Optics recommendations for Marlin 81-DL

[GeeDog]

I've got a Marlin 81-DL in the cabinet that I want to get better use out of. I thought it might be a good squirrel or varment shooter. I has a peep sight, which I just don't feel is going to provide me the accuracy I will want. I'm thinking about putting a scope on it, but I don't really want to have the receiver drilled to mount one. Is there any good optics that could make use of the dovetail on the barrel, or the holes from the peep sight mount? It's not exactly a collector gun, but I can't bring myself to start drilling into any rifle, even a cheapo one, because I may want to convert it back to its original configuration one day if I keep it long enough. Thanks for any suggestions.

[FredoSD]

GeeDog, Yes there are a lot of options for you to add glass to the dove tail. You only limit is your budget but you can get glass on there pretty cheap.
Also I sent you a PM with a trade offer: scope and rings for peep sight

[Izzy43]

I've got a Marlin 81-DL in the cabinet that I want to get better use out of. I thought it might be a good squirrel or varment shooter. I has a peep sight, which I just don't feel is going to provide me the accuracy I will want. I'm thinking about putting a scope on it, but I don't really want to have the receiver drilled to mount one. Is there any good optics that could make use of the dovetail on the barrel, or the holes from the peep sight mount? It's not exactly a collector gun, but I can't bring myself to start drilling into any rifle, even a cheapo one, because I may want to convert it back to its original configuration one day if I keep it long enough. Thanks for any suggestions.

As far as mounting a scope all you need are dovetail rings, plenty of choices from $10 to $90 for rings. Assuming this is a .22lr a 3-9x scope would be good but a 4-12x or 4-16x would be better for longer shots out to 100yds on small critters. Mueller has a nice 4.5-14x for around $130 that is loved on rimfirecentral.com. I had one, nice clear glass but the reticle was a bit on the thick side for shooting small groups, my main type of shooting.

Nikon makes a nice 3-9x scope for around $150, great glass but lacks the adjustable objective (focus at various ranges) of the Mueller. I would shy away from BSA, NcStar, Barska and Truglo. Owned all and all disappointed at some point with failures of the scope to hold zero, fuzzy or dark picture at higher magnifications and lousy customer service if you have a problem. Another acceptable scope is the Centerpoint 4-16x scope that is carried by most Walmart stores. Its a bit on the large side but has decent optics for around $80. One thing about buying this scope from Walmart if you don't like it you can return it within 90 days, no questions asked.

Optics is one area where you definitely get what you pay for. Buying any scope for less that $200 is a crap shoot at best and if you do its best to get one from a company that has a good return policy and customer service. Buying a $50 scope that will cost you $15 to return (each way) if it has a problems is not money well spent in my opinion.