Here are some of best 3 gun rifle scopes for competition. Most of them are low power variable optics because they're best suited for 3 gun competition for AR15 platform.
Let's see what we have
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Why RAZOR 1-10X - The Vortex RAZOR 1-10X is the newest low power variable optic on the market today by skipping 8X completely, and the GEN 3 model is the next step up from the GEN 2 sharing similar features.
On top of that, the 1-10X is something unique and rare that we haven't seen before, and it's the best lightweight LPVO in 2020 for lightweight carbines and DMR.
The new 10X magnification doesn't change the weight of the scope, in fact, this 34 mm scope is weighs similar to the Vortex Razor 1-6X, and while the 1-6X has been highly successful, Vortex wanted increased magnification range, a first-focal-plane (FFP) reticle and no increase in weight.
Improved ocular lens for bigger eye box at 1X - For running and gunning type of shooting, it's important to get on target fast with a full field of view.
The improved ocular lens gives a bigger eye box and more head movement at 1X for the shooter to throw the rifle to their shoulder quickly and then get a full field of view and acquire the target before squeezing one off.
At 1X the field of view is the best we have seen to date on the market.
NEW EBR-9C MRAD or MOA reticles - Picking the right first focal plane reticle for CQB and mid-range shooting is important.
To maximize Razor reticle versatility at 10X zoom range and also making it just as good at 1X, the improved EBR-9C reticle with a bright center red dot followed by 4 hash marks, which helps guide the shooter's eye quickly to the center.
At a higher magnification range, the EBR-9C reticle provides a full feature hashmarked reticle using MOA based subtension lines for ranging and windage corrections.
Improved Horizontal Line Subtension - The added horizontal line features 0.5 mil harshmark for finer adjustment with thick 1 mil hashmark for moving targets.
When you need to range and engage targets down range with precision, go with the EBR9-C reticle
Improved Magnification Dial Ring - Unlike other LPVO with stiff magnification dial ring, the RAZOR 1-10X is much easier to turn without feeling stiff, and the scope comes with a quick magnification switch lever to help the shooter change power faster
What Are People Saying About It - Vortex Optics is one of the most trust optics makers in the industry, and their new Razor 1-10X is a game change in the LPVO community.
Shooters who have used this scope have reported superior fast target acquisition speed on 1X with an improved eye box, no tinted glass, and stronger light transmission than the Razor 1-6X or other 1-8X scopes.
The field of view at lower magnification is the best on the market today comparing to Primary Arms, ATACR and NightForce, which makes this scope definitely a top tier product for 3-gun shooting.
If you have been looking for a LPVO or thinking about upgrading your current one, the Vortex RAZOR 1-10X is honestly the best one at the time of this review, and please be sure to go through our link for the best deal below as the street price of this optic has dropped recently.
Vortex Viper PST 1-4x24 TMCQ
Why we picked this one - The Vortex Viper PST 1-4X24 has been around since 2010, and it's still one of the best entry-level 1-4X & fast target acquisition low power variable 30mm sized optic
The reticle is super clear and it's very easy to read the hash marks for shooting targets up-close and up to 100 yards.
For the price under $500, Vortex has knocked this scope out of the ballpark and it's highly recommended for new AR15 owners and people getting into low power variable optics.
Second Focal Plane - SFP is great for a 1-4X scope, which provide fast target acquisition up to medium targets without the change of reticle size relative to magnification power.
Shockproof for 5.56mm recoil - O ring seals and Argon gass purging provides both shockproof and waterproof performance, pairing it with a good set of scope rings or mount will ensure zero for every shot.
Illuminated TMCQ reticle - Having a reticle that is optimized for the 5.56 ballistic profile is important for accuracy, the TMCQ MOA reticle is optimized for close-up and mid-range shooting for effectively range estimation, holdovers and moving target leads.
Fast Dail Tactical Turrets - Laser etched tactical turrets allow accurate and fast dialing of shots, and the user can re-zero after correction using the Customizable Rotational Stop (CRS) that ensures every click adjustment retains maximum repeatability and zero.
Increased resolution and color fidelity - The use of Vortex's Extra-low dispersion (XD) glass plus proprietary coating increase light transmission and sharper image for the shooters, and it's an important feature that contributes to great low light performance
What are people saying about it - People who like to shoot close up love the fact that you can dial down the magnification level to 1X for quick close range engagement, and switch back to 4X for medium range.
This rifle scope isn't too terribly expensive, and it gets the job done under the sun or low light situations. For the money, the Vortex Viper PST 1-4X is a great product for anyone wanting to hit targets at 200 - 250 yards.
For the money and the best warranty you get from Vortex Optics, you will not disappoint when using it on your 3 gun rifle
Read More Related Content: Best Low Power Variable Optics
FAQ
While most scopes do the job, there are other factors you should bear in mind. Here's what you need to consider:
Reticle - Opt for a scope with a straightforward reticle. It helps you aim quickly and draws your eye to the center dot, ideal for CQB targets.
Weight - Choose something that won't weigh you down or become a burden while running a 3 gun course.
Eye Relief - This factor is key because you certainly don't want a nasty smack in the face when a round goes off. It's the distance at which you can comfortably cheek the rifle without any blocked image or scope shadow.
Magnification - Look for a scope that lets you aim at far-off targets with clear lens clarity, but also allows you to shoot up close swiftly.
Price - Naturally, you'll want to find the best deal, getting all the features you need without breaking the bank.
Use an Uncluttered Aiming Reticle
In CQB, a less busy reticle is always a winner. But when you need to reach out and touch something at long range, a Christmas tree-style reticle (we're not talking about a BDC reticle here) like the one on the Vortex EBR 9C is your best buddy. It's got vertical hold points for wind and elevation that can be a real game-changer.
To top it all off, this baby's got an illuminated reticle that makes spotting your target a breeze, even when the lights are low. And that bright dot? It's like having a personal assistant for your eyeballs when you're shooting with both eyes open at close range.
Scope Weight
You'd be surprised how quickly a rifle can start to feel like a ton of bricks after you've added a few accessories.
Now, a 3 gun rifle isn't like a tactical rifle decked out with all the stealthy ninja gear. All it really needs is a scope and an optic mount.
For most shooters, a scope tipping the scales at around 22 oz isn't a biggie, especially for a 1-6X scope. But once you're looking at something in the 30-37 oz range, you're gonna have to finesse it a bit more.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
You gotta find that sweet spot where you can settle behind the scope, but also have room to wiggle about and still see clearly, without any pesky scope shadow.
An awesome distance for eye relief is usually between 3.5" - 4". This helps keep your eye safe from getting a nasty knock from the scope when you're shooting heavy stuff.
Now, most 3 gun competitions use 223, so getting bitten by the scope isn't a huge worry. But having a good chunk of eye relief distance gives you extra space and makes it easier to adjust when you're shooting from tricky positions.
What you really need is a big 'Eye Box'. Some scopes need your eye to line up perfectly with the middle of the back lens, while others are a bit more forgiving.
A large eye box helps when the shooter is moving and shooting fast, also helps with target acquisition.
Magnification
For 3 gun competitions, the most popular scopes tend to have a variable magnification range, commonly from 1x to 6x or 1x to 8x.
This is because 3 gun competitions involve a variety of target distances, from very close to potentially a few hundred yards out, and a variable magnification scope provides the flexibility needed to handle these different scenarios.