Scope recommendations marlin M60

Status
Not open for further replies.
25mm mounts are available at Walmart, the sky is limit for scopes for these just depends how much you want to spend.....

I recommend skipping the cheap new scopes you find at the big box stores and searching for a good used optic on Ebay or Armslist. Some models such as the Nikon Monarch, Burris Fullfield, or Leupold VX2/3 can be found used in the $150 dollar range and will offer much better glass (and warranty support) than the brand new $50 scopes.
 
I was thinking more along the budget lines... used optic makes me nervous especially spending $100+. Also, I think many would say using cheap rings w/ a good scope is silly. I dont know since I only have a couple scopes that came on older used guns. Perhaps we can explore this option if the budget lines dont pan out.

On Amazon I found these:
TASCO MAG39X32D Rimfire Series 3-9x 32mm 30/30 Reticle .22 Riflescope (Matte Finish) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000A0AHN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_GmLlDbRMKRGT0

Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope with 3.3-Inch Eye Relief, 3-9X 40mm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IYHGAQO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_tnLlDbV581XDD

Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope [New Improved Version] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKYBVSK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ZnLlDbRHXCBYV


I think I like the simmons at $67. Do you really think it would be worth spending more for glass on a M60 Marlin?
 
Well, the good news with a $35 Simmons, your not taking much risk, lol.

I havent tried anything from them recently, but I did try a brand new Bushnell Banner a couple of years ago. The reticle broke on the first shot. I took it apart to try to fix it myself and was so disgusted with the cheap internal plastic components and shoddy construction that I just threw it away.

My experience with newer Tascos is that they are pretty decent, but Im at the stage in life where Im tired of dealing with bad scopes, so I dont mind spending a little more on glass. Ive got a $1200 Burris Black Diamond on my $450 Weatherby......:D

Good luck!
 
The burris fullfield is like $150 new. I also found a couple monarchs on ebay. Does a .22lr need a specific scope? Like airguns need airgun specific scopes?
Reason I ask: If I buy a nicer scope now and use it for the .22 can I later mount it on , say, a .223 or 30-06? (With appropriate rings of course)

Hey, for that matter... I have a super cheap scope that came w/ my break action pellet rifle (actually a replacement they sent). I suppose theres no harm in just strapping that guy on the M60 and giving it a shot...

Edit- please excuse my scope ignorance!!
 
Only need a caliber-specific scope if it has a bullet-drop compensator reticle or if the turret adjustments are calibrated for a certain bore/bullet weight. Nowadays, most such scopes are for .223 or .308, but there are some for .22 LR.

They will say on them if they are caliber specific. Otherwise, they can be used on any rifle. IMO, I think its a great investment to get a high quality optic and keep it for bigger and better rifles later.
 
As far as adjustable magnification, ( AKA variable power ) goes, I've always liked a 2-7x on a .22 for my general, plinking and small game use. Picked up a Vortex Crossfire 2-7x 32mm over two years ago and put it on my CZ-455 .22 . Not terribly expensive but not an el-cheapo either. Just checked Midway USA and they are now $129 bucks and out of stock but back orders are OK. IMHO they're a nice rimfire scope for the money. IMG_1661.JPG
 
I've the same cheap $20 Centerpoint on my Marlin 60 for over 10 yrs now, has stayed zeroed since. Now I will have variations depending on ammo, but not to much. I try and stick with CCI for hunting, that's what I sighted the scope with and it's dead on. Federal bulk and other cheap ammo fluctuates, but is still within minute of squirrel.
 
I'm a big fan of the Mueller APV, which is 4.5-14x magnification. Really a solid scope for the money, it's what I have on my Savage Mark II.
http://muelleroptics.com/products/mueller-apv-4-5-14x40ao-black/

I have a Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 on my Marlin 795. I'm a big fan of the 2-7x magnification range, and the BDC reticle and target style turrets are really nice. It is on the chunky side though.
https://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Zone-22-Rimfire-Reticle-Riflescope/dp/B00ABP4KNM

Last but not least, Primary Arms makes some solid optics. I don't have this one, but I do have their 4-16x44 and it's worth way more than I paid for it.
https://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-3-9x44-sfp-classic-rifle-scope-duplex-reticle


This is the mount I used for my Marlin 795. You can get more expensive ones, but on a budget the Leapers UTG works fine.
https://www.amazon.com/Leapers-Accushot-Mount-Dovetail-Rings/dp/B001BR4TJY
 
I wouldn’t go any bigger than a 32mm objective myself. Any bigger and the scope starts dominating the appearance and weight of what could be a svelt and handy rifle.
 
You may want to check out Hawke optics. They have lots of choices with or without adjustable objective in their Vantage line.
 
I believe caliber specific scopes are nothing but a marketing gimmick.

I wouldn’t buy any of the scopes the OP is considering.

Even though I’m a fan of Fullfield II scopes I wouldn’t have one on a Model 60 unless I could have the parallax set at a shorter distance.

I like AO/Side Focus for rimfire scopes.

My preference in rimfire rings is Warne, They fit both 3/8” and 11mm dovetails.

I have a Model 60 with the ArrowDodger trigger upgrade. It never gets shot. It has a Crossfire II 2-7 Rimfire scope. Last time I shot it was 2012. If I used it more often I’d have a Clearidge Ultra RM 3-9x32 AO, VX-Freedom 3-9x33 EFR, or Nikon ProStaff Target 3-9x40 EFR on it.
 
I believe caliber specific scopes are nothing but a marketing gimmick.
...
I like AO/Side Focus for rimfire scopes.

For me, the BDC in my Bushnell 22-specific scope is handy for quick shots. I'm guessing it was designed with CCI MiniMags in mind and that's what I use, so its pretty darn close. I could live without it but it is handy.

The major benefit to most 22 scopes, it seems to me, is that if they don't have adjustable parallax they are set at 50 yards. Other than that, the BDC or bullet weight specific turrets like on the Sweet 22 series are just bonuses that might come in handy but aren't really that important. I pretty much require adjustable parallax for my scopes, though, so that really doesn't come into play much.
 
I have two Hawke Sport Optics Vantage scopes with AO (adjustable objectives) mounted on 22lr rifles. My rifles are Ruger 10/22 but with the correct set of rings there is no reason they should not work as well on your Marlin. One of my scopes is a fixed magnification 4X32 and the other is a 3-9X40. The Hawke Vantage scopes are among the least expensive decent rifle scopes you can find with a parallax adjustment. I think this feature is very worthwhile if you plan to shoot at short distances, say 25 meters or less. Not only will it reduce parallax error, it will allow you better focus of your target. I have been impressed with the Hawke scopes. Optical clarity is good and they seem to hold zero and track quite well for scopes in their price range.

Hawke makes a 2-7x32 Vantage with AO that sells for $99.99 on Amazon and B&H Photo.
 
Best .22 scope I ever bought was this one: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1009536214 . Its a bit pricey but still, its a good scope for the money. I've swapped it between 2 or 3 rifles and haven't had the first bit of trouble. Now, you might prefer this one: https://www.cdnnsports.com/bushnell-a17-3-5-10x36mm-matte-rimfire-scope.html#.XUh_iehKiUk . I have it on my Marlin 22 WMR. It does a great job at the distances I shoot. Bushnell sent me the required elevation turrets free of charge, all I did was call them. Plus, its 1/2 the price of the first one. Worth looking into, IMO.

Mac
 
Best .22 scope I ever bought was this one: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1009536214 . Its a bit pricey but still, its a good scope for the money. I've swapped it between 2 or 3 rifles and haven't had the first bit of trouble. Now, you might prefer this one: https://www.cdnnsports.com/bushnell-a17-3-5-10x36mm-matte-rimfire-scope.html#.XUh_iehKiUk . I have it on my Marlin 22 WMR. It does a great job at the distances I shoot. Bushnell sent me the required elevation turrets free of charge, all I did was call them. Plus, its 1/2 the price of the first one. Worth looking into, IMO.

Mac
I use the A17 scope on my 597 and have been quite pleased with it. I think I spent more than 50 bucks on mine lol. I'm still looking for a load the rifle really likes, but once I get one I'll make the blank dial out to as far as a full revolution will take me.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top