3x prism vs. 3x in a 3-sometjing variable

[jsbhike]

Other than fondling in a shop, I have never used a prism type scope and was wondering if there was any advantages of a 3x prism versus something like a 3-9 variable in use?

[opngrnd]

Lately I've been thinking about prism scopes as opposed to a lpvo. I find I leave my 1-4x lpvo on 4x, and wonder if something like the upcoming 3x micro prism from Primary Arms can't fulfill the same role while weighing less.

[omegajb]

I think the 3x prism and 3-9 powered scopes have different applications.
The prism is more of a combat optic similar to an Acog, the 3-9 is more of a hunting/distance optic and not good for moving targets.

If you're looking at 3x prism the closer comparison would be a red dot or Eotech with a 3x magnifier or a LPVO.

Prism's tend to be a bit heavy, eye relief is short and is 3x all the time, but if you have astigmatism it will be better than a red dot.

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[mig1nc]

I think the 3x prism and 3-9 powered scopes have different applications.
The prism is more of a combat optic similar to an Acog, the 3-9 is more of a hunting/distance optic and not good for moving targets.

If you're looking at 3x prism the closer comparison would be a red dot or Eotech with a 3x magnifier or a LPVO.

Prism's tend to be a bit heavy, eye relief is short and is 3x all the time, but if you have astigmatism it will be better than a red dot.

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I don't know about heavy unless comparing to an Aimpoint micro. Most ACOGs are lighter than most LPVOs, and way lighter than a red dot plus magnifier plus mounts. In fact most ACOGs weigh about the same as just the magnifier plus mount.

These new generation of micro prisms from PA and Vortex are even lighter still.


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[joedirt199]

Carrying around a variable on max power is not ideal. Low power first for field of view and quickness, then zoom in to get a better view when there is something to see. Made that mistake hunting with my long range rifle and fixed 10x scope. Nice 10 pt walked right up to me while ground hunting in the woods. Couldn't find a good spot to shoot once he started walking away. I have shot more deer on the lowest power of my scopes because the lower power appears to hold more steady as my slightest movements are not exaggerated by the reduced field of view. Moving targets are easier to pick up and track. Magnification does not equal more accuracy. Unless you are benchrested aiming at tiny targets, lower power can be more beneficial.

[opngrnd]

I leave the lpvo on 4x because it serves my use an an ACOG stand in, and combined with a small rds gives a near/far capability without the necessity of adjusting anything. In hindsight I may have been better served saving further for an ACOG, but I elected to spend that money on ammo and continue training. At this point, short of doing a micro rds/mag combo, I don't think anything out there better serves my uses.

[joedirt199]

I just got the Primary Arms GLX 2x prism and SLX 1x. I was going to use the 2x on my 14.5" to replace the vortex gen 2 1-6 and the 1x is going on the AR pistol to replace the holosun 510. Pretty sure I need glasses as reddots are not a crisp dot for me. Also ordered a vortex micro 3x magnifier to try with the 1x as some people have shown it works with the prism scope. We will see. Would like to get another 2x and put it on my duty rifle to replace the carry handle.

[BrigandTwoFour]

It's easier to make a durable prism optic than a traditional variable power design. Prism optics tend to be lighter/smaller than LPVO equivalents.

One of the tradeoffs on the "high end" prism optics like ACOGs and Elcans is that they lack a focusing eyepiece for aging eyes. The more inexpensive prism optics from Vortex, Primary Arms, Swamp Fox and others have this feature.

To the opening question, though, I don't think it's a fair use case comparison between a compact 3x prism optic and a medium power variable optic like a 3-9x or 2.5-10x. A 3x or 4x prism should be compared to similar LPVO use cases.

[jsbhike]

I was wondering if there was some quirk of 3x in a prism being quicker to acquire than 3x in a non prism. Hadn't thought of the usually shorter eye relief in most prisms.

[jsbhike]

I just got the Primary Arms GLX 2x prism and SLX 1x. I was going to use the 2x on my 14.5" to replace the vortex gen 2 1-6 and the 1x is going on the AR pistol to replace the holosun 510. Pretty sure I need glasses as reddots are not a crisp dot for me. Also ordered a vortex micro 3x magnifier to try with the 1x as some people have shown it works with the prism scope. We will see. Would like to get another 2x and put it on my duty rifle to replace the carry handle.

I hope the Vortex works for you with the 1x. I picked one up back in the summer to use with a Holosun 515 and so far I am really liking it.