Why Equip Your Marlin 336 with a Red Dot?
Enhanced Target Acquisition
A red dot sight presents a single, bright aiming point that’s incredibly easy to see. This eliminates the need to align front and rear iron sights, allowing you to focus solely on the target. This is particularly crucial in fast-paced hunting scenarios where quick shot placement is vital. The speed and ease with which you can acquire your target with a red dot is unmatched, especially in low-light conditions or when tracking moving game.
Improved Accuracy
Beyond speed, a red dot sight can bring improved accuracy to your shooting. The clear, unobstructed view through the sight minimizes the potential for parallax errors that can occur with iron sights. Parallax is the apparent movement of the reticle relative to the target when the shooter’s eye isn’t perfectly centered. A red dot sight typically has very minimal parallax, leading to tighter groups at various ranges. Additionally, for shooters with aging eyes or those who find it difficult to focus on iron sights, a red dot offers a much clearer and more precise aiming solution. This translates to greater confidence and consistency on the range or in the field.
Increased Versatility
The addition of a red dot also brings increased versatility to your Marlin 336. Whether you primarily hunt whitetail deer in the woods, engage in recreational target shooting, or participate in tactical shooting events, the red dot enhances your rifle’s capabilities across the board. You’ll find it easier to acquire moving targets, engage targets at different distances, and transition between various shooting positions. This versatility makes your Marlin 336 a more adaptable and enjoyable firearm.
Low Maintenance
Finally, red dot sights generally require low maintenance. Cleaning primarily involves wiping the lenses and occasionally checking the battery. They are often built to withstand the rigors of the field, making them a durable and reliable choice for your Marlin 336.
Making the Right Choice: Considerations for Choosing a Mount
Compatibility is Key
First and foremost, your chosen mount must be compatible with your Marlin 336 rifle. Pay close attention to the receiver design, specifically the location of the screw holes. Make sure the mount will fit properly. Compatibility also includes ensuring that the mount is compatible with the red dot sight itself. Red dot sights utilize different footprints or mounting standards, like the Aimpoint Micro, Trijicon RMR, and others. This refers to the pattern of holes used to attach the sight to the mount. Double-check the specifications of both the mount and the red dot sight to make sure they’re a perfect match. A mismatch can lead to frustration and wasted time and money.
Understanding Mount Types
Several mount types are available for the Marlin 336, each with its own set of pros and cons.
Scope mounts, such as those that utilize Weaver or Picatinny rails, offer a versatile solution. They often allow you to mount various accessories, including red dots, scopes, and lights. However, installing a scope mount on a Marlin 336 can sometimes require drilling and tapping the receiver, which may not be ideal for every shooter. Consider if this permanent alteration of your rifle is something you want to do. These mounts also may raise the height of the optic, which could affect your cheek weld and, therefore, your shooting accuracy.
Receiver-mounted mounts offer a more straightforward approach, often attaching directly to the existing screw holes on the rifle’s receiver. These mounts typically provide a secure and low-profile mounting solution, minimizing the amount of alteration required. Installation is usually simple, making it an accessible choice for those less experienced with gunsmithing. Be sure to verify that the receiver-mounted mount you are considering is compatible with your specific Marlin 336 model.
Rail-mounted options, which may be either Picatinny or Weaver rails, provide exceptional flexibility. They allow for mounting not only a red dot sight but also other accessories like lights, lasers, or backup iron sights. This flexibility makes them a good option for shooters who might want to adapt their rifle to different situations. The height above the receiver must be considered to ensure that you get a comfortable cheek weld.
Mount Height and Cheek Weld
The height of the mount significantly impacts the shooter’s ability to look through the red dot comfortably. Proper cheek weld is essential for consistent shot placement and accuracy.
Low-profile mounts sit closer to the receiver, typically providing the lowest possible sight picture. They often offer a natural cheek weld. If you choose a lower profile mount, be sure that the dot will be easily viewed without straining to find it.
Medium-profile mounts offer a balance between low profile and ease of viewing, and they can accommodate a wider range of shooters and red dot sight models. This is often a good compromise.
High-profile mounts may be necessary if you’re using a red dot sight with a larger objective lens or if you prefer to maintain a higher cheek weld. However, a high mount might necessitate the use of a cheek riser on the stock for optimal comfort and sight alignment. This is a less common setup, but important to consider.
Durability and Quality Matters
When selecting a red dot mount, prioritize durability and quality. Choose a mount constructed from high-quality materials, such as aircraft-grade aluminum, known for its strength, lightweight properties, and corrosion resistance.
The mount must be able to withstand the recoil generated by the .30-30 Winchester or any other cartridge you use in your Marlin 336. Pay close attention to the mount’s construction and the quality of its fasteners. A poorly made mount can break or come loose, compromising your accuracy and potentially damaging your red dot sight.
Consider whether the mount is suitable for the environment you’ll be shooting in. If you hunt in wet or harsh conditions, choose a mount with a durable finish that resists corrosion and can withstand exposure to the elements. The last thing you want is for your equipment to fail in the field.
Popular Mount Choices for the Marlin 336
Several manufacturers offer excellent red dot mount options for the Marlin 336.
Consider options from XS Sights. XS Sights is known for their high-quality sights and mounting solutions. Their mounts are generally well-regarded for their durability and ease of installation. Look at their specific models for your Marlin 336; XS is a trusted brand.
Skinner Sights also manufactures mounts for the Marlin 336, designed to be both robust and aesthetically pleasing. These mounts are often favored for their minimalist design and compatibility with various red dot sights. Their mounts are generally available in steel or aluminum and known for their quality craftsmanship.
Leupold is a well-known name in optics. Leupold often produces mounts that are known for their excellent fit and finish, and their mounts offer a high level of reliability.
When selecting a mount, research various models within these recommended brands to find the best fit for your Marlin 336 and red dot sight. Ensure that the mount is compatible with your chosen red dot sight’s footprint and consider the mount height to achieve optimal cheek weld.
Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide
Safety First
Before beginning any work on your firearm, always prioritize safety. Ensure the rifle is completely unloaded. Double-check the chamber to make sure it’s empty. Remove all ammunition from the area.
Gather Your Tools and Materials
You’ll need a few essential tools for the installation. Gather a set of screwdrivers or Allen wrenches that match the screws on your mount and red dot sight. A torque wrench is highly recommended for achieving the correct torque specifications, which will be listed in your mount and red dot manuals. A small bottle of thread-locking compound (such as Loctite) can also be helpful to ensure the screws stay secure.
Preparing the Rifle
If the mount attaches to existing holes on the rifle, there is usually no need to disassemble your firearm beyond removing the bolt to verify that the action is clear. The receiver and mounting surfaces must be clean. Use a degreaser or rubbing alcohol to remove any oil, dirt, or debris from the receiver.
Mounting the Red Dot Mount
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your chosen mount.
Securely attach the mount to the receiver. Hand-tighten each screw initially, then use your torque wrench to tighten the screws to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as this can damage the receiver or the mount.
Mounting the Red Dot Sight
Attach the red dot sight to the mount. Align the sight correctly, following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Tighten the sight’s screws securely, again, using a torque wrench. Check the manufacturer’s recommendation for the correct torque specification.
Applying Loctite (Optional)
In some cases, it is recommended to apply thread-locking compound to the screws. Carefully apply a small amount of Loctite to the threads of the screws before tightening them. This will help prevent the screws from loosening due to vibration.
Reassembling the Rifle
Replace the bolt or any other disassembled parts of your rifle. Double-check your work to make sure everything is correctly assembled, and that no tools or parts remain.
Sighting In: Zeroing Your Red Dot
Once your red dot sight is mounted, you’ll need to sight it in, also known as zeroing. This means adjusting the sight’s reticle to align with the point of impact of your bullets at a specific distance.
Choose an appropriate distance for zeroing your Marlin 336. A common zeroing distance for the .30-30 Winchester is 100 yards. This is a good general-purpose setting.
Set up a target at the chosen distance, ideally using a stable shooting rest. Begin by firing a group of three to five shots. Observe where the bullets impact the target relative to the aiming point.
Use the elevation and windage adjustments on your red dot sight to correct the point of impact. Adjust the elevation to move the point of impact up or down, and adjust the windage to move the point of impact left or right. Make small adjustments at first and fire another group of shots to evaluate the changes.
Continue adjusting the sight until the bullets impact close to your intended aiming point. Once you’ve achieved the desired zero, confirm it by firing several more groups of shots.
Maintenance and Care of Your Red Dot Setup
Proper maintenance is essential for ensuring your red dot sight and mount continue to function reliably.
Cleaning the Red Dot
Regularly clean the lenses of your red dot sight with a soft, lint-free cloth or a specialized lens cleaning solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the lens coatings. Wipe down the body of the sight to remove any dirt or debris.
Checking the Mount
Periodically inspect the mount to ensure the screws are still secure. Check to see that the mount has not shifted.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery in your red dot sight according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Carry spare batteries with you in the field.
Conclusion
Mounting a red dot sight on your Marlin 336 is a fantastic upgrade that can significantly enhance your rifle’s performance and your shooting experience. This addition brings faster target acquisition, improved accuracy, and increased versatility. Carefully consider the various factors involved in choosing a mount, follow the installation steps meticulously, and remember the importance of proper maintenance.
This modification offers a cost-effective way to modernize your beloved lever-action rifle and gain a competitive edge. Equip your Marlin 336 with a red dot mount, and you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
As with any firearm modification, consider having the installation inspected by a qualified gunsmith if you are uncertain about any step.
