Dozer02

I agree that the particular lever gun in question is what determines weather a scope is warranted or not. In my case I have a collection of several older Winchester "73"s & 92's that I wouldn't even consider scoping due to their collectable value & original design. My newer Marlins, Savages and Winchesters are a different story, I use them out in the field and up at the range due to their more modern chamberings that are far more capable of making longer, more accurate shots. As far as rimfire levers I believe in individual preference, I have a 1970 model 255 Winchester .22 WMR with a Leoupold 3x9 with tip off mounts, my most prized small varmint lever!

MetalMan2004

I have a BLR In .308 that I bought used and came with a traditional 3-9x40 luepold. It is a great combo, but I really want a scout scope for it because I have the takedown model. The current scope doesn't keep zero when I seperate the parts for cleaning.

kiwihunter

My levers have always been Marlins ....there easy to scope.

Buffalo11

Your money, your rifle...your WAY! I have one with a 3x9x32 and it is dead on..To h377 with what other folks think Do it your way..

wPm

gunsnknives

Scopes on leverguns, eh? Yes and no - depends on the rifle:

Henry H001T 22lr - no scope, but I replaced stock sights with a vernier tang sight and globe front sight.

Rossi 92 in 44 Mag - no scope, but I replaced the stock sights with a Skinner barrel mount aperture and bead front sight.

Mossberg 464 in 30-30 - mounted 2-7x32 scope mainly because it is accurate enough out to 200+ yards with the right ammo.

Marlin 336A in 32 Win. Special - no scope, but I replaced the sights came on the rifle with a Williams FP rear (with Merit adjustable aperture) and a globe front sight. This rifle is impressively accurate, plenty enough to scope, but its a 1951 waffle top model that's never been drilled and tapped for scope mounts and I'm not about to be the one to mess with a classic.

Marlin 336C in 35 Remington - this one wears a scout scope setup backed up by a Williams FP rear sight (front sight is the factory bead).

So I've scoped some of my levers, and the ones that aren't all have aperture sights. It really depends on the rifle and the intended purpose as to what kind of sights they wear. I will admit that there is a strong nostalgic appeal to an iron sighted levergun though, and I love the way they carry without the scope. Adding the scope is just a matter of aesthetics giving way to practicality for me.

heymatthew

Interesting feedback guys. Thanks for the insight.

laidlerj

When I started having trouble getting iron sights in focus (aging eyes, ya know), I tried putting a scope on "Old Betsy" (Win 94) and it just didn't feel right, especially when I was hunting in the overgrown woods around where I grew up.

I switched it out for a Williams peep sight, and that was a LOT better on my aging eyes. I also doesn't get hung up on the branches and brambles.

Jim

the357plan

If I could find a decent looking (or maybe any) scout mount for my Winchester 92 I would try it. I have a Marlin 1894CSS with a scope but I like the Winchester a little better. It has the slicker action.

RAC55

My little Winchester 94-22 Classic looks a whole lot nicer with out the scope, but I do have a tip-off Bushnell for it. If I do close in plinking, I use the iron sights. If I want to take some squirrels with it, I pop the scope on and fire a few rounds to make sure it's true.

gunjunkie

I didn't vote because there wasn't a place to vote for at least one of each. I like open sights, but on my Model 9422 magnum and BLR in .308 I would rather have them scoped.

heymatthew

Sorry about that gunjunkie... I goofed on this poll. First one, so you'll understand, yes?

I'll pencil you in as 'Both' just for the record.

Iowegan

heymatthew, Some people buy guns for traditional looks ... some buy for function. Since my eyes have gone south, I've changed my opinion. Used to be ... I would never scope a lever gun because it went against the ol' cowboy tradition. Now days, If I want to come anywhere close to the target, I NEED a scope so I have flip-flopped from tradition to function.

ironhat

On .22lr I would use iron sites for the close range targets. For a centerfire rifle I would use a see-under mount so that I can go either way.

Tater

My lever rifles say no to scopes but my eyes say yes!

North country gal

To scope a lever gun or not scope a lever gun is a question that has been driving me nuts for years. As I said, earlier, I have gone to peeps, but now even peeps aren't cutting it for me, thanks to my aging eyes. I hate what a scope does to the balance and feel of my Marlins or my Model 94, though, not to mention the weight and looks.

Lately, though, I've discovered a good compromise that actually has some benefits in its own right and that is using a red dot on my lever guns. They're small and lightweight (unless you decide to go with one of the big, heavy models) so they maintain the feel and balance of your lever rifle. Best of all, in the dark timber, nothing is quicker to use or easier to see than that red dot. Anyway, for those of you who have the old eyes syndrome like I do and hate the idea of scoping your lever rifle, give a small red dot, such as a 1" basic Ultradot. It's been a good compromise for me.