It is very expedient to take cognizance of some qualities when choosing a scope. Different shooters have varying tastes in shooting aids which makes their performance stand out.
Here are some of the features/qualities you should watch out for when choosing a scope, especially for a 3-gun competition.
MAGNIFICATION
How close can you be to your target? The closer your target appears to you, the better your chances of accuracy. Compared to the naked eye, when you look through a scope of 9x magnification, you get to view your target 9 times the original size and in 3-gun shooting, you need to have a close view of the target to make a precise shot.
While some scopes are fixed (you can’t change the magnification), others are variables (have more than one magnification). For example, Trijicon AccuPoint 1-6x is a variable scope with 1x to 6x magnification. If you will be shooting far distances, you need to consider this feature.
OBJECTIVE LENS
The objective lens is the part of the scope that is responsible for the brightness and clarity of your display. With a bigger objective lens, you have a better view of your target.
In the Trijicon AccuPoint 1-6x24mm riflescope, the number after the “x” (24mm) is the objective lens diameter. It is important to know what you need to take a clean shot. Choosing a suitable objective lens diameter can change your shooting for the best.
SCOPE RETICLE
When you look through a scope, the crosshair that you see in the center of your lens is the reticle and it is chiefly important in making a choice scope.
A good reticle makes shooting easier and some even go as far as estimating the target distance. I’m landing a clean shot on your target, you will need a well Illuminated reticle that is bright during the day and eye-catching in low or ambient light.
FFP OR SFP
You may want to ask, “how does this affect my shooting?” A first focal plane (FFP) reticle will increase as you go up the magnification scale which is good for long-distance shooting but may obscure your view in situations of close-quarter engagement.
The second focal plane (SFP) reticle on the other hand does not change with an increase in magnification and does not obscure your view at any range. Now, which is best for you?
WINDAGE AND ELEVATION
There are knobs on your scope to facilitate unparalleled shots. The windage turret adjusts the scope’s aim horizontally from left to right while the elevation turret makes the vertical adjustment from top to bottom. You don’t need further clarification to help you know how this could assist you in aiming better.
EYE RELIEF
Having enough distance between your eye and the optic lens of the scope keeps you confidently protected from taking the gun impact on your eye. For a rifle, you will need a scope with at least 3.5 to 4 inches eye relief. But if your rifle jerks back with force anytime you shoot, you should go for an eye relief much higher
With all of these said, let’s look straight into our top ten picks for the best 3-gun scopes.
WATERPROOF / FOGPROOF / SHOCKPROOF
The question of “can my scope withstand the rain?” Is no longer alien to the shooting community. It is good to have a fine scope but most assuring to have one that can survive any weather condition. A quality scope should be able to function well after taking some recoil and beating from the rain.