The Marlin 60 is among the greatest rifles for beginners. But only when you have a high-quality scope can you fully take advantage of this short-mid range rifle.
Thousands of models out there make it hard to find the best scope for Marlin 60 for you. To save you much time shopping around, we’ve compiled a list of the five best models. Keep on reading for more information!
Table of Contents
Things To Consider When Choosing The Best Scope for Marlin 60
To find out the best scope for your Marlin 60, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration.
Price
The first and most common factor to consider is price. As the Marlin 60 uses the .22LR rounds which are among the cheapest ammo, you don’t have to pay good money for a high-end scope.
A compact Marlin 60 scope with decent magnification power for your plinking rifle is a good deal.
Reliability
If your scope loses its zero settings after only one shot or two, then it is not the best scope for Marlin 60. So, make sure that your scope can reliably hold zero when you are shooting.
Body Construction
The best scope for Marlin 60 goes hand in hand with a body consisting of a single metal piece. Not only making your scope sturdier, but this uni-body design also helps you align your firearm’s barrel with the target accurately.
Also, they often cover the uni-body construction with dustproof and waterproof finish making it a more durable rifle than other models.
Weight
The weight of a scope for Marlin 60 should not exceed half a pound. The most lightweight models are the 3x-9x zoom ones whose lenses are not heavy and bulky at all.
Additionally, as the Marlin 60 itself is already quite lightweight, you should not get a heavy scope. Attaching a bulky scope on a lightweight rifle’s top will affect the handling ease and reduce the movement speed.
Maximum Magnification Power
As the Marlin 60 often fires the rounds for approximately 200 yards, a scope that can zoom in/out on targets over 500 yards will be too much. You need a short- or medium-range scope only.
A scope with 3x zoom capabilities is suitable for those who often use their Marlin 60 on grasslands or in the forest. Go for a 9x scope if you want to take long-range shots.
Eye Relief
The eye relief is the distance between your eyes and the eyepiece where you can still clearly see your targets. Shooters often choose a 3- or 4-inch eye relief for their high-caliber rifle to protect their eyes from their rifle’s recoil.
However, because a Marlin 60 scope does not often produce a painful kickback, a 1- or 2-inch eye relief providing the sharpest sight picture at close ranges is a good idea.
Reticle
Acquiring a simple ballistic reticle with adjustments for wind-age and elevation far beyond 200 yards just because the bullet drops are typically significant at this distance is not relevant.
However, you seldom have to compensate for the .22 bullet drop since these low-caliber rounds do not fly that long anyway.
Your Shooting Targets
You should choose your scope according to your shooting context. If you only want to use the Marlin 60 for simple homesteading, then you will need a protection-oriented rifle. That’s when a fixed 3x scope comes in handy.
While using a 9x power magnification scope to hunt deer at 200 or 300 yards away is conceivable, hitting a squirrel at 100 yards with it is mission impossible.
NOTE: It’s better to go with a weatherproof scope that can stand the test of time and perform perfectly in any weather conditions.
Your Shooting Context
Where will you be using your Marlin 60? In a well-lit area such as the firing range? Or in a dimly lit area like the hunting field? Consider the location as the basis to choose the suitable objective lens size.
Rule of thumb: larger objective lens transmits more light, thus producing a sharper image.
A Marlin model 60 scope with a medium objective lens can help those who are just patrolling their homestead while the model with a 40mm objective lens is common in low light conditions.
List of The 5 Best Scopes For Marlin 60
After searching for a while, we have come up with the five best scopes for Marlin 60 as below. Before delving into the details, check out our comparison table first to have an idea about what they are!
| Product Name | Score | Product Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Best Scope For The Money Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope  Highlights ● HydroShield optical glass lenses coating promises a high-quality and high-contrast sight picture ● Lightweight yet sturdy ● Come at a budget-friendly price ● Acquire targets in mere seconds ● Weatherproof feature for optimal durability | 8.8/10 | |
BSA Sweet .22, 3-9 x 40mm, Duplex, Rifle Scope Highlights ● Affordable yet durable and reliable ● Excellent precision ● Rugged construction for optimal sturdiness ● Come with a great shooting range (from 50 to 175 yards) ● Three different interchangeable turrets add precision | 8.9/10 | |
| Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 BDC Rimfire Reticle Riflescope Highlights ● Fully multi-coated optics for stability and reliability ● Come with a fast-focus eyepiece ● Fast focus eyepiece ● Target turrets (1/4 MOA click value) ensure pinpoint-precise adjustments with ease | 9.4/10 | |
BARSKA 3-9 x 32 Plinker-22 Riflescope  Highlights ● Multi-coated lenses and optics can handle any harsh abuse ● Weatherproof ● Easy to install and use ● Durable and reliable ● Pocket-friendly | 8/10 | |
Bushnell 613510B Rimfire Optics Scope Highlights ● Affordable ● Durable housing ● Weatherproof ● Multi-coated lenses for maximum brightness ● Great for plinking | 8.7/10 |
1. Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope
Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope
Pros:
- Best for beginners and basic hunting
- One-piece construction makes it easy to handle
- Accurate and reliable within the distance from 50 yards to infinity
- Your purchase will come with Rimfire 3/8″ dovetail mounting rings
- SureGrip rubber surfaces help shooters adjust their gun with ease
- Cost-effective
Cons:
- Inaccurate adjustment
- The eye relief system could be better
The Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope is the best overall scope for Marlin 60 for its affordability and its excellent performance.
The value of this model boils down to the huge 32-mm objective lens allowing for the quick target acquisition and the thin crosshairs ensuring a clear view.
Wherever beginners are, even in the areas with low lightings, they can hunt down their targets with ease and accuracy.
For all these reasons above, this product by Simmons is an excellent example for this specific rifle model.
The only thing that beginners don’t like about this product is the tightness on the zoom rings requiring them to break it in.
2. BSA Sweet .22, 3-9 x 40mm, Duplex, Rifle Scope
BSA Sweet .22, 3-9x40mm, Duplex, Rifle Scope
Pros:
- Easy to use
- 36-grain turret makes it suitable for the 175-yard range
- Shock-, water-, and fog-resistant
- Crystal-clear precision
- The wide light-catching objective lens for a better image
Cons:
- Some users expect it a little more compact
The precise target hunters are hard-pressed to find a better Marlin model 60 scope than this product by BSA.
BSA outfitted this fully-coated optic with a 40 mm objective lens, a 3-inch eye relief, and a 3.9x power magnification taking the precision to the next level.
Whether it is day or night, in an environment with low-light condition or a well-lit area, you can enjoy crystal-clear precision.
That’s why hunting enthusiasts often choose this 3-9x40mm Duplex Rifle Scope for plinking, hunting, and target shooting.
The only downside that users notice is the BSA Sweet .22’s bulkier design compared to other Marlin 60 scopes on our list.
3. Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 BDC Rimfire Reticle Riflescope
Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 BDC Rimfire Reticle Riflescope with Target Turrets, Matte Black, 2-7x/32mm
Pros:
- Built to last
- Perfect for long-range shooting
- Rustproof and scratchproof
- Multi-coated lenses and optics ensure the highest brightness
- Aluminum alloy construction
Cons:
- A little bit heavier on other models on our list
Though Bushnell specifically made this product for rimfire AR 15, it is also a great Marlin model 60 scope.
This 2-7x32mm power riflescope is great for various applications. The 2x magnification helps you make accurate targets at 20-yard range while the 7x magnification stretches you out up to 125 yards.
That way, shooters of all levels will always get a decent amount of range for their 22LR cartridge.
However, this product by Bushnell receives several negative comments about its higher weight than other models on the market.
4. BARSKA 3-9 x 32 Plinker-22 Riflescope
BARSKA 3-9×32 Plinker-22 Riflescope
Pros:
- Adjustable elevation and wind-age
- Come with a limited lifetime warranty by the manufacturer
- Resilient, strong, and durable body
- High-quality optics at an incredible pocket-friendly price
Cons:
- Bad smell at first use
The next riflescope I would like to introduce is the BARSKA 3-9×32 Plinker-22 Riflescope which is perfect plinking and hunting.
Not only being a budget-friendly scope to begin your hunting journey, but the BARSKA 3-9×32 Plinker-22 Riflescope does also come with pre-installed rings making it easy to take shots.
All you have to do is to screw the BARSKA model on and zero it.
Why don’t we rank this riflescope with a ton of excellent features #1 on our list? The bad smell at first use is the only thing to be to blame. Fortunately, it will diminish after a few shots.
5. Bushnell 613510B Rimfire Optics Scope
Bushnell 613510B Rimfire Optics Scope with Dropzone 22 Reticle, 3.5-10x36mm, Matte Black
Pros:
- They fix the Parallax adjustment at 50 yards
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Great light transmission from dusk till dawn
- Water- and dust-proof
Cons:
- You have nothing to do with the fixed Parallax adjustment
The Bushnell 613510B Rimfire Optics Scope is a performance-oriented scope for plinking.
What users love most about this model is the adjustable objective keeping the reticle stable when you change your zoom.
Whether you use the 3.5x magnification to shoot at 50 yards or the 10x magnification to aim at target over 200 yards, you will always get the clearest image.
When it comes to its downsides, the fixed Parallax adjustment is the only thing to come to shooters’ mind. Hunting enthusiasts, especially professionals, find it a little boring.
FAQs
What Are The Best Types of Scope Rings for Marlin model 60?
The one-piece mount and two-piece model are the two basic types of scope rings for the Marlin 60.
The two-piece mount is more adjustable, but it seems to get loose whenever you pull the trigger. The one-piece mount is safer, so it is more popular.
How to Clean A Scope for Marlin Model 60?
Like other weapons, your scope for Marlin model 60 also needs cleaning. Fortunately, it is not a daunting task.
After each shooting session, you should use a quality action cleaner to clean the bolt and trigger. For the bore, you need to apply a thin lubricant coat with a swab.
Can Your Marlin 60 Shoot .22 Short Cartridges?
100% yes. Follow some simple steps below:
- Step 1: Pull the bolt to lock it in open position
- Step 2: Insert a .22 Short cartridge into your gun’s chamber
- Step 3: Pull the charging handle outward to close the bolt
- Step 4: Get ready to take a shot
NOTE: A Marlin 60 can hold 15 rounds at a time: 14 rounds in its tube and 1 in its chamber.
How to Disassemble A Marlin Model 60 .22 Semi-auto Rifle?
All you have to do is to read the manual with carefulness.
Which Are The Best Marlin 60 Scope Manufacturers?
Out of hundreds of optics brands out there, BSA, BARSKA, Simmons, and Bushnell are the most reputable ones.
Which Scope for Marlin 60 Will I Choose?
Now you have gone through our list of the five best scopes for Marlin 60. Which one will you choose?
For us, the Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope which has fully multi-coated lenses and offers clear sight picture is always our top choice. Bring it with you and get ready to be the winner in any rimfire competitions! Do you have any other recommendations on the best scope for Marlin 60? Let us know more in the comment box below!
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