Great input! Thanks guys.

Now I'm thinking about upgrading the scope on my 30-06 and moving that scope over. It's a Nikon prostaff 3-9x40. I'd like one with a little higher magnification for my 22 but think a swap may be my best bet.

While your doing this, make sure your rings and/or bases are good to go.
If your Marlin is a semi, I would assume the reverse recoil of the bolt closing could make stuff move on your optics from the mounting system. If a bolt action, that's not an issue but I personally still believe in using good quality mounting parts.

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbt..._s#Post12044398

I have this exact scope and would buy another Vortex next time if I'm in need of a quality scope. Would be a good match with your 30-06.

Paul, I can drive by SWFA on my way home from work. If you want me to pick up something from there let me know and I can save you a trip to Midlo.

Teach him how to shoot through open sights first.

It's a bolt action. The hardware isn't the issue. I have all Luepold hardware on the current scope. The scope is a $19 Bushnell from academy 15 years ago.

I agree with this. I have a starter gun too.

I have tunnel vision when it comes to my rifle scopes, learned it from my Uncle who has hunted all over the world, he has always put gold rings on his guns and has never had one fail, but his hunting buddies who have taken other brands have had to use his gun because their scope fogged up on the inside, one had a recticle come lose from being dropped...I hate to sound like a commercial for Leopold but I have never had one fail either... My .22 mag is a Marlin stainless heavy barrel with a 3x9 Leopold, bought it back in the 90's and sighted it in with 40grn Winchester h.p. and have never had to sight it in since...its been dropped countless times, used in rain, snow, moved from three different houses and the point of impact has never changed... I won't buy anything else...

reason for edit; i have to add, i use mine for hunting - it's a killing machine !!! LOL, guess if all i did was shoot paper it wouldn't matter what i had on it...

for brand new, this would be my first choice for a .22 and teaching a kiddo. excellent glass and you don't break the bank for a 100.00 gun.


https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-Cro...re+3-9x40+scope




I put the 3-9x50 lighted reticle on my 10/22 I built. https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Crossfire-...II+3-9x50+scope

The original Crossfire line was pretty bad. A few held together and were decent but we saw a ton of returns for lenses flipping out, reticles turning and scopes just flat out falling apart. Vortex saved the Crossfire line's reputation with the Crossfire II. They went over the top beefing up the internals, glass and overall quality. That's one of the reasons it's such a good scope for the money. There is not a scope close to the Diamondback's quality close to it's price range.