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I have a Hawke 3-9 x40 on my Marlin for Gallery rifle comps.

On something like T&P1 I'll lower the magnification as I get closer, so x9 at 25m, 5 or 6x at 20 and 15m, x3 at 10m

HTH

Daryll.

A local RFD recommended a Hawke 2-7 x32 for 80 quid, which I'm seriously considering. I'm looking around at Simmons, too. (I could certainly spend more but I don't think I should need anything too fancy, so long as it holds point of aim, etc.)

I'd second the Simmons WHitetail Classic 1.5-5. I have one on a Marlin 1894. Nice and light so doesn't upset handling too much.

On my Marlin 1895 45-70 I have a Vortex PST 1-4. It's a great short-range scope but with the "tactical" bent it'll probably end up on a different gun.

The Crossfire would also be a good option, as would the new Vortex 1-6 option, though may be over budget.

I have a couple of the excellent little Whitetail 1.5-5x20 scopes just for this type of shooting but have you thought about going the red dot route?

Well, there is a (Phillipines) Simmons Whitetail Classic 1.5-5 on eBay - for £200. I suspect that's a bit high due to rarity :)

Have considered a red-dot but scopes look a bit more traditional on lever-actions, also I suspect a little magification may help. A 2x magnifying red dot could work well too but I think I'll try a scope first, as I suspect I can always use the scope on another gun if I don't like it on the lever action.

You'll end up wanting more mag

I do speed steels with my .38 Marlin. I use a red dot. It works.

For gallery, different story.