Rimfire scope for 30-30

jmhyer · April 29, 2024, 05:06 PM

I’m interested in scoping my Marlin 336…mostly just to see how I like it. I’m thinking a 2-7x32 would be a great option. I have such a scope already; however, it is a “rimfire” scope.

Does anyone have experience or educated guesses about how that rimfire scope would fair on my 30-30 lever gun?

*I put this in the gear and accessories section because I’m asking about a scope. If it would be more appropriate in the lever gun section, one of the mods is welcome to move it.

Thanks

jmr40 · April 29, 2024, 06:28 PM

I wouldn't buy one for it, but it PROBABLY won't hurt anything to use it. Usually, the biggest difference is that rimfire scopes have parallax set at 50 yards. Most big game scopes are set for 100-150 yards.

Since most 30-30 shots are at closer range that shouldn't be an issue and could be an asset.

Depending on the scope manufacturer you it might not hold up to as much recoil. But I doubt this will be a problem.

georgehwbush · April 29, 2024, 06:34 PM

speaking to the recoil issue; generally speaking rimfire scopes are designed to withstand the impulse of the action on simi-autos slaming forward, rather than the recoil of higher powered weapons. that being said; some times a rimfire scope will stay togather on things you wouldn't expect them too, and some scopes not designed for rimfire mounted on simi's will shake apart from the bolt slamming shut.

at least that is my experance as another here puts it YMMV.

Kestrel4k · April 29, 2024, 06:48 PM

Who is the manufacturer ?

The Verminator · April 29, 2024, 07:09 PM

Yes, who?

If it's a Leupold......no worries.

A cheap scope might be damaged by the recoil.

The cheap scope, however.......means not much to lose.

jmhyer · April 30, 2024, 11:02 AM

Thanks for the replies. It’s a Redfield-branded scope from Academy Sports. I guess it’s probably a couple of years old. I suppose it’s worth a try if I don’t really plan to use the scope for anything else. There is certainly plenty of time between now and hunting season to get it mounted and sighted, shoot it some, and see how it holds up.

Kestrel4k · April 30, 2024, 02:23 PM

From what I gather, those newest Redfield-branded scopes are China-mfg and have nothing in common with prior Redfields; I wouldn't waste my time putting it on any centerfire.

FrankenMauser · April 30, 2024, 11:35 PM

I bought a 2-7x Weaver about 25 years ago. Ended up selling it to my brother.
He blew the lenses out of when mounted on a 7.7 Jap.

Turned out it was a rimfire scope. Who knew....

georgehwbush · May 1, 2024, 04:22 PM

yep rimfire are designed to be whapped in the but with a small hammer repetedly, and may fall apart if slapped in the face too hard by a big gun.

April 29, 2024, 05:06 PM	#1
jmhyer Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2012 Location: MS - USA Posts: 906	Rimfire scope for 30-30 I’m interested in scoping my Marlin 336…mostly just to see how I like it. I’m thinking a 2-7x32 would be a great option. I have such a scope already; however, it is a “rimfire” scope. Does anyone have experience or educated guesses about how that rimfire scope would fair on my 30-30 lever gun? *I put this in the gear and accessories section because I’m asking about a scope. If it would be more appropriate in the lever gun section, one of the mods is welcome to move it. Thanks

April 29, 2024, 06:28 PM	#2
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,821	I wouldn't buy one for it, but it PROBABLY won't hurt anything to use it. Usually, the biggest difference is that rimfire scopes have parallax set at 50 yards. Most big game scopes are set for 100-150 yards. Since most 30-30 shots are at closer range that shouldn't be an issue and could be an asset. Depending on the scope manufacturer you it might not hold up to as much recoil. But I doubt this will be a problem. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

April 30, 2024, 11:35 PM	#8
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,446	I bought a 2-7x Weaver about 25 years ago. Ended up selling it to my brother. He blew the lenses out of when mounted on a 7.7 Jap. Turned out it was a rimfire scope. Who knew.... __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

May 1, 2024, 04:22 PM	#9
georgehwbush Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2023 Location: down town USA Posts: 230	yep rimfire are designed to be whapped in the but with a small hammer repetedly, and may fall apart if slapped in the face too hard by a big gun. __________________ "if you have a good shooting stance, you are not using cover correctly" father frog

April 29, 2024, 06:34 PM	#3
georgehwbush Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2023 Location: down town USA Posts: 230	speaking to the recoil issue; generally speaking rimfire scopes are designed to withstand the impulse of the action on simi-autos slaming forward, rather than the recoil of higher powered weapons. that being said; some times a rimfire scope will stay togather on things you wouldn't expect them too, and some scopes not designed for rimfire mounted on simi's will shake apart from the bolt slamming shut. at least that is my experance as another here puts it YMMV.

April 29, 2024, 06:48 PM	#4
Kestrel4k Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2011 Location: The Willamette Valley, in Oregon Posts: 102	Who is the manufacturer ?

April 29, 2024, 07:09 PM	#5
The Verminator Senior Member Join Date: April 19, 2013 Location: Minnesota Posts: 368	Yes, who? If it's a Leupold......no worries. A cheap scope might be damaged by the recoil. The cheap scope, however.......means not much to lose.

April 30, 2024, 11:02 AM	#6
jmhyer Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2012 Location: MS - USA Posts: 906	Thanks for the replies. It’s a Redfield-branded scope from Academy Sports. I guess it’s probably a couple of years old. I suppose it’s worth a try if I don’t really plan to use the scope for anything else. There is certainly plenty of time between now and hunting season to get it mounted and sighted, shoot it some, and see how it holds up.

April 30, 2024, 02:23 PM	#7
Kestrel4k Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2011 Location: The Willamette Valley, in Oregon Posts: 102	From what I gather, those newest Redfield-branded scopes are China-mfg and have nothing in common with prior Redfields; I wouldn't waste my time putting it on any centerfire.