I'm just bought a Marlin 1894 in 44 mag to help knock down the pig population. I wanted to shoot open sights but that didn't work too well for me. For some reason I'm not very good with this gun using open sights. I have a Leupold 3x9x40 that I was think about putting on this gun. I'm looking for some info of whether the Leupold I have or a small fixed powered scope would be better. I'm open to any suggestions or what might work for you.

Thanks Joseph

Red dot, like a vortex strike fire. It looks goofy but pretty effective.

I'd recommend one thing before you go the scope route..I love these things:

http://www.skinnersights.com/3.html

If you get a scope go with one of the forward type mounts. I've got Talley rings/bases with 1.5x4x24 Weaver Classic Extreme scope on my 1894 and it sits a hair further back than I'd like it to.

I've become a pretty big fan of 1-4 variable scopes for deer and pig work and currently own a few of them. Burris Tac 30's on the ar's and the Weaver on my 1894. 1x is great for shooting them up close or on the run, 4x plenty of scope to reach out 200 yds or so.

1-4X was my first thought.

I'd zero it at 50 and run it to 200.

I put a Weaver 1-3 scope on my Marlin 1894 lever 44 mag. I used this rifle to night hunt pigs and needed a scope. I like using 1 power at close range with both eyes open. I would sit in my elevated bow stand or on the ground close to the feeder. It works very well.

Thanks for all the info. I think I'm leaning toward the 1-4x scope. Do any of y'all use see through rings?

These sights are awesome. I have a skinner peep on my 92, and a williams WGRS336 peep on my marlin. It is amazing what a piece of metal with a little hole can do for old eyes. The only drawback to them is that it puts night hunting out of the question.

You won't want to use the see through rings. Once you mount a scope on those rings, your cheek will be too high above the butt and it makes for a bad cheek position. Get a 1-3 or 1-4 scope and keep the rings as low as possible. Here's the only pic I have of my Marlin with the 1-3 on it with the low rings. I shot this turkey a few years ago right at 250 yards on 3x with a 240 XTP moving 1760 fps at the muzzle. I shot and barrel rolled a second one at about 260-270 yards running away, but it got up and flew off.

Thanks unclebubba but most of my hog hunting is done at night. Chad good looking gun! What kind of scope do you have on yours?

I can recommend this one...I have the 3x9 sister on my M1A:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/194133/...x-reticle-matte

Weaver 1-3. Something simple.

Agree with simple. Search for an older Redfield Traditional 2 3/4 power with a post reticle, I have one on my 45/70 Marlin. I have several and they are excellent. If you go with a variable, consider going with a 2x7, some later date you might want the extra power. I have a Weaver 1.5 x 4.5 but the lines are too thin to pick up at night, have it on a Ruger 10/22. Called SWFA several weeks ago, they directed me to the Optisan 1x4 with lighted reticle. Ordered it because they were offering it with a free mount.