You are here because you want to win that 3-gun competition and want the best scope for that, right? No problem, we got you covered.
3-gun competitions are becoming ever so popular and with 3-gun scopes, you don’t have to buy 3 different scopes saving you both time and money.
But which are the most durable scopes that come with great optics to help you hit the bull’s eye with each shot? To help you find those, we did all the research and picked out 5 of the best 3-gun scopes in 2022 so you get the best value for your money.
In a hurry? Below is a summary of my favorite 3-gun scopes so you can make a quick-fire purchase.
- Trijicon ACOG 4 X 32 – Our Top Pick
- Vortex Optics Razor HD
- Vortex Optics Spitfire
- Vortex Optics Strike Eagle
- Weaver Tactical Intermediate Scope
For a bit more details, check out the comparison table below.
Best 3-gun scopes for 2022 Reviewed
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Trijicon ACOG | • Trijicon scopes are trusted by the US Army, Police, special forces, etc. • Allows you to shoot accurately with both eyes open • BDC illuminated reticle is ideal for low light conditions | View Price |
 | Vortex Optics Razor | • Stealth Shadow finish keeps you camouflaged better • Built to handle drops and is water-resistant • The reticle is illuminated and gives holdover, bullet drop readings | View Price |
 | Vortex Optics Spitfire | • Ideal 3-gun scope for budget buyers • Etched reticle maintains good brightness when on low battery • Numbered, smooth turrets make quick adjustments easy | View Price |
 | Vortex Optics | • Capping on the turret can be removed for adjustments on the go • Illuminated reticle and 1 brightness settings are perfect for low light • Turrets and magnification rings are smooth | View Price |
 | Weaver Tactical | • Built-in compartment allows for easy storage of extra batteries • Good visuals at low magnification • Lightweight and easy to adjust turrets and magnification | View Price |
But if you like to dive deep into the details and learn more about each scope, this section is for you. So let’s get into it.
1. Trijicon ACOG 4 X 32
If the brand is good enough for special forces, the army, and the Air Force, it sure is good enough to win you a competition, right? But that isn’t the only reason I love the Trijicon ACOG. Here’s why this one’s a beast.
With the ACOG aiming at any distance is a breeze. Yes, thanks to the premium lens that comes with multiple layers of anti-reflective coating, you get crystal clear visuals in any lighting condition whether you use it at 1x or the full 32x magnification.
Another reason for it is the dual illuminated reticle. While fiber optics keeps it bright and sharp in the day, tritium ensures that in low-light. And you have 6 brightness levels to choose from as well.
That means dusk, dawn, cloudy, or night, weather and light will never be obstacles again. Also, playing its part in ensuring that is the nitrogen purge that prevents fog build up on the lens. This is also one of the reasons it has passed tests in sub-zero temperatures with flying colors.
Oh, and did I tell you this dual reticle means no hassle of having to carry or charge the batteries? Yes, adding to the convenience of using the scope is the battery-less operation.
But that’s not all.
The reticle accounts for bullet drop up to 800 meters, holdover, windage, etc. giving you all the details you need for 100% accuracy (with this bad boy by your side, there will be no stopping you).
Another thing I love about the Trijicon scope is that it employs the Bindon Aiming Concept which means you can shoot just as accurately with both eyes open.
But this alone doesn’t make it worth $1000+. If you are putting that much money into anything you want it to last long, really long, right?
Thankfully, the Trijicon ACOG is built like a rock using rugged aircraft-grade aluminum so it can easily hold its own against recoil and being dropped.
Yes, you heard it right, it doesn’t break even if you drop it and it isn’t just me saying it, Trijicon ACOG has passed the military drop test.
And it doesn’t matter if you drop it into the water and it is left submerged for a few minutes either since it is waterproof.
Trijicon has also been smart with the design as they have ensured it has minimal moving parts. This further makes it pretty much indestructible (so you don’t have overhead expenses) and also more resistant to shocks.
As for the turrets, they are super smooth and being capped they hold position well even with sudden movements or jerks. Plus, it provides them additional protection.
The only disappointment here is that they do not have white numbered markings.
Lastly, while it might look bulky, it weighs a mere 15.1oz so carrying it around, mounting/detaching it is all a breeze.
Pros
- Trijicon is trusted by the armed forces of the US
- It has aced the US Military drop test
- It is 100% waterproof and usable in sub-zero temperatures
- Nitrogen purging prevents fog build up on the lens
- Smooth turrets and magnification dial
- Shoot with 100% accuracy even with both eyes open
- Battery-less operation
- Reticle remains illuminated at day, night, dusk, or dawn.
- Reticle shows holdover, Bullet drop estimation, etc. for 100% accuracy
- Lightweight and easy to mount/detach
Cons
- Costs above $1500
- Turrets do not have numbered markings
Simply put, the ACOG is sure to give you an edge whether you are out hunting in the wild or wanting to win a fiercely contested 3-gun competition.
#2: Vortex Optics Razor HD
If there is one brand that can go toe to toe with Trijicon it is Vortex. Another brand that is trusted by the police department in the US, Razor HD is one of their premium lines, and here’s what I love and hate about it.
While the Razor HD doesn’t provide the same magnification level of 32x, the 85mm objective lens specially made in Japan ensures that even at 20x, there’s no distortion on the sides by dispersing light perfectly.
Supporting the lens and making scoping and aiming hassle-free whether it is dusky or dawn, is the illuminated reticle. Plus, there are 11 brightness settings to choose from.
On the reticle are also marking to measure holdover, windage correction, and bullet drop, yet it remains uncluttered providing you a clear view of the target (because in competitions, there’s room for guesswork or distractions).
And the illuminated reticle doesn’t mean you will constantly have to recharge or carry packs everywhere you go. To make regular usage hassle-free while maintaining brightness, Vortex etches the reticle onto the lens.
Also, since a 3-gun competition means you will be shooting at varying distances, the FFP reticle works in this case as it grows or shrinks with the zoom giving you perfect holdover irrespective of the distance.
Adding to the ease of shooting accurately is also the side focus that not only improves the sharpness of the visuals but eliminates parallax. Then there is also the fast-focus eyepiece so you are locked and loaded on the target in seconds.
The turrets hold position well and are just as smooth as the Trijicon so you should have no trouble making quick adjustments. But the one big advantage here is that they are numbered. So even if you haven’t used scopes before, making precise adjustments on the fly is easy.
As for durability, it is a 5/5. Constructed with aircraft-grade aluminum, it is built to withstand abuse. Though I haven’t drop-tested it, it is capable enough to handle recoil and some bumps.
And it isn’t just the build that gives me that confidence but also the special Hard Anodized Stealth Shadow finish that adds a layer of protection while reducing reflection so you remain perfectly camouflaged at all times.
But Vortex didn’t leave it there, they went a step ahead to ensure you don’t have to spend even a cent on replacement and repairs even 4-5 years after the purchase by arming the scope with a special friction reduction system.
This means the erector screw does not deform even if you use the scope 5-6 times a month. Even the erector tube is built using a durable brass alloy for fatigue resistance.
And even if all that didn’t work for you, get your Vortex scope repaired or replaced for free as it is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Vortex scopes are used by the police in the US
- Waterproof and shock-resistant
- Excellent durability, built to handle any kind of abuse
- Nitrogen purging prevents fog build-up
- Illuminated reticle with 11 brightness settings for low light
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Stealth Shadow finish lower reflection for better camouflaging
- FFP reticle is ideal for both long and short-range
- BDC reticle for precise aiming
- Turrets are smooth and numbered
- Though uncapped, turrets hold a position well
Cons
- Costs more than the Trijicon
#3: Vortex Optics Spitfire (Best 3-Gun Scope on a Budget)
Maybe this is your first competition and you don’t want to spend big on a scope or maybe you just have a small budget, either way, the Spitfire from Vortex is where your search ends.
Priced at less than $500, it perfectly combines affordability and functionality. Here’s all you need to know about it.
What I like most about the scope (I mean except for its price) is its reticle. Though cheaper, it still features a clutter-free BDC reticle which means you get a good view of the target and holdover measurement for accurate aims up to 300-400 yards.
To top that, the reticle is illuminated which means it works like charm in low light. You can even switch reticle color between red and green, turn off the illumination if not needed, or choose between 5 brightness levels all via conveniently placed buttons and dials.
Battery life is kind of a bummer but since the reticle is etched onto the glass it remains pretty bright thus saving you the hassle of having to carry additional battery packs.
Even adjusting the reticle focus takes no more than a few seconds as it has a fast-focus eyepiece though my real issue with the scope is the small 2.8” eye relief. Even the field of view isn’t the largest but works fine.
Turrets are my next favorite feature here. To hold position and ensure safety when the gun isn’t in use, the turrets are capped. But when you need to make changes on the move, the caps can be removed giving you the best of both worlds.
Also, they are numbered which isn’t something you often find on scopes.
On the durability front, it impresses and goes neck n neck with the top pics. While you may not want to drop it from a height, it sure can handle the recoil, and a few bumps thanks to its aluminum build.
Even dropping it a puddle of water shouldn’t affect performance as the sealed o-rings prevent water from seeping in while the nitrogen purge keeps the lens from fogging up.
Protecting the lens from scratching or collecting dust is the flip cover and though its durability isn’t great, with a little care, it comes in pretty handy.
It has a 3x magnification that you can use to the fullest as the visuals remain clear while the magnification dial is smooth and numbered for quick and easy adjustments. Similarly, you can adjust the parallax as well.
One last drawback with the Spitfire is that the mount lacks a quick detach feature so if you wanted, pick any of the scopes above.
Pros
- Ideal for distances of 300-400 yards
- Comes with 5 brightness levels
- The etched reticle remains bright without the battery
- The lens cover protects it from dust and scratches
- Excellent durability and water resistance
- Cost-effective, perfect for budget buyers
- Turrets are numbered and smooth
- Turret capping can be removed if needed
- Lifetime Warranty
- Nitrogen purge prevents fog-related issues
Cons
- It has a small 2.8” eye relief
- No quick-detach feature
- Average battery life
#4: Vortex Optics Strike Eagle
We have been mentioning Vortex a lot and why not. The Strike Eagle is another affordable scope and while it doesn’t match the ones above in terms of quality, it sure is worth the consideration. Here’s why.
One advantage the Strike Eagle has over the Spitfire is the larger eye relief at 3.5”. Not too big but definitely more comfortable to use when compared.
As for the optics, it is at par with the SpitFire at least at 3x magnification. As you get close to the 6x magnification, it starts to blur a bit.
The one thing you won’t find in many scopes that cost less than $300 is an illuminated BDC reticle. While the illumination is a tad lesser than the SpitFire without the battery, there’s ample brightness for dusky conditions when the battery is full.
Not to forget the holdover, bullet drop readings help maintain accuracy while you can adjust the parallax as well.
Even the turrets are pretty similar. They are numbered and give you the power to remove and attach the capping depending on the situation. And making adjustments takes minimal force as they are smooth.
On the durability front, the Vortex never disappoints. The Strike Eagle also comes with the same solid aluminum build and o-rings that keep out water and dust. There is also nitrogen purging that prevents fog on the lens from impeding your view.
It also doesn’t feature a quick detach but the real drawback with the Strike Eagle is that you do not get any mount or rings with it and purchasing them separately means you have to pay more.
But if you already have the rings/mount and don’t mind the slight blurring at 6x magnification, this is great scope for ranges for 300-400 yards.
Pros
- Costs less than $300
- The capping of the turrets can be removed
- Turrets and magnification are easy to adjust
- Great durability and water resistance
- The lens does not fog up
- BDC reticle for accuracy
- 11 brightness settings
- Illuminated reticle does well in low light
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Rings and mounts need to be bought separately
- Poor battery life
- No flip-up lens cover included
5. Weaver Tactical Intermediate Scope
Last on the list is the Weaver Tactical and while it isn’t my favorite scope (definitely not worth being chosen over the Vortex or Trijicon), its low price sure is attractive so here’s all you need to know.
On the bright side, it has a good magnification range of 5x and the optics remain largely clear. And since it has a one-tube build, its shock resistance is also commendable. Though you do not want to drop the scope or submerge it in water.
The illuminated reticle is unexpected and while it does fairly well, I would prefer a little more brightness as even at 10, it isn’t as bright as the scopes mentioned above but switching to green color does help a bit as it gets darker.
Talking about the illumination, the battery life is poor and only lasts about 1000 hours but here’s a surprise. Carrying extra batteries with the scope is a breeze as it has an in-built storage compartment.
And since the scope is ultralight, that doesn’t add to the weight either so carrying it should be hassle-free even if mounted on the weapon.
I did like the turrets. Unlike with some cheaper scopes, the turrets are smooth and need minimal pressure. No markings but at this price point, that’s not a surprise either.
They are capped and the capping cannot be removed so adjusting when moving around is tough though it will hold position pretty well.
Pros
- Turrets are smooth to adjust
- Visuals are good at about 3x magnification
- It is lightweight and thus easy to carry
- Comes with an inbuilt pocket for carrying batteries
- Good shock resistance
- The most affordable scope on the list
Cons
- Visuals blur at full magnification
- No markings on turrets
- More reticle brightness would have been better
- Low battery life
Sure the scope has its drawbacks but if you need a backup scope or practice scope for occasional use without having to spend big, it is worth it.
Conclusion
3-gun competitions have gained a lot of popularity over the years and if you are serious about winning them, you wouldn’t settle for anything except the best 3-gun scopes.
And with this detailed guide, you will have all the knowledge needed to make a smart purchase i.e. one that fits both your needs and budget.
If you think I have missed out on any scope or a feature of the scopes, write to me in the comments below or via the contact page. You can also send in your questions about 3-gun scopes or others and we’ll get back to you within 24-hrs.
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