If you are upgrading your AR-15, preparing for a tactical scenario, or looking for a dependable optic for target shooting, you are in the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore the best 3x prism scopes on the market, examine their key features, pros and cons, and help you find the ideal model for your shooting needs.
A 3x prism scope is an excellent optic for shooters who need a balance between magnification and a compact design. Unlike traditional scopes, prism scopes use a glass prism to focus the image, providing clearer optics, a wider field of view, and more durability than standard lens-based scopes. Besides, the best 3x prism scopes are versatile and suitable for enhancing your accuracy and performance.
Why a 3x Prism Scope?
Acquiring a 3x prism scope for your hunting or tactical shooting endeavors comes with the following advantages:
- Fixed 3x Magnification: The fixed 3x magnification power is ideal for close and medium-range engagements from 100 to 300 yards.
- Compact & Lightweight: These optics are small and light than variable zoom optics for portability and convenience.
- Etched Reticle: Furthermore, 3x prism scopes have etched reticles that work without battery power, unlike red dots with projected reticles.
- More Generous Eye Relief: The best 3x prism scopes feature more forgiving eye box for quicker target acquisition.
- Faster Target Acquisition: Moreover, these optics tend to be more effective than LPVOs at fixed magnification.
- Astigmatism-Friendly: Prism scopes provide a clearer reticle compared to red dots for users with astigmatism.
- Durability & Reliability: Thanks to the robust and rugged construction, prism scopes are more durable and reliable than many variable optics.
Best 3x Prism Scopes
1. Primary Arms SLx 3x32mm Prism Scope
Specifications
- Fabric/Material: Aluminum
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
- Brightness Settings: 11
- Eye Relief: 2.72 – 2.92 in
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Field of View, Linear: 31.5 ft at 100 ft, 31.5 ft at 100 yds
- Length: 2.95 in
- Weight: 18.4 oz
The Primary Arms SLx 3x32mm Prism Scope is the best 3x prism scope. It is an excellent choice for AR-15 owners looking for a durable and reliable optic with fixed magnification.
Constructed from high-quality aluminum, this scope withstands harsh conditions while maintaining a lightweight and compact profile. The 3x magnification paired with a 32mm objective lens provides a clear and crisp sight picture, making it ideal for mid-range engagements.
Optically, the scope features an LED-illuminated reticle in red with 11 brightness settings. It ensures optimal visibility in various lighting conditions. Furthermore, the enclosed emitter design protects the illumination system, enhancing durability and reliability in rugged environments.
With an eye relief of 2.72 – 2.92 inches, the scope offers a comfortable shooting experience, though it requires precise positioning for optimal performance. Additionally, its 0.25 MOA click adjustments allow for fine-tuned precision when sighting in.
Beyond its optical performance, the SLx 3x32mm Prism Scope boasts excellent resilience against harsh environmental conditions. It is fully waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof, ensuring reliability in adverse weather or rough handling. Over and above that, the wide field of view of 31.5 feet at 100 yards makes target acquisition quick and efficient, enhancing situational awareness in dynamic shooting scenarios.
Pros
- Seamless integration with AR-15 rifles
- Versatile
- Robust and reliable construction
- Multiple brightness settings
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons
- Narrow eye relief
2. Monstrum S330P 3x Prism Scope
Specifications
- Fabric/Material: 6061 Aluminum
- Objective Window Size: 30 mm
- Reticle: Illuminated Circle Dot
- Eye Relief: 3 – 3.5 in, 3-3.5 in
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/2 MOA
- Weight: 15 oz
Whether used for home defense, hunting, or tactical applications, the Monstrum S330P 3x Prism Scope delivers excellent performance in different lighting and weather conditions.
It is constructed from 6061 aluminum and offers a solid build that ensures durability and reliability in rugged conditions. Furthermore, the waterproof and shockproof design enhances durability, making it capable of withstanding recoil and harsh conditions.
With a fixed 3x magnification and a 30mm objective lens, the scope provides a clear and sharp sight picture for close to mid-range engagements. The illuminated circle dot reticle, available in both red and green, enhances target acquisition in various lighting conditions, and the enclosed emitter design ensures consistent performance without interference from environmental elements.
More importantly, the generous 39.3 ft field of view at 100 yards allows for excellent situational awareness while aiding in rapid target acquisition. This scope is also designed with user comfort and precision in mind with a generous and a lightweight construction that makes it an excellent addition to any rifle without adding excessive bulk.
Pros
- Dual-color illuminated reticle for low-light visibility
- Rugged aluminum construction
- Compact and lightweight design
- Integrated Picatinny mount for easy installation
Cons
- Battery required for illuminated reticle use
3. Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 3x Prism Scope
Specifications
- Objective Window Size: 21 mm
- Reticle: AR-BDC4
- Brightness Settings: 12
- Field of View, Linear: 37.9 ft at 100 yds
- Water Resistance Level: Waterproof
- Length: 3 in
- Weight: 9.3 oz
Vortex has a reputation for manufacturing quality and cost-effective optics and this is clear with the Spitfire HD Gen II 3x Prism Scope.
One of its standout features is the HD optical system. It delivers sharp image clarity and impressive light transmission for easy target acquisition even in low-light conditions. Besides, the etched BDC reticle is illuminated in red or green and has multiple brightness settings to ensure consistent aiming without reliance on batteries.
The compact build and lightweight 9.3-ounce design make the scope easy to mount on an AR platform without adding unnecessary weight. Furthermore, the controls are intuitive, with easily adjustable turrets for windage and elevation while the included mounting options for lower 1/3 co-witness or low-profile setups enhance adaptability for different shooting preferences.
Durability is another key strength of the Spitfire HD Gen II 3x. It is robustly built to withstand harsh environments. Additionally, it is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof to ensures it performs well in various weather conditions.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight build
- Outstanding durability
- Adaptable for different shooting preferences
- Easy to set up and use
Cons
- Limited eye relief
4. AT3 Tactical 3x Prism Scope
Specifications
- Fabric/Material: 6061 Aluminum
- Reticle: BDC Reticle
- Eye Relief: 2.75 in
- Field of View, Linear: 38 ft at 100 yds
- Battery Life: 200 hours
- Length: 4.1 in
- Weight: 15 oz
As one of the best 3x prism scopes AT3 Tactical 3x Prism Scope excels in various conditions. It is simple to use and reasonably affordable.
The scope stands out with its superior build quality. It features a rugged, nitrogen-purged aluminum body that is both waterproof and shockproof. This makes it ideal for harsh environments and rough terrains.
To complement the solid construction, the scopes’ glass clarity is impressive for the price point. It provides a sharp and bright sight picture, even in low-light conditions. Besides, the Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) reticle, available in both red and green illumination, offers excellent versatility, allowing shooters to quickly acquire targets and make precise holdovers for various distances.
Performance-wise, the AT3 Tactical 3x Prism Scope excels in maintaining zero even after repeated recoil, thanks to its secure and sturdy mounting system. The 3x magnification strikes a balance between close-quarters agility and mid-range precision while the windage and elevation adjustments help shooters fine-tune their accuracy without hassle.
Pros
- Affordability
- High construction quality
- Large field of view
- Bright and clear optics
Cons
- Short battery life
5. TRYBE Optics 3x32mm Compact Prism Scope
Specifications
- Fabric/Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
- Reticle: 4 MOA Dot
- Brightness Settings: 11
- Eye Relief: 2.72 – 2.92 in
- Field of View, Linear: 31.5 ft at 100 yds
- Battery Life: 3000 Hours
- Water Resistance Level: IP67
- Length: 5.6 in
- Weight: 16 oz
The TRYBE Optics 3x32mm Compact Prism Scope is our last 3x prism scope recommendation. It is a high-quality, compact optic that stands out for its durability and versatility.
The 3x magnification provides a clear and detailed view of targets at moderate distances, perfect for those who need more precision than red dot sights, without the bulk of higher magnification scopes. Besides, the 32mm objective lens offers excellent light transmission, providing bright and sharp images even in low-light conditions.
Regarding construction, the scope has a robust construction featuring a shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant design. This makes it highly reliable in various weather conditions. Furthermore, the prism-based design keeps the scope compact while the lens coatings contribute to better clarity and contrast.
In terms of ease of use, the TRYBE Optics Compact Prism Scope is straightforward to mount and adjust, with an intuitive reticle and precise windage and elevation controls. The fixed magnification reduces the complexity of adjustments while the wide field of view is perfect for fast target acquisition.
Above all, the scope also features a convenient and sturdy mounting system that ensures a secure fit on most Picatinny or Weaver rails.
Pros
- Robust construction
- Sturdy mounting system
- Generous field of view
- Intuitive reticle design
- Precise windage and elevation controls
Cons
- Limited battery life
How to Choose the Best 3x Prism Scopes
When choosing the best 3x prism scope, consider the following key factors:
Optical Quality
First and foremost, the optical quality of the scope is crucial. Look for a scope with high-quality glass and coatings that can enhance light transmission, reduce glare, and improve clarity, especially in low-light conditions. A fully multi-coated lens is often a good indicator of high optical quality.
Reticle
Next, consider the reticle. Many of the best 3x prism scopes feature a built-in illuminated reticle, which is beneficial for faster target acquisition, especially in dynamic shooting situations. Some scopes also offer adjustable illumination, allowing you to tailor the brightness level to your environment. It’s also worth looking at the reticle design itself, such as whether it offers bullet drop compensation or holds for windage adjustments, depending on your shooting style and range needs.
Build Quality
Another key factor to consider is build quality. The best 3x prism scopes are rugged and built to withstand harsh conditions. A durable, aircraft-grade aluminum body is a good indication of toughness and resistance to rough handling. Additionally, look for scopes that are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, especially if you’re using your rifle in challenging environments or adverse weather.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is also essential. The scope should offer quick adjustments for windage and elevation, ideally with tactile clicks that are easy to make without taking your eye off the target. A generous eye relief is also important for comfort, particularly for users who wear glasses or for those who prefer a more extended shooting position.
Mounting Options and Compatibility
The other important things to consider are compatibility and mounting options. Some 3x prism scopes are designed to be mounted on standard Picatinny or Weaver rails, while others may come with specific mounts or adapters for particular rifle platforms. Ensure the scope is compatible with your setup and that it offers a comfortable viewing position without compromising your shooting stance.
Weight and Size
Weight and size play an essential role in maintaining the rifle’s overall balance and usability. A lightweight scope ensures that the rifle remains easy to handle, preventing it from becoming overly front-heavy or cumbersome. The weight distribution is also crucial for accuracy and stability while compact designs are equally important as they minimize unnecessary bulk, allowing for better maneuverability in dynamic environments.
Price
The price of the best 3x prism scopes varies from model to model. High-end options are often equipped with superior optics, offering clearer, more precise targeting, and enhanced light transmission. Nonetheless, there are plenty of budget scopes that feature advanced technologies like multi-coated lenses, high-quality glass, and durable construction. Determine how much you can afford and settle for a model that gives you value for money.
FAQs
- What is a 3x prism scope?
A 3x prism scope is a type of rifle scope that uses a prism lens to provide magnification. Unlike traditional scopes that use lenses to magnify the image, prism scopes use a compact, solid prism system to offer a fixed magnification (in this case, 3x). This type of scope is usually more compact and durable compared to traditional scopes so it is ideal for close to mid-range engagements.
- Can a 3x prism scope be used with a red dot sight?
Yes, many shooters use a 3x prism scope in combination with a red dot sight, especially in tactical situations. The red dot is mounted on top of the prism scope or offset to allow for quick transitions between magnified and unmagnified shooting.
Final Words
In conclusion, when choosing the best 3x prism scope, it’s vital to balance optical clarity, reticle features, durability, ease of use, and compatibility with your firearm. Look at the attributes that make each prims scope the right purchase and settle for the model that suits your needs and enhances your shooting experience.