Best Marlin 336 Scopes | Buyer`s Guide for 2022

Best Overall:
 Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm

One of the most popular options for scoping the Marlin 336 is the Leupold Rifleman, and that’s in large part due to the fact that it offers a highly flexible and practical magnification range. 3x-9x might not seem like much, but 3x is very well-suited for shorter ranges and 9x is more than capable of stretching the limits of the Marlin 336’s range. While there’s certainly a use for higher-powered magnification, it’s worth bearing in mind that World War II was won with almost no use of scopes higher than 4x.

At any rate, there are four illuminated reticle options to really maximize your versatility of range, and each is highly appropriate for any magnification. The FireDot ballistic reticle supports high precision up to as far as 600 yards, while a more standard FireDot Duplex is enhanced by a bright red center dot which can be turned on or off. This reticle can be switched to a finer variant for less obstruction.

Finally, a Pig Plex is specially designed for hog hunting with a 200-300 yard zero and holdover out to 600 yards, as well as a central circle for hogs on the move.

All reticles are super-crisp, which makes a great complement to the clear lenses. With a full multi-coat, you’ll enjoy excellent light capture in all conditions.

Build quality is also excellent, with aircraft aluminum and a black nitride finish. You’ll enjoy corrosion resistance, full waterproofing, fog-proof performance, and shock-proofing to maintain zero.

Bottom Line

A great standard for the Marlin 336, this scope from Leupold offers exceptional range and versatility with four perfect reticles and durability that keep it ready for anything.

2. Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40mm BDC 1" Waterproof Matte Riflescope

If you’re looking for a more budget solution, you can always count on Nikon to provide excellent optics and a solid construction for a budget price.

Here, you’ll get a 3x-9x magnification range which, again, is perfect for the Marlin 336. Thanks to a 40mm objective width utilizing fully multi-coated lenses, you’ll have a beautifully bright picture in all conditions, as well as an enhanced and spacious view.

Just because it has a shorter magnification range doesn’t mean you can’t get super-precise adjustments with ¼ MOA positive-click turns on capped turrets.

It also includes the beloved Nikoplex reticle, which offers solid precision in a very, very minimal package with factors such as bullet drop simply built into the crosshair. This proprietary reticle works very well in both short and long-range applications.

The build quality is also among Nikon’s best, with solid aircraft aluminum and a black nitride finish. You’ll get corrosion resistance, full waterproofing, fog-proofing, and complete shock-proofing to maintain zero.

If you’re on a budget, don’t settle for a cheap alternative when Nikon’s got your back.

Bottom Line

Getting an excellent scope on a budget is easy thanks to Nikon. Invest little, but get a lot, with great durability, a wonderful reticle, and full weatherproofing.

3. Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes

Vortex Optics creates incredible scopes, and the Diamondback comes in a lot of varieties so you can choose what’s best for you. When pairing the Diamondback with the Marlin 336, we recommend going with the 4x-12x option which also provides a 40mm objective lens. This will keep you comfortably within the Marlin’s preferred range while pushing your options.

Thanks to the wide diameter, you’ll have a brilliant view of the field of view, coming out at 35.8-12.5 feet per hundred yards. The maximum elevation adjustment is 65 MOA with max windage adjustability up to 65 MOA. One hundred yards of parallax can also be customized, offering experienced hunters a very high level of precision. Metal-on-metal capped turrets provide easy, quick adjustment.

Additionally, you get a dead-hold BDC reticle which is very efficient and simple, utilizing a single crosshair overlaying a second focal plane spot reticle, which is ideal for determining crossover.

Construction is solid, as it is made from an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy with an argon-purge for full waterproofing, fog proofing, and total shock resistance. Lastly, a black nitride finish keeps the surface sleek and reflection-free while preventing corrosion.

Bottom Line

A solid option with customizable features and a great reticle, the Diamondback is an entire suite of great scopes. Choose which suits you, but we do recommend the 4x-12x to maximize the Marlin 336’s potential.

4. UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope

Another excellent budget solution to weigh against the offering from Nikon is the UTG 3x-12x scope, which offers a great magnification range in a small package. It is more ideal for shooters who prefer maximum maneuverability, as the 30mm objective width reduces your field of view but weighs in at only a little over a pound depending on your accessories and installation choice.

That isn’t to say the optics aren’t up to par though, because it has some neat tricks up its sleeve. Notably, EZ-TAP Illumination Enhancing Technology provides 36 potential colors for your reticle, meaning that regardless of what weather or environment you’re in, you’ll easily be able to get a perfect match. It’s also perfect for colorblind shooters, considering most reticles are red or green, one of the worst combinations for colorblind folks.

It also offers a very impressive, parallax-free view from ten yards all the way to infinity which is quite excellent for the industry.

You also get fully-adjustable windage and elevation with capped turrets, precise down to ¼ MOA. UTG includes an integral angled sunshade and flip-open lenses with detachable rings.

Construction is also solid, as it is made from aircraft aluminum and proofed against shock, water, and fog. A black nitride finish protects against corrosion and prevents reflections.

Bottom Line

An excellent array of options and a great build quality make this UTG scope stand out, although its slimmer objective width will be a matter of preference as it sacrifices view for lightness.

5. Primary Arms 4-14x44 FFP Scope with Illuminated ACSS HUD

If you want to maximize your effective range with the Marlin 336, this scope from Primary Arms supports magnification from 4x-14x. Not only that, but it also offers a generous 44mm objective lens width, enhancing your ability to see as much of the field as possible and acquire targets quickly. This is certainly welcome at higher magnification powers, as you’ll get lost much easier if you are dealing with a slimmer lens.

This also greatly enhances light pass-through and makes it one of the best scopes for using your Marlin 336 at dawn and dusk or any other low-light condition. Additionally, it is equipped with six illumination settings with a simple off-notch before and after each. This does mean that you will need to keep an eye on battery life if you use it, however.

Such great ability to capture a perfect view is complemented with a superior ACSS HUD DMR reticle, which allows for very fast ranging and accounting for wind holds and leads. Windage and elevation are adjustable with positive clicks to 0.1 mils.

Construction is rugged, as it is built from aircraft aluminum and proofed against shock, water, and fog, keeping you ready for anything. A black nitride finish also protects against corrosion and keeps you stealthy by preventing reflections.

All in all, it is likely one of the best scopes you can get if you intend to do a lot of hunting in adverse weather or at least in low light conditions alongside the UTG offering. Your decision will likely come down to how much you prefer having a wider field of view, with the Primary Arms scope having a solid edge there.

Bottom Line

A solid option for hunters who routinely shoot in low-light conditions, this Primary Arms scope offers exceptional clarity thanks to a wide objective lens and six additional illumination settings.