Scope for marlin .444 lever
#1
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 13

I'm looking for a scope for my marlin lever,most of my shots are going to be less than 100yds.I was looking at the leupold vx2 or 3 and also the weaver classic v3 any others ? anyone have the new weaver is it a good scope...ED
#5

I'd prefer (DO prefer) a scope with a lower power for close-in shots and for trailing game after a shot, if needed. I feel 4X is completely suitable for most hunting I do, but want 1X-2X for close work. I also own Marlins in 45-70 (1895G) and .450 (1895M) as well as a BLR in .450 and they ALL wear Leupolds in 1-4x20 (VXI SG with HD reticle) or Leupold Euro 1.25-4 30mm #4 reticle.
I also own two Weaver V3 1-3x20 scopes (one mounted on a Marlin .375) and find them to be a fine value/$$. I like the Leupold VX1 SG better tho. If you're choosing between the Weaver V3, VX1 and VX2 in 1-3 or 1-4, my suggestion would be the VX1 1-4x20 SG with Heavy Duplex reticle if very low light performance is important to you. I own a lot of Leupolds and my low light comparisons between a VX1 with heavy duplex and VX2 with regular duplex reticle (I do not think the VX2 is available with HD reticle), show the VX1 to be superior in very low light.
If you're going to spend VX3 $$, my suggestion is to get the VX-R 1.25-4x20 with Firedot #4 reticle at about the same price break. It is vastly superior in very low light. I own two VX-Rs, the 1.25-4x20 and a 2-7x33 with Firedot Duplex and they are simply fantastic scopes in their price class. FWIW, I now own over 20 Leupold scopes.
Good Luck!
Last edited by Tnhunter444; 12-31-2013 at 12:12 PM.
#6

Although I do not own one of these scopes I know others that have it and really like it on their big bore rifles. For the money this Nikon seems like a real winner.
http://www.opticsplanet.com/nikon-monarch-3-1-4x20.html
For another $100 the time tested Leupold is a great option. I have used this scope on rifles as large as the 458 Lott.
http://www.opticsplanet.com/leupold-...fle-scope.html
http://www.opticsplanet.com/nikon-monarch-3-1-4x20.html
For another $100 the time tested Leupold is a great option. I have used this scope on rifles as large as the 458 Lott.
http://www.opticsplanet.com/leupold-...fle-scope.html
#7
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 9,227

I've got a compact 4x Burris on my 450 Marlin. It has worked well and handles the recoil of that round easily. I would imagine just about any good quality 4x would work well for you. A 2.5x would too but they are harder to find. 4x are pretty common just about everywhere.
#8

As mentioned above the 1-4x20 (#4 reticle) Nikon Monarch is a fine scope, I have one mounted on a Rem M750 Carbine in .35 Whelen. I also own two of the Nikon Monarchs in 1.5-4.5x20 that preceded it in their line-up (one shown on my BLR/.358). All are excellent scopes. But when going that high in price, along with the fine Leupold VX3, I'd simply say to make sure and compare the Leupold VX-R to them. I don't think they can be beat at anywhere near their price range. Mine shown on a double rifle, a Verney-Carron Sagittaire in 9.3x74R and on a BLR/.325 WSM.