How to Choose the Best Scope for Marlin 60 (Don’t Make This Common Mistake!)

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire

Great for most small game hunting or target shooting.

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Best Value

Simmons 22 Mag 2-7×32

Delivers more than you’d expect for the price.

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Best for Small Game Hunting

Barska 3-9×32 Plinker-22 Riflescope

BARSKA 3-9x32 Plinker-22 Riflescope Review

Designed just for the .22

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Finding the best scope for Marlin 60 can take your shooting game to the next level. But here’s the catch—many shooters fall into a common trap, thinking that any scope will do. Spoiler alert: it won’t! A mismatched or subpar scope can turn a smooth-shooting Marlin 60 into a frustrating experience. In this article, we’ll walk you through the top 5 optics that perfectly complement your Marlin 60 and help you avoid that all-too-common mistake. Let’s get started and make sure your next day at the range is nothing short of amazing!

How to Choose the Best Scope for Marlin 60

CategoryVortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32Simmons 22 Mag 2-7×32Barska 3-9×32 Plinker-22Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mmVortex Optics Diamondback 2-7×35Category Average
Overall Score3.483.243.383.623.543.45
Ergonomics2.52.43.32.72.42.66
Build Quality3.8334.54.53.76
Optics4334.44.53.78
Battery333333
Value4.14.84.63.53.34.06

Ergonomics

Ergonomics refers to how well the scope fits you and your shooting style. Can you make all the adjustments easily? Does the scope feel like an extension of your eye when you’re lining up a shot? If the answer is “Heck, yeah,” then you’re on the right track.

How do we rate it?

Is the scope’s weight balanced, or does it make your rifle feel like you’re lugging around a medieval weapon? A top-rated scope in ergonomics should feel intuitive like it’s an extension of yourself rather than an awkward appendage.

Build Quality

Best scope for marlin 60

Build quality is all about how rugged and ready your scope is for action. Can it handle a drop? What about water, dust, or a sudden cold snap? A reliable scope could double as a club in a pinch and still hold zero.

How do we rate it?

Is it waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof? A high rating in this category means your scope is the tank of the optics world—reliable, tough, and ready for anything Mother Nature throws at it.

Optics

Optics are the heart of any scope. This is where the magic happens—or doesn’t. You want crystal-clear images, vibrant colors, and enough light coming through that you could practically shoot by moonlight (though I wouldn’t recommend it). Look for high-quality glass, multi-coated lenses, and a generous objective lens size. 

How do we rate it?

High marks go to scopes that offer excellent low-light performance and the ability to maintain a sharp, bright image under various conditions.

Battery

If your scope has any electronic components, like an illuminated reticle, then battery life is your new best friend. There’s nothing worse than getting ready for the perfect shot only to find your reticle as dark as your chances of hitting the target without it. Long battery life is a must. You should also have easy access to replace batteries and shouldn’t have to think about it much until you need it.

How do we rate it?

We give lower scores to scopes that require battery changes more often than you change your socks. High ratings go to models with efficient power usage and long-lasting battery life, ensuring you’re always ready for the shot, day or night.

Value

Value is not only about the price tag, it’s also about getting the most bang for your buck. Sure, you could drop a small fortune on a scope, but is it overkill? A good scope should fit both your budget and your needs, offering the features you’ll actually use without the fluff you won’t.

How do we rate it?

A high rating in value means the scope offers the best blend of quality and features for its price point, striking that sweet balance between cost and functionality. Think of it as the difference between a deal and a steal.

5 Best Scopes for Marlin 60

Best Overall: Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire

CategoryVortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32Category Average
Ergonomics2.52.66
Build Quality3.83.76
Optics43.78
Battery33
Value4.14.06

Score: 3.48/5

Specs:

  • Eye Relief: 3.9 inches
  • Length: 11.5 inches
  • Weight: 13.9 oz
  • Reticle: V-Plex (MOA)

Vortex riflescopes are a solid choice for shooters who want durability and reliable performance. Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope is as tough as they come and totally shockproof, so it can handle some serious recoil without losing zero. We’ve found it holds zero perfectly between 25 to 75 yards, which is great for most small game hunting or target shooting. With parallax set at 50 yards, it’s dialed in for typical rimfire distances. It’s also nitrogen-purged and sealed with O-rings, so no need to worry about moisture messing up your hunt. Plus, Vortex’s lifetime warranty means you’re covered if anything goes wrong.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Long eye relief
  • Holds zero well
  • Comes with Vortex Lifetime Warranty
  • Fast-focus eyepiece

Cons

  • Low-quality lens caps
  • Heaviest pick
  • Requires higher mounts because the rear of the scope is larger than the front

What Customers Say

“Mounted to a Ruger Precision Rimfire used 100+ yards. Glass is great and holds dead on zero. Ok its a rimfire but does get bumped around some in matches. Image is very bright even in less than optimal light. Eye relief is also as good as my other Vortex scopes. If you shoot rimfire this is the scope for you. True the radical is just a simple crosshair and doesn’t have holdover dots but for the price you can’t beat it.”

Art

Best Value: Simmons 22 Mag 2-7×32

CategorySimmons 22 Mag 2-7×32Category Average
Ergonomics2.42.66
Build Quality33.76
Optics33.78
Battery33
Value4.84.06

Score: 3.24/5

Specs:

  • Eye Relief: 3.75 inches
  • Length: 11.5 inches
  • Weight: 10 oz
  • Reticle: Truplex

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly scope for your Marlin 60 or another rimfire rifle, the Simmons .22 Mag 2-7×32 is a solid pick. And it delivers more than you’d expect for the price (around $50). The 2-7x magnification gives you enough versatility for most rimfire distances, and at only 10 oz, it doesn’t weigh down your setup. The Truplex reticle is simple and makes target acquisition easy, though we’d recommend upgrading the rings, as the included ones are pretty basic. The optics are decent but not mind-blowing, and the fixed parallax at 50 yards works for typical .22 distances. It’s not perfect, but for casual shooting, it’s hard to beat.

Pros

  • Quick target acquisition eyepiece
  • Simple reticle
  • Most affordable pick
  • Lightest pick

Cons

  • Shorter eye relief than Crossfire II
  • Fixed parallax
  • Subpar build quality

What Customers Say

I bought this scope to mount on my Henry H001. The cops looks good and is accurate. Trackbacks as should and is very clear. I would buy this scope again.

Bethany Bills

Best for Small Game Hunting: Barska 3-9×32 Plinker-22 Riflescope

CategoryBarska 3-9×32 Plinker-22Category Average
Ergonomics3.32.66
Build Quality33.76
Optics33.78
Battery33
Value4.64.06

Score: 3.38/5

Specs:

  • Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
  • Length: 12 inches
  • Weight: 11.46 oz
  • Reticle: 30/30 Crosshair Reticle

With its 3-9x magnification range, the Barska Plinker-22 riflescope is perfect for plinking or casual hunting. The 32mm lens also gives you a bright, clear view. The 30/30 reticle makes aiming simple, and it’s built to handle the outdoors—waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof! Adjustments are easy with 1/4 MOA clicks, and it even comes with mounting rings and lens covers. Sure, it’s designed just for .22s and doesn’t have fancy features like illuminated reticles, but for the price, it’s a solid deal. Plus, Barska’s lifetime warranty gives you peace of mind!

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
  • Affordable
  • Comes with a lifetime warranty
  • 30/30 reticle

Cons

  • Short eye relief 
  • Limited to .22 caliber

What Customers Say

Nice finish great reticle perfect I put it in a ruger 10/22 and holds true and is easy to sight in.

Shaun Adams

Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Riflescope

CategoryLeupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mmCategory Average
Ergonomics2.72.66
Build Quality4.53.76
Optics4.43.78
Battery33
Value3.54.06

Score: 3.62/5

Specs:

  • Eye Relief: 4.2 inches
  • Length: 11.04 inches
  • Weight: 11.1 oz
  • Reticle: Hunt-Plex MOA Scale

The Leupold VX-Freedom is another great pick if you need a bit more magnification for open terrain. With a 2-7x zoom, it’s got the range you need without being bulky, weighing just 11.1 ounces—so it’s easy to carry on those longer hunts. What really stands out is the Twilight Light Management System, which keeps things bright and clear even in low-light conditions, making those early mornings or late evenings way easier. The Duplex Reticle helps you lock in on targets quickly and accurately. The turrets can be a bit stiff, so fast adjustments aren’t always the easiest, but overall, this scope does the job and then some.

Pros

  • Wide magnification range
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Shockproof
  • Comes with a Hunt-Plex reticle
  • Longest eye relief among picks
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Stiff adjustment knobs

What Customers Say

As usual the Leupold scope performs well. A great example of an affordable Top quality model. Doesn’t break the bank. Works absolutely perfect.

Vinny A.

Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire Scope

CategoryVortex Optics Diamondback 2-7×35Category Average
Ergonomics2.42.66
Build Quality4.53.76
Optics4.53.78
Battery33
Value3.34.06

Score: 3.54/5

Specs:

  • Eye Relief: 3.1 inches
  • Length: 11.6 inches
  • Weight: 13.7 oz
  • Reticle: V-Plex (MOA)

The Vortex Diamondback Rimfire scope is a fantastic choice for hunters looking for something reliable and durable. With its V-Plex MOA reticle, this scope is designed specifically for hunting small game, making it easy to lock onto targets. One thing we love about this scope is its rugged construction—it’s made from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, so it can handle a lot of rough use and still hold zero like a champ. It’s also Argon-purged, meaning it’s fully waterproof and fog-proof, perfect for those misty mornings. The fully multi-coated lenses deliver sharp, clear views, which is crucial when you’re lining up that perfect shot. Overall, the Diamondback Rimfire is built to last and performs beautifully in the field, rain or shine.

Pros

  • Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
  • Fully multi-coated lenses
  • Exposed turrets
  • Comes with lifetime warranty
  • Holds zero well

Cons

  • Mushy turrets
  • Second heaviest pick
  • Priciest pick (but still affordable)
  • Shortest eye relief among picks

What Customers Say

I put this on my 10/22. I have 2 acres and it works great out to that range. I’ve killed groundhogs, gophers, squirrels and rabbits with it. I wish they had dots on the reticle to help me remember my holds better at 200 yards.

F. Taylor

FAQs

What is the best scope for a Marlin lever action?

The best scope for the Marlin lever action depends on your preference. But we recommend the Vortex Crossfire II Rimfire 2-7×32 riflescope if you want to efficiently optimize your Marlin 60.

Can Marlin Model 60 shoot 22 long?

Yes, the Marlin Model 60 can definitely shoot .22 Long ammo! It’s built to handle a mix of .22 caliber rounds like .22 Long, .22 Long Rifle, and even.22 Short, which makes it super versatile for whatever shooting you’re into.

What is the best scope to buy?

We reviewed the best scopes for the Marlin 60 above. Their features and performance can help enhance your shooting game. Just make sure to pick one that suits your needs and shooting style.

Can you use a regular scope on a rimfire?

You can definitely use regular scopes on rimfire rifles, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Since rimfire rifles have less recoil than centerfire rifles, most standard scopes will work just fine. Just make sure the scope has the right eye relief and is suited for the shorter range of rimfire rounds, usually under 150 yards. Scopes made specifically for rimfire often come with features like parallax settings for closer distances, which can help you be more accurate and make shooting even more fun!

Summary: Best Scope for Marlin 60

When it comes to finding the best scope for your Marlin 60, it’s all about what fits your shooting style and needs. Whether you’re plinking targets or doing some casual hunting, there’s a riflescope out there that will elevate your game. If you want something simple and budget-friendly, go for a 4×32 fixed scope. If you’re looking for versatility, a 3-9x zoom might be more your speed. The important thing is to find a scope that’s clear, reliable, and durable for those fun days at the range or in the field. Don’t be afraid to experiment. After all, half the fun is finding what works best for you and your trusty Marlin 60!

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Last update on 2025-02-13 / Images from Amazon Product API