Lookin for a scope
03-11-2011, 08:40 AM
#1
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Chandler, AZ
Posts: 17
Lookin for a scope
I have a Marlin 30-30 short barreled trapper type lever action. 16" barrel with micro rifling, I am looking for suggestions as to what optic would be the best to mount on it? Mainly because I have horrible eye sight so the iron sights don't work to good for me. Mainly going to be using it for hogs and javelina out here in the AZ desert. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Last edited by 640Sparky; 03-11-2011 at 08:41 AM. Reason: forgot to add something
03-12-2011, 04:45 PM
#3
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Texas and Arkansas
Posts: 1,496
I'm looking for a scope for my Marlin 336 also. I have an old Redfield Tracker 3-9X 40mm on it and I'm looking a something shorter, lighter, and less magnification. Depending on how much you want to spend, there are several 1-4X or even 2-7X scopes out there from $63 (Bushnell Banner 1-4X) to several hundred dollars. The one that I have been looking at with the most interest is the Redfield 2-7X 32mm.
03-12-2011, 05:15 PM
#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Clifton, VA
Posts: 1,101
I may be accused of being a shill the amount of times I have recommended the Vortex Viper 2-7X32. It's been on closeout for a while (they are changing their lineup) but is available for about 50% of list, about $169, which is about $20 less than the Vortex Diamondback 3-9 (also a good scope) although the glass quality is definitely a step up. It's also a great size for the type of rifle you describe. I got one before they went on sale and am tempted to pick up another before they are all gone.
For the price, nothing comes close. Also one of the best warranties in the business.
SWFA has them here.
For the price, nothing comes close. Also one of the best warranties in the business.
SWFA has them here.
03-12-2011, 06:56 PM
#5
Typical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location:
Posts: 818
I may be accused of being a shill the amount of times I have recommended the Vortex Viper 2-7X32. It's been on closeout for a while (they are changing their lineup) but is available for about 50% of list, about $169, which is about $20 less than the Vortex Diamondback 3-9 (also a good scope) although the glass quality is definitely a step up. It's also a great size for the type of rifle you describe. I got one before they went on sale and am tempted to pick up another before they are all gone.
For the price, nothing comes close. Also one of the best warranties in the business.
SWFA has them here.
For the price, nothing comes close. Also one of the best warranties in the business.
SWFA has them here.
03-13-2011, 10:39 AM
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,926
"Mainly because I have horrible eye sight"
How bad is it? Your eye glasses aren't as thick as old coke bottle bottoms, are they?
Unfortunately, you'll have to work it out yourself, with the help of an eye doctor. I recall President Teddy Roosevelt made himself into a cowboy and army officer and his eyesight was poor. If I was young, I'd use him for encouragement.
I've had an old shoulder injury that forced me to shoot archery and rifle with my "unnatural" side. Got to a point I could later actually shoot either side, but stayed with my "unnatural" side out of sheer practice.
Somebody without the problem doesn't really understand the problem, most times.
Unfortunately, you'll have to work it out yourself, with the help of an eye doctor. I recall President Teddy Roosevelt made himself into a cowboy and army officer and his eyesight was poor. If I was young, I'd use him for encouragement.
I've had an old shoulder injury that forced me to shoot archery and rifle with my "unnatural" side. Got to a point I could later actually shoot either side, but stayed with my "unnatural" side out of sheer practice.
Somebody without the problem doesn't really understand the problem, most times.
05-11-2011, 05:43 PM
#9
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location:
Posts: 2,186
Not knowing what sort of distances you will be taking shots as a norm .... just guessing 100-150 yards or so. If that is the case, and you are wearing glasses, you will appreciate a longer eye relief model, regardless of what make you decide upon. Being that the rifle is a shorty ... like is my Marlin Guide in .444 Marlin ... I suggest as compact a scope as you can find. If you are not planning on hunting in really low light, you can do well with a less costly scope. If you will be doing any reasonable amount of very early a.m. and/or late afternoon hunting, scopes that perform really well in low light that are not a big as your arm won't be inexpensive. Probably would appreciate something like a 1.5-6x32 mm or something like that. Several makers of decent scopes make a compact in this sort. I would suggest planning to spend $350 or so if at all possible so that you can have a good, well made scope. Less expensive scopes are out there but usually will not perform well over the long run. As for specific make .... I'd do some research looking for long eye relief, then select the make/model. Buy the best glass that you can regardless. If that happens to be $100 scope, so be it. If you can foot the price of a top end scope , all the better. Look at the Zeiss Conquest or Bushnell Elite line. In my opinion both are very good values right now.
