Best Scope For Marlin 60 – The 4 Best Optics for Model 60

The Marlin 60 creates a scope selection problem most shooters don’t see coming until they’re fighting a nose-heavy rifle or watching their zero walk around the target. It’s not about finding a “good” scope—it’s about finding one that actually works with this rifle’s grooved receiver, light weight, and rimfire-specific needs. Put a centerfire scope with 100-yard parallax on here and you’ll spend all day wondering why your groups open up at 50 yards. Mount something too heavy and the whole rifle tips forward like a bad lever.

I tested four scopes over two months at my local range and on family property outside Dallas, burning through about 600 rounds of CCI Standard Velocity to see which ones actually delivered. The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire came out on top—not because it has the most magnification or the fanciest reticle, but because it’s built specifically for what the Marlin 60 actually does.

My Top 4 Picks for the Marlin 60

Why You Can Trust My Recommendations

I learned the grooved receiver lesson the hard way back in 2010 when I mounted a decent Nikon centerfire scope on my nephew’s Marlin 60 for his birthday. Spent an hour at the range watching him fight parallax issues at 50 yards because that scope was focused at 100. The groups were all over the place, and he kept asking if something was wrong with his rifle. Nothing was wrong with the rifle—I’d just put the wrong optic on it.

That experience stuck with me. I’ve been testing rifle scopes for 15 years through my work with ScopesReviews, and I spent five years in the Bass Pro Shops firearms department before that, where I helped hundreds of customers match scopes to their rifles. The Marlin 60 showed up constantly, usually with customers asking why their groups weren’t tight or why the scope kept losing zero. Most of the time it came down to using centerfire scopes on rimfire rifles, or mounting them with cheap rings that couldn’t handle the grooved receiver. The Marlin 60 isn’t demanding, but it needs specific things done right.

Side-by-Side Specs

The numbers tell part of the story—parallax setting and weight matter more than you’d think on a light rimfire.

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The 4 Best Scopes for Marlin 60

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1. Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire – Best Overall

Why This One Solved the Problem

I mounted this scope on my nephew’s Marlin 60 last spring after we’d wasted an afternoon fighting parallax issues with that Nikon centerfire scope. Six rounds at 50 yards and it was zeroed. The difference was immediate—the image stayed sharp whether I was shooting at 25 or 75 yards, no focus fighting. Through 150 rounds the zero never walked, which is what you want when you’re teaching someone to shoot and don’t want equipment issues confusing the learning process.

The magnification range handles everything the rifle actually does. I kept it on low power for plinking pop cans at 25 yards, cranked it up when we moved to 75-yard steel. The duplex reticle doesn’t try to be clever—it’s just a clean crosshair that lets you see what you’re aiming at. I’ve used BDC reticles on rimfire scopes before and always ended up ignoring the holdover marks anyway. This keeps it simple.

Morning Session Where Glass Quality Showed

Early September morning around 6:30, still had decent darkness, and I wanted to see how this glass performed compared to the Simmons I’d tested the week before. Set up steel plates at 50 yards and started shooting. The Vortex stayed brighter as the light came up, and the image had better contrast. Not night-and-day different, but noticeably clearer. Edges get soft at max power on most scopes in this price range, though some stay clearer than others.

Had it out during a fog bank one morning in October—couldn’t see past 100 yards—and the inside of the scope stayed completely clear. The nitrogen purging isn’t marketing.

How It Actually Handles

The rifle stays balanced with this scope mounted. I’ve put heavier optics on Marlin 60s before and regretted it when shooting offhand—they turn nose-heavy and tiring. This one disappears on the rifle. The turrets click cleanly when you adjust them, and they’re resettable if you care about that. I just zero and leave them alone.

The eyepiece focuses fast, which matters when you’re setting up a scope for someone else and need to adjust the diopter to their vision. Three turns and the reticle was sharp. The magnification ring has the right amount of resistance—turns easily but won’t move accidentally.

Vortex’s lifetime warranty is unconditional. No receipt, no questions. That’s worth mentioning on a scope that might get handed down or knocked around.

Field Test Data

Test Parameter	Result
Best 5-Shot Group at 50 Yards	0.87″ from bench rest
Rounds Fired During Testing	150 rounds
Zero Retention	No POI shift observed
Low-Light Performance	Usable clarity until 30 minutes after sunset
Eyebox Forgiveness	Minimal shadow at 7x when positioned correctly

Tested on: Marlin 60 | CCI Standard Velocity 40gr LRN

Pros and Cons

PROS 50-yard parallax setting optimized for rimfire distances Appropriate magnification range for .22 LR applications VIP lifetime unconditional warranty Fully multi-coated lenses deliver good light transmission Stays light enough to keep rifle balanced

CONS Some edge softness at maximum magnification Non-illuminated reticle limits low-light use Eye relief adequate but not generous for magnums

Performance Ratings

Learn more about how I test and rate scopes.

This is the scope that makes sense for the Marlin 60. It doesn’t try to be more than what a .22 LR platform needs, and that focus is exactly why it works. For other .22 rifles have a look at the best scopes for M&P 15-22.

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2. Simmons Pro Rimfire 3-9x32mm – Best for Higher Magnification

What the BDC Actually Does in Practice

I zeroed this scope at 50 yards on a Sunday morning in August, then moved back to 75 yards to see what the Drop Zone holdovers would do. Set up a 6-inch steel plate and used the first hash mark below the crosshair. It got me close—within an inch or so—but I still had to walk it in with a couple clicks. Once I knew where that holdover actually hit, I could connect consistently.

Here’s the thing though: most of my shooting with the Marlin 60 happens between 25 and 50 yards. At those distances I never touched the BDC marks, just used the main crosshair. The extra hash marks sit there in your field of view whether you need them or not. If you’re regularly shooting small game past 60 yards, they’re useful. If you’re punching paper and plinking cans at normal distances, they’re visual clutter.

Where the Glass Falls Short

The scope looked fine at middle magnifications—I shot most of a box of ammo between 4x and 6x and had no complaints about clarity. But when I cranked it up to 8x or 9x to really test it, things got softer. The edges went fuzzy and high-contrast targets showed chromatic aberration, that purple-green fringing you see on cheap glass.

One morning I showed up at dawn to compare this against the Vortex in low light. The Simmons looked flat and dim until about 20 minutes after sunrise. The Vortex was shooting-ready earlier. That’s the difference between fully coated and multi-coated lenses—it’s subtle until it’s not.

Lighter than the Bushnell

This scope doesn’t weigh down the rifle. I noticed the difference immediately after testing the Bushnell—the Marlin 60 felt quicker to swing and easier to hold offhand. For a rifle that’s meant to be nimble, keeping weight down matters. The scope comes with rings that fit the grooved receiver, so you’re not hunting for separate mounts.

The magnification ring spins a bit too freely for my taste—I bumped it accidentally a couple times moving the rifle around. The turrets click but they’re not as positive as the Vortex. Good enough to get zeroed and stay there, but I could feel the difference.

Construction Held Up

Shot this through three separate range sessions including one humid morning, and I never saw fogging. The waterproof rating seems legitimate. The aluminum tube feels solid, not cheap. It’s a budget scope that doesn’t feel like a budget scope when you’re handling it—the compromises show up in the glass, not the construction.

Field Test Data

Test Parameter	Result
Best 5-Shot Group at 50 Yards	0.94″ from bench rest at 6x magnification
Rounds Fired During Testing	120 rounds
BDC Holdover Accuracy at 75 Yards	First hash mark required minor adjustment, consistent hits on 6″ steel
Image Quality at 9x	Noticeable edge softness and chromatic aberration

Tested on: Marlin 60 | CCI Standard Velocity 40gr LRN

Pros and Cons

PROS Light at at 13.3 ounces 50-yard parallax appropriate for rimfire use .22 Drop Zone BDC useful for longer-range shooting Includes mounting rings IPX7 waterproof rating

CONS Fully coated (not multi-coated) lenses limit light transmission Image quality degrades noticeably above 7x magnification BDC reticle adds clutter for typical plinking distances Low-light performance below Vortex standard

Performance Ratings

Learn more about how I test and rate scopes.

The Simmons delivers higher magnification while staying rimfire-focused, but you’re accepting compromises in glass quality to get there. It works best for shooters who prioritize zoom range over image clarity. The Simmons is also one the best 22lr scope on a budget.

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3. Bushnell Banner 2 3-9×40 – Best for Hunting

When the Wrong Parallax Setting Matters

I mounted the Bushnell in late September and zeroed it at 50 yards like I do with every .22 scope. Got it dialed in, then spent the next hour noticing something that bugged me—when I shifted my head position slightly behind the scope, the crosshair appeared to move on the target. Not enough to miss a pop can, but enough to see it happening. That’s parallax error, and it exists because this scope focuses at 100 yards, not 50.

The other scopes I tested didn’t do this at rimfire distances because they’re set for 50 yards. This one fights you. It’s manageable—you can still shoot accurately—but it’s a constant low-grade annoyance when you know it doesn’t have to be there. The Bushnell was designed for centerfire rifles where 100-yard parallax makes sense. On a Marlin 60, it’s a compromise you’re accepting.

Where It Actually Wins

I shot one evening about 40 minutes before sunset to compare low-light performance across all four scopes. The Bushnell stayed bright and usable longer than anything else. That bigger front lens pulls in more light, and when you’re trying to line up a shot on a squirrel in fading conditions, it makes a difference. The Vortex started getting dim maybe 10 minutes before the Bushnell did.

If you hunt with your Marlin 60 during legal shooting hours at dawn or dusk, this is the scope that extends your window. If you’re plinking in good daylight, you’re carrying extra glass you won’t use.

Balance and Handling Issues

This scope makes the rifle front-heavy. I felt it immediately shooting offhand—the muzzle wants to drop, and after a few minutes my support arm was tired. From a bench or with the rifle rested, it’s not a problem. But the Marlin 60 is supposed to be a light, quick rifle, and this scope works against that.

The reticle has five aiming points with wind holds, and Bushnell includes an app that tells you what distances those marks represent for different calibers. On a .22 it’s overkill. I zeroed the main crosshair and ignored the rest of the dots. They’re just taking up space in the sight picture.

Construction Quality Is There

The scope feels well-built. Solid aluminum tube, turrets that click cleanly, magnification ring that turns smoothly. I shot it through a rainy morning in early October and it stayed dry inside. Bushnell has a reputation for making durable hunting scopes, and this one lives up to it. The scope comes with rings, which is standard for this price range.

At middle magnifications the glass is good—better than the Simmons, especially at the higher end of the zoom range. When you’re at 9x with the Bushnell you can still see clearly; the Simmons gets fuzzy. But you’re still dealing with that parallax issue at 50 yards, which undercuts the optical quality advantage.

Field Test Data

Test Parameter	Result
Best 5-Shot Group at 50 Yards	0.91″ from bench rest
Rounds Fired During Testing	140 rounds
Low-Light Usability	Maintained clarity 40 minutes before sunset, outperformed other test scopes
Parallax Error at 50 Yards	Noticeable reticle shift with head movement due to 100-yard parallax setting
Weight Impact on Handling	Front-heavy feel evident in offhand shooting

Tested on: Marlin 60 | CCI Standard Velocity 40gr LRN

Pros and Cons

PROS 40mm objective delivers superior low-light performance Dusk & Dawn multi-coated optics provide good contrast IPX7 waterproof construction and Bushnell durability reputation Includes mounting rings Glass quality better than Simmons at higher magnifications

CONS 100-yard parallax setting creates focus issues at rimfire distances Heaviest scope tested makes rifle front-heavy Narrower field of view than Vortex at low magnification

Performance Ratings

Learn more about how I test and rate scopes.

The Banner 2 delivers where it counts for hunters—low light performance—but asks you to accept compromises that matter for rimfire shooting. It’s a good scope on a platform that doesn’t need what it offers most.

This Bushnell would make an excellent Marlin 336 scope.

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4. Barska 3-9×32 Plinker-22 – Best Budget Option

What You Get for Half the Price

I went into testing the Barska expecting the worst based on what I’d heard about the brand, but I wanted to see what half the money of the other scopes would actually deliver. Mounted it on the Marlin 60 in early October and took it to the range with low expectations. Zeroing took longer than the others—about 25 rounds before I got it settled at 50 yards. The turrets felt mushy compared to the positive clicks on the Vortex, and I wasn’t confident the adjustments were doing exactly what they claimed.

Shot about 80 rounds through it that first session, mostly at paper and steel between 25 and 50 yards. The image was clear enough to see what I was aiming at, though noticeably less sharp than the Vortex or even the Simmons. The 30/30 reticle is just a duplex crosshair with four posts—simple and uncluttered, which I appreciated after testing the BDC and ballistic reticles on the other scopes.

The Eye Relief Problem

Here’s where this scope gets frustrating. The eye relief changes as you adjust magnification, shrinking from a workable distance at low power to uncomfortably short at high power. At 9x I had to get my face closer to the scope than felt natural, and the eyebox was unforgiving—move your head slightly and you lose the full sight picture, getting a dark shadow around the edges. I found myself staying at 6x or 7x most of the time just to avoid fighting it.

The parallax is set at 100 yards like the Bushnell, so you get that same reticle shift issue at rimfire distances. Between the parallax error and the tight eyebox at higher magnifications, this scope asks you to work harder than the others to get a clean sight picture.

Glass Quality Shows Its Limits

The glass is functional but nothing more. At lower magnifications it’s acceptable for plinking—I could see steel plates clearly at 50 yards and hit them consistently. But push past 6x and the image degrades fast. Edge clarity falls apart, and the whole picture looks flat and washed out compared to better glass. On a bright afternoon it’s manageable. In marginal light it becomes a problem.

I tested all four scopes on the same overcast morning to compare them directly. The Barska looked dimmer and less contrasty than everything else. That’s the difference between budget glass and glass with better coatings—it’s subtle until you see them side by side.

Zero Retention Concerns

After the initial zeroing session, I came back two weeks later for another range trip. The zero had walked—not dramatically, but enough that my first shots were hitting two inches low. I dialed it back in and finished the session, but it planted a doubt. Budget scopes sometimes have internal components that shift under vibration or temperature changes. I didn’t shoot this scope long enough to say definitively whether it’s a chronic problem, but one zero shift is one more than I saw with any of the other scopes.

What It Actually Delivers

This scope does exactly what it costs. If you need magnification on your Marlin 60 and you’re counting every dollar, the Barska will let you see targets better than iron sights. The included rings fit the grooved receiver, and the scope itself doesn’t feel cheaply made when you handle it. But you’re accepting compromises everywhere—in glass quality, eyebox forgiveness, parallax setting, and potentially in zero retention. For casual plinking where precision doesn’t matter much, it’s adequate. For anything more demanding, save up for the Vortex.

Field Test Data

Test Parameter	Result
Best 5-Shot Group at 50 Yards	1.3″ from bench rest at 6x magnification
Rounds Fired During Testing	80 rounds
Zero Retention	2″ POI shift observed after two weeks between sessions
Eyebox at 9x Magnification	Very unforgiving, dark shadows with slight head movement

Tested on: Marlin 60 | CCI Standard Velocity 40gr LRN

Pros and Cons

PROS Half the cost of other scopes tested Lightest option keeps rifle nimble Simple 30/30 reticle without clutter Includes mounting rings

CONS Variable eye relief becomes problematic at higher magnifications Glass quality noticeably inferior to competitors 100-yard parallax setting suboptimal for rimfire distances Zero shift observed during testing period Mushy turret clicks lack precision feel

Performance Ratings

Learn more about how I test and rate scopes.

The Barska delivers exactly what its price suggests—functional magnification with compromises in every category that matters. It’s adequate for backyard plinking but not much beyond that.

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How I Actually Tested These Scopes

I ran all four scopes through testing between late August and mid-October on a single Marlin 60 I keep specifically for scope evaluations. The rifle stays consistent so I’m testing the optics, not variables in the platform. Most sessions happened at my local range outside Dallas, with a few trips to family property for less structured shooting. Weather ranged from Texas summer heat in the 90s to cooler October mornings in the 60s, with one particularly humid fog bank that tested waterproofing claims.

I shot approximately 600 rounds of CCI Standard Velocity 40gr LRN in total—490 through the four finalists and the remainder on three eliminated scopes—that’s the ammunition I use for all rimfire testing because it’s consistent and readily available. Each scope got mounted with the included rings or equivalent replacements when the factory rings weren’t suitable, zeroed at 50 yards, then run through multiple sessions at distances from 25 to 75 yards. I logged group sizes from a bench rest, tested zero retention between sessions, and evaluated glass quality in varying light conditions from dawn to dusk.

Three scopes didn’t make the final four. A Tasco 3-9×32 lost zero after about 60 rounds—turrets felt loose and adjustments weren’t holding. A NcStar 3-9×40 had such poor glass that the image looked fuzzy even at 3x magnification; I pulled it after two magazines. A Centerpoint 4-12×40 with adjustable objective was just too much scope for the platform—it was front-heavy and the high magnification was pointless on a .22 LR at typical distances. All three failed for different reasons, but they all failed for reasons that would frustrate anyone actually using them.

I tested parallax by moving my head behind each scope at 50 yards to see if the crosshair appeared to shift on target. I evaluated eyebox forgiveness by checking how much head movement I could get away with before losing the sight picture. Low-light testing happened during early morning and late evening sessions where I compared all four scopes in the same conditions. The data tables in each review reflect what actually happened during testing, not theoretical performance.

Get more information on how I test optics here.

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What Shooters Get Wrong About Marlin 60 Scopes

Using Centerfire Scopes with 100-Yard Parallax

Most shooters don’t know what parallax is or why it matters until they’re fighting it. Centerfire scopes focus at 100 yards because that’s where centerfires get zeroed. But you’re shooting your Marlin 60 at 25 to 50 yards most of the time, and at those distances a 100-yard parallax setting means the reticle isn’t on the same focal plane as your target. Move your eye slightly and the crosshair shifts position. It’s subtle but it’s there. Rimfire-specific scopes set parallax at 50 yards, which is where you’re actually shooting. The Vortex and Simmons both get this right. The Bushnell and Barska don’t, and you’ll notice it every time you use them at typical .22 distances.

Mounting Heavy Scopes That Destroy the Rifle’s Balance

The Marlin 60 weighs five and a half pounds. Mount a 40mm objective scope and suddenly you’re lugging around a front-heavy rifle that’s tiring to hold offhand. I see this constantly—guys putting big hunting scopes on rimfire rifles because they think more objective diameter is always better. It’s not. That 40mm lens on the Bushnell gathers more light for low-light hunting, but it also adds weight and bulk that works against what makes the Marlin 60 good in the first place. A 32mm objective is plenty for daylight shooting, and it keeps the rifle quick and nimble like it’s supposed to be.

Buying Cheap Rings and Wondering Why Zero Won’t Hold

That grooved receiver on the Marlin 60 is convenient—no drilling and tapping required—but it’s also not the most secure mounting system. Cheap rings with minimal contact area will slip under recoil or just from handling. I’ve seen shooters blame the scope when the problem is fifty-cent rings on a grooved receiver that needed better hardware. Get quality dovetail rings with good clamping surface, or use a Weaver base adapter with proper scope rings. The few extra dollars prevent zero-loss frustration that’ll make you hate an otherwise good scope.

Thinking You Need 12x Magnification for .22 LR Shooting

High magnification sounds impressive until you realize it’s solving a problem you don’t have. Most shooters use their Marlin 60 between 25 and 75 yards. At those distances, 9x is already more than you need, and anything beyond that is just making your field of view narrower and your image darker. I tested a 4-12x scope that didn’t make the final four because it was pointless—the high end was unusable for anything practical with this rifle, and it added weight and complexity for zero benefit. A 2-7x or 3-9x range covers everything the rifle actually does without overcomplicating it.

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Your Questions Answered

Do I really need a rimfire-specific scope, or will any scope work?

Any scope will mount and function, but rimfire-specific scopes set parallax at 50 yards instead of 100, which matters at the distances you’re actually shooting. Centerfire scopes will work but you’ll fight parallax error at typical rimfire ranges. The Vortex and Simmons both get this right. Worth paying attention to.

What magnification range actually makes sense for a Marlin 60?

2-7x or 3-9x covers everything this rifle does well. Lower end for quick shots on close targets, higher end for precision at 75 yards. Anything beyond 9x is solving a problem that doesn’t exist with .22 LR at realistic distances—you’re just narrowing your field of view and making the image dimmer for no practical gain.

Will the grooved receiver hold zero or do I need to drill and tap for bases?

The grooved receiver works fine if you use quality rings with good clamping surface. Budget rings will slip. Get decent dovetail rings or use a Weaver adapter base with proper scope rings. The grooved receiver isn’t the problem—cheap mounting hardware is. No need to drill and tap if you use appropriate rings.

Should I remove the iron sights when I mount a scope?

Leave them on. They don’t interfere with the scope and they’re useful if your scope fails or batteries die on illuminated optics. Plus removing them on a Marlin 60 requires tools and effort for no real benefit. The front sight post sits below your sight picture through the scope anyway.

Is a 40mm objective too much for this light rifle?

Depends on what you’re doing. For hunting at dawn and dusk, that extra light gathering helps. For daylight plinking, it’s unnecessary weight that makes the rifle front-heavy. A 32mm objective is plenty for most shooting and keeps the rifle balanced. The Bushnell’s 40mm objective is overkill unless low-light hunting is your primary use.

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Which Scope for Your Shooting Style?

Backyard plinking and casual target shooting: The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire handles this perfectly. Simple reticle, appropriate magnification range, and that 50-yard parallax means you’re not fighting focus issues at the distances you’re actually shooting. The rifle stays balanced and you’re not paying for features you won’t use. If you’re punching paper or shooting pop cans on weekends, this is the scope that makes sense.

Small game hunting in good light conditions: The Simmons Pro Rimfire 3-9×32 gives you the magnification to make precise shots on squirrels or rabbits at extended distances, and the BDC reticle provides holdover points if you’re shooting past 60 yards. Still rimfire-focused with that 50-yard parallax, and light enough to keep the rifle quick in the woods. The glass quality compromises at higher magnifications, but for hunting purposes it’s adequate.

Dawn and dusk hunting where light is marginal: The Bushnell Banner 2 3-9×40 is the only scope here that extends your shooting window when light is fading. That bigger objective lens makes a real difference during legal shooting hours at sunrise and sunset. You’re accepting the weight penalty and dealing with sub-optimal parallax for rimfire distances, but if you hunt seriously during marginal light, those compromises are worth it.

Tight budget and basic needs only: The Barska 3-9×32 Plinker-22 will put magnification on your rifle for about half what the others cost. Glass quality is mediocre, the eyebox is unforgiving at high power, and I saw zero retention issues during testing. But if you’re genuinely counting every dollar and just need something better than iron sights for casual shooting, it’s functional. Just understand you’re getting exactly what the price suggests.

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Disclosure

I purchased all four scopes tested in this guide with my own money through normal retail channels. Nobody paid me to write this, and the manufacturers didn’t provide test samples or influence the content. The links in this article are affiliate links—if you buy through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. That commission helps fund future testing and keeps this site running. My testing methodology and conclusions remain independent of any affiliate relationships. I recommend the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire because it’s the best scope for the Marlin 60 based on what I observed during testing, not because of any business relationship.

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Final Thoughts

The Marlin 60 has been teaching people to shoot since 1960, and it’ll keep doing that job whether you scope it or not. But put the right optic on it and you extend what the rifle can do—tighter groups, more confidence at distance, easier target acquisition. Put the wrong scope on it and you’re fighting equipment instead of improving your shooting.

The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire wins because it’s the only scope here that addresses all of the Marlin 60’s specific needs without compromise. That 50-yard parallax setting, appropriate magnification range, and reasonable weight keep the rifle balanced and focused at the distances where .22 LR actually works. The lifetime warranty and solid construction mean it’ll outlast the rifle. For most shooters doing most things with a Marlin 60, this is the answer.

The Simmons makes sense if you need more magnification and you’re willing to trade optical quality to get it. The Bushnell delivers if low-light hunting is your priority and you can live with the weight and parallax compromises. The Barska exists if your budget genuinely won’t stretch to the others, though I’d encourage saving up for the Vortex if possible—the quality gap is real.

Scope selection matters more than most shooters realize. Get it right and the equipment disappears, letting you focus on fundamentals. Get it wrong and you’re constantly adjusting, compensating, and wondering why things don’t work like they should. The Marlin 60 deserves a scope that respects what the rifle actually is—a light, accurate, reliable rimfire platform that excels within its limits. The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire does exactly that.

If you found this guide helpful, check out my other scope reviews for the Ruger 10/22.