Best 3 Gun Scope 2023

Do you intend to participate in the upcoming 3-gun match? Finding the appropriate 3gun scopes to use on your three guns will be an important stage in the process if you want to put together your equipment for either a competitive match or just for a day at the range with your friends. You must locate the appropriate 3gun scopes if you want to do either of these tasks.

In this article, we will discuss what 3-gun competitions are, the regulations that are typically followed regarding what types of optics are permitted, as well as our recommendations for the best 3-gun scopes.

Let’s Talk About 3-Gun Competitions

The popularity of 3-gun competitions is rapidly expanding. These competitions are a lot of fun to observe as well as participate in, and the sport is beginning to take shape as a genuine phenomenon.

In a 3-gun competition, competitors move through three distinct stages during their run, employing a different weapon at each stage. Shooting with a handgun, a modern sporting rifle (MSR), and a shotgun are used in turn during the rounds.

The shooters are kept on their toes throughout the competition by incorporating “don’t shoot” targets into each level of the competition. These targets are placed at varying distances from the shooter. The amount of prize money at some of the most important 3-gun competitions is beginning to get serious, and the popularity of the sport continues to grow.

I’ve participated in 3-gun competitions on a more informal basis with my friends and family, and not only are they fun, but they’re also great practice. A realistic simulation of a self-defense situation or a close quarters battle (CQB) is what an effective 3-gun match should be.

Because being able to rapidly switch from one firearm to another is an essential component of a 3-gun competition, we have compiled a list of the best 3-gun scopes for you to use in your training and competitions.

Rules About Optics

3-gun events are sorted into five different divisions, and each division has slightly different rules about 3gun scopes.

Limited

Optics are not permitted on either the handgun or the shotgun when competing in the limited category; however, the rifle may have one optic that is not magnified. In more stringent competitions, this refers to using iron crosshairs or a red dot, but the vast majority of the time, you are allowed to use a scope with a magnification setting of 1x.

Tactical

The rules for handguns and shotguns are the same here, but in the tactical division the rifle optic can be magnified.

Heavy Metal

Iron sights only allowed for all three firearms.

Open and Outlaw Open

Every variety of optic, mounted atop every type of firearm. This can vary slightly from one event to the next, but one of the most frequent reasons an event will choose Open or Outlaw Open is so that they have more options available for their optics.

Choosing the Right Optic for a 3-Gun

The majority of 3-guns’ objective distances will be well under 500 yards, with the rifle shots most likely being the ones that cover the greatest distances. If you are interested in participating in a 3-gun competition, even if it is held locally, the organizers should be able to provide you with information regarding the target distances.

Given the prevalence of 3-gun competitions that prohibit the use of amplification, it is prudent to equip yourself with either a scope that can zoom all the way up to 1x or a red dot sight that offers no magnification.

Having said that, if you sign up for a competition with 200 or more distances that permits for magnification, you might kick yourself for picking a red dot.

It all depends on the different kinds of 3-gun competitions you’ll be participating. You are free to make up your own regulations and use whatever 3-gun scopes you want if you are just holding 3-gun matches with friends and family for the purpose of having fun. The only requirements are that the scopes be durable and have the appropriate zoom range.

Okay, I’ve had enough of hearing that. Let’s get into our recommendations.

These 3gun scopes are not arranged in any particular sequence because the one that is ideal for you will depend on the competitions that you take part in most frequently.

Our Top Picks

Review

Leapers UTG 1-8x28mm CQB Riflescope

The UTG sight is the only one on this list that has a magnification range that goes all the way up to 8x. This range makes it highly adaptable to a variety of 3-gun competitions, some of which may have targets (and, consequently, your aiming points) as far out as a few hundred yards. Additionally, it will work for competitions that do not permit optics to have magnification, so it can be used in those situations as well.

This sight comes in at just over a pound in weight and has the parallax adjusted to 100 yards. The combination of an etched reticle and illumination gives it the ability to perform very identically to a red dot when viewed through a magnification factor of one. The ample eye relief not only improves comfort but also speeds up the process of target recognition.

You have a choice of 36 different colors of luminescence when using the UTG, making it possible for you to select a color that is legible regardless of the color of the background you are using. This makes the UTG an extremely versatile piece of equipment.

It is helpful to be able to rapidly change the color of your reticle when competing in 3-gun competitions because the colors of the environment can vary greatly from round to round.

Burris Fastfire III with Picatinny Mount

This little guy is ideal for use in 3-gun competitions that take place at shorter ranges, as well as for mounting on a handgun for competition in the Open or Outlaw Open divisions. This red dot sight can be mounted on virtually any handgun or MSR, and it gives you the choice of selecting either a 3-MOA dot or an 8-MOA dot depending on your needs.

Even at close ranges, an 8-MOA dot is too big for my taste, but it is certainly a choice if it works for you. If it does not, you can always switch to the 3-MOA dot, which is still a little larger than the majority of red dot sights, which have 2-MOA dots.

In general, red dots, and particularly ones of a higher quality, will have an eye box that is more forgiving.

You can change the brightness manually if that’s what you prefer, but the Burris is pleasant because it has a sensor that provides automatic brightness adjustments to give you the best possible illumination no matter where you are or what you’re doing. This feature is another plus for the Burris.

Bushnell Elite Tactical Riflescope SMRS II

The SMRS II from Bushnell is a low power variable optic and serves as the company’s signature product (LPVO). The magnification range is perfect for 3-gun competitions because it complies with divisions that prohibit the use of magnification and provides a sufficient quantity of magnification in the divisions that do permit its use.

The fact that it has a special coating on the lenses that makes it resistant to elements like water and grit gives it an additional advantage in 3-gun competitions (which you may encounter a lot during different competitions). In addition to that, it has a throw button that enables the user to rapidly switch between the various magnifications.

Most 3-gun matches won’t require you to change magnifications in the midst of the match. As long as the regulations permit it, it might make sense to make a quick adjustment if the rifle stage has a few long-distance targets that are considerably farther away than the other targets.

A close-quarters battle ballistic drop compensation reticle, also known as a CQB BDC reticle, is included with the SMRS II and is used after you have sight in the firearm from a greater distance. This reticle makes it simple to strike targets at close range even after the weapon has been zeroed in at a greater distance.

As a result, it is considered to be one of the finest tactical Close Quarters Battle scopes.

Vortex Optics Razor HD 5-20×50

On this selection, this scope stands out as one of a kind. Given that it is the first scope on this list to have a maximum magnification of 20x, you may be perplexed as to why this specific scope is listed among the best for 3-gun contests.

The answer is straightforward: in some 3-gun competitions, the targets can be as far away as 500 yards, and a 20x amplification scope can be helpful when shooting at such a distance.

The reticle of the Razor HD is located on the first focal plane, making it the first of the 3gun sights on this list to have this feature. This ensures that the outline will always appear the same size regardless of the magnification setting.

When it comes to a low-power variable objective (LPVO) or a scope that has a limited magnification range, having the reticle on the second focal plane is typically not a big issue (though it can be).

However, having an FFP reticle is an enormous advantage when using a rifle with a range as extensive as the Razor HD. When you modify the magnification, the reticle will actually change size. This is done so that, as stated by Vortex, “…the reticle subtensions used for ranging, holdovers, and wind drift corrections are consistent at all magnifications.”

It is difficult to overstate the importance of having a reticle that can be adjusted to match the decreasing size of your field of vision as the magnification level of your optics increases.

The objective lens is large at 50 millimeters, which allows for an incredible amount of light to be transmitted. Additionally, the scope has 11 different brightness settings, which ensures that you will always be able to see what you are looking at.

It’s possible that this scope won’t work well with some three-guns, but it’s an excellent choice for long-range three-guns, and the fact that it’s made of aircraft-grade aluminum means that it can withstand harsh circumstances.

Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Riflescope

The Strike Eagle fills the same market gap as the Bushnell, but at a significantly more affordable price point. That in no way implies that it is low in cost or that it has received positive feedback. If you regularly compete in 3-gun competitions, you should consider purchasing this rifle because of its adaptable 1-6x magnification.

Your objective lens has a relatively modest diameter, but considering that the vast majority of 3-gun championships take place during the day, you shouldn’t have any problems using it. All of the lenses have multiple layers of coating, and you can choose between a conventional glass-etched reticle or an illuminated reticle to help you see clearly no matter what the lighting is like.

The Bushnell and the Strike Eagle throw levers are very similar in design, and both models weigh approximately the same amount. This is a tough scope that can withstand rough circumstances without breaking or losing its zero. It is also resistant to fog and water, and it is shockproof and waterproof.

This scope is going to be perfect for use in divisions that do not permit magnification, as well as those that have targets that are up to 200 yards distant.

Aimpoint Pro Patrol Rifle Optic

Because of its incredible durability and long battery life, this red dot is an excellent choice for use with three-guns. According to Aimpoint, the sight can have its power on for a continuous period of three years using just one battery. This means that it should be available whenever you are getting ready for a match, and it is unlikely to run out of power while you are playing.

Compared to the Fastfire III’s dot, which is 3 MOA, this Aimpoint’s dot is 2 MOA, which is more standard. It can withstand temps as high as 160 degrees Fahrenheit without losing effectiveness.

It has a threaded opening in the front cover that can be used to connect an anti-reflection device, and it is waterproof up to a depth of 150 feet. The rear cover is transparent as well.

Fast-moving three-gun battles increase your chance of losing your gun and, as a result, your optic. If you have an optic as tough as the Aimpoint, it will be simpler for you to maintain your zero and less likely that you will need to repair anything once the competition is over.

You have a lens that is 30 millimeters in diameter, an objective diameter of 38 millimeters, and a red illumination that is standard for the dot. Your options for making adjustments to the windage and elevation are. 6 MOA. Matches played at close range will benefit greatly from using the Aimpoint.

Trijicon AccuPoint 1-6x24mm APT Riflescope

The AccuPoint is not an exception to the rule considering that Trijicon is one of the most well-known brands in the industry of military 3-gun scopes. The AccuPoint makes use of a proprietary technology developed by Trijicon that combines fiber optics and tritium in order to illuminate the reticle in a manner that is independent of the use of batteries.

This is just one of the many reasons why Trijicon 3gun sights are considered to be the best in the industry.

If you have the impression that a scope with a magnification range of 1-6x has already been covered in this article, that’s because it has. When discussing three-guns, it is difficult to fight against the adaptability and utility of an LPVO. This is especially true in the case of submachine guns. You have a variety of crosshairs choices available to you during the purchasing process, and you can choose one that best suits your preferences.

The level of brightness of the reticle illumination can be adjusted, and there is a 3.9-inch eye relief, which ought to be sufficient for you to rapidly acquire your target and get into shooting position.

According to some rumors, this scope doesn’t actually go all the way down to one power and is actually more likely a 1.8–6x scope.

In spite of this, the vast majority of evaluations agree that the 1x is accurate to its stated size. Additionally, it enables the shooter to keep both eyes open while firing, which is an important quality to look for in a 3-gun scope.

Weaver Tactical 1-5x24mm

In spite of having a magnification range that is marginally less extensive, the Weaver Tactical deserves to be taken into consideration for 3-gun competitions. It is a reliable and uncomplicated scope that performs precisely as its manufacturer intended it to.

There are a total of ten distinct luminosity settings on the Weaver Tactical, but only five of them are for the red illumination and the remaining five are for the green illumination.

The reticle design is actually fairly interesting, and it allows for fast acquisition of targets at both ends of the magnification range. This scope should have a good balance when mounted on the majority of contemporary sporting rifles.

The overwhelming majority of reviewers are extremely happy with their Weavers, and the product currently has a rating of four stars on Amazon. Despite some reports that the reticle won’t get bright enough for some daylight shooting, the product currently has a rating of four stars on Amazon.

Primary Arms 1-4x24mm Illuminated Riflescope

It’s not worth my time to beat around the bush: this is the least expensive choice on the list, but it’s a fantastic piece of glass for what you pay for it. This should be allowed in most 3-gun categories because it performs so well up to 100 yards and even further with practice. It will still perform well up to 100 yards.

This Primary Arms 3gun sight is shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof even though it costs such a small amount of money. A duplex reticle with an illuminated central dot is featured on it (crosshair).

It is not an issue that the reticle is on the second focal plane because the magnification range is so limited, and the fact that it is not functional with night vision is not a major concern because it is used for three-gun competitions.

To tell you the truth, this is exactly why the Primary Arms 1-4x24mm is included on this list: the disadvantages that could potentially make a significant difference in other situations are simply irrelevant when it comes to a 3-gun match.

It is possible that the image clarity is not quite as good as it is with some of the more expensive entries on the list; however, for the price, this is an excellent three-gun scope that provides an excellent image.

Bushnell AR Optics 1-4×24

Both the Primary Arms and the Bushnell are located in the same general price bracket, and the Bushnell is nearly identical to the Primary Arms in terms of its specifications. the same magnification range, the same objective lens diameter, and the same high-quality construction, in addition to being waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof.

When one investigates something in greater depth, distinctions between the two start to become apparent. The Bushnell has a throw lever that allows for rapid transitions from short-range to long-range shooting, as well as a drop zone for easier target acquisition. A 223 reticle allows for speedy adjustments to be made with an AR-15 variant, which is the type of rifle that the majority of contemporary sporting rifles are.

The BDC was created for the purpose of.

However, if you were competing in the Heavy Metal division, you might find that your 223 ammo is less helpful.

They weigh the same, but the Bushnell is a couple of inches shorter, which might make attaching it easier. Although I am unsure of the precise specification, the eye relief on the Bushnell is comfortable.

When it comes to illumination, the Primary Armament has a clear advantage over the Bushnell. Due to the fact that the reticle on the Bushnell does not have any backlighting, this scope is not as adaptable to varying lighting conditions as the Primary Arms would be. It could be a deciding factor for you if you place a high value on the amount of illumination.

Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm

Without a Leupold, no roster could be considered comprehensive. Rifle sights manufactured by Leupold are well-known and highly regarded throughout the industry.

Even though the VX-Freedom may not be able to reduce to one power, Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System can significantly brighten the image you see through your 3-gun sight. not the circle around it, but the image itself.

The comparatively modest diameter of the objective lens is something that the Twilight system helps to compensate for. At 20 millimeters, you may start to be concerned about how bright and clear your picture is going to be, but Twilight does an excellent job of managing the light and provides a sight picture that is both clear and brilliant.

It is typically true that there should be more light, but there is a point at which there is so much light that it starts to interfere with your ability to see clearly. The problem of excessive light is addressed by camera lenses by adjusting the aperture, which is essentially a mechanical version of the retina, and simply not allowing as much light to enter the camera.

Adjustments to the aperture do not really exist in the realm of riflescopes, and they would not make a great deal of sense anyway due to the fact that your retina can contract or expand in order to control the amount of light that enters the eye.

However, your retina is only sensitive to certain wavelengths of light, and if there is an excess of light in certain sections of the spectrum, the image that you see through your 3gun scope may appear unclear or hazy.

The technology known as Twilight, which controls not only how much light comes through the scope but also what frequencies of light come through the 3gun scope, is largely responsible for Leupold’s stellar reputation for its low-light performance.

This provides you with an image that is incredibly sharp in the midday light and an image that is noticeably brighter than you would anticipate in the dawn and twilight light.

How exactly does the VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm fulfill the requirements for participation in 3-gun competitions? The 1.5-4x range is ideal for most 3-gun competitions, provided that the type of 3-gun you are participating in permits some amplification.

The 4x provides you with sufficient magnification to make it easy to make shots from 100 yards away, and the 1.5x is fantastic for quickly acquiring targets at shorter ranges.

If you anticipate taking part in 3-gun competitions that do not permit the use of magnification, then the Leupold might not be the best option for you. The same is true for 3-gun competitions that have targets that are further away from the shooter.

Parting Thoughts

Three-gun competitions are a lot of fun; if you haven’t participated in one yet, I highly recommend that you do so. While preparing for a 3-gun competition, study our piece on offset iron sights to use as a secondary sight for a mounted optic. This article can be found on our website.

What categories you’ll be competing in, whether or not you’ll just be setting up some matches with your friends, and what distances you’ll be shooting at all play a significant role in determining which 3-gun scope will serve you best.

It is my hope that this provides you with a decent overview of what is available at various price points. If you have any additional insight to share based on your personal experiences with 3-guns, please feel free to share it in the comments section below.

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API