David, I use Burris Signature Zees on any rifle that I can get em for, they aren't cheap, but they also don't cause any ring marks or stress on scope tubes. They also allow the use of their offset inserts to compensate for misaligned bases or mounting holes which the Marlins are notorious for. Before you mount the bases that came with the rifle, install the base screws without the bases, then place as long a straight edge as you have against the side of the screws and see if the straight edge lines up with the centerline of the barrel. If it runs off to one side, the mount holes are not lined up properly. Do the same with the bases after they are mounted, some bases have been drilled with off center holes, also. If the holes are OK, but the bases are bad, you can buy Weaver #16 bases and install them, or the other alternative is to buy 3/8" rimfire rings to be installed on the dovetail in the receiver, I would recommend BKL if you can buy them locally, or they are available online at
www.bkltech.com Ring height depends on the size of the objective on the scope you choose. I have mediums on my 917VS with a 40mm AO scope that measures 2.05" in diameter, there's about 1/10" clearance, just enough for the scope covers to slide on. A good online source for Burris Sig Zees is
www.theopticzone.com