I would recommend a Leupold VX2 in 1x4 or 1.5x5. Stay away from the pig plex. A 3x9 is way too much scope for a 336. If you think you need more magnification than a 4or5 power you could look at a 2x8x28mm ultralight scope. I have a straight 2.5 power on my 336 in 35 Rem. and it’s all the scope I need.

 

Excellent suggestion.
I use a Leupold 1.5-4x20 on Leupold quick release base and rings on my .35 Rem. 336. It has plenty of magnification for any distance you will be taking game with a 30-30.
Now, if you were using a 336 XLR in 30-30, with Hornady Leverevolution ammo, I could see using a bit of a more powerful scope.
Andrew

 

I'm a fan of Leupold too and have a VX-2 2-7X33 on my 444XLR. Sits nice and low with a good cheek weld.

I don't have a scope on my 30/30, but I don't reckon you would be let down with the VX-2. My 2 cents.

 

Straight tube 20mm scopes look best on lever guns

as mentioned stay with 1-4...1-5 powers......

 

Personally even though I have the vx3 1.5-5x20(which I love), I think the ultralight 2.5x20(which I also have) is even better.

 

I have been a fan of the 1.5-5x20 scopes for many years and have found some good deals on older used VX-III models. The newer VX-3 and VX-3i are awesome too just more expensive.

 

IMHO, 2-7 is the max that I would consider. My scoped 336 wears a 3X. Look at the 2.5, 4, 1-4, 1.5-5, and 2-7 and go with what pleases you. I get along just fine with a 4X on my favorite bolt gun, a .308.

 

Most of my levers don't have scopes, but when doing so personally prefer the lower range variables or fixed within the 1.5-5x20 type power ranges. I myself leave the higher power/larger range scopes for my bolt action rifles; calibers for longer range shooting, type of game and country hunted, etc. Some of this probably depends on how you intend to use the rifle, or perhaps even just personal likes so to say... no real right or wrong to it all; whatever works for you. Regardless, I always recommend you get a reliable good quality scope for hunting uses out in the field, worth the money to me, and seems you're heading that direction.
Good luck to you...

 

The consensus is toward light, low powered scopes and I agree. A 1" tube scope is nice and light. A 30mm tube scope will be heavy and large for the 336. The VX-2 is a good choice in 1-4x20mm or, if you want more magnification, 2-7x33mm.

However, I have a different opinion than biggog regarding the HOG scopes. The 1" tube VX-HOG scope is nothing more than a 1-4x20mm VX-2 scope with the Pig-Plex reticle and selling for about $50 less than the same VX-2 with a duplex reticle. I really like the Pig Plex reticle. I guess this is where personal preference comes in. I bought three of these scopes.

Here is a picture through the VX-HOG scope I have on my Marlin 1895.
I snapped it with my cell phone.

Here is what the VX-HOG looks like on the rifle. A VX-2 scope will look the same because
they are the same scope. I think these are just the right size and magnification for the Marlin.

Not yet mentioned is the VX-3i 1.5-5x20mm. It is also a 1" tube scope. It costs a little more but it has more advanced lens coatings, is filled with Argon/Krypton gas, and is built with internal mechanical improvements.

 

The consensus is toward light, low powered scopes and I agree. A 1" tube scope is nice and light. A 30mm tube scope will be heavy and large for the 336. The VX-2 is a good choice in 1-4x20mm or, if you want more magnification, 2-7x33mm.

However, I have a different opinion than biggog regarding the HOG scopes. The 1" tube VX-HOG scope is nothing more than a 1-4x20mm VX-2 scope with the Pig-Plex reticle and selling for about $50 less than the same VX-2 with a duplex reticle. I really like the Pig Plex reticle. I guess this is where personal preference comes in. I bought three of these scopes.

Here is a picture through the VX-HOG scope I have on my Marlin 1895.
I snapped it with my cell phone.

View attachment 578594

Here is what the VX-HOG looks like on the rifle. A VX-2 scope will look the same because
they are the same scope. I think these are just the right size and magnification for the Marlin.

View attachment 578650

Not yet mentioned is the VX-3i 1.5-5x20mm. It is also a 1" tube scope. It costs a little more but it has more advanced lens coatings, is filled with Argon/Krypton gas, and is built with internal mechanical improvements.

I like it. hmmmm my 35?? how much did it set you back . thanks.

 

Forgot to mention mounts. Ranger Point Precision Rhino Rail. No need to look any further

 

I too agree with the use of a VX 2 in 1x4 or 2x7. I own both but the 1x4 is on my 338MX and works wonderfully. I used the Leopold mount but by all means buy the Leopold scope caps (the ones than screw into the scope), they are wonderful. Much better than the ones you push over the end of the scope. Jim

 

Leupold 1-4 or 1.5-5.Bells on the front will interfere with the rear sight.Straight tubes are no problem and can be mounted lower to keep your head on the stock.With a lever guns calibers 100yds and under is best and those low powers will do fine!

 

I appreciate the feedback so far. Looks like the consensus really is a straight tube variable magnification of low to medium power. IE no more than around 6 power unless going with a 2-7. I am not against buying a used scope at all. Just more hesitant on some of the listed boards and ads due to not being able to handle the scope first hand to ensure that it is within my standards. Now as far as Leupold luckily being a Combat Veteran or the Army and a Disabled one does have its benefits when it comes to saving a little money.

With the mounting of the straight walls what are people who use the Leupold one piece use as far as rings? Low? Medium?

Now preferably the only Leupolds that I really have any real experience with are the MK4 and that is from military service. I am really wanting a Mk4 spotting scope. My preference for this rifle if costs where not an option would most likely be a Trijicon 1-4 or 1-6 Accupoint. But costs put that above my mark for this build. I wanted something a bit more traditional and classic as far as a build. Once I get everything sorted out with the rifle I will get with Lever and have a sling made and slip but cover. Other than this I think that it would be ideal for romping around the woods here in NGA even up to Black Bear. As well as a great setup for my other half to use when she accompanies me out during Deer Season.

 

All the levers I have from mild to wild wear the Leupold VX-1 2-7x33 with their mount, rear sight folded or removed if non folder. Same fit, same feel, same view, works all the time for me! Scope adjustments ran stop to stop twice and centered, L/R sighted with base screws and finished with knobs. Now I have thought about all the L scopes, they also have a few too many big brothers and one would think I would have a hat or T-shirt or something.

 

I can’t and won’t argue with anything that’s already been said, it’s all good advice. I’ve got a vari-x II 2-7 on a weaver base with low rings and it fits just about perfect. The rear sight needs to folded down and I had to do a little clearancing on the base for the eyepiece, but that’s what I get for going with the cheap aluminum base.

 

Have been studying the leupold offerings discussed here. Specifically three separate scopes listed below and what matters to me as far as specs and price.

Leupold VX-3i 1.5-8x20
FOV 100Yards: 68.0ft
Eye Relief: 4.40in
Weight: 9.30oz
Street Price New: $322 Gunbroker

Leupold VX-2 1-4x20mm
FOV 100Yards: 74.70ft
Eye Relief: 4.20in
Weight: 8.10oz
Street Price New: $211 Gunbroker

Leupold VX-2 2-7x33mm
100Yards: 44.60ft
Eye Relief: 4.20in
Weight: 9.90oz
Street Price New: $167 Gunbroker

Price being a concern the VX2 2-7x33 would be my choice
But my main concerns are price, FOV, and weight. Price being the least of the three but important enough that if it is double the price then it is not physically responsible. That said even though the 2-7 is very tempting due to the cost. But, the issues with the FOV become an issue for me as I like to have as complete situational awareness as possible and with FOV being near half I am going to exclude it. Which leaves me with either 1.5-8 or 1-4. At first looking at prices I could not find it below $399 and on a whim did a search on GunBroker. Though, nothing on Ricer of Guns nor Gun.deals had anything better or could find a used one. I am probably leaning towards the 1.5-8 but would like to be able to find it for under $300. If anyone has any leads on it. I don't think I can get it better directly from Leupold than what is available on GunBroker. I appreciate the help and comments. I did compare to say a used 1-4 Accupoint or Accupower by Trijicon that with a TR24 gives me many benefits with the post type reticle. IE the Bindon Aiming Concept and lightied Reticle. But downfall is used I can only find around $500 at double the weight which beyond the benefits adding over a pound of scope on top negates any of the benefits nd not what I was trying to do.

Has anyone any comments on mounting height for the above I would appreciate it. Am I going to have any issues with the rear sight interfering?

 

Keep in mind when comparing FOV, you need to be comparing them at the same magnification. A scope at 1x will always have approximately double the FOV of a scope at 2x, and so on and so forth. I say “approximately” because there is usually a variance from advertised magnification and actual magnification, and even the highest quality scopes are not completely immune from this phenomenon.

 

Actually a lot of good advice here but let me put in my 2 cents. I have a .30-30 336 with a Leupold 1-4x VXI, another with a Leupold 2-7x VXI, another with a Leupold 2.5-8x VX3, and a .444 with a Leupold 2-7x VXI. You can't beat the Leupolds, and in all honesty either the VXI, VXII, or VXIII will work fine. It would be tough to beat either of the 1-4x or 2-7x on the .30-30 or .444 and in all honesty the 2.5-8x is optical overkill but is optically fantastic. I would go for a Leupold VXI or VXII in either 1-4x or 2-7x, and in the VXIII (or VX3) line, I would go for either a 1.5-5x or 2.5-8x, although the 1.75-6x would be good too. Any of the 3-9x would be too large and just wouldn't look right and are power wise overkill.

For a base, go with the simple Weaver 63B. Case closed there. Simple is best. For rings, I really like the Burris Signature Z rings, medium height (which is the lowest they make in that style). Why? Because they have a plastic ring insert that locks the scope extremely well in place and will not mar or scratch the scope body. Those are the rings I used for all of the scopes on my Marlins. A win-win for sure. Midsouth Shooters Supply is a great place for the rings and bases and is good for scope prices too. Bear Basin out in the People's Republic of California is an excellent place to look for scopes in the Leupold brand as well as other quality brands.

 

I do understand that for changes with magnification. Yet with some manufacturers they do minimize this. Though I beleive that it comes at a cost monetarily and weight. Yet I still must take this into consideration with this rifle and it’s purpose. I want magnification without loosing the benefits of a non magnified marlin, heck would prefer a 16” for handl8ng. Lightweight, nimble, easy to maneuver, quick aqcuisition, and identification. I am so used to AR styles after handl8ng them primarily in the services for over 20years and civilian at least 30years. That it is hard to go out with heavy gun. Plus it is harder with my TBI in o,dear to handle the extra weight.

 

My 1895 wears a VX2 2-7 X 33 - Warne QR bases and rings - my spare and 336's will as well when I get around to those projects. I also travel with a VX 2 1-4 x20 that has been zeroed as a spare scope in case I do something dumb - my experience with the Warne mounts has been that they return to zero consistently.

 

I my opinion, (because you asked)...............

A 3-9x is too much scope for a 336/30-30...........

I have been using a Leupold M8 2.5x on Millet STEEL 2 pc. turn in LOW rings and bases.

All steel mounts and rings are rock solid when compared to aluminum components and the 2 pc. bases allow you to use all 4 mounting screws, not just the 3 allowed by the 1 pc. aluminum bases.

Re: Magnification power..............it depends on what terrain you hunt in..................I hunt dense woods and swamps, so 2.5x is all I want or need.

I have other rifles with Leupold 1-4x and 1-5x scopes, they are all set on 2.5x - 3.0x ...............all are Lever Marlins , and all use the same Millet rings and bases.

Unless you are going to only shoot paper at 100 yards, I think a 3-9x is too big in size and power for that 336/30-30. Also, with these low power scopes, you gain a LOT of eye relief at the ocular end .

Removable mounts ?.............Why do you think you will ever need them? I know a number of people that have them, but none of them has EVER used them.

Others may not agree, but I,ve been using these low power scopes on these Millet mounts for almost 40 years with no complaints ever.............both at the range and in the woods.

Tom

 

Straight tube and low mounts. My 336Y wears Talley ultra low ring/mounts with a Nikon 1x4. Any scope without a straight tube just looks out of place on one of these rifles. The 336 isn't designed to be a long range rifle.

 

My old Glenfield 30 wears a Leupold VXII 2x7 in the Leupold "STD" (turn-in front) base and rings. I must say that over the years, I don't ever recall of anyone having any problems with the Redfield style base and rings system which the Leupold is. I certainly haven't and when possible, I use this system to mount a scope to any rifle. I really like the VXII in 2x7, and for me, it just perfect for my Glenfield. I agree with others that a 3x9 scope is just a little much for a .30-30 carbine. My Glenfield is the only conventionally scoped lever gun I own. I highly recommend this combination of scope and mount for anyone wanting to scope a 336 of any caliber.

 

The Gold Ring is a 1-4X20 VX-2 on a Winchester '94. The other is a Weaver 4X32 on a 336. Both are on low Leupold rings, and I think they could sit lower for a better fit for me.

 

As far as mounts I went ahead and purchased a one piece Leupold QD Mount and ultra low 1” rings. Even though I haven’t been able to get the scope yet either way it will be a 1” Tube. I looked and saw Leupold doesn’t have the QD mount listed anymore on their website and with supplies seemingly dwindling. I took a chance with a coupon I had for a Optics Planet to snatch a set up. Plus since the gun is still on a type of layaway it will give me time to hope there are deals for thanksgiving on Leupold better than I can get otherwise.

 

Here is a GBL with a 30mm VX-R Hog scope on it and I am very happy with it. It has the STD base and Low STD rings. I have it dialed in so I can use the reticle for aiming points @ varying distances

I use the top of the circle to sight in @ 100, Check that it is dead on @ 160 then that @ 210 the bottom of the circle is on. Out to 190 the bullet is no more than 3.6" high or low.
The target does not look that large in the scope as only the center of the scope where the tic marks are displayed.

 

I think that I am actually down to 2 seperate scopes and a wild card scope for this rifle. I was dead set on one but while saving up found that I may like some type of lighted reticle for certain situations. Though I am attempting to try to keep the weight as low as possible, match hold overs for 30.30 and leads, must be matte finish, and prefer closed caps for this type of hunting rifle. Seems easy right? Well money is an issue. I do want all the benefits of at least the VX-3i line of Leupolds.

Choices:
1. Leupold 170676 VX-3i 1.5-5x20
- Reticle: Heavy Duty Duplex
- Illuminated: No
- Weight: 9.3oz
- Best Price Found: $303

2. Leupold 113165 VX.R 1-4x20 Hog
- Reticle: Pig Plex
- Illuminated: Yes
- Weight: 11.5oz
- Best Price Found: $413

3. Primary Arms 1-6x24 SFP
- Reticle: ACSS (reticle calibrated for 300blk and 7.62x39 should match 30.30 perfectly)
- Illuminated: Yes
- Weight: 15.52oz
- Best Price Found: $289


All have there own merits. I would like to know more about the pig Plex Reticle and those that have used it. Specifically using the holds for 30.30. As well as using the built in leads on deer running. Will be using rifle on Deer, Pig, and Black Bear. Does the Pig PLex written in the reticle and on the scope detract from the use and looks with the lever.

Will I be lacking on magnification for the 30.30 even when out in more open areas like the plains? IE 4x?

As far as the Primary Arms scope I have 3 of their Variable and like them very much. I do have this exact scope on a 300blk handi and it is very stout, has good glass, the reticle is by far the best all around defense/hutning reticle I have used. Though I am little concerned how it would work all together on the levergun. Plus the SFP is the bees knees when using a reticle through all magnifications, This one is as close to 1x I have seen at this price range. Though I do have their platinum 1-8 on an DD AR and it perfect 1x, bought this over the Trijicon 1-8 cause of price and am very happy with that purchase though a bit heavy. Thoughts?

I appreciate everyone’s help here. I could do the VX3i at the price today if wanted and the primary arms could even try out mine on the lever, though hate having to remove and resight from rifle its on. I am also looking for anyone who knows where to get at a better price. Pictures are welcomed as well as practice experience hunting all game in all environments. If anyone has holdover on the pig plex for 30.30 please share..