Want some opinions on a scope for a 336

[Oldshooter]

If the batteries die can it still be used effectively. I hate batteries, they die at the most inopportune times.

sounds like a good idea though.

[Empty Quiver]

Works like a normal scope till you turn it on. It has a rheostat around the battery compartment give it a twist and a small light shines on the center of the cross hairs. If you leave it on for a couple weeks the batteries are definately dead though. If the ol eyes are starting to hate twilight its the nuts. Like I said it's really a nice scope. If I could afford two more they would be on the AR and Knight permanantly as well. You see them mounted on dangerous game guns in the gun rags a lot. Big ol' occular lens and a straight tube out the front.

[mannyrock]

  Regarding the Leupold Vari-X III, in 1.5 x 5.

  I had this scope on my rifle for about 3 years.  It was small, sleek, and handy (and very expensive).  BUT, because of the very small front lens, it just didin't gather much light in the woods at dusk or dawn.  I often hunt from a tree stand in the deep woods, and the ability to gather light is really important to me, particularly because of the deep shadows in the woods.
 
  So, I switched to the Vari-X II, 2x7, which is also sleek and handi.  It gathers light much better, and I am very happy with it.  It is also considerably less expensive than the Vari-X III.

  I now use the Vari-X II 2x7 for all of my rifles.  I have never bought one new.  If you go to large gunshows, you can find them for sale in used, extremely fine condition, for about $150 to $175.   I have never gotten a bad one.   

  Just my experience.

Mannyrock

[Empty Quiver]

Mannyrock, you are sure right on the too expensive. Like I said I wouldn't own this one if it weren't for the used price. I many times have wondered about a 2x7 VXII. I need to scope another big gun and am tempted by the 2X7 VXII my other temptation is the new 2.5X8 VX3. I'll be shooting a 325 WSM 200gr which is basically a 300 WM with a 165 gr bullet. Any thoughts on this combo?

[Bob A]

These are the ones I'd consider.  Bushnell Banner 1.5-4.5X32, Nikon Prostaff 2-7X32, Leupold Rifleman 2-7X33, any Bushnell 3200 that suits you.  The first 2 are my first choices.  They are awesome for the money.  eBay normally has the best prices.

Nikon Prostaff 2-7X32 a really awesome scope



My personal favorite the Bushnell Banner 1.5-4.5X32

+1 for the Bushnell Banner 1.5 to 4.5. This scope is remarkably inexpensive and has great clarity and gives  you a good look in low light. I
wouldn't change mine.
I have heard very good things about the Nikon Prostaff but don' t own one.
I have never heard a bad word about Leupold. They are a little pricier than the others I mentioned but they are clearly a great investment.

Bob A

[Brian in FL]

I put a 1.5 - 4.5 X 32 Banner on my .35 Remington Marlin, and it's a great setup for woods hunting. You might also look at a 3 - 9 X 32 also. I have a Simmons on my other .35, and it works fine. But, I like the 3 - 9 X 40 Bushnell on my Marlin .30-30 also. It came with the rifle, and I haven't needed to change it. If I were going to switch it, however, I'd go with another 1.5 - 4.5 Banner. JMHO.

[Graybeard]

My 336 in .35 Rem wears a Bushnell 1.5-4.5 as I recall most likely a Banner but maybe a Trophy. My oldest absounded with it last hunting season and has announced he wants to keep it thru this season as well. If it ever comes back home I have an old Leupold 3X that might go on it to replace the Bushnell. I'd personally not put more than a 2-7 on a lever rifle like the 336 and even that's more magnification than needed but the Leupold 2-7s are a compact scope and a great choice.

[cwlongshot]

My favorite for the 336 is the Leupold 2-7x33.  It just seems like a good match, both in size and power settings.

This is my vote also.  To my hand and eye Marlins are overbalanced when objective diameter gets above 33 mm.  Better yet is a fixed power 2.5X or 4X.

My lever guns now all wear iron sights.  My bolt guns have scopes as described above.  I shoot much better with a scope because of aging vision but I sure like the feel of a lever gun while rambling in the woods.

EXACTLY!!!

 My all time favorite scope is the Leupold XVII or VARI X II in 2x7x33. BUT, I like peeps on my levers, I do have one 45-70 with that Leupold 2x7 and another 375 with a scope setup using a Leupold 2X M8 pistol scope. By and large, for me if I need a scope grab a handi or a bolt gun. IMHO, Levers are just better with peeps or buck horn sites.

CW

[Siskiyou]

I have no problems using scopes in the right power range for me.  I am right handed with a Master Left Eye.  Shooting left handed is my best option when using iron sights. 

For years I had a Weaver 4x on my Marlin 336.  It was suitable but was not fog proof.



This season I hunted with a Burris FFII 2x7-35MM scope on it.  When out in the snow there was no fogging issue.  In low light and thick timber it was clear and easy to see the cross hairs.  I can quickly mount the rifle on the right or left should and have a clear sight picture, there is not blacking out.  The scope is a little shorter than the old Weaver but has a slightly larger objective lens.

An issue I had as a right and left handed shooter was the hammer extension which came with my rifle.  It could be used on the right-side but not on the left.  I assume it could be remounted for the left hand shooter.  I purchased and modified an extension that would work right or left with my scoped rifle when I mounted new Burris scope. 




I was pleased to find that even when the scope was turned up to 7X I could quickly mount the rifle and have a clear sight picture.  I have not always achieved that with other scopes on a quick shoulder mount.

There are a number of brand names scopes in the same power range that will do the job without destroying the balance of the M336.  I do think the larger 3x9x40MM scopes are on the large side for the M336.  But if a hunter chooses to go larger, the more power to him.  I considered a 3x9x38MM scope.
http://www.chuckhawks.com/few_recommended_riflescopes.htm

[wreckhog]

Had bad luck with the Bushnell 1.5x4.5. Went back once due to focus issues, they sent me a NIB one, needs to go back again. The backup on the gun is a 30 year old Bushnell Banner 4x made in Japan. Much nicer scope IMHO.

[Swampman]

The focus is adjustable.

[KeepTryin]

Here's the setup I use on a 336. It's a multi-reticle Bushnell. I like it. I carry an extra battery with me but haven't had one die on me yet. I do check to see if it's working from time to time... but have had no problems. It suits me for a woods gun. I have other hardware for the wide open spaces, of course...

Have Fun!

[highwayman]

bushnell 3200 elite. i use it on all my guns

[Coyote Hunter]

My favorite for the 336 is the Leupold 2-7x33.  It just seems like a good match, both in size and power settings.

Ditto.  I use Warne Maxima Quick Release rings/bases on all my Marlin leverguns.  Two have Leupold 2-7x (a Vari-X II and a VXII) and one has a Leupold M8 4x. (Which doesn't work as well for me - too long.)