I am pretty new to owning rifles. I received a gift from my uncle of two lever action Marlin rifles. One is a 30-30 the other is a 22. I want to put a scope on the 22, but I was wondering if it is something I should have done professionally or something I can do myself. Are there any good guides to mounting one yourself? Also any advice one a scope to get. I just want to shoot about 100 yards pretty accurately but wouldn't mind longer distances if the scope can handle it. Thanks a lot.

Welcome to the forum gbaby. Rules are simple, be nice and join in.

22 rifles usually only have two ways of mounting scopes. They have a grooved receiver or are tapped and drilled for a scope base. Either way it's pretty simple to mount a scope. If a grooved receiver pick up a set of scope rings for the scope you have or will buy that fit on a grooved 22 receiver. Walmart has them for seven bucks in either the Simmons or Tasco brand. If you need a base and rings then most sporting goods stores will either have them or can order them to fit your rifle.

If your going to buy a scope, try to get one that is made for a 22 long rifle. These will have the hyperfocal distance set for 50 yards unlike big game centerfire scopes that have the hyperfocal distance set for 100 yards. Cabela's sells a nice scope in 2 by 7 power for shotguns and black powder rifles in their Pine ridge line for $70 bucks. It's hyperfocal distance is set for 50 yards and it's just an excellent scope for the money.

Any modern scope will allow you to sight and shoot past a hundred yards, but 22's really don't kill well past that distance. Plunk all the targets you want at longer ranges, it's quite a challenge with a 22, but try to keep game shots within 50 to 75 yards for clean kills on small game.

Most gun shops will mount and bore sight a scope if you buy the scope and rings and bases from them without charge.

gbaby;Welcome to the Forum
If either of those guns,handed down,are old enough to not have been drilled and tapped for a scope,I would suggest that you have it done by a Gunsmith.
If they have been,installation ispretty easy.
I also think that a less expensive scope would be good enough.
ood luck
Frank

I don't think these rifles have been tapped or drilled for a scope. My uncle had them since he was a boy, so they are at least 50 or so years old, maybe pushing 60 years. How much would does it usually cost to have a rifle drilled and tapped, or might that be included if I bought the scope and such from a gunsmith?

If you buy from a gunshop then they are usually not set up to drill and tap scope base mounts. You'll have to check with a local gunsmith for costs. It used to be about five bucks a hole and you needed four of them, but like everything else costs have gone up.

Last time I had some d/t'ing done, it was 15 bucks a hole, Bob. And, that was a few years ago.

Thanks for the help. I am pretty sure I have to have it drilled and tapped. I posted a picture below so if I am missing exactly what it means to be drilled and tapped, let me know. Maybe I am just being dumb. Thanks.

rifle 1 (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/icallmedan/P5210189.jpg)

rifle 2 (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/icallmedan/P5210190.jpg)

rifle 3 (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/icallmedan/P5210187.jpg)

rifle 4 (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/icallmedan/P5210188.jpg)

yup, from your pix you will need those drilled and tapped for scope bases.

Drilled and tapped means a gunsmith drills holes in the top of the action that will fit scope bases. These are then tapped or threaded for the type of screws that hold the bases to the rifle. You then can install scope rings and a scope on those bases. The bases you buy will have the screws needed supplied with them. Check out Leupold, Weaver and Burris for bases and rings.

Most gunsmiths that are set up to drill and tap will have a guide that helps them align the holes up in the right places and inline with the bore.

I've been out of the business for a while kdub, geeze prices are going up just like gasoline.

Just a thought ,here.
The Winchester 94 can be fitted with scope mounts,by several manufacturers,that are mounted in the holes in the side of the receiver.
Your pic#4 reminded me of this.Maybe someone makes a similar side mount for the Marlin.
Frank

Find a reputale gunshop and take the gun there and ask "what do I need to mount a scope on this gun"? What are my options?? Perhaps one mount already drilled as noted. Buy the mount from the gunshop.