Finding the best prism scopes is no easy task as there are numerous options in the market. We have come to your rescue, today’s post highlights a selection of the best prism scopes.
Prism scopes are fixed power scopes that use a prism instead of an ocular and objective lens found in traditional scopes. They have a lightweight design that makes them a perfect option for any user who doesn’t want their rifle weighed down by a heavy traditional scope and wants better performance than what red dot sights offer.
What makes a Great Prism Scope?
A great prism scope has a high-quality glass lens and fully multi-coated lenses that maximize light transmission. It should also have a glass-etched reticle that’s illuminated for accurate shooting in poor lighting conditions. The scope should also be waterproof and fog proof for all-weather performance and be durably made to stand up to shock, impacts and falls.
When Do You Need to Use a Prism Scope?
If you have astigmatism, a prism scope will work best for your condition. These scopes use a lens and etched glass to form the reticle. This helps minimize distortion and fix astigmatism. You can also get a prism scope if you shoot at close and mid-ranges only.
8 Best Prism Scopes [1x to 5x Tactical Prism Scopes]
If you are having a hard time trying to find the best prism scope, you have come to the right place. We have compiled a list of the best prims scopes available on the market today. Let’s go over them and see how each product compares to the other after which you should be able to choose the product that works best for your rifle.
1) Vortex Optics Spitfire 3x Prism Scope
Vortex is one of the leading brands in the world of optics. It makes awesome optics that boast great features and the Spitfire 3x Prism Scope is no different. It features a fixed 3x magnification which excels in both close and medium-range shooting. Boasting ultra-fast target acquisition, Spitfire is undoubtedly one of the best prism scopes for close and medium-range shooting applications.
Featuring an illuminated glass-etched reticle, the scope provides great accuracy when shooting in poor lighting conditions. It has 5 illumination settings for use in adverse lighting conditions and a fast-focus eyepiece that makes reticle focusing a breeze.
Moreover, it boasts fully multi-coated lenses that offer bright and clear crystal views from dawn till dusk. Unrivaled clarity and high-quality glass further make Spitfire 3x prism scope one of the best prism scopes for AR platforms.
Weighing just 0.46kg, the scope will not add unnecessary weight to your firearm. Besides, it’s built to endure harsh and unforgiving outdoor use. It has a shockproof construction that withstands recoil and impact for greater durability.
It’s also sealed with O-rings to prevent dirt and moisture entry, and filled with nitrogen for true fog-proof performance. Lastly, it comes with dual Picatinny rails that allow you to pair the scope with an offset auxiliary reflex sight.
Features
- Multi-height mount system
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Durable, shockproof construction
- Illuminated reticle with 5 brightness settings
- Compact, light and portable
- Dual Picatinny rails
- Fixed 3x magnification
- Flip cap lens cover
- Fast focus eyepiece
2) Monstrum P330 Marksman 3x Prism Scope
The Monstrum P330 Marksman 3x is your best option if you are looking for the best prism scope for the money. It offers numerous high-end features at a price that’s easy on the wallet. It’s built with high-quality materials that make it virtually indestructible. The tough construction makes Marksman P330 stand out as one of the best prism scopes.
This scope offers a fixed 3x magnification and a wide field of view for easy target spotting. The illuminated circle dot aids in accurate shooting in low light conditions and remains visible with or without illumination. The all-glass prism optical system provides clean and clear sight pictures regardless of the lighting condition or environment.
For added convenience, the scope has a lightweight design for easy carrying in the field and an eye relief that’s long enough to target with both eyes open. This makes it perfect for users who have trouble sighting a traditional scope. At the price, you get an incredible sighting device that outshines other optics in the price range.
Features
- Ultra-sharp prism optics
- Long eye relief
- Lightweight and portable design
- Fixed 3x magnification
- 200+ yards efficient range
- Durable aircraft-quality aluminum construction
- Hard anodized finish
- Premium multi-coated lens
- Illuminated circle dot reticle
- 25 MOA adjustment
- 30mm objective lens
3) Sightmark Wolfhound Prismatic Sight
If you are looking to shoot long-range targets, you can trust the Sightmark Wolfhound Prismatic Sight to deliver. It is designed to accomplish holdovers from 100 yards to 800 yards. It’s simple to use and perfect for anyone looking to shoot in difficult environments. Unparalleled optical performance and clarity make it one of the best prism scopes for short to medium-range shooting scenarios.
The fully multi-coated lenses make a significant difference when shooting in poor lighting conditions. They maximize light transmission and reduce light loss through reflection to give you bright and clear sight pictures. The scope also features a red/green reticle illumination that helps you shoot accurately in low-light settings.
When it comes to construction, the scope is crafted from high-grade aluminum which enhances its durability while keeping weight at a minimum. It also yields scratch-proof lenses and a rubber armor that cushions it from shock and impact. To add to that, the scope is 100% waterproof, fog-proof and dustproof.
Features
- Red/green illumination
- Rubber armor
- High-grade aluminum construction
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Scratch proof lenses
- IP68 waterproof rating
- Fog proof, dustproof and shockproof
- Prismatic optical system
4) Sig Sauer Bravo3 Battle Sight
The Sig Sauer Bravo3 Battle Sight is designed for professionals and civilian shooters. It provides distortion-free images and superior edge-to-edge clarity. It mounts easily on different firearms and comes with a built-in Picatinny top rail where you can mount your accessories of choice.
This is a powerful sighting device for AR and MSR platform rifles and a force to be reckoned with when it comes to short-range and medium-range shooting situations.
It features a fixed 3x magnification suitable for shooting at close and medium ranges. It provides a wide field of view for easy target spotting and unlimited eye relief for rapid target acquisition.
Better yet, it comes with a red illuminated reticle with 10 brightness settings for use in adverse lighting conditions. Bravo3’s solid performance and versatility make it one of the best prism scopes.
With the rugged aluminum housing, the sight endures anything you throw at it. The matte finish reduces glare when shooting under direct sunlight and you can use it in any weather condition as it’s fully waterproof and fog-free. To top it all, it is powered by a high-capacity CR2 battery that provides up to 40000 hours of battery life.
Features
- IPX-8 water-resistant
- Shockproof and fog proof
- High-quality glass lens
- Rugged aluminum housing
- Integrated Picatinny top rail
- Matte finish
- Fixed 3x magnification
- Red illuminated reticle with 10 brightness settings
- Wider field of view
- Distortion-free images with edge-to-edge clarity
5) AT3 Tactical 3X Prism Scope with Illuminated BDC Reticle
As one of the best prism scopes, the AT3 Tactical scope offers multiple features to make you a better shooter. It is easy to use and simple to mount and detach. It provides clear views of targets that are as close as 25 yards and as far as 600 yards for accurate shooting.
This prism scope has an illuminated BDC reticle that gives you accurate holdovers out to 600 yards. It also comes with 10 brightness settings which give your clear view of the reticle even in poor lighting conditions.
Not to mention the fixed 3x magnification that brings you closer to targets and the wide field of view that gives you a better view of what’s around your targets for accurate shot placement.
Another good thing about the scope is the tough, flexible construction. It’s made with premium quality materials for the ultimate durability. It has a flip-up lens cap that keeps the lenses safe during storage or transit and a waterproof and fog proof construction for use in any weather conditions.
Features
- Sight rail for adding extra accessories
- Water-resistant and fog proof
- 7-inches eye relief
- Digital brightness controls
- Illuminated BDC reticle with 10 brightness settings
- Tough and flexible construction
- Flip-up lens cap
- Tethered windage and elevation caps
- Picatinny mount
- 3x magnification
6) Vortex Optics Spitfire HD Gen II Red Dot Prism Scopes
Here is another quality prism scope from Vortex. The Spitfire HD Gen II Red Dot Prism Scopes are available in two sizes; 3x and 5x. Both offer rapid target acquisition and great performance in different environments and lighting conditions. This versatility makes Gen II Prism scopes score high as the best prism scopes.
Featuring an advanced optical system and fully multi-coated lenses, the scope provides high-quality and brilliant images full of color contrast. If you’ll be using the scope for hunting at dawn or dusk, you can rest assured that it will give you good-quality image views. Besides, it comes with an illuminated BDC-4 reticle that offers acquisition holdovers out to 650 yards.
Moreover, the Spitfire HD Gen II is well-built to give you many years of field use. It has a shockproof design to endure harsh field conditions. It’s also waterproof and fog proof to stand up to any weather condition. Lastly, this scope can be mounted either as a lower 1/3 co-witness or a low mount option.
Features
- Lightweight and compact
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Durable, shockproof construction
- Illuminated BDC-4 reticle
- 12 brightness settings
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- High-quality optics
- Day and night vision
7) Sniper PM3.5X40CB Prism Scope
Next on our list of the best prism scopes is the Sniper PM3.5X40CB Prism scope. This scope offers an extra-long eye relief that allows for both eyes to open shooting. It’s versatile and suitable for both hunting and tactical shooting.
The scope has a lightweight design that makes it easy to mount and shoot with. The 4x fixed magnification brings distant targets closer and with the wide field of view, you will be able to spot your targets easily. Additionally, the scope has a precise 0.25MOAclick value for easy windage and elevation adjustment.
This scope is made on a proven robust platform to endure anything you throw at it. It has a shockproof design that makes it indestructible and completely sealed and nitrogen-filled to provide reliable all-weather performance. Above all, it comes with an integrated double sides rail where you can mount any extra accessory that you want.
Features
- Picatinny mount
- Precise 1/4MOA windage and elevation adjustment
- Long eye relief
- Compact and lightweight
- Built-in double side rails
- Fog proof and rainproof
- Robust, shockproof housing
- 4x magnification
8)Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 Riflescopes
If you are looking for a sighting tool to take your shooting skills to the next level, you should invest in this top-tier riflescope from Trijicon. It features a tritium fiber optic illuminated reticle that doesn’t require battery power to stay illuminated. Plus, it adjusts its brightness depending on the available light.
Featuring the Bindon Aiming Concept, the scope allows you to shoot with both eyes wide open. This helps improve situational awareness. It is lightweight for easy portability and offers a generous field of view for simple target spotting. To top it all, the scope features a 3.5x fixed magnification and a rugged aluminum-alloy construction that enhances its durability.
Features
- Battery-free illumination
- Combat proven
- Both eyes open design
- BDC and ranging reticle
- Lightweight
- 5x fixed magnification
- 35mm objective lens
- 7-inches eye relief
- Rugged aluminum-alloy housing
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Best Prism Scopes Buying Guide
Consideration when Choosing Prismatic Scopes
Magnification
Like any other scope, magnification is an important factor to consider when shopping for the best prism scopes. While most prism scopes have a fixed magnification up to 5x, some don’t magnify the image at all.
Scopes with 1x magnification provide increased situational awareness and are useful for competition shootings that restrict magnification. 1x is also ideal for shotguns used for home defense.
If you plan to shoot distant targets, look for a scope that offers higher magnification. This way, you will be able to bring the targets closer and increase your chances of shooting accurately.
Reticle Design
Prism scopes offer multiple reticle designs. You can choose from horseshoe and circle dot reticles to BDC and crosshair reticles. Some of these reticles even help you estimate how far the target is and make you a better shooter.
For quick, close-range shooting, get a simple reticle design that’s accurate and easy to aim. On the other hand, get a rapid-ranging reticle if you need to shoot at unknown ranges. For longer ranges beyond 100 yards, a BDC reticle will be very useful.
Durability
The best prims scopes are well-constructed so you will get many years from them. With so many models to choose from, go for a scope that’s crafted with high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum. Also make sure that the scope is sealed to prevent the entry of dirt and moisture, and purged with nitrogen or argon to prevent internal fogging of the lenses.
Battery Life
Many prism scopes are powered by a battery. What makes the difference is the type of battery and its capacity. A high-capacity battery will give you multiple hours of continuous runtime so you can get the most out of your shooting trip.
Prismatic scopes with fiber optics have battery-free illumination. This way, you never have to worry about the battery running out when you are on the field.
Image Quality
You should look keenly at the quality of the optics and the type of coatings used on the lenses and prism. Scopes with fully multi-coated lenses and all-glass lenses are the best. The former maximizes light transmission for brilliant image production and the latter provides clear and color-accurate images even in dismal environments.
Cost
Prism scopes have different price tags to meet the needs of different users. If you are looking for a top-tier scope, be prepared to pay more. Quality and performance come at a price.
However, if you are not willing to spend a lot of money, there are multiple affordable yet quality scopes you can choose from. Just make sure that it has all the features that you need.
Read: Best Vortex Scopes for AR-10
Prism Scopes vs Traditional scopes
A prism scope is a scope that uses a glass prism to bring the image into focus. This makes their compact size. Though compact, prism scopes offer numerous features like reticle illumination, wide field of view and a fast-focus eyepiece. However, they have a smaller and fixed magnification power from 1x to 5x, so they are ideal for close and mid-range shooting only.
Traditional scopes on the other hand use a series of lenses to focus an image. They offer higher magnification suitable for long-range shooting and a larger body tube that accommodates more features. Traditional scopes also offer a variable zoom power which makes them suitable for shooting at varying distances.
Read: Best Scope for 243 Winchester
Conclusion
We hope that in this post you have found helpful insight into the best prism scopes. All the scopes listed above have a lot to offer. They are durable, versatile and work well with a wide range of firearms. Invest in any model above and improve your shooting accuracy from short range to several hundred yards.