Introduction
Hey there, my fellow 3-gun enthusiasts! Joel here, your go-to guy from nightvisiongears. As a seasoned competitor in the exhilarating world of 3-gun, I know firsthand how crucial it is to have a reliable, high-performance scope. The right optic can be the difference between landing on the podium or watching from the sidelines.
With the 2024 season on the horizon, I’ve been on a mission to find the cream of the crop when it comes to 3-gun scopes. I’ve spent countless hours researching, testing, and comparing the latest offerings from top manufacturers. It’s been a wild ride, but I’ve finally narrowed it down to my top 10 picks for the best 3-gun scopes of the year.
Now, I know you’re itching to see what made the cut, so let’s dive right in. But before we do, let me remind you that the “best” scope is the one that fits your unique shooting style, budget, and preferences. What works for me might not be the perfect match for you, and that’s okay! My goal is to give you a solid starting point and help you make an informed decision.
So, grab a cold beverage, get comfortable, and let’s explore the top contenders vying for a spot on your rifle this season.
Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen III 1-10×24: The Ultimate Speed and Precision Combo
When it comes to sheer performance, the Vortex Razor HD Gen III is in a league of its own. This beast of a scope boasts an impressive 1-10x magnification range, giving you the versatility to tackle any stage with confidence. The APO optical system delivers unparalleled clarity and brightness, ensuring you can spot targets with ease, even in challenging light conditions.
One of the standout features of the Razor HD Gen III is its ultra-bright, daylight visible reticle. The EBR-9 MOA reticle is designed for speed and precision, with intuitive hold points and a clean, uncluttered sight picture. Whether you’re engaging close-range targets or reaching out to the far limits of the course, this reticle has you covered.
Vortex didn’t skimp on durability either. The Razor HD Gen III is built like a tank, with a rugged 34mm tube and ArmorTek coating to protect against the inevitable bumps and bruises of competition use. The scope is also waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, so you can focus on your shooting, not babying your gear.
Now, I won’t sugarcoat it – the Razor HD Gen III comes with a hefty price tag. But if you’re serious about 3-gun and want the best of the best, this scope is worth every penny. It’s an investment in your performance and a tool that will serve you well for years to come.
Trijicon AccuPoint 1-6×24: Battery-Free Illumination for Unmatched Reliability
If the thought of relying on batteries to power your scope’s illumination makes you nervous, the Trijicon AccuPoint is the answer to your prayers. This innovative scope uses a combination of fiber optics and tritium to provide a bright, clear reticle that glows in any light condition – no batteries required.
The AccuPoint’s 1-6x magnification range is perfect for the majority of 3-gun stages, allowing you to transition seamlessly from close-quarters targets to longer-range shots. The BAC Triangle Post reticle is simple, yet effective, with a triangle center post that draws the eye naturally to the center of the sight picture.
One of the things I love about the AccuPoint is its rock-solid construction. The scope is built to withstand the rigors of competition, with a durable aircraft-grade aluminum housing and a fully multi-coated lens system that delivers excellent light transmission and clarity.
While the AccuPoint may not have all the bells and whistles of some of its competitors, its battery-free illumination and proven reliability make it a top choice for shooters who prioritize simplicity and dependability. It’s a scope that won’t let you down when the pressure is on and every second counts.
Bushnell Elite Tactical SMRS II Pro 1-6.5×24: Precision and Features Galore
Bushnell has long been a favorite among 3-gun competitors, and the Elite Tactical SMRS II Pro shows why. This feature-packed scope offers a versatile 1-6.5x magnification range, allowing you to tackle a wide variety of stages with ease.
The heart of the SMRS II Pro is its G3 illuminated reticle, which provides precise hold points and windage holds for fast, accurate shots. The reticle is powered by a CR2032 battery and features 11 brightness settings, ensuring you can find the perfect illumination level for any lighting condition.
One of the standout features of the SMRS II Pro is its ThrowHammer lever, which allows for lightning-fast magnification changes. In the heat of competition, every second counts, and the ThrowHammer lets you adapt to changing target distances on the fly.
Bushnell also paid close attention to the details when designing the SMRS II Pro. The scope features a locking diopter, a fast-focus eyepiece, and 0.1 MIL click adjustments for windage and elevation. The scope is also IPX7 rated for waterproofing and built to withstand the recoil of even the most punishing calibers.
If you’re looking for a scope that offers a ton of features and performance to match, the Bushnell Elite Tactical SMRS II Pro is definitely worth a closer look. It’s a scope that can grow with you as your skills and needs evolve.
Leupold VX-6HD 1-6×24: Compact, Lightweight, and Deadly Accurate
When it comes to building lightweight, high-performance optics, Leupold is in a class of its own. The VX-6HD 1-6×24 is a shining example of the company’s commitment to quality and innovation, packing a ton of features into a compact, user-friendly package.
At just 11.4 ounces, the VX-6HD is one of the lightest 1-6x scopes on the market, making it a great choice for shooters who prioritize agility and speed. Despite its compact size, the scope delivers impressive optical performance, with Leupold’s Twilight Max HD Light Management System ensuring crisp, bright images from dawn to dusk.
The VX-6HD features a FireDot Duplex CDS reticle, which provides a clean, uncluttered sight picture with a precise center dot for fast target acquisition. The scope’s 6:1 zoom ratio allows for quick magnification changes, while the 24mm objective lens delivers a generous field of view at lower powers.
Leupold also designed the VX-6HD with durability in mind. The scope features a rugged 30mm main tube, DiamondCoat 2 lens coatings for scratch resistance, and the company’s legendary waterproofing and fogproofing.
If you’re a shooter who values a lightweight, compact optic that doesn’t compromise on performance, the Leupold VX-6HD is definitely worth considering. It’s a scope that proves big things can come in small packages.
Kahles K16i 1-6×24: Unmatched Optical Clarity and Precision
Kahles may not be a household name like some of the other brands on this list, but among serious shooters, the company is known for producing some of the finest optics money can buy. The K16i 1-6×24 is a testament to Kahles’ commitment to optical excellence and precision engineering.
The first thing you’ll notice when looking through the K16i is the exceptional clarity and brightness of the image. Kahles uses proprietary coatings and high-quality glass to deliver a sight picture that is simply unmatched by most other scopes in this class. The resolution and color fidelity are outstanding, making it easy to spot targets and distinguish fine details.
The K16i features a unique Sm1 reticle, which combines a small illuminated dot with a series of hold points for windage and elevation. The reticle is designed for speed and precision, with a clean, uncluttered sight picture that allows you to focus on the target.
Kahles also paid close attention to the mechanical design of the K16i. The scope features a 30mm main tube, a large, easy-to-grip magnification ring, and precise, tactile windage and elevation adjustments. The scope is also built to withstand the rigors of competition use, with a shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof construction.
Now, I’ll be honest – the K16i comes with a premium price tag. But if you’re a shooter who demands the very best in optical clarity and precision, this scope is worth every penny. It’s an investment in your performance and a tool that will give you a competitive edge on the range.
Eotech Vudu 1-8×24: Holographic Technology Meets Variable Magnification
Eotech is a company that needs no introduction among shooters. The brand’s holographic sights have been a staple on military and law enforcement rifles for years, renowned for their durability and lightning-fast target acquisition. With the Vudu 1-8×24, Eotech brings its holographic expertise to the world of variable magnification optics.
The Vudu’s standout feature is its XC™ High-Density Reticle, which combines a holographic center dot with a traditional BDC reticle. The result is a sight picture that is incredibly fast to acquire, yet still provides precise hold points for longer-range shots. The reticle is powered by a CR2032 battery and features 12 brightness settings for use in any lighting condition.
Eotech also designed the Vudu with a generous eye box and eye relief, making it easy to achieve a consistent sight picture even in awkward shooting positions. The scope features a 30mm main tube, a fast-focus eyepiece, and 0.5 MOA click adjustments for windage and elevation.
The Vudu is built to withstand the toughest conditions, with a rugged, shockproof construction and XC™ Prism Coatings for superior light transmission and clarity. The scope is also waterproof and fogproof, ensuring reliable performance in any weather.
If you’re a fan of Eotech’s holographic sights and want to bring that same speed and intuitive feel to your 3-gun setup, the Vudu 1-8×24 is definitely worth checking out. It’s a scope that combines the best of both worlds, delivering fast target acquisition and precise long-range performance.
Burris RT-6 1-6×24: Best Bang for Your Buck
I know what you’re thinking – “Joel, these scopes all sound amazing, but I don’t have an unlimited budget!” Don’t worry, I hear you. That’s where the Burris RT-6 comes in. This scope offers an impressive array of features and performance at a price point that won’t break the bank.
The RT-6 features a 1-6x magnification range, making it versatile enough for most 3-gun stages. The scope’s Ballistic CQ™ reticle is specifically designed for competition use, with a clean, uncluttered sight picture and precise hold points for windage and elevation. The reticle is illuminated, with 11 brightness settings to adapt to any lighting condition.
One of the standout features of the RT-6 is its easy-to-use magnification ring, which features Burris’ MAD™ (Modular Adjustment Dial) system. The system allows you to quickly install or remove a throw lever, making magnification changes a breeze.
Burris also designed the RT-6 with durability in mind. The scope features a rugged 30mm main tube, quad-seal gas seals for waterproofing and fogproofing, and the company’s Hi-Lume® multi-coating for superior low-light performance.
While the RT-6 may not have all the bells and whistles of some of the higher-priced scopes on this list, it delivers where it counts – in performance and reliability. If you’re a shooter on a budget or just looking for a solid, no-frills optic, the Burris RT-6 is definitely worth considering.
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24: Versatile Magnification in a Compact Package
Vortex is a brand that needs no introduction in the world of shooting sports optics. The company has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, innovative scopes at competitive price points. The Strike Eagle 1-8×24 is a prime example of Vortex’s commitment to performance and value.
One of the standout features of the Strike Eagle is its versatile magnification range. With a 1-8x zoom ratio, this scope can handle everything from close-quarters targets to longer-range shots with ease. The scope’s AR-BDC3 reticle is specifically designed for use with 5.56 NATO and .308 Winchester rifles, providing precise hold points and windage holds.
Vortex also designed the Strike Eagle with speed in mind. The scope features a generous eye box and a fast-focus eyepiece, making it easy to achieve a consistent sight picture and accommodate different shooting positions. The magnification ring is also equipped with a throw lever for quick power changes.
The Strike Eagle is built to withstand the rigors of competition use, with a shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof construction. The scope’s lenses are fully multi-coated for superior light transmission and clarity, and the main tube is built from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum for added strength.
If you’re a shooter looking for a versatile, high-performance optic that won’t break the bank, the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 is definitely worth a closer look. It’s a scope that can grow with you as your skills and needs evolve, and it’s backed by Vortex’s legendary VIP warranty for added peace of mind.
Nightforce NX8 1-8×24 F1: Rugged Reliability in a Compact Package
Nightforce is a brand that is synonymous with rugged, high-performance optics. The company’s scopes are trusted by military and law enforcement professionals around the world, and for good reason. The NX8 1-8×24 F1 brings that same level of durability and precision to the world of 3-gun competition.
The NX8 features a 1-8x magnification range, making it versatile enough for most 3-gun stages. The scope’s FC-MOA reticle is located in the first focal plane, ensuring that the hold points remain consistent at any magnification. The reticle is also illuminated, with multiple brightness settings to adapt to any lighting condition.
One of the standout features of the NX8 is its compact size. At just over 8 inches long and weighing in at 17 ounces, this scope is one of the most compact and lightweight 1-8x optics on the market. Despite its small size, the NX8 delivers exceptional optical performance, with ED glass and proprietary coatings for superior clarity and resolution.
Nightforce also designed the NX8 to withstand the toughest conditions. The scope is built from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, with a rugged 30mm main tube and a scratch-resistant anodized finish. The NX8 is also waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring reliable performance in any weather.
If you’re a shooter who demands the very best in durability and precision, the Nightforce NX8 1-8×24 F1 is definitely worth considering. It’s a scope that is built to last and deliver exceptional performance, no matter how tough the conditions.
Trijicon Credo 1-6×24: A Solid, Reliable Performer
Rounding out our list of the top 10 3-gun scopes for 2024 is the Trijicon Credo 1-6×24. This scope may not have all the bells and whistles of some of the other optics on this list, but it delivers where it counts – in solid, reliable performance.
The Credo features a 1-6x magnification range, making it well-suited for most 3-gun stages. The scope’s BDC reticle is located in the second focal plane, providing a clean, uncluttered sight picture that is easy to acquire. The reticle is also illuminated, with 10 brightness settings to adapt to any lighting condition.
Trijicon designed the Credo with durability in mind. The scope features a rugged 30mm main tube, a hard-anodized finish, and fully multi-coated lenses for superior light transmission and clarity. The Credo is also waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring reliable performance in any weather.
One of the standout features of the Credo is its adjustability. The scope features capped, low-profile windage and elevation turrets, with 0.25 MOA click adjustments for precise zeroing. The scope also has a fast-focus eyepiece and a generous eye box, making it easy to achieve a consistent sight picture.
If you’re a shooter looking for a solid, reliable optic that won’t let you down when the pressure is on, the Trijicon Credo 1-6×24 is definitely worth considering. It may not be the flashiest scope on the market, but it delivers the performance and reliability that serious competitors demand.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a 3-Gun Scope
Now that we’ve taken a closer look at some of the top 3-gun scopes for 2024, let’s talk about the factors you should consider when making your choice. While personal preference and shooting style will play a big role in your decision, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
Magnification Range
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a 3-gun scope is the magnification range. Most 3-gun competitors prefer scopes with a 1-6x or 1-8x range, as these provide a good balance of speed and precision. A 1x setting allows for fast target acquisition at close range, while higher magnifications can help with longer-range shots.
Reticle Design
The reticle is another critical factor to consider when choosing a 3-gun scope. Look for a reticle that is specifically designed for competition use, with precise hold points and a clean, uncluttered sight picture. Many shooters prefer illuminated reticles, as these can help with target acquisition in low-light conditions.
Durability
3-gun competition can be tough on gear, so it’s important to choose a scope that is built to last. Look for scopes with rugged construction, shockproof and waterproof designs, and high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum.
Optical Clarity
A scope’s optical clarity can make a big difference in your ability to acquire targets quickly and make precise shots. Look for scopes with high-quality glass, multi-coated lenses, and advanced optical designs that deliver superior light transmission and resolution.
Adjustability
Finally, consider the adjustability of the scope. Look for models with precise, tactile windage and elevation adjustments, as well as fast-focus eyepieces and throw levers for quick magnification changes.
Conclusion
Choosing the right 3-gun scope can be a daunting task, but by keeping these factors in mind and doing your research, you can find an optic that will help you take your competition performance to the next level.
Whether you opt for the speed and precision of the Vortex Razor HD Gen III, the rugged reliability of the Nightforce NX8, or the versatile performance of the Burris RT-6, investing in a high-quality scope is one of the best things you can do to improve your 3-gun game.
So, there you have it – my top picks for the best 3-gun scopes of 2024. I hope this guide has been helpful in narrowing down your choices and giving you a better understanding of what to look for in a competition-grade optic.
As always, if you have any questions or want to share your own experiences with these scopes, feel free to drop a comment below. And be sure to check out the rest of the nightvisiongears blog for more gear reviews, shooting tips, and expert advice.
Until next time, keep practicing, stay safe, and happy shooting!