Optic recommendations for a Marlin 30/30

[CP]

I know it’s considered a sacrilege to some to scope a lever gun, but my eyes aren’t getting any better and the peep sight is getting harder to use.  I’ve got it set up for max PBR of 200 yards (2” high @100y & 2” low at 200y).   I don’t expect to ever shoot beyond 200y in a hunting situation.  So what sort of optic to replace the peep?  So many options to choose from these days.
 
I’m thinking small, lightweight, short range quick target acquisition, long range (100y plus) some magnification (not sure how much).  I’d like to keep it simple, no need for a BDC or mil dot, etc.

Any suggestions?

[netcoyote]

As a last resort before you go to optics, have you tried fiber optic front sight and an aperture sight like the "Skinner"?
http://www.skinnersights.com/3.html
 I use these on three of my Marlins and even with my aging eyes they work quite well. I do admit that they work best with a fair amount of ambient light. For low light I use a  low power scope like a 1-3x20. Like this: http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/183610/weaver-classic-v-series-rifle-scope-1-3x-20mm-dual-x-reticle-matte?cm_mmc=pf_ci_google-_-Optics+-+Scopes+-+Under+12X-_-Weaver-_-183610&gclid=CjwKEAiA_9nFBRCsurz7y_Px8xoSJAAUqvKC9E9cuv8Qi6HM8izBoN3kvKR0_LEqsTV5bLMslmCmsRoCx2nw_wcB

[C-Money]

I'd toss a 2x7 Leupold Rifleman on it. Should not need something super spendy...thats what I would look for..

[JDHasty]

These are wicked good.  I have three in their old guise as Nitrex TR One by Weaver. 

http://www.lapolicegear.com/weaver-800471-grandslam-scope.html

[Firedogg]

  See if you can find an older Redfield Widefield 2x7.  The wider field of view is nice to have in brushy areas. They work great when mounted on see thru mounts. I have that setup on my .45-70. 2x is pretty nice up closer, 7x is strong enough to see limbs and branches at max distances you will shoot to avoid them.

[baker5150]

http://www.cabelas.com/product/CABELAS-LEVER-ACTION-RIFLESCOPES/1826464.uts?searchPath=%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FcategoryId%3D734095080%26CQ_search%3Dleverevoltuoin

This is what I run.  Can't really beat the price, and it's been a darn good scope so far.

[superdown]

This is how i have mine setup Leupold VX2 1.5-4x28 scout scope with Leupold QD rings and XS scout rail and XS ghost ring sights.

[biggfish]

I've got an old Bushnell 3-9x32 sitting on see through rings so I can still use iron sights. Scope is sighted to 100 anything up close and I've still got iron sights to shoot with. Missed a deer at 20 ft cause the scope was too close to tell where I was aiming and I can't shoot worth a darn canted looking down the side of the barrel, slipped right under its chest and skimmed hair. 

Sent from my RCT6873W42 using Tapatalk

[jdb]

I've got an old Bushnell 3-9x32 sitting on see through rings so I can still use iron sights. Scope is sighted to 100 anything up close and I've still got iron sights to shoot with. Missed a deer at 20 ft cause the scope was too close to tell where I was aiming and I can't shoot worth a darn canted looking down the side of the barrel, slipped right under its chest and skimmed hair. 

Sent from my RCT6873W42 using Tapatalk

canted looking down the barrel???can you please explain this?

[jdb]

This is how i have mine setup Leupold VX2 1.5-4x28 scout scope with Leupold QD rings and XS scout rail and XS ghost ring sights.

this👆🏻Or a vx111, 1.5x5. I too suffer from poor eyesight so scopes are a must for me but putting a giant star gazer scope on a 30/30 is like and elevator in an out house. I personally have an old leupold m8 3x that is just waiting until I buy a levergun

[bobcat]

If you don't want to spend a lot of money I think this Weaver 1-3x20 would work well:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/183610/weaver-classic-v-series-rifle-scope-1-3x-20mm-dual-x-reticle-matte

[jdb]

 

[BULLBLASTER]

I had a 6x44 fixed power scope on my 45-70. It worked really well for me.

[CP]

Thanks for all the recommendations; they give me a good place to start looking.

[Dead-Eye]

I've had a number of different scopes on my Marlins, both in 30-30 and 45/70. My 45/70 is a Guide Gun, and my 30-30 has been set up as a Guide Gun, with the Wild West Guns big loop lever. Both really are great brush guns, which means you MAY use them at a hundred yards, but more likely you'll be using them from twenty-five UP TO a hundred yards. I found a 3-9 X 40 scope was just too much scope for them. I finally settled on a Leupold Rifleman 2-7 X 33 scope. It's nothing fancy, just a good, solid scope that doesn't cost too awful much, but it filled the bill for what I wanted exactly. I didn't set it up as a scout, I used a Picatinny rail toward the back of the rifle, and my choice of mounts were low-profile, which also required a side-extension for the hammer, but it's a real comfortable setup. The 33 end is much smaller than the 40's that come with a number of the 3-9 scopes, so it's more streamlined. I dressed it up with a set of flip-up covers because, well, because this is Washington, where it rains a lot. Still shoots every shot within a 1" diamond at one hundred yards, but it's great where it's designed to be, in the brush.  I usually keep the scope set at about 4-1/2, and it's only 2-1/2 set points to turn it up to 7 should I end up out in the open at some point.

Oh, and I went to using scopes on my "brush guns" for the same reason. The eyes. I've still got a 1957 Model 94 Winchester set up with a Williams peepsight - it's pretty good in decent light. Besides, I just couldn't face myself if I put a scope on that! On hunting day, I know I'll still reach for the Marlins most of the time.

I'm going to try to attach a few photos here for you.  Cross your fingers, maybe I'll get it right.

[Jellymon]

 
Basically how my 336 is set up. VariX 1 2-7x33.  I'm very happy with that setup. Fits a lever gun perfectly.

[Dead-Eye]

Basically how my 336 is set up. VariX 1 2-7x33.  I'm very happy with that setup. Fits a lever gun perfectly.

Exactly. It gives older eyes that optical boost without changing the lever gun too radically.

[CP]

Anyone use a red dot type sight on their lever rifle?  Something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-SF-BR-503-Strikefire-Sight/dp/B00HYRGYA2/ref=s9u_simh_gw_i2?_encoding=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=VJDRHGFTTW2WS9K5Q56H&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=1cded295-23b4-40b1-8da6-7c1c9eb81d33&pf_rd_i=desktop

[BigGoonTuna]

Something  like that Weaver 1-3x would be ideal.  Most lever gun stocks are set up for irons, so you'll want that scope as low as possible.  I'm planning on putting a leupold fxii 2.5x on my 45-70, lots of eye relief for that heavy kicker.

[TeacherMan]

Leupold VX1 3-9

[CP]

And the winner is:

Leupold VX-1 2-7x 33mm

I’ve tried a half dozen different optics on this rifle now and this one I can live with.  I can actually pick up the target faster than I could with the peep sight.  And it’s a 300 yard rifle now.  Never would have thought about shooting it that far with the peep.

[Lemoore-on]

I think the 2x7x33 is perfect for this gun.  I went with a Redfield only because it was on sale.

[follow maggie]

I think these are great for short range lever guns

Anyone use a red dot type sight on their lever rifle?  Something like this:

[kselkhunter]

I use a Burris Fastfire 3 red dot on my Marlin 30-30.  Great for hunting where rapid target acquisition in thick brush areas before the blacktail moves out of sight.  I use other rifles for areas where I get 300 yard shots.