If you’re looking for the best Marlin 336 sights, then you’re not that far off from finding one of your own. That is, unless you don’t choose one of the eight best sights that we have handpicked for this review. We’ve chosen these based on some characteristics that make them among the best on the market.
A good sight for your Marlin 336 rifle is important if you intend on increasing the accuracy and overall performance, especially if you intend to hit targets or small game from close distances like 100 yards or so. The perfect option for you will depend on your needs and personal preferences.
But what will be the deciding factor for you? Before we get to our list, let’s talk about scopes versus sights and how you can choose one for your own use.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Marlin 336 Sights
- OUR TOP PICK: Lyman The No. 2 Marlin Tang Sight
- RUNNER-UP: Williams Gun Sight - Foolproof-TK Receiver Sights
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Williams Dovetail Open Fire Sight Set
Comparison of the Best Marlin 336 Sights
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Scopes vs. Sights: Which is Right For You?
There are all kinds of applications in which a scope would be ideal. Likewise, the same can be said for sights. But which of the two is best for certain applications? Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons to see how they stack up against each other:
Scopes Are Excellent For Long Range, Sights For Short Range
Scopes have the ability to reach out and touch targets from various distances. This can range anywhere between 300 to 1000+ yards out. Sights won’t have the ability to reach that far. But they can do things that no scope can do: close range shooting. Even bright-colored tritium sights can go as far as 200 yards and is best used for close range hunting (small game or varmint). They are also much more effective when close range target shooting.
Sights Are Great For Failing Eyesight
Most sights are bright enough so shooters with poor eyesight can see them clearly with no distortion. Especially when the sights themselves are a green-yellowish color. Scopes, on the other hand, won’t do a shooter justice due to their eyes. These are a popular choice among shooters who are ages 60 or older.
How to Choose a Sight for Your Marlin 336
Knowing the difference between a great sight for your Marlin 336 and a low-quality unreliable one is key, especially if you’re a first-time buyer that is faced with the task of choosing one from the countless other sights that are on the market. This quick guide will give you a good idea of what to look for while you’re shopping around. Here are some things that may factor into your purchasing decision:
Price
If you’re a budget shopper, there’s a good chance that price will be a prominent factor in your decision. However, this shouldn’t be the sole reason why you bought the sight in the first place. One rule of thumb to keep in mind every time you buy an accessory for your rifle is to buy the best quality that you can afford. The price will still be affordable, but a bit on the higher end of what you can afford.
Installation
Some will be easier to install and will take a matter of minutes. Even with the right tools, you can be able to add front and rear sights without any issues. But, there are some of them that will require some gunsmithing skills for them to be added on successfully.
If you want something that’s easy to install, find a drop-in sight. If you get one that is better than a drop-in but requires some gunsmithing skills, you may want to enlist the services of a gunsmith near you in order to have it installed.
Which Sight is Best for You?
Are you a shooter that is struggling with poor vision? If so, a sight that has bright colors (like fiber optics or tritium) might be ideal for you. So you like steel or aluminum sights that co-witness with your iron sights? If it has worked for you in the past, then why not get them again?
There are different types of sights that fit different personal needs and preferences; try to find one that stands out from the crowd when you think of your intended application.
Review of the Best Marlin 336 Sights
Below is a list of eight Marlin 336 sights that are currently on the market. As you go through the list, you should consider making a note of the features and functions that are mentioned. Then compare those features with what you would consider to be the features of your ideal sight.
You may find a good match on this list, or you may not. But consider this list as your starting point in what we hope won’t be an exhausting search. With that said, let’s begin with our “best overall” choice:
Best Overall:
Lyman The No. 2 Marlin Tang Sight
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers were satisfied with this sight. Surprisingly, it does a good job of reaching out and touching targets situated as far as 200 yards out. And this was just using paper targets. Also, it’s been effective for small game and varmint hunters.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is made of steel and will co-witness with the iron sights that come with your rifle. The sight itself will even do a better job than factory sights themselves. Plus, it’s solid and sturdy. If you’re looking for something that might last you many years, this could be your best possible choice.
Who Will Use This Most
Hunters will most likely benefit from using this sight. Especially those who are more of the varmint hunting types. Even though it’s not a long-range sight, it can definitely hit targets from a little farther than most metal sights. Target shooters will also benefit from using this steel sight if they are both casual and competitive shooters.
What Could be Improved and Why
While this product remains standing at all times, it would be a little cooler to see it be one of those quick deploying flip-up sights. This will give the shooter less of a fuss since it won’t cause much of an obstruction while you’re storing your rifle away. Once you’re finished, shouldn’t the sight be folded down?
Bottom Line
The Lyman No. 2 is a classic tried and true sight that has the ability to reach targets a little farther than most steel sights. Once installed, you’ll be amazed by how much your accuracy has improved. This is definitely a go-to option if you intend on using it for hunting or casual target shooting applications.
Runner-up:
Williams Gun Sight - Foolproof-TK Receiver Sights
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New buyers did not have any issue with installation, even though some of them had to wait a bit since they relied on a gunsmith to install the sight. Once installed, the shooting accuracy was immediately upgraded. The shots were much tighter in groups when hitting targets situated at 100 to 150 yards.
Why it Stands Out to Us
One of the major reasons why this stands out is because it’s the kind of metal sight that is nice and small. So if you’ve been wrestling with sights that have played more of the obstructionist role with your field of view, this might just be the solution to a long-suffering problem.
Who Will Use This Most
Hunters and target shooters are the two groups that come to mind. If you hunt partridge, waterfowl, or varmint this might be one of your favorite sights to work with, especially if your end goal is hitting anything that moves within a 100 to 150-yard range. If you’re more of a short-range kind of shooter, you might rely on this the most.
What Could be Improved and Why
One thing that can be improved is the adjustment knobs. They should be a little more smooth and a little less gritty. Especially when you’re in a high-stress situation and want to make quick adjustments to accommodate your current environment. Imagine opening a door after adding WD-40 to a creaky hinge. That’s what the adjustments should feel like.
Bottom Line
The Williams sight is probably your best bet if you’re looking for an option that won’t be obstructive to your field of view. At the same time, it’ll likely be your best hunting buddy if you’re looking for something that will increase your hit probability and your bag limit among varmints and small game.
Best for the Money:
Williams Dovetail Open Fire Sight Set
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers were satisfied with this sight. It was accurate in low-light conditions and was quite visible. This product was most effective at hitting targets from short ranges. 50 to 75 yards was one of the farthest distances where the targets were situated. Installation was also a breeze and only took minutes to install with a small screwdriver.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Fiber optic sights will always have a special place in our hearts because they perform a lot better than their standard metal counterparts. Plus, the brighter they are, the better the chance you’ll hit something in any light condition. These are an older shooter’s best friend no matter what the application.
Who Will Use This Most
If you’re up and around at dawn or just wrapping up another day of hunting, this will benefit the hunters that will stay around until they get their bag limit (depending on the time). Most of those successful hunts happen before sunrise or sunset. Shooters who are 60 or older will also benefit from these sights the most due to their brightness and their ability to accommodate those with poor eyesight.
What Could be Improved and Why
While the dovetail is great for those who have a top rail attached to their rifle, there should be an option available without this dovetail. It will make installation a little easier and will also accommodate rifles that don’t have this top rail installed. Also, the red sight should be a little brighter, but not bright enough to where it can “disappear” in bright sunny conditions.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for an effective Marlin 336 sight that won’t break the bank, there’s a good chance that the Williams Gun Sight might be your best possible option. These fiber optics have the potential to be effective in any application, no matter the lighting conditions. Plus, they can do some damage from as far as 100 yards out. If you’re looking for a great short range sight at a price you can afford, get the Williams Gun Sight.
Best Peep Sight:
Williams Gun Sight Firesights - Peep Set
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers were happy with this peep sight. The front sight is definitely small enough to give you a more pinpoint accurate shot without covering up the entire target. The rear peep sight is easy to see through and does a great job co-witnessing with the front. This product works perfectly for rifles like the Marlin 336.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This sight set is exactly what you’d expect from a peep sight. It has a fiber optic front sight that’s just the right size for most applications. Plus, it’s at a good enough height to where it will outperform almost any factory model you put it up against. This product also stood out as one of the best since it has the ability to work with older and newer Marlin 336 rifles.
Who Will Use This Most
Target shooters and even competitive shooters might rely on this the most. But don’t count out the hunters or those who use their rifles as a home defense firearm. This sight is as dangerously accurate as it can get at some close ranges. Small game and varmint don’t stand a chance. Neither do any of your bullseye targets either.
What Could be Improved and Why
The adjustments for windage and elevation are a good place to start. The adjustments might be limited for some users. Another improvement could be slightly increasing the size of the peep sight a bit. This way it won’t be to look through for some shooters.
Bottom Line
This might be one of our favorite sights on the list so far (and for a few good reasons). The sights work together to make your shots more precise and dead on from a pretty decent range. You probably don’t want to be the poor varmint or target that will be on the receiving end of these shots.
If you want to turn your Marlin 336 into a sharpshooting machine, it takes the right kind of sights to pull it off. This might be the kind of sight you’ll want to consider if accuracy and precision are a couple of things you want to get out of a sight.
Best Front Sight:
Truglo 3/8 Metal Dovetail Ramp Red .450 Sight
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers have stated that this front sight is an excellent substitute for their iron sights. They were visible in almost any lighting condition and did not obscure the target. Some were able to use this with their currently existing rear sights. Accuracy was considerably increased upon installation and the target acquisition was quicker than usual.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The front sight is visible and has the ability to deliver a precise, accurate shot. It will definitely work with most rear sights, especially those that are fiber optic or tritium-style sights. With the right kind of rear sights, it will definitely up your target acquisition game.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be used in almost any application. Hunters, target shooters, and competitive shooters will most likely benefit from using this product. It is a bit more elevated than regular iron sights, but does a good job of lining up with targets perfectly. Your shots won’t be too high or too low with targets that are situated from a short distance.
What Could be Improved and Why
A minor improvement would be to lessen the size of the front sight. While it doesn’t obscure the target, it should also be small enough where the shooter can still see it slightly more. This may improve your ability to make your shots more precise with consistency.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a decent standalone front sight that will work with most rear sights, the Truglo might be your best bet. This will definitely be your best friend no matter what the application, even more so if you’re a shooter struggling with vision issues.
Best Rear Sight:
Lyman - Marlin 336 Model 66 LA
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent users were satisfied with this rear sight, especially when it has worked with front sights that have narrow fiber optics. So long as the front doesn’t obscure the target, the rear will make its money in terms of co-witnessing and also with target acquisition. The installation isn’t as complex, but some said it was a challenge without the right tools.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This rear sight stood out a lot better compared to some of its fiber optic competitors. But how, you ask? The rear sight has the ability to work like a peep sight when it’s aligned perfectly with the right front sight. Plus, the quick release allows for easier adjustments. That ain’t a bad thing in our book. Especially when you need adjustments to accommodate almost any environment.
Who Will Use This Most
If you’re looking to hit shots from as far as 100 yards out, you might benefit from this product the most. It is not designed for any specific application, so if you’re simply using your rifle for regular use, then this might be exactly what you’re looking for.
What Could be Improved and Why
We believe that one of the major improvements that can be done is to make the adjustments a little smoother. That way, it doesn’t have to be difficult to move the knobs each time you make adjustments to accommodate windage or elevation. Another improvement we can suggest is that it wouldn’t hurt if it were a pop-up/fold-down sight just for the sake of easier storage and less clutter.
Bottom Line
The Lyman Marlin rear sight might be the best option for you if you’re simply looking for a rear sight that will co-witness with your front sights. Other than that, the construction is solid and is built to last you years or even decades to come. This might be your long-term solution if you’re looking for you’re relying on standalone sights.
Best Fiber Optic Sight:
Truglo Marlin/Henry 336 Rifle Sight TG114 Front Sight
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New buyers wanted a sight that was visible in all kinds of lighting conditions. They were not disappointed once they installed these on their rifle. They even went so far as to say that their target acquisition was much quicker than some of the scopes they’ve used on other rifles.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These are quite bright, almost to the point where they can also be visible in bright sunlight. This serves as an even greater advantage for those who may not have the best vision in the world. It definitely aids them in making more precise accurate shots, especially at distances where targets were 100 yards away.
Who Will Use This Most
Older shooters and low-light hunters are the most likely to use these sights, especially when you intend to knock down small game or varmint. It might also be a good sight to have if you’re out deer hunting while the sun is coming up. If it’s far enough away for you to reach out and touch it, then this sight can definitely help you land that kill shot much quicker.
What Could be Improved and Why
One of the things that could be improved is that it could be a little shorter. This way, it won’t cause your shots to travel higher than normal. It shouldn’t be a drastic reduction in height, but just enough where the field of view may also not be so hindered.
Bottom Line
Fiber optics are one of the most reliable options on the market, especially for those who are among the older population of shooters. Some of the other shooters use them because they are proven to be more reliable and accurate than any other sight type. If you’re a sucker for fiber optics, then these TruGlo sights might definitely be your best choice for you.
Best XS Sight:
Marlin 336 Ghost Ring Lever Rail Sight Set
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This product is a stellar improvement over most front and rear sight pairs (more specifically the steel rear sights). Most shooters had an easier time looking through the rings and were able to shoot quick and accurate shots with precision. This can also hit larger targets that are situated some 200 yards away.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is another set that we cannot get enough of. This might just be the best sight you can use during the day. Whether you’re out on the range or using it for daytime hunting, this delivers a pretty solid performance as far as shooting goes.
Who Will Use This Most
This would be used the most by a lot of target shooters and hunters, but only during the daytime hours since it may not have the ability to work as effectively in the dawn or dusk hours. Also, a great sight to use if you’re planning on hitting targets from 100 to 200 yards away.
What Could be Improved and Why
One improvement might be adding on an easy to install tritium front sight, which could be best for older shooters with poor eyesight. Even those who tend to hunt with as little light as possible in their environment can benefit from this improvement as well. Also, this model could use a little reduction in size so it’s not so bulky on most rifles.
Bottom Line
This might be solely used for daytime purposes, but it definitely delivers on the promise of providing you with more accurate shooting than your standard iron sights. If you’re tired of the factory option not being as effective, the XS might be the step up that you’re looking for.
Types of Sights
There are a few varieties that are popular among those who want to add more accuracy to their Marlin 336. While one might be best for you, it may not be a good fit for other shooters. Here are some of the most popular sights you can choose from on the market:
Fiber Optic Sights
These are bright in color, so bright that they are generally relied on more by older shooters due to their failing eyesight. Even with perfect vision, these sights have their purposes such as quick target acquisition and working more effectively in dawn or dusk conditions outdoors.
Metal Sights
These often have smaller holes that can be used to look through while you’re zeroing in on a target. Some may also be standalone sights that can co-witness with other types like fiber optics. For example, a metal rear sight might be more effective if you’re using it to co-witness with a front sight that might be a fiber optic.
Standalone Sights
Standalones are either designed for the front or rear of your rifle. These can either be made from metal or fiber optics (whichever you prefer the best). They don’t come in a set and are usually used as replacements for factory iron sights.
Conclusion
The best Marlin 336 sight is out there. And it might take a little more time than usual to find the right one for you. One of these eight could be the one for your if a certain feature or function stuck out as interesting to you.
Before choosing a winner, be sure to do your due diligence so you are able to know what other people are saying about it. Consult your favorite gun forums or consider some of the other product reviews before you decide on whether or not if it’s worth the investment.