Top 10 Best Scopes for 3 Gun in 2023

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.