I agree with cvc944 that a low power Leupold, or similar, would make a good choice. I own a couple of Marlin lever rifles and have these scopes affixed: .356/336ER 1.5-4.5 Nikon Monarch, Marlin .375Win 1-3x20 Weaver V3, 1895 45-70 1-4x20 VXI SG, new .308MX will wear a VariXII 1-4x20.
A new Weaver V3 1-3x20 will run about $150. A new VXI 1-4x20 SG runs $200. Cabelas is running a $20/off sale on orders of $150 or more. They charge NO shipping on Leupold scopes and also give a free lens pen and neoprene cover with VXIs. So, total for all, delivered would be $180 for the VXI SG 1-4x20 !! An excellent deal. Sale ($20/off) is over on the 28th. If you need a coupon code, PM me and I'll send it to you!