5 Best Scope for Marlin 336 Lever Action

The Marlin 336 is a classic lever-action rifle commonly used for deer hunting, hog hunting and other outdoor shooting applications. Its traditional design, relatively compact profile and receiver configuration make scope selection an important consideration. A suitable optic should complement the rifle without adding unnecessary weight or bulk.

The best scopes for the Marlin 336 generally feature low to moderate magnification, a generous field of view, practical eye relief and durable construction. Whether you own a traditional Marlin 336 with a conventional scope mount or a model configured for a forward-mounted optic, compatibility is essential.

This guide compares five riflescopes based on their optical specifications, mounting considerations, practical features and suitability for the Marlin 336, helping you understand the differences before making a purchase.

Quick Recommendations

• Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20: Consider this compact scope if low weight, straightforward magnification and a wide field of view are your priorities.

• Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32: A variable-power option for those comparing a traditional hunting scope with a moderate magnification range.

• Burris Scout 2-7×32: Designed for forward mounting, making it relevant to Marlin 336 configurations that support a scout-style setup.

• Bushnell AR Optics 1-4×24: A low-magnification option with a wide field of view, although its AR-oriented reticle and heavier construction may not suit every lever-action configuration.

• Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×40: Offers a higher top magnification for readers who prefer a conventional hunting scope format.

How These Products Were Chosen

These five scopes were selected for comparison based on their magnification ranges, objective lens sizes, eye relief, weight, optical features and mounting considerations. The Marlin 336 has different receiver and ejection configurations across model years, so scope compatibility is an important part of the decision.

Manufacturer specifications were prioritized where available, while practical considerations such as scope length, field of view and the difference between conventional and scout-style optics were also taken into account. These are product comparisons, not claims of universal performance or suitability for every Marlin 336.

1. Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20

Best for readers prioritizing a lightweight, compact optic

The Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 is a compact variable-power riflescope with a relatively low magnification range. Its size and weight make it a model worth considering for traditional hunting rifles, including compatible Marlin 336 configurations. It combines a simple magnification system with a broad field of view at its lowest setting.

Best For

This scope is suited to readers looking for a compact conventional optic with low magnification and a relatively light overall profile.

Why Choose It

The VX-Freedom provides a 1.5-4x magnification range, allowing the user to adjust between a wider field of view and a more magnified image. Its 9.6-ounce weight and 9.35-inch length are useful specifications to consider when comparing compact scopes.

Key Features

• Magnification: 1.5-4x

• Objective lens: 20mm

• Weight: 9.6 ounces

• Length: 9.35 inches

• Eye relief: 4.2 inches at low power and 3.7 inches at high power

• Field of view: 74.2 feet at 1.5x and 29.4 feet at 4x per 100 yards

• Tube diameter: 1 inch

• Reticle: Available with different reticle configurations

• Construction: Waterproof and fogproof, according to Leupold

What These Features Mean in Real Use

The low 1.5x starting magnification provides a broad field of view, which can make it easier to maintain awareness of the surrounding scene. Increasing magnification to 4x offers a closer view without moving into the higher magnification ranges associated with larger hunting scopes.

Its 20mm objective lens helps keep the overall scope compact. However, a smaller objective lens generally provides less light-gathering potential than a larger lens at equivalent magnification and exit-pupil conditions.

The eye relief of 3.7 to 4.2 inches is an important specification to compare against the rifle’s stock dimensions and the shooter’s preferred head position.

Trade-Offs

The compact dimensions and relatively low weight are appealing, but the 4x maximum magnification may not meet the preferences of readers who want more magnification flexibility. The smaller objective lens is also a consideration for those comparing scopes for dim conditions.

May Not Be Ideal If

This scope may not suit someone looking for higher magnification or a dedicated forward-mounted scout optic with extended eye relief.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight

• Wide field of view at low magnification

• Practical 1.5-4x range

• Waterproof and fogproof construction

Cons

• Limited maximum magnification

• Smaller 20mm objective lens

• Conventional eye relief rather than scout-style extended eye relief

Decision Summary

Best if: You prefer a compact conventional riflescope with a broad field of view.

Consider another option if: You need extended eye relief or a higher magnification ceiling.

2. Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32

Best for readers comparing versatile variable-power optics

The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 is a variable-power scope with a 2-7x magnification range and a 32mm objective lens. It offers a balance between lower magnification and additional image enlargement, making it a model to consider for a compatible conventional scope mounting arrangement.

Best For

This scope is suited to readers who want more magnification flexibility than a compact 1-4x optic provides.

Why Choose It

The Crossfire II 2-7×32 features fully multi-coated lenses, a second focal plane reticle and capped turrets. Vortex lists a weight of 13.9 ounces and an eye relief of 3.9 inches for this particular model.

Key Features

• Magnification: 2-7x

• Objective lens: 32mm

• Weight: 13.9 ounces

• Length: 11.5 inches

• Eye relief: 3.9 inches

• Field of view: 42-12.6 feet at 100 yards

• Tube diameter: 1 inch

• Reticle: V-Plex, depending on configuration

• Turrets: Capped

• Lens coatings: Fully multi-coated

What These Features Mean in Real Use

The 2-7x range provides flexibility when comparing different magnification levels. The lower setting provides a wider field of view than the maximum setting, while the 7x setting offers more image enlargement for viewing distant details.

The 32mm objective lens offers a middle ground between compactness and light collection. Fully multi-coated lenses help reduce reflections at optical surfaces and improve light transmission.

Its 3.9-inch eye relief is a conventional scope specification, so compatibility with the rifle’s mounting position and stock geometry still needs to be considered.

Trade-Offs

The Crossfire II provides a broader magnification range than the Leupold 1.5-4×20, but it is longer and heavier. Its 2x minimum magnification may also be less appealing to those who specifically prefer a very low starting magnification.

May Not Be Ideal If

It may not be the right fit for a Marlin 336 requiring extended eye relief or for a reader who prioritizes minimum scope weight and length.

Pros

• Versatile 2-7x magnification

• Fully multi-coated optics

• Capped adjustment turrets

• 32mm objective lens

Cons

• Heavier than some compact options

• Conventional eye relief

• Not a dedicated scout scope

Decision Summary

Best if: You want a conventional variable-power scope with a 2-7x range.

Consider another option if: Your rifle configuration requires forward mounting or extended eye relief.

3. Burris Scout 2-7×32

Best for compatible scout-style mounting arrangements

The Burris Scout 2-7×32 is specifically designed for forward mounting. Unlike conventional riflescopes, its extended eye relief allows it to be positioned farther from the shooter’s eye. This makes it particularly relevant to readers researching scout-style optic configurations for compatible Marlin 336 rifles.

Best For

This scope is suited to readers who specifically want a forward-mounted optic and have a rifle and mounting system designed to accommodate one.

Why Choose It

The Burris Scout offers an extended eye relief range of 9.2 to 12 inches, depending on magnification. It also features a 2-7x magnification range, a Ballistic Plex reticle and a one-inch main tube. Its 13-ounce weight and 9.7-inch length provide useful points of comparison with conventional hunting optics.

Key Features

• Magnification: 2-7x

• Objective lens: 32mm

• Weight: 13 ounces

• Length: 9.7 inches

• Eye relief: 9.2-12 inches

• Field of view: 23-8 feet at 100 yards

• Tube diameter: 1 inch

• Reticle: Ballistic Plex

• Focal plane: Second focal plane

• Adjustment value: 1/4 MOA

• Warranty: Burris Signature Warranty

What These Features Mean in Real Use

Extended eye relief is the main distinguishing feature of this optic. It is designed to provide a usable sight picture when the scope is positioned forward of the usual location for a conventional riflescope.

Its 2-7x magnification provides variable power, while the Ballistic Plex reticle incorporates additional aiming references. These references should be understood in the context of the specific ammunition and verified ballistic information rather than assuming fixed distances.

The compact 9.7-inch body may also be an important consideration when comparing scope dimensions, although the final setup depends on the rifle’s mounting hardware.

Trade-Offs

The extended eye relief offers a different mounting approach, but it requires a compatible forward scope base. The field of view is narrower than that of some low-magnification conventional scopes, and its 2x minimum magnification may not appeal to everyone.

May Not Be Ideal If

It may not suit readers who have a conventional receiver-mounted scope base and do not intend to change to a compatible scout-style configuration.

Pros

• Extended eye relief

• Designed for forward mounting

• Compact scope body

• Variable 2-7x magnification

• Ballistic Plex reticle

Cons

• Requires compatible forward mounting

• Narrower field of view than some low-power optics

• Different viewing characteristics from conventional scopes

Decision Summary

Best if: You specifically need a scout-style optic with extended eye relief.

Consider another option if: You prefer a conventional receiver-mounted scope.

4. Bushnell AR Optics 1-4×24

Best for readers considering a low-magnification configuration

The Bushnell AR Optics 1-4×24 is a low-power variable riflescope designed for AR-platform applications. Its 1-4x magnification range and relatively broad field of view at the lowest setting make it an option worth comparing for readers interested in compact, low-magnification optics. However, its intended platform and reticle configuration deserve careful consideration before selecting it for a Marlin 336.

Best For

This scope may appeal to readers looking for a low-power variable optic who have confirmed that its dimensions, reticle and mounting requirements are compatible with their rifle.

Why Choose It

The Bushnell AR Optics 1-4×24 offers a 1-4x magnification range, a 30mm main tube and a second focal plane configuration in the Drop-Zone 223 model. Bushnell’s published specifications list an 18-ounce weight and 9.4-inch length for this version.

Key Features

• Magnification: 1-4x

• Objective lens: 24mm

• Weight: 18 ounces

• Length: 9.4 inches

• Eye relief: 3.5 inches at maximum magnification

• Field of view: 112-27 feet at 100 yards

• Tube diameter: 30mm

• Reticle: Drop-Zone 223, depending on model

• Focal plane: Second focal plane for the Drop-Zone 223 model

• Parallax: Fixed

What These Features Mean in Real Use

The 1-4x magnification range offers a low starting power and modest image enlargement at the upper end. Its published field-of-view specifications illustrate how much the visible scene narrows as magnification increases.

The 24mm objective lens helps keep the optic relatively short, although the 30mm main tube requires matching rings and a compatible mounting system. The relatively high weight compared with the Leupold VX-Freedom is another important consideration.

The Drop-Zone 223 reticle is designed around a specific cartridge class. It should not be assumed to provide calibrated aiming references for the Marlin 336’s chambering.

Trade-Offs

The broad field of view and low starting magnification are useful specifications, but the optic weighs more than several alternatives in this guide. Its AR-oriented reticle also limits how directly its built-in references translate to other ammunition configurations.

May Not Be Ideal If

This scope may not be suitable for readers who prioritize a lightweight traditional hunting optic, need a reticle designed for their particular cartridge or want a dedicated scout scope.

Pros

• Low 1-4x magnification range

• Broad field of view at low power

• Compact overall length

• Fully specified mounting tube dimensions

Cons

• Relatively heavy

• 30mm rings required

• AR-oriented reticle may not match the rifle’s chambering

• Conventional rather than extended eye relief

Decision Summary

Best if: You are comparing low-power variable optics and have verified the reticle and mounting compatibility.

Consider another option if: You want a scope specifically configured for traditional lever-action hunting.

5. Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×40

Best for readers who prefer a conventional 3-9x hunting scope

The Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×40 is a conventional variable-power hunting riflescope with a 40mm objective lens. Its magnification range extends beyond that of the low-power optics in this guide, giving readers another configuration to compare when considering different viewing preferences.

Best For

This scope is suited to readers who prefer a conventional 3-9x hunting optic and have confirmed that its mounting position, dimensions and eye relief work with their specific Marlin 336.

Why Choose It

The Fullfield E1 combines variable magnification with a 40mm objective lens and a Ballistic Plex E1 reticle. It offers more magnification at the upper end than the other four options in this guide. The model is also associated with Burris’s established hunting riflescope range.

Key Features

• Magnification: 3-9x

• Objective lens: 40mm

• Reticle: Ballistic Plex E1, depending on configuration

• Focal plane: Second focal plane

• Tube diameter: Check the exact model

• Adjustment system: Capped hunting-style turrets on applicable configurations

• Warranty: Verify coverage for the exact model

What These Features Mean in Real Use

The 3-9x magnification range offers more image enlargement at the upper end than the 1-4x and 2-7x alternatives. The 40mm objective lens is also larger than the 20mm, 24mm and 32mm lenses in the other models discussed.

A larger objective lens can provide a larger exit pupil at a given magnification, depending on the scope’s optical design. However, a larger lens does not automatically guarantee superior image quality or better low-light performance.

The Ballistic Plex E1 reticle incorporates additional aiming references. Their practical relevance depends on the ammunition, the verified trajectory and the exact reticle configuration.

Trade-Offs

The 3-9x magnification range offers more flexibility at higher power, but a conventional scope of this type can be longer and heavier than a compact low-power model. Its minimum magnification is also higher than that of the other options in this guide.

Since specifications can vary by Fullfield E1 generation and configuration, confirm the exact model’s dimensions, eye relief and tube diameter before purchasing.

May Not Be Ideal If

It may not be the right option for readers who prioritize a short, lightweight scope or need an optic with extended eye relief for a scout-style mounting arrangement.

Pros

• Broad 3-9x magnification range

• Larger 40mm objective lens

• Ballistic Plex E1 reticle on applicable models

• Conventional hunting-scope format

Cons

• Higher minimum magnification

• Potentially larger and heavier than compact alternatives

• Exact specifications vary by configuration

• Requires careful mounting compatibility checks

Decision Summary

Best if: You prefer a conventional 3-9x hunting scope with a larger objective lens.

Consider another option if: You want a compact optic with a lower starting magnification or extended eye relief.