold after this last one I've had.

I'd say check out Burris 3x9x40mm Fullfield 2. They can be had for a decent price. Nikon also makes good stuff.

3 x 9 x 40 scopes are the bread and butter of most scope manufacturers.That's what I have on my 30-30 Marlin.You can buy a decent3 x9for $150 or less. Nikon Prostaff, Bushnell (not their real low-end models), etc. Go to marlinowners.com for references. A lot of guys there swear by Bushnells. Another popular scope thereis the Nikon 2 x 7 x 32 Prostaff.

I'll second that a leupold 4x,nikon,burris,weaver grand slam,or other quality scope would be unbeatable. Exactly what was wrong with the leupold you had hometheaterman,and why didn't you send it back or if you did-what happened?

I have Nikon Buckmasters on my heavy recoiling guns. They are holding up fine and for $185 you cant beat that. We have them on everything from 300 Mags, to Slug guns, to a 375 H&H and a 416 Rigby and they have taken all the punishment we could give them.

the fixed power leupold m8 4x power is the right size for a lever. anything else looks too big and GOOFY to me. i have delt with burris[:'(] never again. there is just something about the leupold glass when you put it up to your eye the lifetime warranty is just butter!!!

I have had a Burris 4x on one of my Marlin 336 30-30's for more than 25 years, but I have a Leupold Vari X II 3-9 on another, a Leupold VX II 2-7 on another, and a Zeiss Conquest 3-9 on another.

In my opinion, you wouldn't go wrong with any of the above.

Staying with a fixed power scope is a good idea. Basically a fixed power scope allows you to get a better scope for the same price as a cheaper quality variable. And a fixed 4X is the best for a young shooter-or any shooter for that matter. However a 2.5X is also a great scope for a short range "brush rfle".

I have spent a good bit of time shooting and hunting with kids. It is a good bet that a kid will have the scope turned up to 9X all the time. And I also think a smaller power scope with a larger field of view is safer, and easier for a "youngin" to use. Tom.