You’re about to explore the top 3 gun scopes for 2024, meticulously tested for precision and performance to elevate your shooting experience.
From the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle’s advanced reticle to the Monstrum G3’s first focal plane design, each scope offers distinct advantages like HD glass and waterproofing.
Whether you favor the Primary Arms SLX for its illuminated reticles or the durability of the Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E, these scopes promise exceptional optical quality and reliability. Curious about which scope might suit your needs best? Let’s break down what each has to offer.
Top 8 Best 3-Gun Scopes & Optics on the Market 2024
Note: The following advice comes from my personal perspective. What works for me might not work for you, but hopefully it sparks some ideas!
1. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle First Focal Plane Riflescopes
If you’re a hunter or precision shooter looking for a versatile and durable scope, the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle First Focal Plane Riflescope is an excellent choice. This scope features the Strike Eagle 1-8x24 FFP configuration, providing a broad range of magnification suitable for various shooting scenarios.
The EBR-8 reticle offers red dot-like performance, enhancing target acquisition speed and accuracy. Constructed from 30mm aircraft-grade aluminum, it guarantees durability and shockproof performance. The XD optical system with fully multi-coated lenses delivers exceptional clarity and light transmission.
Nitrogen purging and O-ring sealing provide waterproof and fogproof reliability, while Armortek coatings protect the lenses from scratches. Additionally, Vortex offers an unlimited, unconditional, lifetime VIP Warranty, underscoring their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Best For: Hunters and precision shooters seeking a versatile, durable, and high-performance riflescope with exceptional optical clarity and reliability.
Pros:
Exceptional optical clarity with fully multi-coated lenses
Durable construction with aircraft-grade aluminum and shockproof design
Unlimited, unconditional, lifetime VIP Warranty
Cons:
Slightly heavier compared to some competitors
Higher price point may be a barrier for budget-conscious buyers
For shooters seeking a versatile and precise optic, the UTG Leapers Inc 1-8x28mm Scope (SCP3-18IEBG4) offers a range of features, including a variable power adjustment and an innovative EZ-TAP Illumination system, that make it a top contender for both competitive and recreational use.
This scope boasts the TS Platform for precise adjustments and recoil resistance, ensuring durability and reliability. The BG4 Etched Glass Reticle with Ballistic Drop Compensation allows for accurate targeting at various distances, while the integral sunshade minimizes glare.
Premium zero lockable and resettable target turrets provide ease of sighting in and holding zero. Additionally, its lightweight design and ACCU-SYNC 30mm High Profile Picatinny Ring Mount offer ease of installation and compatibility with various firearms.
Best For: Shooters looking for a versatile and durable optic with precise adjustments and advanced illumination features.
Pros:
High-quality optics with BG4 Etched Glass Reticle and Ballistic Drop Compensation.
EZ-TAP Illumination system with multiple color options for varied lighting conditions.
Lightweight design with ACCU-SYNC 30mm High Profile Picatinny Ring Mount for easy installation.
Cons:
No night vision capability.
Potential issues with eye relief and brightness for some users.
Some users may experience distortion at higher magnification settings.
3. Monstrum G3 1-6x24 First Focal Plane Rifle Scope
The Monstrum G3 1-6x24 First Focal Plane Rifle Scope is ideal for shooters seeking precision and performance with its illuminated MOA reticle and durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction.
This scope offers a versatile 1-6x magnification range, making it suitable for both close-quarters and mid-range engagements. The first focal plane design guarantees the reticle remains proportional to the target across all magnifications, enhancing accuracy.
Users appreciate the dial-controlled reticle illumination, although some have noted challenges in bright light conditions.
Included in the package are scope rings, a sunshade, lens covers, and a cleaning cloth, providing value and convenience.
While some customers have reported quality control issues, Monstrum’s responsive customer service has generally resolved these concerns effectively.
Best For: Shooters seeking a versatile and durable rifle scope for both close-quarters and mid-range engagements with an illuminated MOA reticle.
Pros:
First focal plane design ensures reticle remains proportional across all magnifications.
Durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction.
Includes scope rings, sunshade, lens covers, and cleaning cloth for added value.
Cons:
Reticle illumination may be challenging to see in bright light conditions.
Some customers have reported quality control issues.
Comparatively less effective than specialized red-dot scopes for certain applications.
4. Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm SFP Illuminated ACSS Gen III Riflescopes
With its 1-6x magnification and ACSS Standard reticle, the Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm SFP Illuminated ACSS Gen III Riflescope is perfect for shooters seeking both precision and versatility.
This scope features bullet drop compensation (BDC), wind holds, moving target leads, and range estimation, making it a versatile tool for various shooting scenarios.
Its partial red illumination with 11 brightness settings provides flexibility in different lighting conditions. Constructed from 6063-aluminum with a matte black anodized finish, it’s both IP67 waterproof and fog resistant.
Weighing just 1.88 ounces, it’s lightweight yet durable. Users have praised its clear glass, reliability in holding zero, and overall performance, particularly for budget-friendly AR setups.
Despite minor issues with the focus ring, it’s highly recommended for its value.
Best For: Shooters seeking a versatile, budget-friendly riflescope with reliable performance and clear optics for various shooting scenarios.
Pros:
ACSS reticle with BDC, wind holds, and range estimation
Partial red illumination with 11 brightness settings
Lightweight and durable with IP67 waterproof rating
5. Athlon Optics Midas BTR GEN2 HD 1-6x24 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
If you’re a hunter seeking high contrast and sharp images, the Athlon Optics Midas BTR GEN2 HD 1-6x24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope, with its HD Glass and fully multicoated optics, delivers exceptional performance and precision.
You’ll appreciate the 0.25 MOA click value and 150 MOA total elevation adjustment for precise targeting. This riflescope features a high precision erector system, ensuring accurate power settings. Its 100-yard fixed parallax is perfect for most hunting scenarios.
Constructed from durable aluminum and weighing just 17.6 ounces, it’s both lightweight and robust. Waterproof and thermally stable, thanks to argon purging, this scope is reliable in various conditions.
Included with your purchase are a cleaning cloth, battery, Allen wrench, and instruction manual.
Best For: Hunters seeking high contrast, sharp images, and precise targeting in various conditions.
Pros:
HD Glass and fully multicoated optics for high contrast and increased brightness.
0.25 MOA click value and 150 MOA total elevation adjustment for precise targeting.
Waterproof and thermally stable due to argon purging.
Cons:
No night vision capability.
Fixed 100-yard parallax may not suit all shooting scenarios.
Lower customer review rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.
For shooters seeking battery-free illumination and combat-proven durability, Trijicon ACOG 3.5x35 Riflescopes offer exceptional performance with their tritium/fiber optic technology and rugged aluminum-alloy housing. The ‘both eyes open’ design enhances close-quarter battle (CQB) shooting, while the bullet drop compensating and ranging reticle provides accuracy up to 800 meters.
With a 35mm objective lens diameter and a minimum magnification of 3.5x, this optic guarantees clear, bright images. The chevron .308 style, amber color, and Picatinny mount compatibility make it versatile for hunting and tactical applications.
Weighing a mere 0.01 ounces, the ACOG balances lightweight design with robust construction, validated by a 4.7-star rating from 257 reviews. Always purchase from reputable dealers to avoid counterfeit products.
Best For: Shooters who require battery-free illumination, durability, and precision for both close-quarter and long-range engagements.
Pros:
Battery-free illumination with tritium/fiber optic technology
Rugged aluminum-alloy housing for extreme durability
Excellent clarity and performance with a bullet drop compensating reticle
Cons:
Higher price point compared to other scopes
Not equipped with night vision capabilities
The lightweight claim (0.01 ounces) may be a typographical error, potentially misleading customers
7. Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6x24 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6x24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope is perfect for shooters seeking precision and versatility in short to medium-range applications. Featuring an illuminated center dot in the JM-1 BDC reticle, this riflescope guarantees you achieve accurate shots every time.
The APO optical system, coupled with premium, high-density, extra-low dispersion glass, provides stunning image quality. Fully multi-coated lenses with XR plus anti-reflective coatings enhance light transmission, ensuring clarity in various lighting conditions.
With a low-profile locking illumination dial offering 11 brightness levels, you’ll find it adaptable to different environments. Built to withstand harsh conditions, it’s shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof, with Armortek coatings protecting the external lenses.
Additionally, it comes with an unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty, ensuring lasting performance.
Best For: Shooters seeking precision and versatility in short to medium-range applications.
Pros:
High-quality APO optical system for stunning image clarity.
Fully multi-coated lenses with XR plus anti-reflective coatings for enhanced light transmission.
Durable, shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof construction with Armortek coatings.
Ideal for competitive shooters and tactical enthusiasts, the Burris RT-6 Tactical Kit with Riflescope offers unmatched speed, accuracy, and ease of handling in dynamic shooting scenarios. This all-inclusive kit includes the RT-6 riflescope, a FastFire 3 red dot sight, and a P.E.P.R. mount, ensuring you’re well-equipped for 3-Gun or tactical shooting.
The RT-6 scope features a forgiving eye-box, compact design, true 1x magnification, and built-in throw levers, making it ideal for rapid target acquisition. Its versatile reticle options, such as the Ballistic 5X, enhance performance with 5.56 and .223 rounds. Users appreciate the clear glass and reticle visibility, and while some suggest improvements in pricing, the overall quality and ease of use make it a solid choice.
Best For: Ideal for competitive shooters and tactical enthusiasts looking for speed, accuracy, and ease of handling in dynamic shooting scenarios.
Pros:
Clear glass and reticle visibility
Forgiving eye-box and true 1x magnification
Includes FastFire 3 red dot sight and P.E.P.R. mount
When selecting a 3 gun scope, you need to take into account several key factors to guarantee peak performance and precision. These include:
The magnification range options
Reticle type preferences
The durability and construction quality of the scope
Additionally, eye relief importance and illumination settings variety are vital elements that can greatly impact your shooting experience.
Magnification Range Options
Choosing the right magnification range for your 3-gun scope can greatly impact your performance in different stages of the competition. For versatile use, consider magnification ranges like 1-6x or 1-8x. These options offer a good balance between close-quarters combat and longer-range precision shooting. Higher magnification ranges, such as 1-8x, provide better precision at longer distances, allowing you to engage targets with greater accuracy when needed. However, they might be slightly slower for close-range engagements.
On the other hand, lower magnification ranges like 1-4x are excellent for quick target acquisition during close-range stages, where speed is essential. This range allows you to switch between targets swiftly, giving you an edge in fast-paced scenarios. Additionally, you should choose a scope with a wide field of view at low magnification. This feature enhances your situational awareness, helping you spot and engage multiple targets more efficiently.
Another important factor is true 1x magnification, which is essential for effective use in close-quarters shooting. A true 1x magnification ensures that your view through the scope is identical to your natural vision, making it easier to keep both eyes open and maintain full peripheral awareness.
Reticle Type Preferences
Choosing the appropriate reticle type for your 3-gun scope can greatly enhance your shooting accuracy and speed throughout different stages of the competition. When selecting a reticle, consider options like BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator), MIL-DOT, ACSS (Advanced Combined Sighting System), or illuminated reticles, as these can facilitate faster target acquisition. Reticles featuring range estimation markings or holdover points are particularly beneficial for making quick and accurate shots across varying distances.
It’s essential to choose a reticle that suits your shooting style, whether you’re engaging in close-quarters combat (CQB) or long-range precision shooting. For instance, reticles with subtension details, such as hash marks or dots, can greatly aid in windage and elevation adjustments, providing more precise aiming capabilities.
Additionally, the reticle should complement your shooting platform and match your proficiency level to enhance overall shooting performance. An inappropriate reticle can hinder your ability to quickly and accurately engage targets, ultimately impacting your performance in 3-gun competitions.
Durability and Construction
While selecting the right reticle can enhance your accuracy, ensuring your 3-gun scope’s durability and construction is equally vital for maintaining reliability in harsh conditions. You should look for scopes made with aircraft-grade aluminum or other high-quality materials. This guarantees they can withstand the rigors of competitive shooting and tough environments.
Additionally, consider scopes with shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof features. These characteristics ensure your scope performs reliably, regardless of weather or terrain. Robust construction and protective coatings are essential, as they help the scope endure recoil and rough handling, which are common in 3-gun competitions.
Opt for scopes with sealed optics and nitrogen purging. These features prevent moisture and fog build-up, maintaining clear visibility even in humid or rapidly changing weather conditions.
Sturdy construction and reliable components are essential for long-lasting performance. Competitive shooting demands that your equipment can handle repeated use and still function flawlessly.
Eye Relief Importance
Ensuring your 3-gun scope has sufficient eye relief is essential for both safety and quick target acquisition during competitions. Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope where you can see the full field of view without encountering black rings or distortion.
In 3-gun competitions, longer eye relief, typically around 3-4 inches, is vital to provide a comfortable shooting experience. This distance is particularly important as it helps prevent recoil-related injuries, such as the notorious ‘scope bite,’ which occurs when the scope hits your eyebrow under heavy recoil, potentially affecting your performance.
In rapid shooting sequences, maintaining adequate eye relief ensures you can quickly acquire targets without the need to adjust your head position. This capability allows you to maintain a consistent shooting posture, enhancing your overall accuracy and speed.
Opting for scopes with generous eye relief not only keeps you at a safe distance from the scope but also contributes significantly to your shooting efficiency, allowing you to switch between targets seamlessly. Therefore, prioritizing eye relief in your scope selection will markedly improve your performance and safety in 3-gun matches.
Illumination Settings Variety
When selecting a 3-gun scope, a variety of illumination settings should be high on your list to adapt to changing lighting conditions. Having multiple brightness levels and color options in the reticle illumination can greatly enhance your target visibility, whether you’re in bright daylight or low-light environments. This flexibility guarantees that your sight picture remains clear and sharp, facilitating quicker and more accurate target acquisition.
Adjustable illumination settings are essential for making quick adjustments to optimize aiming in various shooting scenarios. Whether you’re moving from a shaded area to a bright open field or shifting from indoors to outdoors, the ability to switch between different illumination intensities can be a game-changer. This adaptability not only improves your accuracy but also your speed, giving you a competitive edge.
When evaluating scopes, consider models with user-friendly control systems for adjusting illumination settings on the fly. This feature ensures that you can make necessary changes without losing focus or wasting valuable time during competitions.
Essentially, a scope that offers a variety of illumination settings provides the versatility needed to excel in diverse lighting conditions, making it an indispensable tool for any serious 3-gun competitor.
Weight and Balance
Beyond illumination settings, you should also pay close attention to the weight and balance of your 3-gun scope to make certain it doesn’t compromise your firearm’s handling. When participating in 3-gun competitions, the weight of your scope can greatly impact your firearm’s balance during rapid changes. An unbalanced setup can hinder your ability to move swiftly and accurately between targets, ultimately affecting your performance.
Selecting a scope that balances well with your rifle ensures you maintain control and precision. A properly balanced scope enhances your shooting speed and accuracy, which is vital in dynamic 3-gun scenarios. Additionally, balancing the weight of the scope with the overall setup can help reduce fatigue, making it easier to handle your firearm during prolonged matches.
Opting for a lightweight yet balanced scope is essential for maintaining agility and precision in fast-paced competitions. It allows you to switch smoothly between targets and maintain a steady aim, which can be the difference between winning and losing.
Always consider the weight and balance of the scope in relation to your firearm to ensure top performance and handling during your matches.
Price and Value
To get the best bang for your buck, you need to weigh the scope’s price against its features and overall quality. Consider the price range relative to the features and quality offered, making sure you’re getting good value. Look for scopes that balance cost with performance, providing excellent optical clarity, durability, and additional features without breaking the bank.
When comparing scopes, assess their price in relation to their durability. A more expensive scope might offer superior build quality, with materials that can withstand tough conditions, prolonging its lifespan.
Optical clarity is another important factor; higher-end scopes generally provide clearer and brighter images, which can be vital in competitive shooting.
Evaluate the warranty and customer support provided. A good warranty can save you money in the long run, covering repairs or replacements. Robust customer support ensures you can get help when needed, adding to the overall value.
Conclusion
When selecting a 3 Gun scope, consider factors like optical quality, reticle design, and durability.
Each of the top 3 Gun scopes of 2024, from the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle to the Burris RT-6 Tactical Kit, offers unique advantages tailored to enhance your competitive shooting experience.
By evaluating features such as magnification, glass clarity, and construction, you’ll be equipped to make an informed decision and elevate your performance in the field.