30-30 Low magnification scope

T

teejhot.40cal

New member
I have a 30-30 marlin sitting in my safe and I would like to put a scope on it. I don't use it for deer that often or that often in general. I would however like to put a good, low magnification, reliable scope on it. I will be mostly using it for thick brush or a loaner gun if mom, dad, girlfriend etc would like to go hunting. I can't decide if I want 1-4, 1.5-5, or 2-7 powers. To be honest the farthest shot I would take with it would be under 150 and I plan on sighting it in at 50 yards. I have been looking at Leupold obviously. The main qualities are low power and ultra, super, leave in the gun safe for ten years and not have to worry about it losing its zero reliable. All ideas are appreciated
 
Leupold VX (II preferably but at least a VX I) 2-7. Shortest and lightest scope in its class. Won't "overbalance" that lightweight 30-30.
 
I have a 2-7 Leupold on my Marlin 1894S 44 mag, and I love it
It works great in the woods or in the fields
 
tj,

I use a number of rifles and shotguns for close in pig hunting (10-50 yards). I have Leupold VX3's 2-7 power scopes always set on the lowest setting. They hold up great to abuse from the weather and the brush (and my falling down sometimes). Works great for me, always maintains its zero. There are many other options available and I'm sure others will help out. Good luck.

best wishes- oldandslow
 
A 2-7X will work, but I'd go with a 1-4X. I've used 2-7X scopes before and you'll never use it on 7X except to zero, especially on that rifle. I find that the difference between 1X and 2X on the low end to be HUGE and they are even smaller and lighter.

The Leupolds made since 2012 have been upgraded and a current VX-1 is the same scope as a VX-2 made prior to 2012. Save your money, the VX-1 is plenty good enough.

If you think you'll use the greater magnification a VX-1 in a 2-7X would be my 2nd choice.
 
Low & straight
I have several "brush guns" M-336, M-94, Rem- 14, Ruger-DS . I ended up
putting 2-2 3/4-3x straight power scopes on them. These have been in rack
for 25+ years, still hold their 0. In past I've had problems with the variables
on these low-vel. cals. I think it might be in parallax. Mine are 0 at 60yds.
I'm going to be finding out, just took Lyman 66 reciever sight off Mar 1895,
45/70 and mounted new Burris FF 3x9 for deer season. Leopold 2x7 is a
very good glass but probably more than you need.
 
One other thing about shotgun scopes --the parallax of a rifle scope is typically 150 yds while the parallax of a shotgun scope is 75 yds !!! Because ot this and the fact that I rarely shoot deer beyond 100 yds I use a shotgun scope on my 45-70 . Even though the cartridge is good for much longer range.
 
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Leupold VX Hog Rifle Scope 1-4x 20mm Pig Plex Reticle Matte just over $200.
 
agree

I'm with DRM50, a low power fixed number, and the Leupold 2.5x compact comes to mind right away. A fixed 3x like the Weaver or the vintage Leupolds is another option for sure. That said, I've got nothing against the 1-4x class, and run examples of each.

A larger belled scope seems odd on a lever carbine to me. Even something as simple as a 4x32 seems out of place.......to me.

I look upon such rigs as enhanced iron sights. If I need to shoot farther than what I can do with a low magnification scope, I get a bigger rifle to go with the bigger scope.
 
I have a Leupold VX-3 1.75-6x32 on my Marlin 336 and think it is about perfect. Had the custom shop put a German #4 reticle in it.

Second choice would be a Fullfield II 2-7-was on the rifle previously.
 
I put on a 2 1/2x Bushnell "Pronghorn" that didn't cost much. Fine for 150 yard shots and the field of view good.
 
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