Are you new to 3 gun or simply need to revamp your shooting equipment? A quality scope is probably on your agenda. This guide will walk you through all you need to know about the best 3 gun scopes, having a closer look at the top-ranking models, including finding out their pros and cons. A buying guide is also included to position you to make an informed purchase.
3-gun competitions are growing fast. The competitions are fun to participate in and watch and are slowly becoming a real phenomenon. They are one of the best ways to put your shooting proficiency to the test. The popularity of this sport evokes the question of the best scope to use.
What Is A 3-Gun Competition?
This is a type of shooting sport where participants use three different types of firearms: a rifle, a handgun, and a shotgun. The sport tests a shooter’s proficiency in using different firearms in various scenarios, often involving multiple targets and various shooting positions.
The specific rules and format of these competitions can vary, but generally, they involve stages or courses of fire that challenge participants as far as accuracy, speed, and flexibility are concerned.
In a typical competition, participants progress through a course or series of stages, engaging targets with each of the three designated firearms.
Some of the biggest 3-gun events are beginning to have some serious prize money, and the sport is on the rise.
The ability to transition from one firearm to another is an essential component of a 3-gun competition. You need a scope that matches the dynamic and challenging nature of the sport. That’s why we have come up with the best scopes designated for the sport with the zoom range and durability you need.
Best 3 Gun Scopes
1)Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Riflescope
Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm is a phenomenal riflescope for 3-gun competitions. The true 1x magnification helps in rapid target acquisition up close while smoothly zooming in for precision shots at a distance.
A thread-in throw lever takes speed to the next level, promoting quick magnification adjustments on the fly.
The AR-BDC3 reticle increases the scope’s effectiveness and is curated for the 3-gun sport. The reticle helps shooters acquire targets quickly and offers holdover and ranging references from 0 to 600 yards. This makes it suitable for the dynamic nature of 3-gun shootings.
The durable construction of the Strike Eagle is revealed by its aircraft-grade aluminum housing for resilience in demanding conditions. Vortex’s signature Armortek coating shields the exterior lenses from dirt, scratch, and oil.
The scope withstands recoil and impact flawlessly because it is shockproof. The lenses are fully multi-coated to optimize light transmission, contributing to a bright and clear sight picture whatever the lighting condition.
Elevate your 3-gun game with the speed, precision, and durability offered by the Strike Eagle.
Features
- 24mm objective lens diameter
- Armortek treatment on the lenses
- A throw lever for instant power adjustments
- AR-BDC3 reticle
- A true 1x on the low end
- Made from aircraft-grade aluminum
- Max windage and elevation adjustment of 100 MOA
- Parallax setting is fixed at 100 yards
- Eye relief of 3.5 inches
Pros
- Daylight bright illumination
- Easy to zero
- Clear and accurate lens
Cons
- Stiff magnification ring
2)Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm qualifies as the next candidate for the best 3 gun scopes. Made to withstand the rigors of the field, the VX-Freedom is fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. It is built ready for any weather condition, offering steadfast and unwavering performance.
The advanced optical system yields remarkable image clarity and quality. The optical performance of this riflescope is unsurpassed, whether engaging targets at various ranges or navigating through quick transitions.
The lenses are scratch-resistant, providing durability and maintaining optimal clarity even in unforgiving conditions. This is beneficial in 3-gun competitions where the rifle is bound to encounter obstacles and various elements.
In addition to that, this riflescope has a dynamic zoom capability that lets you adapt smoothly to diverse situations, making it an excellent ally for 3-gun sports.
The VX-Freedom is the epitome of versatility and performance, giving you a ticket to superb accuracy and rapid target acquisition.
Features
- 3: 1 zoom ratio
- Advanced optical system
- Scratch-resistant lens system
- Pig-Plex reticle
- Weatherproof and shockproof
- Rear focal plane
- Finger click adjustments
- Eye relief of 3.7 to 4.2 inches
- 5-4x magnification
Pros
- Glass sharpness and clarity are second to none
- Holds up well in demanding conditions
- Exceptionally light
Cons
- No locking dial
3)Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm Riflescope
If you are on a budget, the Bushnell AR 1-4x24mm riflescope should be on your wish list as it will help you get in the 3-gun game.
The compact size of this scope makes it the ideal match for offset irons or a red dot sight, giving you the versatility to tailor your setup for optimum efficiency.
Durability and versatility are off the charts as the scope includes an IPX7 waterproof rating, ensuring it remains functional when submersed in water or used in rainfall.
The exposed turrets facilitate quick and accurate windage and elevation tweaks. This makes all the difference in 3-gun competitions, where split-second decisions and accurate adjustments can be key in bagging the prize.
The Throw Down Power Change Lever makes magnification adjustments child’s play, allowing swift adaptation to various target distances.
The fully multi-coated optics are a game-changer, increasing the amount of light that penetrates the scope for clarity and brightness of the sight picture.
Features
- 1-4x magnification
- 24mm objective lens size
- Fixed parallax
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Instant magnification adjustments using the Throw down PCL
- 30mm tube
- Exposed, non-locking turrets
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- Fogproof and shockproof
- Second focal plane
Pros
- Smooth and accurate adjustments
- Clear optics
- Very robust
Cons
- Non-illuminated
4)Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14x42mm Riflescope
Designed for discerning 3-gun shooters, Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14x42mm riflescope is made to revolutionize your shooting experience. The 14x magnification is more than enough and combines with advanced reticle technology and an ergonomic design to provide the ultimate 3-gun experience.
The long-range MOA reticle offers detailed holdover points and ultra-fine precision, which is perfect for extended distances.
This scope is a wind-drift compensation powerhouse made with trajectory-compensating technology and cascading dots. It facilitates quick and precise adjustments, ensuring each shot is on target, even in challenging wind conditions. This level of precision is instrumental for victory.
Another feature is the ergonomic side focus for shooters seeking simplicity and sophistication in a single package. This makes it easy to access the parallax adjustment, which ranges from 50 yards to infinity. Trust this scope to push the limits of your shooting skills, whatever the distance.
The scope provides a lifetime of field use, resistance to recoil, and harsh vibration. To top it all, it is covered by the Burris forever warranty for peace of mind in the long haul.
Features
- Side focus
- Matte black finish
- Long-Range MOA reticle
- Cascading dots and trajectory-compensating technology
- Multi-coated, no glare lenses
- Generous 4.5-14x magnification
- 42mm objective lens diameter
Pros
- The glass is clear
- Works well for the price
Cons
- No lens cover
5)Vortex Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6x24mm Riflescope
Vortex Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6x24mm riflescope will blow your mind. This scope is a trailblazer offering features that come second to none to redefine your shooting experience.
First off, the APO system utilizes index-matched lenses that correct color across the entire visual spectrum, while the Armortek treatment repels dirt, oil, and scratches. XR fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission to the extent of producing crystal-clear, sharp, and bright images.
Built as tough as nails on a 30mm aircraft-grade aluminum tube, the riflescope is not just ultra-sleek but insanely durable. It is shockproof to endure recoil and impact and weatherproof to deal with moisture and changing temperatures,
The Razor HD Gen II-E has capped turrets for windage and elevation adjustments. Their ultra-low profile contributes to streamlined performance and reduces the risk of snagging in fast-paced dynamics.
The turrets are zero-resettable with an adjustment of 50 MOA in a single turn. This provides a lot of travel for accurate adjustments in the heat of competition.
What’s more, the true 1x magnification on the low end is complemented by an ultra-forgiving eyebox and generous eye relief, resulting in lightning-fast speed when acquiring targets in close quarters.
Features
- Precision-machined from aircraft-grade aluminum
- Capped turrets with a zero-reset function
- XR full multi-coating on the lens
- HD lens elements
- Shockproof for impact and recoil resistance
- Armortek scratch-resistant coating shields the lenses from harmful debris
- 30mm tube
- Weighs 21.5 oz
- Friction reduction system
Pros
- Impressive build quality
- Stellar glass quality
- True and repeatable adjustments
- The eyebox is ultra-forgiving
Cons
- Stiff power dial
6)Barska Contour 3-9x42mm Rifle Pistol Scope
Barska Contour 3-9x42mm combines versatility and accuracy in a high-quality package. Embracing performance and reliability, the scope will give you victory in the dynamic 3-gun game.
The magnification is variable, ranging from 3x to 9x, giving you flexibility to adapt to various scenarios. The optics are fully coated to deliver great viewing clarity and sharpness.
The illuminated 4A mil-plex reticle is designed to take your 3-gun shooting to the next level. With adjustable illumination settings, this dope addition helps in easy targeting, even in shallow lighting.
The external range drum, configured for quick .223 BDC adjustments, rotates smoothly, allowing fast and precise adaptation to different ranges and trajectories. This makes the Barska Contour one of the best 3 gun scopes.
Moreover, the 1/4 MOA click adjustments ensure precision accuracy, promoting fast and accurate adjustments on the go, which ensures that each shot hits the mark.
Quality is another name for the scope. It is designed with waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof integrity, making it a reliable partner for whatever nature throws at you.
Features
- The objective lens is 42mm
- Extra-rigid construction that is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- 1/4 MOA click adjustments
- 3x to 9x magnification range
- Illuminated 4A mil-plex reticle that is highly accurate
- Fully coated optics
- 9 inches of eye relief
- Rear focal plane
Pros
- Compact without cutting corners on durability
- Advanced illuminated technology
- Reasonable eye relief
Choosing the Best 3 Gun Scopes
There are many scopes on the market, and they are created differently. This means that not all are suitable for 3 gun competitions. Focus on the following aspects before deciding the scope to buy:
Durability
It is vital to consider the durability of the 3-gun scope you intend to buy. Using aircraft-grade aluminum is the best way to extend the scope’s life. This means it is robust enough to take a beating, allowing you to enjoy the scope for longer.
Also, look for waterproof and fogproof integrity. These are ensured by o-ring seals and nitrogen/argon purging. This empowers the scope to prevent the ingress of liquid materials for dependability in all weather conditions. It helps you get the most out of your scope in terms of efficiency.
Eye Relief
The next big thing when choosing the best 3 gun scopes is eye relief. Improper eye relief can lead to scope bites. 3 inches is a benchmark to ensure safety for your eyes and forehead. The recoiling hazard is dangerous, and the best way to safeguard against it is to have adequate eye relief.
Windage and Elevation Knobs
These knobs are necessary as they provide total control of the scope. They help you compensate for the wild wind that diverts your vision. This combo should be easy to use, particularly finger adjustable for swift and exact adjustments on the fly.
Focal Plane
A scope with a first focal plane design is tricky to use in a 3-gun competition. The reticle will be too small at close range to draw your target. The reticle size will increase as the range increases, ultimately becoming so large that it covers small plates, making precision shooting dreadful.
The best 3 gun scopes should have a non-magnifying second focal plane reticle for the best performance both up close and far away.
Performance
The 3-gun competition entails shooting precision and skill, so a higher-performance scope is a must-have. If you are a beginner in the sport, ensure you get a scope with excellent usability. During competition, the last thing you want is to consume too much time fidgeting with the scope or making adjustments. That is why the scope you choose should enable you to quickly and easily transition from one target to the next.
Reticle
Lastly, consider the reticle when buying a 3 gun scope. The 3-gun sport involves shooting fast and engaging different targets at multiple ranges. This demands a reticle that draws the shooter’s eye to the center of the scope. At the same time, the reticle should have multiple aim points that enable the shooter to handle the long-range target.
The best reticle should be uncluttered, include a colored center dot that is easy to see, and have little or no adjustment for varying ranges.
Also Read,
Best 3 Gun Scopes FAQs
What Is A 3-Gun Scope?
A 3-gun scope is one that can be mounted on rifles, shotguns, and pistols. It is used in 3-gun competitions. As illustrated above, there are various factors to focus on when buying a 3-gun scope.
What Is the Best Riflescope For 3-Gun Competition Shooting?
3-gun shooting demands a scope that is fast at close ranges and precise at extended shots. Various manufacturers deliver this speed and accuracy with illuminated reticles, optics that are easy to look through, and fast adjustments for zoom, windage, elevation, and parallax.
Conclusion
There are a ton of scopes on the market, and not all are suitable for 3-gun competitions. Choosing the best 3 gun scopes requires careful consideration of various factors, including reticle type, eye relief, durability, and reticle placement. Each of the scopes here is made to deliver terrific performance, so you can never go wrong with any of them. We hope you now have a sense of what to look for in a 3 gun scope and you have found the one that meets your needs.