The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide to Vortex Optics for 3-Gun and Competitive Shooters
When it comes to 3-gun and action shooting, the right riflescope is a pretty important piece of gear. You need an optic that keeps up with the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of competitive shooting—one that balances speed, precision, and durability. Vortex Optics has been heavily involved in 3-Gun for as long as I can remember – and have carved a reputation for producing some of the most trusted optics in the industry, offering a range of models tailored to different skill levels and budgets.
In this guide, we’ll compare five standout Low Power Variable Optics (or, LPVO):
- Vortex Venom 1-6×24 SFP Riflescope
- Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 FFP Riflescope
- Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24 Riflescope
- Vortex Razor HD Gen II 1-6×24 Riflescope
- Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10×24 FFP Riflescope
We’ll break down their key features, strengths, and ideal use cases to help you decide which optic is right for your competitive shooting needs.
Understanding the Needs of 3-Gun and Action Shooters
Before diving into the products, let’s recap what makes a great optic for 3-gun:
- Close-Range Speed: A true 1x magnification that functions like a red dot for close targets.
- Mid-to-Long-Range Precision: Clear optics and holdovers for precise shots at distance.
- Durability: Rugged construction that handles recoil, rough handling, and weather.
- Ease of Use: Intuitive features like smooth magnification changes and bright reticles.
Every optic here meets these needs to varying degrees, but the right choice for you depends on your budget, skill level, and competition goals.
1. Vortex Venom 1-6×24 SFP Riflescope – Budget-Friendly and Reliable
Price: $450 (MSRP)
Best For: Newer competitors or those on a tight budget.
The Vortex Venom 1-6×24 is an excellent entry-level LPVO for 3-gun competitors. It offers a true 1x magnification for close-range speed, a simple second focal plane (SFP) AR-BDC3 reticle for mid-range holdovers, and reliable construction at a manageable price.
- Strengths:
- Lightweight at 18.6 ounces.
- Easy-to-use throw lever for magnification transitions.
- Durable, waterproof, and shockproof build.
- Competitive price for beginners or budget-conscious shooters.
- Limitations:
- Reticle illumination is underwhelming in bright sunlight.
- SFP reticle lacks versatility for distance scaling.
Verdict: The Venom is an excellent choice for those starting out in 3-gun who need solid performance without overspending. Its simplicity and reliability make it a strong beginner-friendly option.
2. Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 FFP Riflescope – Versatility on a Budget
Price: $699 (MSRP)
Best For: Intermediate shooters seeking extended magnification and an FFP reticle.
The Strike Eagle 1-8×24 adds versatility with its 1-8x magnification range, perfect for competitors who encounter a mix of CQB and longer-range stages. Its first focal plane (FFP) reticle ensures consistent holdovers at any magnification.
- Strengths:
- FFP EBR-8 reticle is intuitive and versatile.
- 8x zoom range is ideal for mid-range shooting.
- Throw lever included for rapid magnification changes.
- Durable and backed by Vortex’s VIP Lifetime Warranty.
- Limitations:
- Heavier than entry-level optics at 23.9 ounces.
- Reticle illumination struggles in direct sunlight.
- Eye box tightens noticeably at 8x magnification.
Verdict: The Strike Eagle is a fantastic step-up for intermediate shooters who want the flexibility of 8x magnification and the precision of an FFP reticle. Its price-to-performance ratio makes it a popular choice for serious hobbyists.
3. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24 Riflescope – Mid-Tier Performance with Premium Features
Price: $899 (MSRP)
Best For: Competitors seeking high performance without premium pricing.
The Viper PST Gen II is a significant upgrade from entry-level scopes, featuring exceptional glass clarity, a VMR-2 MOA or MRAD reticle, and capped turrets for competition reliability. While it lacks the extended zoom of an 8x or 10x scope, its performance at 1-6x excels for the majority of 3-gun scenarios.
- Strengths:
- XD glass elements deliver sharp, high-contrast images.
- Daylight-bright illumination at 1x.
- Smooth throw lever for magnification transitions.
- Robust build with zero-reset turrets.
- Limitations:
- Slightly heavier than the Venom at 22.7 ounces.
- Illumination isn’t as bright as premium models in full sunlight.
Verdict: The Viper PST Gen II offers excellent value for competitors ready to elevate their game. It’s a versatile, durable optic that balances performance and price, making it a favorite for serious shooters who don’t want to break the bank.
4. Vortex Razor HD Gen II 1-6×24 Riflescope – The Gold Standard
Price Range: $2400 (MSRP)
Best For: Advanced competitors chasing podium finishes.
The Razor HD Gen II is the benchmark for LPVOs in 3-gun. Its HD glass, daylight-bright illumination, and wide field of view deliver unparalleled clarity and performance. The JM-1 BDC reticle, designed by Jerry Miculek, is tailored specifically for competitive shooters, offering intuitive holdovers without clutter.
- Strengths:
- Premium optical clarity with a true 1x magnification.
- Wide FOV (115.2 feet at 1x) for situational awareness.
- Rugged, bombproof construction for demanding conditions.
- Factory-installed throw lever for fast magnification changes.
- Limitations:
- Heavy at 25.2 ounces.
- Premium price limits accessibility for budget-conscious shooters.
Verdict: The Razor HD Gen II remains the go-to choice for top-tier competitors. If you’re serious about 3-gun and want a scope that offers every performance advantage, this is the one to beat.
5. Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10×24 FFP Riflescope – Maximum Versatility
Price: $4,000 (MSRP)
Best For: Elite competitors and multi-discipline shooters who need extreme versatility.
The Razor HD Gen III 1-10×24 is the next evolution of LPVOs, boasting an unprecedented 1-10x magnification range. This scope bridges the gap between CQB and true long-range precision, making it an excellent choice for 3-gun shooters who encounter varied target distances.
- Strengths:
- EBR-9 FFP reticle offers precision holdovers at all magnifications.
- Daylight-bright illumination at 1x.
- HD glass provides edge-to-edge clarity.
- Lightweight for its class at 21.5 ounces.
- Limitations:
- Extremely expensive, limiting accessibility.
- Eye box tightens significantly at 10x magnification.
Verdict: The Razor HD Gen III is the ultimate LPVO for shooters who demand it all. While the price will deter many, its performance is unmatched for those who can justify the investment.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Venom 1-6×24 | Strike Eagle 1-8×24 | Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24 | Razor HD Gen II 1-6×24 | Razor HD Gen III 1-10×24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $399-$499 | $599-$749 | $699-$899 | $1,399-$1,499 | $2,899-$2,999 |
| Magnification | 1-6x | 1-8x | 1-6x | 1-6x | 1-10x |
| Reticle | SFP (AR-BDC3) | FFP (EBR-8) | SFP (VMR-2) | SFP (JM-1 BDC) | FFP (EBR-9) |
| Weight | 18.6 oz | 23.9 oz | 22.7 oz | 25.2 oz | 21.5 oz |
| Illumination | Good | Decent | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Best Use | Beginners | Intermediate | Serious competitors | Advanced competitors | Advanced competitors |
Final Recommendations
- For Beginners: The Vortex Venom 1-6×24 is an unbeatable starting point, offering solid performance without overcomplicating things.
- For Intermediate Shooters: The Strike Eagle 1-8×24 provides more versatility and an FFP reticle, making it ideal for those ready to tackle longer-range challenges.
- For Serious Competitors: The Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24 balances premium features with affordability, making it a go-to for dedicated shooters looking to level up.
- For Advanced Shooters: The Razor HD Gen II 1-6×24 sets the standard for 3-gun optics, delivering unmatched clarity and performance.
- For Elite Shooters: The Razor HD Gen III 1-10×24 is the pinnacle of LPVOs, offering unparalleled versatility for those who need an optic that does it all.
No matter where you are in your competitive journey, there’s a Vortex optic designed to help you perform at your best.
