What Are Prism Scopes?
This is a question that is very likely to be asked by anyone who comes across this review. Well, to put it in simple terms, prism scopes are fixed magnification optics that use a prism instead of the two objective and ocular lenses common in traditional scopes.
With prism scopes, you will not only get all the benefits of a traditional low-power variable optic, but also the compact design of a red dot sight. It is very convenient that you can use a prism scope on any firearm that you can put a lens scope on, one that has a fixed magnification that doesn’t go higher than 5x.
This means that prism scopes are ideal for short to medium-range shooting.
Why Prism Scopes and Not Red Dot Sights?
Prism scopes are well suited for applications where compact size and minimal magnification are key. This makes them more competitive against red dot sights than lens scopes.
Red dot sights have the advantage of zero parallaxes, no eye relief, and are lightweight, while prism scopes have the advantage of etched reticles and magnification, which makes them more suitable for a wider variety of applications.
Understanding Prism Scopes
Although your choice of using prism scopes is solely dependent on your intended use and personal preference, below are some of the reasons you should choose a prism scope.
Pros
- Unlike red dot sights, they have some level of magnification
- They are usually smaller, compact, and easier to handle compared to traditional scopes
- They have no moving optical parts hence increased durability
- They normally have illuminated reticles
- Prism scopes do not need batteries since the reticle is etched into the glass
- It is better for astigmatism
Cons
- Magnification only goes up to 5x
- They are heavier compared to red dot sights
- Not as forgiving parallax and eye relief compared to red dots
- The illuminated reticles are not all-day light bright
- Most prism scopes are more expensive compared to traditional scopes
- They have fixed magnification
- They have eye relief and some parallax hence not as quick as red dots
Best Prism Scopes for Shooting Reviews
1) Vortex Optics Spitfire 3x Prism Scope
The Vortex Spitfire 3x Prism Scope is the perfect scope for close to medium-range shooting applications where there is a need for fast target acquisition and speed. Its prism-based design allows for a compact optical system while still maintaining great optical quality.
The scope is designed with fully multi-coated lenses that have anti-reflective coatings for bright views even in low-light conditions. The strong construction can withstand shock and recoil while the nitrogen purging and O-ring seals create a fog-proof and waterproof performance.
It also features a selectable red/green illuminated reticle with five intensity levels making it ideal for different situational conditions. In this scope, the reticle is etched on the prism making sure that the user has an effective point of aim under all illumination settings.
You will be able to easily mount this scope on different mounting heights thanks to the multi-height mount system as well as the dual Picatinny rails that allow it to be paired with an offset auxiliary reflex sight.
Key features
- Fully multi-coated lenses offer bright, clear images
- It features an illuminated reticle
- It has a fast-focus eyepiece that adjusts the reticle into sharp focus
- It has a multi-height mount system that allows for 30mm and 40mm mounting heights
- Dual Picatinny rails included
Pros
- It is easy to mount
- It has a shockproof construction
Cons
- Fixed magnification
2) Sniper LS 5X50 CB Prism Scope, Compact Prism Scope
The Sniper LS Prism Scope is a well-built optical scope that offers high performance, with fiber optic sight to give you quick and accurate acquisition of crisp images for accurate shooting.
The scope is built on a proven robust platform that offers high-strength performance with resistance to recoil for a wide range of applications. The aluminum alloy material and black matte finish also ensure the durability of the scope.
The scope is completely sealed and inert gas-filled for weatherproof and water-resistant performance. It features a fully coated prism lens that provides excellent light transmission for crystal-clear images.
The glass-etched reticle also comes with different brightness levels for each color allowing shooters to set the right brightness for the exact weather and lighting condition.
Key features
- It has a red, green, and blue illuminated reticle with multiple brightness settings for great accuracy
- It has QTA (Quick Adjustment) turrets with precise 1/2 MOA click value for wind and elevation adjustment
- It has a 5x magnification
- It is 4.85 inches long
- The objective lens diameter is 50mm
- It has a 28.4 ft. @ 100 yards field of view
Pros
- Crystal clear views
- Shockproof
- Waterproof and fog-proof
Cons
- Fixed magnification
3) Burris 300217 Armalite Rifle Tactical Sight
This Burris scope is the perfect choice for close-range combats. With a notable 3x zoom and bright and clear fully multi-coated optics, you can make laser-sharp and accurate shots with ease.
The ballistic 3x reticle is optimized to aid with viewing at the 3x magnification. It also features an illuminated round target horseshoe, an illuminated target dot, and a t-shaped MOA Crosshair for precision shots at extended ranges.
The LED illumination system provides two colors- green and red, together with 5 brightness settings for each color. It is also a plus that you can turn off the reticle’s illumination during the day to save the battery for night use.
It comes with a quick detach (QD) mount to fit any ammo and has three short Picatinny rails on the top and both sides for attachment of additional accessories like lasers, flashlights, or cameras
Key features
- Made with strong aluminum housing for durability and weatherproofing
- It has a red-green ballistic reticle with 10 LED illumination settings
- It is parallax free at 100 yds.
- It has windage and elevation adjustments with 80 MOA ranges and 1/2 MOA per click values
Pros
- It comes with a CR-2032 battery and Picatinny QD mount
- It is waterproof/fog-proof/impact-resistant
Cons
- It has a low-fixed magnification hence only ideal for short-range shooting
4) UUQ Prism 4×32 Triple Illuminated Rifle Scope
This is a high-performance scope that made it to this list because of its durability and versatility. It features a fiber optic sight, multi-coated optics, and an illuminated red, green, and blue rapid-range glass etched reticle that ensures you acquire targets with ease and with utmost accuracy.
The scope is made of strong aluminum materials with a dual-layer coated lens for maximum light transmission and clear views. The complete sealing and nitrogen filling make the scope water and fog-resistant for reliable use in all weather conditions.
Key features
- It has a 4x magnification
- It features a crystal clear fully-coated prism lens for great light transmission and clarity
- It has a rapid target acquisition reticle with range finding and ballistic, precise 1/4 MOA click value for windage and elevation adjustment
- Mount fits all 20mm weaver and 3/8 inch dovetail rails
- The reticle is fixed at 100 yards and ranges out to 600 yards
- It offers generous eye relief for safe use
Pros
- Highly durable
- Lightweight
- Tool-free installation
Cons
- Smaller 32mm objective lens
- Fixed magnification
5) Primary Arms 2.5 x 32 mm Rifle Scope
For the stress-free shooting of mid-ranged targets, the Primary Arms 2.5X Compact AR15 Scope is equipped with a ton of features including an illuminated reticle that uses 12 different brightness settings, allowing you to use the most suitable for your current lighting situations.
The scope is designed with fully multi-coated lenses that provide maximum light transmission for clear, bright images. It has also been purged with Nitrogen and completely sealed to provide a waterproof and fog-resistant performance.
The included standard Picatinny mount can be removed for use on AR15/M16 carry handles.
Key features
- It has a bullet drop compensation reticle
- The scope is powered by a CR2032 battery
- It features fully multi-coated lenses
- The scope comes with lens covers, lens cloth, and installation hardware for easy maintenance
- It has cupped turrets that are tool adjustable
- It is compatible with all industry-standard full-size ACOG mounts
Pros
- It comes with the battery
- Lightweight
- Protected by a 1-year warranty.
Cons
- Fixed magnification
6) THEA Prism 4×32 Triple Illuminated Reticle Rifle Scope
THEA Prism rifle scope is a high-performance optical scope with fiber optic sight. It has manufactured multi-coated optics that allow for maximum light transmission for clear, bright views. It also has an illuminated red-green-blue rapid-range glass etched reticle for quick target acquisition for accurate shots.
The reticle has range finding and ballistic precise 1/4 MOA click value for windage and elevation adjustment.
Key features
- It is built of a durable metal housing for a long time of performance
- It has a 32mm objective diameter
- It features a crystal clear fully-coated lens
- The scope is completely sealed and nitrogen filled for fog-proof and waterproof performance
- The reticle is fixed at 100 yards and ranges out to 600 yards
- The exit pupil is 8mm
Pros
- It is built on a true strength platform
- It fits all 20 mm weaver and 3/8 inch dovetail rails
- It is shockproof
Cons
- Fixed 4x magnification
7) Vortex Optics Spitfire 1x Prism Scope
The Vortex Optics Spitfire 1x Prism scope is built from the ground up to provide a fast handling performance in close to medium-range shooting applications.
This prism scope is backed with all the features you need in an optic. It offers a generous sight picture and forgiving eye box to allow fast target acquisition in any environment.
The scope offers you settings to match different lighting conditions, including the option of red or green illumination as well as 10 intensity levels to match ambient light conditions.
Key features
- It has a shockproof and recoil-resistant construction
- It has fully multi-coated lenses for true-to-life clarity and brightness
- It has an etched DRT reticle that provides a visible point of aim whether powered up or not
- It has ten intensity levels to perfectly match ambient light conditions
- It is powered by a common AAA battery
- It is nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed to ensure fog-proof and waterproof performance
Pros
- It is lightweight
- Different illumination settings allow customization to the user’s preference
- It is parallax-free
Cons
- It has a fixed magnification
8) Monstrum S330P 3X Prism Scope
The compact yet heavy-duty prism scope comes with 3x magnification and a 30mm objective lens which are ideal for rapid mid-range target acquisition out to 500 yards.
The scope is equipped with a glass prism optical system instead of the refracting lens common in traditional scopes, allowing for better optical quality in a much smaller package.
The illuminated reticle has the option of red or green, with multiple brightness levels. It can also be turned off and viewed in black to cover most lighting environments.
Key features
- It has crystal clear optics with 3.0- 3.5 inches of eye relief
- It has a glass prism optical system
- It weighs just 15 ounces making it easy to handle and carry around
- It is 5 inches long
- It has a full multi-layer lens coating to reduce chromatic aberrations for sharp and focused images
Pros
- It is lightweight
- It is backed by a one-year warranty
Cons
- It has a low and fixed magnification
Best Prism Scopes for Shooting FAQs
- Does Leupold make a prism scope?
Leupold is a leading brand that has so many products in the market. Yes, Leupold 1x14mm Tactical Prismatic Circle Plex Reticle Rifle-Scope is a true 1x sight that uses a prism erector system. Another prism scope from Leupold is the Leupold Illuminated Tactical Prismatic 1 x 14 mm Rifle Scope which comes standard with a removable red LED illumination module and an adjustable height base system.
- What is the point of a 1x prism scope?
1x prism scopes use Porro prisms like binoculars to bend the light path and create a more focused sight picture. They have the advantage of being small and compact.
- Is 3X too much for CQB?
CQB refers to close-quarter battles and a 3X magnification is ideal to give the shooter the ability to engage and hit targets out to 1,000 yards.
- Are prism scopes better for astigmatism?
Prism scopes have fixed magnification and use a prism instead of two objective and ocular lenses as in traditional scopes. The fixed magnification and etched reticle ensure a clear and easy-to-see reticle for people with astigmatism.
- Can you use a magnifier with a 3x prism scope?
Unfortunately, magnifiers do not work with prism sights. This is because they shift the point of impact, reducing accuracy.
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Final Thoughts
There are many advantages of using a prism scope as opposed to the common traditional scopes or red dot sights. As discussed above, these scopes are easy to handle and allow accurate shots at close to mid-range distances.
The discussed scopes are built on strong platforms for durability and reliability. Their weatherproofing, as well as shock-resistant features, make them ideal for all the roughness in the field.