Rifle Scopes 3 gun ar optic

[elwarpo]

New to 3 gun and am looking for a recommendation for an optic (Eyes prevent me from using iron sights)

Do you prefer a micro red dot (RMR, Detapoint pro, Razor), red dot (aimpoint Pro, Comp M2) or variable optic (1-4, 1-6...)

Budget around 600-800.

I notice the Athlon Midas is on sale for $245, would this work and how good is it? I know you get what you pay for.

 

[DaleGribble82]

Definitely go with a LPVO, I actually purchased one of those Athlon Midas BTRs recently for my 3 gun rifle and I must say it was a total steal at that price point. If you order one of those from @gr8fuldoug you won’t be disappointed.

Glass is clear and bright. Reticle really shines well with the BDC. Turret clicks when zeroing were very tactile. The capped turrets make it much smoother for barrel dumps. My only complaint about the whole thing was that Athlon doesn’t ship these with a scope lense cover. Other than that I’ve got zero compliants and I doubt you would either.

What rifle are you planning to put it on?

 

[Nik H]

I use a USO SN4 1-4 variable. It is a little heavy compared to red dots and the such but it is rugged as hell and the optical clarity and magnification when you need it is worth the weight

 

[davsco]

you have to figure out how good your eyes are, how far you can see, and max target distances where you will be doing 3 gun. most around me do a 1-6x (used to be 1-4x and now some going to 1-8x) and the vortex razor hd2 is pretty popular, but that is some $1400. have heard good things about their 1-6 and 1-8 strike eagle at 300 and 400 price points, but clearly something has been taken away vs their scopes at 3-4x that price. all that said, there is a guy that spanks a lot of us with just a non-magnified red dot shooting out to 500yds.

 

[quiksilverj]

I run a sig Romeo 4s an honestly prefer a dot over a LPVO. Probably in the minority but have no issues with it as most stages aren't really long range and the one that is is usually 400 or less and the targets have typically been generous. on bay stages, I think you actually have an advantage with the dot and those make up 80% or more of the match. I usually go with a 200 yd zero and have absolutely cleaned long range stages faster than guys with 6x scopes. is that the case every time no but usually I can stick with them. Unless it's a huge match I just shoot tac ops also never felt outgunned.

 

[elwarpo]

What rifle are you planning to put it on?

Thanks, that was what I was looking for, Thanks. Both my GF and I are taking an 101 course this weekend. I plan on a Side charging AR/ or FAL for me and a lightweight AR for her. She will be using an 1100 in 20 guage, and I will use a 3 gun modified mossberg 930 (Rythm). Still have to decide on a handgun though.

 

[koshkin]

I'd probably get Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24.

Of the low power variables in your price range, it is probably the best one on 1x.

ILya

 

[DaleGribble82]

Thanks, that was what I was looking for, Thanks. Both my GF and I are taking an 101 course this weekend. I plan on a Side charging AR/ or FAL for me and a lightweight AR for her. She will be using an 1100 in 20 guage, and I will use a 3 gun modified mossberg 930 (Rythm). Still have to decide on a handgun though.

If you depending on budget G34 would be a good starting point for a pistol or a nice
CZ-75 or even a full-size M&P Pro. If you really wanna get wild with the pistol it’s hard to beat an STI 2011.

 

[DaleGribble82]

I'd probably get Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24.

Of the low power variables in your price range, it is probably the best one on 1x.

ILya

That optic is also an excellent choice. Steiner makes some good stuff!

 

[elwarpo]

I can no longer use Iron sights (eyes) so will most likely compete in Open (red dot on pistol and shotgun, optic on rifle)

 

[elwarpo]

If you depending on budget G34 would be a good starting point for a pistol or a nice
CZ-75 or even a full-size M&P Pro. If you really wanna get wild with the pistol it’s hard to beat an STI 2011.

I have a Lone wolf G17 with RMR that I will most likely use, Thinking of either my CZ75D PCR or G19 for her.

 

[elwarpo]

That optic is also an excellent choice. Steiner makes some good stuff!

I Know, I am waiting on my M7xi... I hate waiting LOL

 

[davsco]

I can no longer use Iron sights (eyes) so will most likely compete in Open (red dot on pistol and shotgun, optic on rifle)

so in open, you usually can have a magnified optic such as 1-6 or even 2.5-10 and then mount a small red dot at 45 degrees for the close targets. best of both worlds.

 

[quiksilverj]

so in open, you usually can have a magnified optic such as 1-6 or even 2.5-10 and then mount a small red dot at 45 degrees for the close targets. best of both worlds.

This if you'll be in open for sure

 

[elwarpo]

Thanks, so it sounds like the Athlon Midas is good, but the Steiner is better. Think I will start with the Midas and if I decide I like 3 gun, will move to the steiner and put the Midas on one of my 22s

 

[gr8fuldoug]

We are still running the Midas BTR 1-6x24 - ATSR1 SFP IR MOA for only $219.99, or $244.98 with a ScopeCoat

 

[LA260]

I've been using Burris XTR2 1-5 in 3g for few years. Used/abused and it's been a tank. Daylight bright reticle too if you care about that.

 

[Eric_F]

Vortex PST Gen II 1-6 is what you're looking for. It was on sale recently for $499. I've used mine since it was released in 3-gun and it's awesome. The Razor or new Razor-E would be the only real step up, but for twice the price.

 

[elwarpo]

We are still running the Midas BTR 1-6x24 - ATSR1 SFP IR MOA for only $219.99, or $244.98 with a ScopeCoat

Just ordered from you. Without the cover though.

 

[Rob01]

Vortex PST Gen II 1-6 is what you're looking for. It was on sale recently for $499. I've used mine since it was released in 3-gun and it's awesome. The Razor or new Razor-E would be the only real step up, but for twice the price.

What Eric said but if you look around now you can find a Razor II 1-6 for around the $850 mark. I have run a Razor II on my 3 gun rifle since they came out and they are very nice. The Gen II PST would be a close second.

 

[Strykervet]

You can get good deals on used USO stuff here in the PX and the warranty follows it and they're damn near bombproof anyway. I wouldn't be surprised if you could hammer a nail through a 2x4 with one and not damage it. I've got an LR17, ER25, this MR8 and the USO observation scope. All are solid and all have nice images.. Yeah, they're heavy comparatively, but like AI said, they're worth it.

Here's a picture of the 1-8x I got on here. It has a circle with a dot in the center at 1x sorta like an EoTech, 3-4x and a basic tree reticle starts to become noticeable and 5x and higher it's a full tree reticle and the circle opens up until it's gone leaving only the tree. FFP of course. Set it and forget it.

Truly the best of both worlds. No need for a backup dot with this. This one has a blue reticle and I'm not a fan of that personally, but I bet for competition it would actually be nice and possibly a benefit. It's very bright on high so it's visible in broad daylight. If you're interested in it, PM me and maybe we can work something out. Not too many optics that work like this that I'm aware of, having two distinct reticles at low vs. high mag, and that kinda sounds like what you're looking for.

Edit: I see now he's ordered one already... Disregard but maybe it'll help someone else looking at this thread.

 

[Frankly]

Trijicon Accupower 1-4 but I only shoot to 200 yards. It's a rugged, high quality scope that's lighter in weight than most, $5-600. The Vortexes are beasts.

 

[CSTactical]

The Vortex PST Gen II 1-6 MAP price is only $599.99 now

 

[Austinjunks]

Vortex PST Gen II 1-6 is what you're looking for. It was on sale recently for $499. I've used mine since it was released in 3-gun and it's awesome. The Razor or new Razor-E would be the only real step up, but for twice the price.

I'd probably get Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24.

Of the low power variables in your price range, it is probably the best one on 1x.

ILya

I second the gen 2 viper 1-6, it is a solid scope that can be had for ~$500 used. I know I am in the minority here, but I did not like the p4xi. The glass was good and dot was bright, but the turrets were crap and the indices on the turrets were just held by friction with an o-ring. the viper turrets are tough enough you can run them uncapped if need be.

 

[robertsma]

I’m a big fan of the nightforce NX8 if you can put a little bit extra in your budget. I’ve put thousands of rounds downtange with mine and wouldn’t change to anything else. The glass is clear and it’s very light. Eyebox is perfect for me and the magnification is smooth, the 1-8 ATACR is very, very stiff and takes a long time to work in, the NX8 doesn’t have that issue. If you can, it’s really worth it in my opinion. It’s much lighter than the gen 2 razor that I upgraded from.

 

[Rob01]

It’s much lighter than the gen 2 razor that I upgraded from.

1-8 ATACR is 21 ounces and the original Razor II 1-6 is 25 ounces. The new Razor II E version is 21.5 ounces.

 

[Frankly]

Regarding the Nightforce NX8, I have not seen one BUT I am inclined to believe I would not want a first focal plane scope for 3-gun and shorter ranges. I'm sure you can manage but it may be trying to do everything for everybody....

Still I wouldn't kick it outta bed if someone gave me a $1750 scope.

 

[Rob01]

I agree that SFP works well for 3 gun. Up close you will just need the dot for targets and by the time you are getting out to the ranges you will be using the reticle for holds you will be on 6x or max anyways.

 

[Cotay]

Another option is the Bushnell Elite Tactical SMRS 1-6.5x, specifically model ET1626 (SFP; BTR-2 reticle, Mil/Mil, T-Lok turrets). It's made by Low in Japan (like the Razor HD) and was introduced at Shot Show 2017. Bushnell has discontinued this version this year (it seems they have moved away from the BTR-1 and BTR-2 reticles) but they are still available for around $675 right now, which is an great deal for Japanese LPVO glass. I have two of them.

The glass on the PST Gen II is very nice and it is daylight bright. I've owned two, but sold one and the other needs to get repaired for a defective illumination knob. I've read reports of other folks having issues with illumination as well, but I wouldn't hesitate to run one for 3 gun...maybe not a duty rifle however.

On the budget end there is the Burris RT-6. I had the opportunity to grab one. It's nice for the price and under $400 you won't find a better new-in-box LPVO outside of the random closeout/sale. I'd not hesitate to use it for 3 Gun but there is a fair amount of distortion around the edges...not really noticeable in actual use however.

I've owned a Strike Eagle (sold) and a Primary Arms Gen 3 ACSS (22lr ACSS version). The PA is to my eyes better than the Strike Eagle glass wise, but I'd still choose the RT-6 over any of the Chinese options for a 3 Gun rifle.

 

[robertsma]

The NX8 and the 1-8 ATACR are different optics. The NX8 is 17 oz, which is 8 ounces lighter than the original vortex 1-6. I enjoy the NF reticle and have never had an issue with it being FFP. It comes down to personal preference at the end of the day and I believe it is a viable option, if you haven’t shot with one, give it a try. You can find them around 1300 (ish) used.

 

[CSTactical]

The Vortex Razor, NX8 and ATACR are my favorite LPVO's with pros and cons to each one.

 

[Jcarpenter223]

Practice loading that shotgun. Many ways to load and hold the shells. I used to get eaten up trying to load shells. Also count your rounds, another time killer is standing reloads.

Most importantly, have fun. Once you go to a few local matches figure out who the really good shooters are and squad with them.

 

[hypno02]

You can find a used g2 razor for less than $800. That’s your best option. Anyone telling you differently is stupid. Believe me. If you can spend another $600 you can get a NX8. They legitimately have a brighter dot than any aimpoint out there. Worth the coin over a razor? To me yes. Because I live in a very rural area.

 

[freedom71]

I have a Kahles 1-6 on one of my SBRs which is one of the best, if not the best, of 1-6 SFP scopes. But it's way beyond your $600-800 price range. I had a Vortex Strike Eagle, but sold it because I didn't like the eye box and reticle. I also have been behind the Vudu 1-8 and Razor 1-6.

Recently was looking for another 1-6 for a new SBR build. On Ilya's recommendation from this site, I bought the Hawke Sport Optics Frontier 30 1-6 on eBay for around $500 brand new. I am impressed!! It compares very favorably with the Kahles 1-6 at almost one-fourth the price. True 1x with almost no distortion, superb reticle, generous eye relief, "daylight bright," and glass quality that far exceeds its price.

 

[koshkin]

I have a Kahles 1-6 on one of my SBRs which is one of the best, if not the best, of 1-6 SFP scopes. But it's way beyond your $600-800 price range. I had a Vortex Strike Eagle, but sold it because I didn't like the eye box and reticle. I also have been behind the Vudu 1-8 and Razor 1-6.

Recently was looking for another 1-6 for a new SBR build. On Ilya's recommendation from this site, I bought the Hawke Sport Optics Frontier 30 1-6 on eBay for around $500 brand new. I am impressed!! It compares very favorably with the Kahles 1-6 at almost one-fourth the price. True 1x with almost no distortion, superb reticle, generous eye relief, "daylight bright," and glass quality that far exceeds its price.

I am glad you like the Frontier. I was shocked with how nice this scope is for the money and I think Hawke did an excellent job with the reticle.

I am probably going to look at a couple more of their products this year, a larger Frontier among them. I am testign a couple of their micro red dots now and they are doing quite well.

Good parallax control.

ILya

 

[Archangel01]

I have a Kahles 1-6 on one of my SBRs which is one of the best, if not the best, of 1-6 SFP scopes. But it's way beyond your $600-800 price range. I had a Vortex Strike Eagle, but sold it because I didn't like the eye box and reticle. I also have been behind the Vudu 1-8 and Razor 1-6.

Recently was looking for another 1-6 for a new SBR build. On Ilya's recommendation from this site, I bought the Hawke Sport Optics Frontier 30 1-6 on eBay for around $500 brand new. I am impressed!! It compares very favorably with the Kahles 1-6 at almost one-fourth the price. True 1x with almost no distortion, superb reticle, generous eye relief, "daylight bright," and glass quality that far exceeds its price.

If Ilya gives it a thumbs up I'll have to look into that Hawke I'm in the market for a 1-6x right now. Im waiting to hear more about the USO TS 6x as well. Seems they both fit my criteria

 

[gr8fuldoug]

The Hawke Frontier 30 1-6x24 - Tactical Dot is a great scope, especially for the price.

• 6x ratio precision engineered optical system
• 21 layer fully multi-coated optics for ultimate clarity
• 30mm mono-tube chassis for superior strength
• Long eye relief for high recoil and magnum calibers
• Glass etched reticle with red illumination
• Rheostat on saddle offers 6 levels of brightness
• 1/10″ @100yd low profile no-snag fingertip turrets
• Fast focus eyebell and high torque zoom ring

TACTICAL DOT RETICLE
Glass etched with illuminated quick acquisition circle and central aim point. Additional aim points down to 10 mil spacing when on 6x magnification.

 

[Sled]

I have the Vortex Strike Eagle 1x8, and can't really see spending more money on a scope to do what this was designed for. The glass is as clear as any scope I have ever looked through, when you turn it down to 1 and turn the illumination on, it functions perfectly as a red dot, and with the illumination off the black reticle is clear and sharp. I'm sure there are "better" scopes, but for me, this is the perfect scope to go on my DDM4.... and I looked a long time, just like I am doing now with long range scopes....

 

[wyld3man]

Like a few others commented, for the $ it’s hard to beat the pst gen 2, If you have the money the razor 1-6 is not a bad option either. I have both, unless you are gonna ride it hard and put it away wet the pst is a better choice.

If money does not matter both leupold and Nightforce have nice 1-8 options ?

 

[davsco]

i just built out a lightweight (shorter barrel) upper for closer-range 3 gun matches. love the vortex razor hd2 1-6 i have on my regular 3 gun rifle, but want something lighter to match this lighter build.

narrowed it down to strike eagle 1-6 and steiner 1-4 (not trying to spend a lot for a rifle that won't be used much). both about 1/2 pound lighter than razor. decided to try the steiner, ordered from doug at cameraland here just now. comes in a little below your budget, but you'll have to judge if 4x will be enough for you based on how far out your clubs do their targets.

if you want to up your budget some $300, i recently looked thru the triji accupower 1-8 and with a 34mm tube and 28mm objective, it's a pretty bright scope.