The balance thing is more moving the center of gravity UP, rather than forward, making the rifle seem top heavy. Also, the bigger scope is more likely to catch brush or bang on a limb.

A Leupold VXII 1-4X20 weighs 9 oz and is 9 inches long. A Zeiss Conquest 3-9X40 (good scope but $$$) is 15 oz and 13.2 inches long. That's 66% heavier and 50% longer.

My deer hunting rifles wear mostly 4X (358 Win, 300 Sav, 12 ga.) and 6X (270 Win), the 2-7 was on a 30-06, which I replaced with a Bushnell Elite 4200 3-9 for the Rainguard coating. I have shot groundhogs at 300 yds and deer at 350 with the 270.

Personally, I think the Bushnell Elite 4200 3-9x40 for about $250 is the hottest deal on the market but can't recommend it for on a 336. It's just too big IMO.

Dale