Are you one of those people who like to join shooting competitions? If yes, then you have come to the right place because, here, we are going to talk about one of the most famous competitions in the world of shooting—the 3-gun competition.
The 3-gun competition is one of the most famous shooting sports nowadays—in fact, it is one of the fastest growing sports that is related to shooting.
This shooting competition requires a lot of skills—some of which are speed, shooting skills and fluid movements. The contenders in this competition are to be armed with three weapons—a pistol, a shotgun and a modern sporting rifle that is manufactured on the AR-15 platform.
Our Top 3 Recommendations
Best Overall

- Brand: Vortex
- Magnification: 1-6x
- Objective Lens: 24mm
- Eye Relief: 4-inches
- Battery Life: 150 hours
Best Digital

- Brand: Trijicon
- Magnification: 1-6x
- Objective Lens: 24mm
- Eye Relief: 3.9-inches
- Field of View: 18.8 - 117.5 ft at 100 yds
Best Value

- Brand: Bushnell
- Magnification: 1-8.5x
- Objective Lens: 424mm
- Eye Relief: 3.5-inches
- Field of View: 105-14ft
They must move through a course and also must hit targets from varying distances. There are stages in this competition—each stage requires the contenders to stop and transition between using several guns that are arranged in a specific order and they must shoot the targets in a specific pattern—also, there are some stages that require not shooting some targets. In that way, discipline on the course can be tested.
Also, in between each stage, the contenders are to maneuver through different obstacles safely in order to reach the next stages.
They are timed throughout the entire course of the competition—obviously, the contender to finish all the stages with the less amount of time will be the winner. In simpler words, 3-gun competition is a test of different things—safety, accuracy and fast shooting.
What is 3-Gun Scope & Why you need it?
The 3-gun scopes are basically low-powered scopes that make your vision small or large based on the range. The 3-gun scope should have the capacity to adapt to any range that you shoot.
The right 3-gun scope is a versatile scope that allows you to see at different distances. This scope won’t make you tired, and you don’t need to re-zero it since it has lightweight compared to other scopes.
It can be mounted easily without taking more time. The 3-gun shooting is the most popular and fastest shooting sport growing in the field. The scoring of this sport is based on how many shots you hit at a particular time.
Many shooters love 3-gun shooting since it is one of the most exciting and competitive sports. Therefore, having the best scope for 3-gun helps you to score more and make your competition interesting.
Table: 10 Best Scopes for 3 Gun
![]() | Vortex’s Optics Razor HD Gen II-E Riflescope | ![]() | ||
![]() | Trijicon’s AccuPoint Riflescope | ![]() | ||
![]() | Bushnell’s Tactical Elite SMRS Reticle Riflescope | ![]() | ||
![]() | Weaver’s Tactical Close-Intermediate Scope | ![]() | ||
![]() | Vortex’s Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight | ![]() | ||
![]() | Kahles’ Optics K16I Reticle Rifle Scope | ![]() | ||
![]() | Bushnell’s Optics, Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope | ![]() | ||
![]() | Burris’s Fast Fire III | ![]() | ||
![]() | BARSKA’s Contour Riflescope | ![]() | ||
![]() | EOTECH’s 512 Holographic Weapon Sight | ![]() |
Of course, in order to win this competition, you need to have a scope that will aid your gun to shoot accurately and precisely.
So, if you are interested in knowing them, be sure to read all the information here because even the things that should be considered when choosing the best scope will be mentioned so that you will have an idea and knowledge before choosing.
Also, this article can serve as your buying guide because most of the features of the best scopes will be mentioned for you to consider and see.
10 Best 3 Gun Scope in 2021 – Reviewed
1. Vortex’s Optics Razor HD Gen II-E Riflescope
Vortex’s Optics Razor HD Gen II-E Riflescope is one of the greatest scopes that you can get for 3-gun competitions—this one is more advanced compared to some of the scopes that are also from this brand.
For those who want to experience using a 3 gun scope that has a variety of magnifications, this one can have an adjustable magnification that ranges from 1X to 6X.
Vortex’s Optics

Razor HD Gen II-E Riflescope
- 1-6x magnification
- 24mm objective lens diameter
- 4-inches eye relief
- 115.2 - 20.5 ft field of view
- CR2032 battery type
- 150 hours of battery life
Some of Its Best Features Are The Following:

High Quality Optics:
This scope has an optics than you will be amazed at—it has an illumination dial that comes with 11 levels of brightness settings. Also, this scope can be as accurate as you need it to be even at a broad distance of 600 yards.
Reliability and Durability:
This 3 gun scope is designed and built to be O-ring sealed and also argon-purged—with these features, this scope is made waterproof and fog-proof.
Truly a reliable scope that you should consider. Also, this scope has ArmorTek coatings that serve as the lens’ protection from different harmful things such as oil, dirt and scratches.
Pros
- Gives stunning images
- Ideal for short to medium range
- Comes with 11 brightness settings
- Waterproof and fog proof performance
Cons
- No flip caps
2. Trijicon’s AccuPoint Riflescope
Trijicon’s AccuPoint Riflescope is one of the scopes for 3 gun that are considered by people to be of high quality with a more reasonable price. Compared to other scopes, this specific model is one of the best scope for 3 gun that you can have without having to regret for the money you spent.
It offers a magnification of 1X to 6X; thus, making it useful for most of the shooting scenarios in a 3-gun competition.
Trijicon’s AccuPoint

1-6x Riflescope
- 1-6x magnification
- 24mm objective lens diameter
- 3.9-inches eye relief
- 18.8 - 117.5 ft field of view
- Second Focal Plane
- 19.2 oz weight
Some of Its Best Features Are The Following:
Superior Quality of Optics:
This scope has multi-coated lenses that are known to provide bright images even during adverse conditions—it has some light-gathering capabilities that has zero distortion.
Also, it offers battery-free illumination that adjusts depending on your needs. Also, it has a zero forward emission that causes the illuminated reticle to not project any illumination from the scope’s objective lens.
Durability:
With this scope’s aircraft-grade aluminum housing, you can be assured that this scope can withstand several weather conditions and long-term rugged use. Also, this housing protects the scope against some of the toughest elements that you can encounter.
Pros
- High quality lens
- Durable and reliable
- Optimal light transmission
- Does not require battery illumination
Cons
- Magnification settings are limited
3. Bushnell’s Tactical Elite SMRS Reticle Riflescope
Bushnell’s Tactical Elite SMRS Reticle Riflescope is also one of the best scopes for 3 gun that you can consider because this one is a very high-performance optic that can be of excellent use during 3-gun competitions.
This one will give you the luxury of choosing between a magnification range of 1X to 8.5X—truly a reliable scope that is known to be one of the must-haves.
Bushnell’s Tactical

Elite SMRS Reticle Riflescope
- 1-8.5x magnification
- 24mm objective lens diameter
- 105-14 field of view
- 3.5-inches eye relief
- Illuminated BTR-2 reticle
- First Focal Plane
Some of Its Best Features Are The Following:
Fully Multi-coated Optics:
With this type of optics, this scope can be able to give you an image or view of your surroundings—not just a normal view, but a bright and clear one.
It also has an anti-fog technology that will help you see through the lenses as clearly as you can imagine even during adverse situations.
T-Lok and Illumination Settings:
With this scope’s illumination settings, you can be able to choose 11 different illumination modes. Also, with its T-Lok feature, you can be able to have an advantageous windage and elevation.
Pros
- Built to last
- Wide band coating
- Made of 100 % quality materials
- Rain Guard HD anti-fog technology
Cons
- A bit bulky
4. Weaver’s Tactical 800364 Illuminated Close-Intermediate Scope
Weaver’s Tactical 800364 Illuminated Close-Intermediate Scope is a great 3 gun scope that you can get when shooting with close and medium ranges.
With its flexibility, this is one of the most famous scopes that are known to be of great performance during 3-gun competitions. Also, with its versatility, it will give you the ability to shoot targets that are from a variety of ranges.
Weaver’s Tactical 800364

Illuminated Close-Intermediate Scope
- 1-5x magnifiation
- 24mm objective lens diameter
- Fully-multi-coated lens
- 100-33 ft field of view
- 4.25-inches eye relief
Some of Its Best Features Are The Following:
High Quality Optics:
The optics of this scope will surely make you spot your target with ease. It also comes with fully multi-coated lenses that are of extreme help when giving you bright and clear images of your surroundings no matter the situations are.
It also offers a first focal plane reticle that is illuminated—this feature will give you the ability to quickly spot and shoot your targets.
Lifetime Warranty:
This scope for 3 gun offers a lifetime warranty, I mean, what more can you ask for? If there are defects that you encounter while practicing to use this, as long as it is proven that you have not done any heinous abuse, the brand of this scope will surely assist you be repairing or replacing the scope.
Pros
- Comes with spare battery
- Worth for the money
- Two choices of reticles
Cons
- No positive clicks on turrets
5. Vortex’s Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight
Vortex’s Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight Gen I – 2 MOA Dot is one of the most famous scopes that is used in 3-gun competitions—in case you did not know, Vortex is one of the most trusted brands that consistently manufacture scopes that are of very high quality in all aspects in the world.
This scope is very light in weight and it is very compact in size, you surely would not have any difficulty in using and bringing it.
Vortex’s Optics

Crossfire Red Dot Sight
- 1x magnification
- Unlimited eye relief
- Fully multi-coated lens
- 2 MOA reticle
- 11 brightness settings
- CR2032 battery
- 7000 hours of battery life
Some of Its Best Features Are The Following:
Durability and Reliability:
This scope is designed and built to have an aluminum body that is shockproof—this body is for the scope’s extreme durability. Also, this scope is designed to be o-ring sealed and also nitrogen-purged—these two features are the one that are responsible in making it a reliable scope by being waterproof and fog-proof.
High Quality Optics:
With this scopes, fully multi-coated optics, you will be able to see bright and clear images or view even when during very low-light situations. Also, this scope offers an unlimited eye relief that will sure be of great convenience for you. As mentioned, the larger the eye relief, the easier it will be for you to use a scope.
Pros
- Unlimited eye relief
- Shockproof aluminum body
- Ultra lightweight and compact
Cons
- Difficult to set zero
6. Kahles’ Optics K16I Reticle Rifle Scope
Kahles’ Optics K16I Reticle Rifle Scope is one of the most reliable scopes that you can get out there. You would not have to worry about being right-handed or left-handed because this scope is designed to have a great sight acquisition that will surely be suitable for your use and will surely help you to easily engage multiple number of targets. This scope is preferred by many competitors that usually join 3-gun competitions.
Kahles’ Optics

K16I Reticle Rifle Scope
- 1-6x magnification
- 24mm objective lens diameter
- Illuminated reticle
- Second Focal Plane
- 30mm tube diameter
Some of Its Best Features Are The Following:
High Quality Optics:
This scope offers a magnification that ranges from 1X to 6X. Also, this scope offers the feature of having an illuminated second focal plane reticle that works well with all the features related to optics. Altogether, these features are what make this scope truly reliable in providing clearest and purest images and views.
Easy Adjustments for Better Precision and Accuracy:
This scope is designed to have easy precision adjustments that deliver wear resistance and a hundred percent accuracy—this scope is engineered for long-range precision in shooting. Also, it comes with elevation adjustments that will surely help you shoot targets that are placed at a different elevation.
Pros
- Highly precision adjustments
- Ultra-scratch-resistant coating
- Provide high level performance
Cons
- Some users need better turret adjustments
7. Bushnell’s Optics Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope
Bushnell’s Optics, Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope is one of the best scopes when it comes to magnification—you would not believe when I tell you that this scope can magnify for up to 14X.
Surely, the 500-yard or 600-yard distance would never be a problem for you once you decide to buy this scope. Even when shooting with close or long ranges, this scope would be reliable.
Bushnell’s Optics

Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope
- 1-4x magnification
- 24mm objective lens diameter
- 90-23 ft field of view
- Drop zone 223 BDC ballistic reticle
- Fully multi-coated lens
Some of Its Best Features Are The Following:
Fully Multi-coated Optics and Fast Focus Eyepiece:
This scope has fully multi-coated optics that are of great help during low-light times—you would still be able to view images with just the right amount of brightness. Also, it has a fast focus eyepiece that will surely help you spot your targets as quickly as you want to.
Durability:
This Bushnell optics scope is engineered to be compact and rugged in design. This one is crafted from very high-durability aluminum alloy that is paired with an anodized finish that will sure seal and protect this scope from tough elements in the field.
Pros
- Ideal for AR 15
- Affordable price
- Rugged and durable design
Cons
- Slightly heavier than others
8. Burris’s Fast Fire III with Picatinny Mount
Burris’s Fast Fire III with Picatinny Mount is one of the most affordable scopes that offers a lifetime warranty—surely worth more than its cost. This scope will help you shoot your targets as quickly and efficiently that you think you could.
As mentioned above, speed is one of the skills you should focus on when joining a 3-gun competition; with this scope, you would surely have no problem with that.
Burris

Fast Fire III with Picatinny Mount
- 1x magnification
- 21mm objective lens diameter
- 190 ft field of view
- CR1632 battery
- 3 brightness settings
Some of Its Best Features Are The Following:
Versatile and Superior Quality Optics:
When talking about versatility, this scope has a lot to offer—it has an automatic brightness sensor that will adjust depending on the environmental condition in the field.
You also have the option of adjusting it manually. Also, its optics are constructed to be lightweight and durable. With its pinpoint accuracy, this scope will surely give you an advantage both in speed and in accuracy.
Easy Windage and Elevation Adjustments:
This scope offers a tool-less adjustment when it comes to windage and elevation—well, that is one of the most convenient adjustments you could ever have out there.
Pros
- Waterproof roof
- Lightweight and portable
- Doesn't require tools for adjustment
Cons
- Require adjustment for brightness level
9. BARSKA’s Contour Riflescope
BARSKA’s Contour Riflescope is another great 3 gun scope that has a very range of magnification settings—you can enjoy 3X to 9X of magnification with this specific model.
This 3 gun scope offers a very large eye relief and eye box for you to have the ability of seeing your targets quickly even without having to line up your vision perfectly. This scope is also one of the most affordable you will ever encounter.
BARSKA 3-9x42

Contour Riflescope
- 3-9x magnification
- 42mm objective lens diameter
- 4.33-5.43 inches eye relief
- 18.6-6.72 ft field of view
- Second Focal Plane
- Mil-Dot Illuminated reticle
Some of Its Best Features Are The Following:
Robust Design:
This scope is specifically designed to be of extra-rigid construction. It is engineered to be waterproof, fog-proof and also shock-proof. This one is truly durable and worth its price.
Fully Coated Optics and Illuminated Reticle:
This scope is designed with fully coated optics that provides clear and bright images of your surroundings. Also, this scope hast the feature of having an illuminate reticle that is mil-dot—that has a dual color setting and adjustable brightness that can be both used for shooting targets with ease.
Pros
- Robust design
- Durable construction
- Easy turret adjustments
Cons
- Illumination reticle doesn't work sometime
10. EOTECH’s 512 Holographic Weapon Sight
EOTECH’s 512 Holographic Weapon Sight is one of the best scopes that have a mid-price range that would not make you doubt about its quality. It has zero distortion when it comes to images or views and it also has a revolutionary sighting system that will surely help you close in on your targets all the time.
This specific model offers an unlimited eye relief—which I assume you know the importance by now. Also, it gives 20 brightness settings that will surely give you accurate and efficient shots.
EOTECH’s 512

Holographic Weapon Sight
- 1x magnification
- 0.85 inch objective lens diameter
- 4-inches field of view
- Unlimited eye relief
- 2 x AA batteries
- 2500-2000 hours of battery life
Some of Its Best Features Are The Following:
Durability:
This scope is engineered to withstand rugged use to meet the needs of different shooters. Also, this is designed to be waterproof; thus, making it reliable during adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain too. This one is built to have a reliable toughness, so you would not have to worry about its strength.
Reliability:
You would not believe that this scope can still function very well even when it is partially shattered already—even when its sight window gets obscured by some snow or some mud, this will still deliver precision and accuracy. That is one of the reasons why it is trusted by America’s elite.
Pros
- Adjustable brightness settings
- Advanced holographic technology
- Easy to adjust for both right and left hand users
Cons
- Fuzzy reticle
Different Divisions of 3-gun Competitions
3-gun competitions are not the same—one of the main differences between these competitions is the division. If you do not know, there are different division in this competition—but they are all mostly similar, they just differ in their names. If you are interested in knowing them, here are some of the common divisions:
Open Division
This division used to be the one of the most popular divisions in this competition, it has gradually dropped off significantly nowadays—here, pretty much anything goes.
In simpler words, as long as it is legal, then it will be allowed in this division. There will be no required limits for ports, magazines, optics and compensators. Here, the contenders can even use some shotgun speed loaders.
Modified
Well, this division is the currently most famous division in the world of 3-gun competitions nowadays. This division consumes an average of 70 percent to 80 percent of the 3-gun competitions on this day.
Shotguns and pistols are only allowed to have an iron sight in this division. Also, in this division, the rifle of the contender can have only one variable magnification optic together with an iron sight. In this division, bipods are not allowed while rifle compensators are allowed.
Factory
In this division, the competition aims to keep the guns to be used as close to the specifications when it has when it was brought out of the factory.
Here, both the pistol and the shotgun can be allowed with iron sights only and riles can be allowed to have an unmagnified optic—this can be a reflex sight or a red dot sight or a holographic. Just like in the modified division, rifle compensators are allowed while bipods are not.
Heavy
The requirements in this division differ depending on different organizations—but it can also have some similarities. Shotguns are to be 12-gauge pump action, rifles are to be 7.62 by 51 or larger and pistols are to be .45 ACP or larger. Here in this division, the main difference can be found in the types of sights that are permitted.
Scope Vs Red Dot – Which is Best for 3-Gun
There are lots of options available in the market for 3-gun shooting, such as holographic sights, red dot sights, prism scopes, etc. Thus, you have to choose one from them for your 3-gun shooting.
Choosing the right optic will help you to improve the hitting speed and accuracy during the competition. The scope is the best option if you prefer tactical activities since the scope has variable magnification ranges that help you to hit the target easily at any distance.
Therefore, scope is the right optic for long-range and mid-range shooting. If you are shooting at close-range, red dot sight is the right optic.
Most of the shooters mounted the scope as the main optic, and the red dot sight can be used as the secondary optic for short and close-range shooting.
The red dot sights make the shooters comfortable without making any magnification adjustments while shooting on the field. Therefore, both the scopes and red dot sight provides excellent performance for 3-gun shooters based on the range of shooting.
Factors That Should be Considered Before Buying a Scope for 3 Gun
Now that you already know some basic things about 3-gun competitions, you should also know some of the things or factors that you should consider when you are planning to buy a scope that you can use for this competition. Of course, you are wanting to buy the best one for the best experience. So, here are the factors:
Magnification
This feature is one of the most important factors that you should consider when buying a scope to be used in a 3-gun competition.
In this competition, the maximum range that a target can be placed is at a distance of 500 yards—well, have a scope that can be of accuracy and precision even with that given range is an advantage for you.
Also, you have to master the method of adjusting your scope’s magnification. As much as possible, you need to practice that—so that, in the competition, you would not have any difficulty in doing that.
Reticle
Several scopes offer illuminated reticles that give the scope the ability to see better in different lighting conditions. In 3-gun competitions, reticle illumination in not prohibited.
Usually, when scopes are allowed, illuminated reticles will also be allowed in that division. Remember that illuminated reticles can be very handy during scope usage on cloudy days—of course, you will be never be able to predict the weather, so it is better to be prepared and have an illuminated reticle.
Also consider getting an illuminated reticle that has an adjustable brightness setting—it this way, you will be able to customize the brightness to suit whatever the present lighting condition is.
Also remember that it is important to have an illuminated reticle that can still be visible even when the scope ran off of power. Well, having this feature will help you to have more shots that are accurate, precise and quick.
Eye Box and Eye Relief
If you do not know, the eye box is the available space or area that you can move your head around while still seeing through the scope—well, there are scopes that will require you to be aligned in the perfect position with the center of the lens in order to see through it.
In case you have not noticed, these types of scope can slow you down during the competition. So, it is important to get a scope with a large eye box that will give you the ability to see through the scope as quickly as possible and at different angles in order to help you have the best shots in just a short span of time.
Together with the eye box, you might also want to consider getting a scope that has a considerable eye relief as well. Eye relief is the distance that your eyes have to be placed from the lens in order for you to see the full view through your scope.
For instance, if your scope has a very short eye relief, then you have to be as close as possible to the lens in order to see better. But consider getting a scope that has a larger eye relief for it will let you see easily through the lens even at a far distance.
Versatility and Performance
Considering that 3-gun competitions are very, very fast-paced, you have to get a scope that can easily adjust from one shooting scenario to another, from one stage to another and from one condition to a completely different other condition—of course, without losing a lot of time.
You have to get a scope that is very versatile to the point that it can help you react and adjust quickly from one mode to another without a lot of efforts needed.
Also, you surely want to get a scope that is of very high performance, let me tell you that your scope’s performance is nothing when you are no comfortable with using it so be sure that besides its performance, you consider being comfortable in using it. In that way, both you and your scope would not have any problem in adjusting with each other.
Maximum Distance
When choosing a scope to be used in 3-gun competitions, it is important that you know that these competitions, nowadays, will sometimes require you to shoot targets that are at a distance of 500 to 600 yards.
So, it is also important that you choose and get a scope that can help you in shooting comfortably at a very broad range of distance such as that.
Overall Performance and Price Range
People always want the scope with the highest features as possible but let me tell you that having that kind of scope is not always the best choice.
There are a lot of scopes that are of medium power, magnification, optics and other features that perform well because they utilized well, and they are not as complicated as the ones who have the highest and latest features.
So, be sure that you get the scope that is just right for the competition, let us say 3-gun competition, you are joining in.
Of course, as much as possible, you do not want to spend much for a scope. Well, investing a large amount of money can truly give you satisfactory results but you can have that experience as well if you just look for the best scopes at a lower price.
Without spending much, you can have wonderful shooting experience with scopes that are not as expensive as you think they are. Just be sure to look for them—well, good for you, we already have them on the list of our best scopes for 3-gun competitions. So, be sure to stay tuned and read this until the end.
Now that you are already informed and now that you have enough information about all the things you should know before choosing the right and expedient scope for your use, then you are ready to know the best scopes that you can find and buy at the markets these days.
Benefits of Gun-3 Scope
- The 3-gun scopes are very beneficial for the shooters who participate in 3-gun shooting competitions. These scopes are great for other outdoor activities since the magnification it provides allows the shooter to view their targets clearly at any distance.
- It helps the shooter to shoot their targets easily without making them tired, and it also enhances the shooting quality of the shooter/hunter.
- The 3-gun scope comes with rugged construction that helps the shooters to withstand any hard environments.
- The scopes are water-proof and fog-proof, so you can shoot in any weather condition without affecting your shooting.
- Having a 3-gun scope for your shooting make you successful with its excellent features. The gun-3 scope improves the accuracy and your shooting capability.
Takeaway
All of the scopes mentioned above are proven to be of great quality and help when it comes to talking about 3-gun competitions. With a lot of choices available at the markets these days, you surely have no idea what to choose—so, good for you that we have this list as your buying guide. Be sure to check all the features mentioned above and all the scopes to surely get the best scope that will perfectly fit your needs in 3-gun competitions.