AIM Sports Inc Marlin Scope Mount Review

The AIM Sports Inc Marlin Scope Mount: Not Just Another Review

The AIM Sports Inc Marlin Scope Mount promises a simple, no-gunsmithing solution for adding optics to your Marlin rifle. AIM Sports Inc. claims this 4.7″ Picatinny rail is constructed from rugged aircraft aluminum and readily accepts Weaver and Picatinny accessories. For those looking to modernize their trusted Marlin lever-action, this mount seems like an inexpensive and straightforward solution.

What led me to this mount? I inherited my grandfather’s Marlin 336. While I appreciate its classic iron sights, my aging eyes struggle with precision at longer ranges.

My initial impression upon unboxing the AIM Sports Inc Marlin Scope Mount was that it was surprisingly lightweight, perhaps even a bit too lightweight at only 1.2 oz. The black anodized finish appeared uniform and the Picatinny slots seemed cleanly cut.

I considered a few other scope mounting options before settling on this one. Several competing mounts required gunsmithing, which I wanted to avoid. Others were significantly more expensive. The AIM Sports Inc. Marlin Scope Mount offered an attractive balance of price and perceived ease of installation. To be honest, the rock-bottom price made me a bit skeptical, but I was willing to give it a try.

My first impression was a cautious optimism. The low price point tempered my expectations, but the promise of easy installation and improved accuracy with a scope was appealing.

Real-World Testing: Putting AIM Sports Inc Marlin Scope Mount to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the AIM Sports Inc Marlin Scope Mount at my local outdoor shooting range. I mounted a budget-friendly 3-9×40 scope to the rail and attached the entire setup to my Marlin 336. The weather was dry and sunny, ideal for shooting.

Right away, I noticed the mount sat a little high. The scope felt perched above the receiver, requiring a less-than-ideal cheek weld. Also, the included screws seemed a bit short, leading to some initial concerns about secure attachment.

The biggest issue arose after only a few rounds. The mount began to loosen, shifting under recoil. I had to stop frequently to tighten the screws, making it difficult to maintain any semblance of accuracy.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range trips, the AIM Sports Inc Marlin Scope Mount’s reliability has remained a significant concern. The mount continues to loosen despite repeated tightening, even with thread locker applied. The anodized finish has started to wear around the screw holes, revealing the bare aluminum underneath.

Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a solvent-dampened cloth is all that’s needed. However, the loosening screws require constant vigilance, making it feel like more maintenance than it should be. Compared to more robust mounts I’ve used on other rifles, this one feels significantly less secure and reliable. It disappoints in its ability to maintain zero and instill confidence in its stability.

Breaking Down the Features of AIM Sports Inc Marlin Scope Mount

Specifications

• The AIM Sports Inc Marlin Scope Mount boasts a length of 4.7 inches. This provides ample space for mounting a variety of scopes and accessories.
• Its lightweight design, at just 1.2 oz., minimizes added weight to the rifle. This is ideal for those who appreciate a balanced feel.
• Constructed from black anodized aircraft grade aluminum, it promises a degree of durability. The black finish is intended to blend seamlessly with most rifles.
• It is compatible with all standard Weaver / Picatinny 1913 accessories. This provides flexibility in choosing optics and other attachments.
• The mount is designed to bolt directly to a pre-drilled and tapped flattop receiver, theoretically requiring no gunsmithing. This bolt-on design is a key selling point for many users.

These specifications, on paper, suggest a lightweight, versatile, and easy-to-install scope mounting solution. However, the actual performance reveals some critical shortcomings.

Performance & Functionality

The AIM Sports Inc Marlin Scope Mount’s primary function is to provide a stable platform for mounting optics. In practice, it falls short due to its tendency to loosen under recoil.

Its greatest strength is its low price, making it accessible to budget-conscious shooters. The significant weakness, however, is its unreliable performance. This makes it difficult to recommend for any serious shooting application. The mount does not meet the basic expectation of maintaining a secure and stable scope platform.

Design & Ergonomics

The AIM Sports Inc Marlin Scope Mount’s design is simple and straightforward. The low weight is a definite plus, contributing minimally to the overall weight of the rifle.

The build quality is adequate for the price, but the lightweight aluminum feels less robust than other mounts I’ve used. The lack of a secure and stable mounting system detracts from its ergonomic appeal. There is a slight learning curve of understanding how much torque the tiny screws can withstand.

Durability & Maintenance

The long-term durability of the AIM Sports Inc Marlin Scope Mount is questionable. The loosening screws and wear on the anodized finish suggest it may not withstand heavy use.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and tightening of screws. However, the frequent need for tightening is a drawback.

Accessories and Customization Options

The AIM Sports Inc Marlin Scope Mount itself doesn’t offer many accessories or customization options. Its primary function is to provide a Picatinny rail for attaching scopes and other accessories.

It is compatible with a wide range of Weaver and Picatinny-compatible optics, lights, and lasers. This versatility is one of its stronger selling points.

Pros and Cons of AIM Sports Inc Marlin Scope Mount

Who Should Buy AIM Sports Inc Marlin Scope Mount?

The AIM Sports Inc Marlin Scope Mount is perfect for:

• Shooters on an extremely tight budget who need a temporary solution for mounting a scope.
• Individuals who want to experiment with optics on their Marlin rifle without investing in a more expensive mount.
• Those who prioritize ease of installation over long-term reliability.

Who should skip this product?

• Hunters or competitive shooters who require a stable and reliable scope platform.
• Individuals who value durability and expect their equipment to withstand heavy use.
• Anyone who is unwilling to constantly monitor and tighten the mount screws.

Must-have accessories or modifications? Thread locker (such as Loctite) is essential to help prevent the screws from loosening. Higher-quality screws may also improve the mount’s security.

Conclusion on AIM Sports Inc Marlin Scope Mount

The AIM Sports Inc Marlin Scope Mount offers an enticingly low price point and easy installation. However, its tendency to loosen under recoil significantly compromises its functionality and reliability.

The value proposition is questionable. While the price is low, the need for constant maintenance and the lack of long-term durability diminish its overall value.

Personally, I cannot recommend the AIM Sports Inc Marlin Scope Mount for any serious shooting application. While it may serve as a temporary solution or a low-risk way to experiment with optics, its unreliability makes it a poor choice for those who depend on their equipment for hunting, competition, or self-defense. Invest a bit more in a higher-quality mount; your accuracy and peace of mind will thank you.