I have a Marlin model 1894 chambered in 357 magnum. I want to utilize the tapped receiver and put a scope on the carbine but I am not sure what an appropriate optic would be on a lever action.
Leupold makes a 2.5x20mm scope that looks alright but I would like to know what else is out there and recommended for lever actions.

I would ask someone at a gun store to help you at that one.. or someone experinced on levers on this site.

__________________
"Im ready, how about you?"

You already came to the right answer: the Leupold 2.5x20 is just about ideal. The Marlin in .357 Mag is neither a long-range nor a super-accurate rig. It is a flat, handy, relatively lightweight carbine. Optics should be simple and light and geared toward the rifle's purpose: striking an adequately powerful blow at relatively close range on a medium-sized critter, and doing so quickly. A 4x is about the most magnification you'd need; for that you might want to check out the Burris 4x20 Timberline (about $170) or the somewhat larger Nikon Prostaff 4x32 (about $100 at most Walmarts). The latter is intended for rimfires, so it's parallax-corrected at 50yd (rather than the 100yd of the usual centerfire scope), which is more appropriate for the .357 Mag. Plenty strong enough for centerfire recoil, however. While still a compact scope, it's as big as I'd go for your rifle.
Anything with more power and/or variable power rapidly becomes a lot larger and heavier, and ruins the balance and fast handling of a levergun. And, despite the 20mm objective, that Leupold will be just as bright as one of the 40+mm "moon scopes" from a cheaper maker.

I would consider getting the scope mounted higher to avoid blocking the wiron sites. My 30 30 has a scope and it iritates me as I would rather use the iron scope for close-up or moving targets.

Better solution would be to a 1X-3X scope like the Weaver V3 mounted low. You can then dial it down to 1X which would work as good or better in the scenario you suggest. A scope sitting in see-through rings, to me, looks goofy on a pistol-caliber lever gun.

Lite foot, your a man after my own heart.

The Weaver v3 is the IDEAL scope for the rifle he has. I have that scope on a .44 mag. winchester trapper and it is pefect. Small, lightweight, bright and clear.

I put mine on a Weaver base with Leupold quick relese rings and that setup is just phenomenal.

Goofy is getting gored by the boar.

you might be right for the OP- but mine is a 30 30 and if they make a pistol in that round I have yet to see it.

I prefer a 3 x 9 . They probably make more of that model than any other . This means , due to the economics of production and compition from all the other scope companies , you probably get more scope fot the $$$ than other models .

Get the most $$$ Loupy you can afford .

If you are going to use it all the time , mount it low , the higher the scope is mounted , the more error is induced if you end up tilting the rifle a degree or two , left or right .

God bless
Wyr