Marlin 336 .30/.30

[HokieKev]

Hi All,

My Dad gave me a 1973 Marlin 336 in .30/.30 that has never been fired. I'd like to put a scope on it. Can anyone recommend a scope and is it easy to get all of the necessary mounting hardware/rings for this classic? In terms of the optic I would like to get something high quality and as tough/rugged as possible. The effective range of the gun is not that great so I am thinking I won't have to spend crazy money to get something relatively good. Also, is this easy enough for a beginner to install himself or should I have a gunsmith install it?

 

[lawrencewendall]

I got scope mounts like these which allow me to shoot in the brush/swamp at close range. (Amazon product ASIN B000N8OLZE) I think I have a K-Mart blue light special for a scope. As long as it keeps it's sight.

Link not posting correctly from Amazon.

WEAVER 1-Inch Steel Lock Mounts for Marlin 336​

 

[antco]

I don't feel like googling. Is this thing top ejection?

 

[Uncle Duke]

I don't feel like googling. Is this thing top ejection?

Side eject

 

[Trigger Time]

I don't feel like googling. Is this thing top ejection?

No

 

[HokieKev]

I don't feel like googling. Is this thing top ejection?

No, the Marlin 336 is side ejecting. The one I have has iron sights that are kind of interesting. The part of the sight nearest the shooter actually folds down, though most of the scopes I've seen people mount on YouTube videos clear the sight even when it is up.

You are probably thinking about the Winchester Model 94 which is top ejection. My Dad gave me one of those too! LOL. Guess these were popular in the 60s and 70s. That Winchester Model 94 seems like it would not be easy to put a scope on it. Will likely just leave it stock.

 

[Uncle Duke]

No, the Marlin 336 is side ejecting. The one I have has iron sights that are kind of interesting. The part of the sight nearest the shooter actually folds down, though most of the scopes I've seen people mount on YouTube videos clear the sight even when it is up.

You are probably thinking about the Winchester Model 94 which is top ejection. My Dad gave me one of those too! LOL. Guess these were popular in the 60s and 70s. That Winchester Model 94 seems like it would not be easy to put a scope on it. Will likely just leave it stock.

The 94? Popular since 1894! The Marlin 336 is the relative newcomer. It's only been around 75 years.

BOTH classics!

 

[antco]

That's why I asked. Glad to see yours is a side ejection.

 

[lawrencewendall]

Bought mine when I was 13 (45 years ago.) Love it but it can't reach out and touch.

 

[antco]

The 94? Popular since 1894! The Marlin 336 is the relative newcomer. It's only been around 75 years.

BOTH classics!

I bought three '94's last month. 1948, 1951, & 1959 build years as I recall. I'll be taking my daughters boyfriends shooting with a 100 year old rifle eventually.

 

[Tomcat]

I’ve still got my 336T that I bought in 1972. Got my first deer with it. Don’t remember what scope is on it, probably a Weaver but it’s mounted on see through mounts so you can use the scope or iron sights

 

[Uncle Duke]

I bought three '94's last month. 1948, 1951, & 1959 build years as I recall. I'll be taking my daughters boyfriends shooting with a 100 year old rifle eventually.

Sweet! Another example of John M. Browning genius, when a rifle is as coveted and as usable today as it was almost 130 years ago.

OP, I'd put a Leupold 2.5x8x36 VX-3 on that 1973 vintage Marlin 336. Bonus if you can find an example in good shape in gloss.

Just me.

 

[rseymorejr]

If your heart isn't 100% set on a scope, take a look at Skinner Peep sihts. I put them on my Marlin 1895 and I love it

1895 Sight

1895 Sight

www.skinnersights.com

 

[hobiecat590]

I’ve still got my 336T that I bought in 1972. Got my first deer with it. Don’t remember what scope is on it, probably a Weaver but it’s mounted on see through mounts so you can use the scope or iron sights

^^this^^. This is a relatively short range gun so you may need to use the peeps in close quarters. 3x9 or fixed 4 power should do you fine. 30/30s have allegedly taken the most deer of all calibers but there are better ideal deer rounds out there (my favs are 25-06 and 6.5 Swede) for long and short range. YMMV

 

[SummitCnty]

30-30 fan boy here. Love to see some pictures of it. I have a Marlin 336 JM that’s my go to.

 

[HokieKev]

Sweet! Another example of John M. Browning genius, when a rifle is as coveted and as usable today as it was almost 130 years ago.

OP, I'd put a Leupold 2.5x8x36 VX-3 on that 1973 vintage Marlin 336. Bonus if you can find an example in good shape in gloss.

Just me.

I’ve seen this recommended for it in several places.

https://www.opticsplanet.com/leupold-vx-freedom-3-9x40-1-inch-riflescopes.html?_iv_sscid=11k7_1242x5&_iv_utm_source=shareasale&_iv_utm_medium=affiliate&_iv_utm_campaign=affiliate-1664874&_iv_reticle=hunt-plex&_iv_adjustment-click-value=1-sl-4-moa&_iv_additional-features=finger-click-dial-system&_iv_condition=new

Similar? How hard are these to install? Also, do you need mounting hardware specific to the scope?

 

[Slowhand]

I have one (336C) that has 16rounds fired thru it. I have 4 rounds from the original box of shells. Prob a 68 or 69 year. Looks new, I finally tossed the cardboard box as it was so worn from handling. I added a sling back in the day. No scope.

 

[HokieKev]

30-30 fan boy here. Love to see some pictures of it. I have a Marlin 336 JM that’s my go to.

 

[Bigsawer]

While I understand why see-through mounts are a thing, I personally can't stand having a scope that high. This is where a decent lpvo, perhaps 1-6x' would solve my hang-up with it.

 

[Uncle Duke]

I’ve seen this recommended for it in several places.

https://www.opticsplanet.com/leupold-vx-freedom-3-9x40-1-inch-riflescopes.html?_iv_sscid=11k7_1242x5&_iv_utm_source=shareasale&_iv_utm_medium=affiliate&_iv_utm_campaign=affiliate-1664874&_iv_reticle=hunt-plex&_iv_adjustment-click-value=1-sl-4-moa&_iv_additional-features=finger-click-dial-system&_iv_condition=new

Similar? How hard are these to install? Also, do you need mounting hardware specific to the scope?

You need a base or bases specific to the rifle. And from there, you need rings of the appropriate diameter and height and finish, that are selected with your chosen scope's tube diameter, positioning and objective bell clearance in mind.

Like most things in life, scope mounting isn't rocket science. But there are indeed things to consider, all of which become easier once you know how. You can always have a shop mount and bore sight a scope for you. I'm not sure that my first attempt would involve an expensive scope on a vintage rifle.

Freedom is similar yes. I actually have an older model 3x9x40 VX-2 on my 336. The Freedom series is Leupold's replacement for the older VX1 and my VX2 series both. They transitioned from the VX1 and VX2 to the new Freedom line some 5 or 6 years ago now.

The VX-3 series is the better scope over the Freedom. Also, the vintage look in 1973 was a gloss scope, on what is your gloss blued rifle. So, the combo is an aesthetics thing. A "period correct" look may or may not matter to you.

If you do care about that? And if you look for and find a used scope in gloss, rather than today's matte finish? Leupold has a lifetime warranty. And you don't need a receipt, nor do you need to be the original owner. So no worries there.

As mentioned, any new scope will be matte black, rather than gloss black. A gloss finish in new production product of any series is (sadly) no longer available. Same with the finish on most rifles today. Matte black with that also, in most cases with most new rifles made today.

So you have some things to consider. Take your time and have fun with it!