When hunting in the woods, speed, durability, and reliability are characteristics your weapon must possess. More importantly; It should be light for efficient mobility. The Marlin Model 60 scope perfectly fits this description.
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Hunting game on land gets exciting and effective with a Marlin 60 rifle. The Marlin 60 is an antique but classy weapon for hunting purposes. Despite these premium characteristics, it comes at a very cheap price coupled with unrivaled accuracy, making it widely preferred.
In this article, you will see how your Marlin Model 60 can be optimized to perform if paired with the right scope that fits your outdoor (hunting) activities.
If you’re in a hurry, let’s discuss my top choices for the best marlin model 60 scopes below.
Top 3 Best Marlin Model 60 Scopes
The Marlin Model 60
Marlin Model 60 is a .22 semi-automatic rifle used for hunting small games and vermin (rodent) control.
Further, it is recommended for hunters who are new to using a semi-automatic rifle; because of its easy handling features complemented by its low cost. It is a suitable choice for plinking for recreational purposes because of its large ammo capacity. The Marlin Model 60 is a lever gun that uses the blowback action mechanism for operation. Also, many use it for sport and hunting activities in the woods, of which rabbits and squirrels are frequent prey.
What to consider in choosing the best Marlin Model 60 Scope?
The essence of purchasing a Marlin Model 60 is to effectively hit at least 100 yards target without worries. Irrespective of the fact that a Marlin Model 60 scope is relatively built for short yard point of impacts, its ability to zone in accurately on targets is a feature worthy to be noted. Marlin Model 60 is technically built as an adaptive brand, having a unique ability to support and adjust to other aftermarket modifications and accessories.
This modification allows for the attachment of a preferred scope, personalized scope zeroing, and sniper setting as your shooting need may be. The Marlin Model 60 is built as a light-weight rifle, this makes it necessary that before you set out to choose a suitable scope for the rifle, you must consider its weight. The weight of scope extends to its mounting case and tube. Proper consideration of these features will help you make a great pick for your rifle to avoid poor shots.
Marlin Model 60 weighs an approximate of 5.5 lb (2.5 kg), a scope which doesn’t sit well on this weight will greatly affect the rifle’s accuracy. There are many factors that could determine the weight of a scope. Most of which includes; Length, material, and scope components.
Considering the fact that a Marlin Model 60 has an average 19inch barrel length, .22 LR Cartridge, Rate of fire of less than 2 seconds per shot, muzzle velocity of 1,280 ft/s (390 m/s), Effective firing range of 100 yards and a Feed system of 15 or 18 rounds with its shooting action based on ‘direct blowback’, you are sure to miss the bullseye if careful analysis are not carried out on the scope you are about to mount on the rifle.
Based on the fact that the rifle’s direct blowback firing action entails that it draws energy from the movement of the cartridge case, its highly advisable you pick scopes that are shockproof to avoid counter impact on the scope. This list contains recommendations of the best scopes that are fitting and functional for a Marlin Model 60 rifle.
10 Best Marlin Model 60 Scopes (Ranked And Reviewed)
1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire
- The 2-7×32 Crossfire II Rim fire riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. The V-Plex reticle is a popular all-purpose hunting reticle intended for a variety of hunting applications.
- With long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, you’ll be able to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target. The fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 14 x 3 x 3 inches
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
On a budget of less than $200, an efficient scope that fits is the Vortex Optics Crossfire II. It is an entry-level rifle scope with extraordinary abilities all at an affordable cheap price.
It can serve efficiently during several hunting activities. Many assume it as an inferior product, maybe due to its very affordable price, but the fact stands that the Vortex Optics Crossfire II competes with rifle scopes of higher prices.
The turret functions perfectly and shoots properly at a magnification below 12x. It can be used in areas with mildly rugged conditions. The packaging comes with a removable lens cover plus a cloth that can be used for cleaning.
This rifle scope is made from a scratch-resistant material. Also, its waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof ability make it rugged in harsh and rough weather conditions.
- It is quite affordable
- It has the BDC and illuminated reticle option
- It has a Vortex VIP lifetime warranty
- Capped turret for zero resetting
- It is easy and simple to use
- Glass is inefficient at high magnification
- The turrets are not optimally efficient
- Not suitable under conditions with low lighting
2. Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescope
- The Diamondback 1. 75-5×32 riflescope is one of the multiple configurations in the Diamondback lineup and is ideal for big game, slug shotgun, and brush hunting applications
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle is good for any hunting or shooting at varying ranges where estimating hold-over would be a concern.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches
- Weight: 0.414 kg
The Vortex Optics Diamondback Riflescope is one that can fit into any environment. The vortex optics diamondback riflescope is an entry-level scope with clearer and brighter glass than other scopes of a similar class. The scope’s glass and reticule are clearer and crisper than other rifle scopes in the same category.
Not to forget, its extreme resistance to recoil, dust, water, and fog makes it a scope for any hunting weather. The Dead-Hold BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle allows users to adapt to shooting at any range easily. When undertaking long-range hunting or shooting with a gun like the Marlin Model 60, using a Vortex Optics Diamondback Riflescope is a smart choice.

- Light transmission without any target illumination factor is made possible by the multi-coating of the rifle's material
- Zooming here is easy, smooth, and handy, even in extreme environments
- It is water, shock, and fog proof (Argon purging and O-ring sealing)
- Capped turret design allows for zero settings even after sight-in
- Supports use under daylight and low light conditions
- It is affordable to purchase or acquire
- Replacement of spare parts is quite expensive and scarce
- The eye relief is hard to use
- Due to its material, it can have a glare in it. Hence the need for a sunshade when using it
3. Vortex Optics SPARC Red Dot Sight Gen II – 2 MOA Dot
- The updated SPARC features rugged construction that’s still compact, with a lightweight form-factor. The 2 MOA dot is as easy as point and shoot – it’s quick to acquire in close-quarters, but fine enough for pin-point accuracy at extended ranges.
- With up to 700 hours of battery life on the highest setting, 50, 000 hour on its lowest, and night-vision compatibility at the lowest two settings, the SPARC red dot will keep working in a variety of conditions.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 5.6 x 4.65 x 2.7 inches
- Weight: 0.167 kg
The SPARC in the Vortex Optics SPARC II means Speed Point Aiming for Rapid Combat. It offers a variety of shooting experiences. It can match up with any rifle of choice for shooting both static and moving targets without adding significantly to the rifle’s weight. Its versatility encourages users (shooters and hunters) to engage in different shooting activities.
Due to issues and flaws registered by users of the previous generation, the second-generation SPARC II was produced as an improvement on reported problems to address complaints from previous end users of the first generation. Also, the Red Dot Sight ensures accuracy by the possession of a 2MOA (Minute of Angle) dot, which facilitates rapid target acquisition. It also has 12 different illumination settings, an O-ring seal, and a hard-anodized finish, making the product highly durable and versatile.
With this scope, you overcome the fear of the darkness due to its night vision ability. It is backed up by a 500-hour battery life, ensuring that low light conditions are not a barrier to effective hunting exercises.
- It is light in weight and compact in construction
- Highly durable in material (hard coat anodization)
- Various illumination settings
- Quick and easy to mount, use, and handle
- Supports night vision
- It is shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof and also helps camouflage the position of the shooter
- Strong, lasting AAA battery (lasts for 700 hours on the highest setting and 500 hours on the lowest setting)
- Lifetime transferable VIP warranty
- The red dot becomes fuzzy with an increased brightness
- The magnification option feature is absent
- The brightness adjustment key is sometimes unresponsive and hard to press
4. UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-dot, QD Rings
- 1 Inch Tube with Emerald Coating for Maximum Light Transmission, Premium Zero Lockable & Resettable Turrets with 1/4 MOA Per Click Adjustment
- Range Estimating Mil-dot Reticle for Optimal Aiming and Shooting Performance, Adjustable Objective from 3 Yards to Infinity
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 9.84 x 3.35 x 3.94 inches
- Weight: 0.39 kg
This is another tough scope for Marlin 60 rifles is the “UTG 3-9X32 1” that can be used in various weather conditions. This scope can be used even in foggy conditions. It has the True Strength Platform (TS Platform) and Smart Spherical Structure (SSS), which allows smooth interaction between the scope’s inner and outer tube.
RGB Swat illumination allows for quick access to reticle light during daytime or low light conditions. For this to function, the CR1620 3V battery was added. Also, the Tactical Range Estimating Reticle (TRE) (which offers several aiming points when shooting) enhances shooting accuracy. This underdog offers quality at low prices, making it affordable for everyone.
Although users have reported defects in purchased scopes, the Lifetime Warranty that comes with buying this product tackles the shortcomings.
- Cheaply affordable
- Durability and Reliability
- Classic in aesthetic in appearance
- Sharp optics
- Turrets allow zero resettings
- Rainproof, Fog proof, and Shockproof properties
- Clear optics and focus
- Limited eye relief
- Users have reported quality control issues
5. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Circle-X Reticle Riflescope
- Quality optics with stunning HD clarity
- 100 percent quality materials used and tested extensively
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 16.6 x 3.2 x 2.2 inches
- Weight: 0.78 pounds
The Bushnell Banner Rifle Scope comes in Realtree AP finish (camouflaged version), making it attractive to the eyes and elegant to behold. This scope comes at a price too cheap for the fantastic specifications it possesses. With a Dusk and Dawn Brightness (DBB) multi-coating on its lenses, you are good to go hunting under low light conditions for nocturnal prey without facing issues associated with focus, sharpness, and clarity under low light hunting conditions.
With the eyepiece, you’ll sight and acquire targets rapidly when in the field. You can easily mount the scope on your Marlin Model 60 without worrying about the added weight of the scope (it weighs 0.35kg!) or even the rifle’s overall performance. This scope will survive rugged weather and environmental conditions like rain, mountain climbing. It can also withstand heavy recoils.
Another good thing is that the configuration of this scope is not complicated in any way. It can be used appropriately by nascent shooters (as long as you read the instruction manual).

- Cheaply affordable
- Suitable for low light conditions
- HD clear optics
- Rainproof, Fog proof, and Shockproof properties (O-ring design and Argon purging)
- Extended eye relief
- 1/4 MOA (Minute of Angle) fingertip adjustments for windage & elevation
- No adjustable objective
- The reticle has no holdover point for windage and elevation
6. Feyachi Falcon 2-7x32mm Long Eye Relief Rifle Scope Second Focal Plane Rifle Scopes with Dead-Hold BDC MOA Reticle
- ✔Specifically designed for discriminating hunters and shooters, offer the highest levels of performance and reliability.
- ✔With long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, you’ll be able to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target. The fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 14.72 x 3.82 x 2.83 inches
- Weight: 0.66 kg
Long-range shooting and hunting require long range scope and would help you effectively lock on the target. This scope also has rugged features coupled with its fast-focus eyepiece, which enhances fast target acquisition.
Even at maximum magnification, the 32mm objective lens still produced clear and crisp images (dumbfounding for a scope of this price!).
The eye relief ability of this scope offers a shooter’s maximum comfort. Durability is also not left out from one of its characteristics.
- Cheaply affordable
- Durability and Reliability
- Wide range of views
- Sharp optics
- Light in weight
- Rainproof, Fog proof, and Shockproof properties
- Lifetime Warranty
- Limited eye relief
- Users have reported quality control issues
7. Simmons 511039 3 – 9 x 32mm .22 Mag(R) Matte Black Riflescope
- Features Truplex Reticle. Waterproof, fogproof and shockproof
- Parallax correction preset from 50 yards to infinity
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
Frequently, low costs are associated with low quality. The Simmons 511039 makes us have a rethink, judging by top features and qualities it possesses. This riflescope sits perfectly with the Marlin Model 60 when used by experienced hunters and individuals. It has a hydro shield coating, which makes it waterproof and cancels any adverse effect of water on its overall performance. For handling, it comes with SureGrip adjustments for proper grip when wearing gloves.
With the Quick Target Acquisition (QTA) eyepiece, you can process clear pictures very fast with 3.75 inches of eye relief through it. As a plus, the package comes with its mounting rings.
- Affordable to acquire
- Waterproof (Hydro shield coating) and Fog proof
- Quality eyepiece (QTA)
- Clear and sharp optics for clear images
- Users report adjustment issues
- Users have reported problems with the reticules
- Not suitable for low light hunting conditions
8. CVLIFE 3-9×40 Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope
- Specification: 3-9×40
- Magnification: 3-9x
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 13.6 x 3.2 x 3.1 inches
- Weight: 0.76 pounds
The material used to construct this powerful tool allows for illumination of the target, ensuring you have a clear image for a clear shot. The scope is excellent for the pricing. It is suitable for plinking as you can easily maneuver this scope as it is light in weight. The magnification of this riflescope makes focusing on small targets or objects possible even from a very far distance.
Thanks to the aircraft aluminum alloy, the scope is scratch resistant and allows for rugged usage. With all these, the CVLIFE R4 Reticle Crosshair still retains its elegance, making it a scope with a stylish appearance that you can be proud of.

- Cheaply affordable
- Durability and Reliability
- Excellent optics
- Precise in focus
- Rainproof, Fog proof, and Shockproof properties
- Lack of clarity at high magnification
- Low-quality mounts
- Difficulty to zero
9. Konus 7249 Shotgun Black Powder Riflescope 1.5x-5x32mm
- BLACKPOWDER AND SLUG APPLICATIONS: The KonusPro 1.5X-5X32 is the perfect scope for shotgun, blackpowder, and slug applications and features long eye relief with a wide field of view
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIALS: The KonusPro 1.5X-5X32 has an unbreakable glass engraved AimPro reticle, an exclusive design which features an inner diamond for an exact aiming point making it perfect for shotgun use
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 14.63 x 4 x 3 inches
- Weight: 14.1 ounces
Short-range hunting in extreme environments is more enjoyable when you add the Konus 7249 Shotgun Rifle Scope to the rifle list.
Wonder why? Because it is a rugged scope capable of hunting at a magnification range between 1-5x, making it suited for short game adventures. Also, the duplex reticle structure makes rapid shooting on targets simpler. The materials used for construction assures us that weather conditions can’t affect the performance of this scope. Although it is quite heavy in size, other parts of the scope (like the turret) keep the weight light.
- Waterproof and Fog proof
- Durability in construction material
- Glass etched reticle
- Eye relief here is comfortable and reliable
- Limited field of view at a maximum of 100 yards
10. BARSKA 4X20 Rimfire Riflescope
- Precision Aiming: The 4x magnification scope features 1/4 MOA click adjustments for precision accuracy.
- Quality Construction: The scope comes with coated optics, providing impressive viewing clarity. Tube diameter 3/4″.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Dimensions: 0.04 x 0.04 x 0.04 inches
- Weight: 4.8 ounces
When buying a small rimfire rifle scope, you should pay attention to its size and effectiveness. The Barska 4×20 fits perfectly for rifles with small rim rifles. The outlook also isn’t bad. Its black matte finish ensures it doesn’t come last when it comes to looks. The 4x magnification is quite functional for a Marlin Model 60, which is mostly used for practice and plinking purposes.
The optics are coated and parallax free at up to 50 yards. For adjustment, it has ¼ MOA coin windage and elevation turrets. Looking at pricing, the specs contained are perfect for a scope coming at this price.
- Affordable
- Durability and Reliability
- Easy installation
- Lifetime Warranty
- Low magnification
- Adjustment for windage and elevation not functioning properly
FAQs
There are two basic types of scope rings for Marlin Model 60: the one-piece mount and the two-piece mount. The one-piece mount is a better choice; you do not run the risk of one of the scope rings getting undone. The two-piece mounts tend to get loose with every pull of the trigger.
The Marlin Model 60 uses a dovetail rail system, a narrow kind of rail, meaning the perfect scope mount should fit correctly into the dovetail railing system of the Marlin Model 60.
The Marlin Model 60 scope is a dovetail rail system characterized by a straight mounting bracket with an inverted trapezium that runs parallel to the bore used for mounting scopes on rifles.
Conclusion
Scopes help to magnify the image of your target. This should also be put into consideration when choosing your scope. You must identify the kind of magnification that would be suitable for your hunting purposes (short range or long range). It would be useless getting a scope of low magnification for a long-range hunting exercise. Scopes enhance the performance of your rifle for optimal use. We have done a review of the best rifle scope you can get for your Marlin Model 60.
It is essential to know that, in reviewing each scope, we put several factors into consideration (with respect to the Marlin Model 60). Some of these were scope’s weight, magnification, construction material, eye relief, price, and buyer’s comments. However, only scopes that complement the performance of the Marlin Model 60 are on the list. Before selecting a preferred scope for your Marlin Model 60, ensure you understand the rifle’s purpose and working environments.
Also, ensure the scope’s specifications aligns with your budget. You should be aware that there are functionally performing scopes with incredible specs that come at an affordable price. With a perfect scope, your Marlin Model 60 can satisfy your hunting pleasures for more than 40 years without any unpleasant experience recorded.
However, it is good to know that a perfect scope doesn’t need to be expensive; rather, an ideal scope for your Marlin Model 60 rifle must firstly fit into the mount of the scope and then be suitable for your desired use; be it plinking, hunting (short or long range) or for sport.
Author Profile

- Gabriel Tackett
- Double major in Engineering and Geology at the University of Minnesota. Experienced shooter & hunter for over 15 years. Certified NRA officer for over 10 years working as a writer at Ballachy.com .
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