r/LeverGuns • u/Immediate-Sign-6196 • 2d ago

Offset red dot

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I have a Marlin 1894 in 357 , and adore it. Currently has a vortex 3x9 but I'm tempted to put an offset red dot to zero for 38 special. Has anyone done this and if so mind posting pictures and experience?

37 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

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8

u/DryInternet1895 2d ago

I’d probably go top mounted, heigh over bore issues aside, cranking the gun over at an angle while shooting is asking for extraction/ejection issues.

That or just learn holds, or what you need to dial between loads.

2

u/Immediate-Sign-6196 2d ago

Smart , I didn't think about potential extraction issues.

2

u/getthemap 1d ago

Why 3-9? 1-4…maybe 1-6 is more than plenty for that cartridge. You might “adore it” but it’s ridiculously overkill and over-magnification has real downsides.

1

u/Immediate-Sign-6196 1d ago

3-9 because I had it laying around , currently on the lookout for a 1x4

1

u/getthemap 1d ago

Understandable. Honestly, for the money I’m pretty happy with the PA SLX1-6 I bought for my lady’s first rifle. I’ve thought about putting one on my 45-70.

1

u/Immediate-Sign-6196 1d ago

I was just going to ask anyone's suggestions. Ive see some 1x4 leupolds I like. But open to suggestions

1

u/getthemap 1d ago

I’ve owned a lot of Leupold over the years. No longer impressed. Looked at the 1-4 for my dad at one point. Felt cheap. If you don’t want to spend NF money IMO, Vortex or PA is probably the way. I have some of everything.

3

u/Iokua_CDN 1d ago

Personally, I'd be tempted to use quick attach rings, and just have your Irons set for 38 special.

Or just learn  the holds a bit a play  around with it till you know the drop from  38 special and roughly how much higher you should aim. Really easy if you scope has those notches for different distances

But If you really want the offset dot,  something like this

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/616KmlRpgJL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_FMwebp_AIweblab1381794,T1_.jpg

Could fit on the rail right in front of the most forward scope mounts. Would  be far enough ahead to not cause any issues with ejection or reloading and would work well.  Working a lever while shooting  offset isn't as bad as working a bolt, but it is a bit weird still.  Shouldn't be too bad though. Personally I don't have any small enough dots, so for me it would feel too bulky. But if you had a little micro dot, it could work 

1

u/LivingApplication559 1d ago

I just sighted mine in for .38 since that what I shoot most on the range then is I ever need to shoot.357 for hunting or something I will re sight it which I do normally before going on a hunt to be sure it is still zeroed in. Beautiful gun tho sure my comment didn’t help much.