I see used scopes all the time on various gun forums. Maybe try looking around until you can find something better in your price range.

 

Prices on everything is way up. Optics can be a tricky subject on here, lol… yeah I’d look around some places run a good sale this time of year. We have a vendor here, https://www.marlinowners.com/threads/great-optics-gift-kit.669435/

 

I like those Redfield Revolution scopes, I have a pair of the 2-7x33's.
I was watching one on eBay about a month ago and then forgot about it.
It at a reasonable price. I had a Leupold Rifleman the same size as a spare, but
I ended up gifting it to the son-n-law to put on his Rem 600 in 35R last Christmas.

RP

 

Refield is now owned by Academy Sports & Outdoors and is made in .........China. The 2x7 and 3x9 sell for $99 and $109. I have 2 3x9x40. They are mounted, tested and ready for use on two stay-at-the-ranch truck guns. We shall see.

 

The old Revolution line was made by Leupold and are some damn fine scopes.
I would buy another in a heartbeat.
Actually I'm wanting another as a spare. If I find a good deal on one of the new Rossi 444 trapper, it would be a perfect match.

RP

 

I use swarovski/meopta/leupold/zeiss...........In many cases the scope cost way more than the rifle it sits on........Can't shoot what you can't see........Early or late.

 

The Ziess Terra 2x7-32 is $289.99 in stock at Optics Planet.

 

BEWARE of Leupold fakes ! Friend bought 2 and found out they were fakes from Leupold.I just found one at a local online auction.Contacted auction house via e-mail and they did nothing.Sent Leuopold the link and they got back to me saying they sent it to the proper dept.

 

Redfield Revolution scopes were a great buy when they came out by Leupold some 12-13 years ago. They were priced at 120 bucks back then but will probably run one more than that now used thanks to Brandon's lousy economy. I can't echo Pereira's comments enough---these were fantastic scopes! I have quite a few of the 2-7Xs on my Marlins and have taken a lot of deer with them. They have never let me down.

 

I just bought one of the Bushnell 1.5-4.5 scopes and put it on my 1894 44 mag. Just right for that gun. I have three 2-7 scopes. One on a model 7 in7-08(Leupold) and a Nikon Pro-Staff on my Marlin 30-30 and just added a Vortex 2-7 on y new Rossi 30-30. I like all of them and think a 2-7 is about perfect for the relatively short range hunting I do. I They are almost as good as a fixed 4x scope. I won't sell any of those I have.

But yes scope prices are high. If you buy a good one you only have to buy once. Check EBay and Gunbroker for used scopes. You will never go wrong buying a NIB Leupold scope.

 

There’s a Weatherby vanguard in 300wby topped with a Zeiss for sale near me for $700. Almost bought it for the scope, but looked at my…one single rifle and no more than one…with a Leupold and decided I didn’t need to spend the money

 

As stated, old Redfields made by Leupold were an awesome bargain! Still are if you find them priced right used. In the last several years I’ve tended to pick up several used Leupolds at gun shows or in the classifieds when they are priced right. Never hurts to have 3 or 4 unmounted decent scopes tucked away for new guns that come along 😂.

The only new ones I’ve bought have been a couple 1 to 4s because they are nice and compact but still cheap enough when compared to the current market. I have one on the 360 Buckhammer I’m taking it to Illinois month.

 

I’ve used Ziess optics for 20 years. The clarity is unparalleled. The Terra series is their economy line. Parts made in Germany and assembled in Japan. I’ve never owned one but I’d be willing to try them if I needed an optic FTX put on something like a lever.

 

Some of Ziess scope were rebranded Meopta's.

 

I have the Bushnell 1.5 X 4.5 on my old Marlin 35 Remington. Held its zero and took a few deer. I have looked at 2X7s but some have a field of view less than a 3X9.
I have a Vortex 1.75X5 that is a very good scope. The 300 dollar Leopold is a good scope but a compact which may not give one a good fit. I found out about the field of view on the Vortex 2X7 when I bought one. It's less than a 3X9.
The banner on a 35 Rem is plenty. With lever bullets it's still only about a 200 yard rifle and better closer.
3X9s seem to offer the best features in less expensive scopes, but the Vortex 1.75 X 5 is a good one. 2X7s are almost orphans.

DEP

 

At one time I had both a Leupold VXi and a Redfield Revolution. Both in 2-7. The Revolution had a larger area of fine reticle and was just as clear. I ended up selling the Leupold with a rifle as I didn't need it at that time.
The 3-9x40 Revolution that I have on my Ruger No1 I picked up from a guy on one of the forums.
It does seem that a 2-7 is hard to find. Not popular even in new scopes. So far as new scopes, I hate the various reticles. I don't need BDC or windage and hold over marks. I suspect that is something that shooters find to be cool, but not really needed.

 

At one time I had both a Leupold VXi and a Redfield Revolution. Both in 2-7. The Revolution had a larger area of fine reticle and was just as clear. I ended up selling the Leupold with a rifle as I didn't need it at that time.
The 3-9x40 Revolution that I have on my Ruger No1 I picked up from a guy on one of the forums.
It does seem that a 2-7 is hard to find. Not popular even in new scopes. So far as new scopes, I hate the various reticles. I don't need BDC or windage and hold over marks. I suspect that is something that shooters find to be cool, but not really needed.

The only reticle I like is the heavy duplex..............Have it in all my scopes.

 

Being an old guy I remember the scopes we had before variables were used. The first scope I used on a high power was a Weaver 2.5 with a post reticule. Made a 280 yard shot with it . 4 powers we the all around power. 6 maybe for Western hunting.
My daughter has killed a lot of deer with a 4X
Bubble packed scope. Maybe $40 new.
It's held its zero over the years and served her well. It works so she keeps it.
The lower powered variables are very serviceable. More so than the higher powered ones.

DEP

 

LGS are pushing Vortex. Decent scopes I guess, and certainly cheaper but all reviews indicate the clarity is not up to Leupold, even the Freedom line.
Seems like the heavy duplex and 2-7 are making it hard to find one. I have a Hawke on a crossbow that I use in late season and I find it to be a really clear scope. But nothing in a 2-7.

 

I like Leupold glass on my rifles; never have had any issues with them. I had a Nikon and it didn't seem to be bright and clear so I replaced it with a Leupold. I have carried Leupold glass through woods, brush, even on safari in Africa, never a problem with Leupold.

 

I get where you're coming from—finding a good scope can be a hassle! I’ve been in similar spots, especially when I was looking for a used Leupold for my rifle and couldn’t find anything that didn’t cost an arm and a leg. The Bushnell Banner should work for now, but I totally understand wanting something better for your 336A. Sometimes local shops or gun forums can surprise you with good deals, so it might be worth checking there. And if you decide to sell the 444, that could open up some better options for you.

 

I've stayed back and watched, knowing scope comparisons and opinions sometimes run warm. I started my big game hunting with smoothbore SG and killed my first buck with one.

Once I started hunting with rifles, I mistakenly thought that more power was better... WRONG! Once I figured out that mistake I got wiser and now some 56yrs after my 1st deer hunt I own about 45 deer rifles (big game rifles).

The vast majority wear 1-4 (or similar) and 2-7. I do have a few high powers, but nothing over 3x15 and I've not ever hunted big game with anything over 9X.

I own lots of scopes on those big game rifles and have 3 or 4 more scopes waiting to be mounted. I love Leupold scopes and own at least 20 most 1-4 or 2-7, at least 10 with Firedot reticle (one 3-9 with Firedot).

Leupold changed their "push" to expensive models over less expensive lines about 4yrs ago. I no longer buy new Leupolds. I've done many low light comparisons with lots of scopes from Burris, Bushnell Elite, Nikon Monarch, Leuoold, Zeiss and others. Zeiss wins in brightness, but not in aiming in low level light. An illuminated reticle scope wins there.

I'd suggest you check Midway for sales on 4500 Elites (I bought two and didn't even need them) and everywhere for Vortex Crossfire 2 and Hawke. I own several Hawkes and love them.

Good luck with whatever you decide

 

I've stayed back and watched, knowing scope comparisons and opinions sometimes run warm. I started my big game hunting with smoothbore SG and killed my first buck with one.

Once I started hunting with rifles, I mistakenly thought that more power was better... WRONG! Once I figured out that mistake I got wiser and now some 56yrs after my 1st deer hunt I own about 45 deer rifles (big game rifles).

The vast majority wear 1-4 (or similar) and 2-7. I do have a few high powers, but nothing over 3x15 and I've not ever hunted big game with anything over 9X.

I own lots of scopes on those big game rifles and have 3 or 4 more scopes waiting to be mounted. I love Leupold scopes and own at least 20 most 1-4 or 2-7, at least 10 with Firedot reticle (one 3-9 with Firedot).

Leupold changed their "push" to expensive models over less expensive lines about 4yrs ago. I no longer buy new Leupolds. I've done many low light comparisons with lots of scopes from Burris, Bushnell Elite, Nikon Monarch, Leuoold, Zeiss and others. Zeiss wins in brightness, but not in aiming in low level light. An illuminated reticle scope wins there.

I'd suggest you check Midway for sales on 4500 Elites (I bought two and didn't even need them) and everywhere for Vortex Crossfire 2 and Hawke. I own several Hawkes and love them.

Good luck with whatever you decide

My older VAR-X III's with heavy duplex are BETTER scopes in all ways then the newer VAR-X 3ci's. WAY better. Leupold's prices may have gone up......BUT....Their quality has gone down.

 

I had a 4x Burris on 270 yrs ago. Bought a single shot Henry in 308, went with a used Burris 6x. Don't see variable power being good option for me, being a mechanic forever, the simpler the better.

 

Recently looked to get me a straight power 6x scope, to mount a a newly acquired 1894 in 44 mag. Leupold seemed to discontinued a straight 6x and to my surprise Burris also seemed to have discontinued those 6x scopes… I totally agree, a straight 6x with good eye relief would be an outstanding choice for most short range hunting. I hunt from my treestand in wooded area and usually always leave my 3-9x set on 6x... I have taken deer at close range and out to nearly 100 yards without changing the magnification.

 

I do have two fixed powers mounted, a 3x Lyman All American on my old Savage 219 in 30-30 and a 4x Burris mounted on my pre 64 M70 Featherweight to duplicate how Jack had his #1 custom Featherweight in .270 set up. I also have a NIB Weaver 2.5X that I'm trying to decide on what rifle it will grace.

 

I have the fixed power 4X Burris on the 1894SS simply because I have it, and it matches the stainless finish of the gun.

 

This Burris FFII in 3-9x40 has a near perfect match to the new M70 FW dark maple's SS too

 

Have you considered a Vortex scope. A 2x7x32 is available. Most LGS have them for around $150 new. One of my local shops have several used 2x7x32 scopes used for around $75.

 

Just remember Burris, Leupold gold ring and Vortex lifetime warranty! And you don’t have to be original owner. Their products are quality and worth the money. Beware of Leupold fakes, but you may phone them with model and serial number for verification.

 

I have a Burris 2X7 on my 45/70 and it has done well. Anoth make to look at is Swift. I have a 3X9 on my Muzzleloader and it too has done well. They have a 2X7 available as well

 

Bushnell has a nice lineup of scopes. They don't have a lifetime warranty but they do have a 30 yr warranty from time of purchase and they are transferable. I have an Engage 3x9x40 on my Mini 14 and it has held up well to the violent cycling of the action. They make a 2x7x32 also.