Scope recommendations for a 30-30?

[MojoTexas]

I recently acquired a gently used Marlin 30AS from another member on this board, and I'm wanting to put a scope on it.

I've never owned a rifle with a scope, so I'm not sure where to begin. Since it's a 30-30, I don't need some sort of super long-range scope...most of my shots will probably be 200 yards or less. I'm also looking not to spend an arm and a leg...maybe up to about $300 tops, including the mount.

I plan to use it for general hunting. I haven't really done much hunting since I was a teenager, so I'm not sure WHAT I will be hunting, but I want this to be a general purpose rifle I can use for deer, hogs, or anything else I can find to hunt. Also, ideally I'd like to have some sort of setup so I can still use the iron sights in a pinch if it's super close range and in brush.

Anyone have any suggestions?

[pbwalker]

Have you tried shooting it with the iron sights yet?

I was going to put a scope on my Marlin, but at the recommendation of several forum members I tried it without the scope first. It is SUPER accurate out of the box! I was hitting groups of three under 1" at 100 yards (and my eyes are bad!!)

But if you're set on a scope, you can't go wrong with a Super Sniper.

[couzin]

Ditto - try the iron sights first. Thereafter, if you want a scope, you have a several options starting with mount and rings: scope rings of various heights permanently mounted; peep-through rings permanently mounted; a Weaver or Picatinny type rail that allows you to keep the iron sights; Weaver or Picatinny rings of various heights or peep-throughs. For a scope choice - you will get lots of suggestions: fixed power (both low and high); variable (ditto - low and high); narrow field or wide; cheap and expensive. All of which really gets in to what feels comfortable with you as far as where your eye relief falls on the gun without having to make conscious efforts to correct (high powers usually require you to be very close), what kind of shots you think you will be taking, and your skill levels. I prefer a low power variable 3 to 9 by 40 or 50 (my old eyes need the extra light and the variable dialed down is perfect for closer shots - dialed up gets a very good view at 100 or so yards) permanently mounted (less need to re-check zero or have a scope ring loosen up) on low rings (my cheek weld is perfect on the 336 wood for the center of the scope and eye relief is about four or five inches). Also (and just my HO - there is little benefit to mounting a $1,000.00 scope to a $300.00 rifle.

[jimlongley]

I'll go for the "try it with iron sights first" but I would not even go as high as 4 power. I would stick with 2 with as big a light gathering objective as you can find.

[mr surveyor]

Nikon ProStaff

[threoh8]

I'm partial to receiver sights ("peep" or aperture) and square front posts on rifles. A ghost ring works well for quick shooting.
If you really want a scope, consider a forward mount, low magnification, intermediate eye relief "scout" scope. Very quick to acquire, reasonable accuracy, and you keep some peripheral vision.

[mr surveyor]

I only mentioned the scope because a lot of us no longer have young eyes. I even have trouble focusing cross hairs sometimes. Haven't seen iron sights on a rifle since before lasic surgery about 6 years ago.

surv

[CaptWoodrow10]

I agree with iron sight being an awesome option, especially for a marlin 30-30. FWIW, If you do go with a scope, 3X is about as much as I would put on it. I would also look into scope rings that allow you to use either iron sights or the scope. It's a pretty win/win compromise IMO.

[MojoTexas]

Thanks for the tip...I think maybe this weekend I'll get out in the pasture with my dad and put some rounds through it. I haven't actually fired it yet, so I will give the iron shots a try. It already has a rail for a scope, so if I do decide to add one I'll just need the scope and rings. I like the idea of keeping the iron sights an option, especially for quick shots in brush. However, it'd be nice to get a little better accuracy at 100-200 yards.

[Rex B]

Up until recently, I had two 336 Marlins
One had a Redfield Wideview 1-7x scope onit, period correct for that gun.
The other has a peep sight on the receiver.
Both worked well.
You don't need a high powered scope on a 150-yd gun.

[MojoTexas]

Up until recently, I had two 336 Marlins
One had a Redfield Wideview 1-7x scope onit, period correct for that gun.
The other has a peep sight on the receiver.
Both worked well.
You don't need a high powered scope on a 150-yd gun.

The 30-30 that I'm asking about Rex is the 30AS I purchased from you.

[threoh8]

I like the idea of keeping the iron sights an option ... However, it'd be nice to get a little better accuracy at 100-200 yards.

The NRA Highpower Rifle and CMP shooters do quite well accuracy-wise with iron sights out to 1000 yards. Many shoot simple aperture-rear and post front sights - versions of which are available for Marlins.

[Kiowa Scout]

I highly recommend the Cabela's scope that has the BDC reticle designed for the new Hornady LeverEvolution .30-30 ammo. This makes a .30-30 shoot comparable to a .308 in both trajectory and velocity out to 300 yards. My family has 3 Marlin 336s, with these scopes, these rifles are amazing. BTW, the scope retails for $100.

[MojoTexas]

I highly recommend the Cabela's scope that has the BDC reticle designed for the new Hornady LeverEvolution .30-30 ammo. This makes a .30-30 shoot comparable to a .308 in both trajectory and velocity out to 300 yards. My family has 3 Marlin 336s, with these scopes, these rifles are amazing. BTW, the scope retails for $100.

Do you have a link or a part number? I checked the Cabela's website and couldn't find them.

[couzin]

Here - http://www.cabelas.com/p-0043787712741a.shtml