What to Consider When Pick a Prism Scope? 1X VS 3X 4X Prism Scope

As we discussed in our previous comparison, prism scopes outperform red dots in several ways, particularly for shooters with astigmatism. They combine the benefits of both traditional rifle scopes and red dot sights—offering a compact size, rugged durability, edge-to-edge image clarity, and a crisp, sharp reticle.

Prism scopes are highly versatile, making them suitable for various firearm platforms and a wide range of shooting scenarios.

In this article, we will compare 1x, 3x, and 4x prism scopes, along with their ideal use cases and application scenarios.

We typically recommend using a 1x prism scope for shooting within 100 yards, and no more than 400 yards. Most reticle designs for 1x scopes are optimized for close-range engagements, particularly within 100 yards.

For home practice, distances beyond 100 yards are often impractical. A 1x prism scope is also a great choice for backyard varmint hunting, such as targeting coyotes and other small pests.

When it comes to 3x or 4x prism scopes, we recommend them for mid-range shooting and small game hunting. If you're interested in learning more about prism scopes in general, be sure to check out our previous blog post.

In this section, we'll introduce the reticle designs used in prism scopes and explain how to use them effectively.

VEPS-MBR Reticle

The reticle is specifically calibrated for 5.56x45mm / .223 Remington 55gr FMJ ammunition, zeroed at 50 yards. It features holdover marks out to 600 yards, enabling fast and accurate target acquisition at extended distances using the built-in BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) system.

For rapid and precise target acquisition, refer to the user manual for detailed instructions on using the BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) system. The reticle includes labeled aiming points—A, B, C, and D—corresponding to 300, 400, 500, and 600 yards respectively, and is calibrated for common calibers such as .223, .308, and .270.

Windage dots are included and are calibrated for a 5 mph crosswind, helping shooters make quick wind adjustments in real-time.

With a 1 MOA center dot, the reticle remains unobtrusive and allows for precise aiming—especially when targeting bullseyes on standard 5 cm diameter targets at distances up to 200 yards.

This reticle is well-suited for dynamic shooting scenarios, combining speed and precision. Understanding MOA (Minute of Angle) is essential for using the reticle effectively. For a detailed explanation, check out our previous blog post: What does MOA mean?

The inner diameter of the reticle ring is 18 MOA, which allows you to estimate target distance based on a standard 18-inch-wide silhouette target (approximately 45 cm in width) at 100 yards.

If the target's width fills the entire ring, the target is about 100 yards away. If half of the target’s width fills the ring, then the target is approximately 50 yards away.

Some users who already own a 1x prism scope may prefer to save money by purchasing a magnifier instead of investing in a separate 3x or 4x prism scope.

In this setup, the magnifier is placed in front of the prism scope (closer to the shooter's eye), effectively creating a second focal plane configuration. This configuration magnifies the target image while keeping the reticle size consistent, helping to maintain clarity and improve precision at longer distances.

Check out our previous blog post to better understand how this setup works.

With a magnifier added to your original 1x prism scope, the reticle remains the same size, while the target image is magnified:

The target appears 3× larger with a 3x magnifier

The target appears 5× larger with a 5x magnifier

This allows for improved target identification and precision, without altering the reticle itself.

When setting up your prism scope with a magnifier, it’s important to consider the mount height. The center height of both the prism scope and magnifier should be perfectly aligned to ensure a clear and accurate sight picture.

To simplify this process, you can pair your Paragon prism scope with our Paragon magnifier, which is designed for seamless compatibility. We offer two different mount heights for the magnifier to match various prism scope configurations.

Currently, the Paragon magnifier is available in 3x and 5x options, tailored specifically for use with Paragon prism scopes.

You can still use the center dot for aiming as usual. However, if you want to use the reticle for range estimation while using a magnifier, you’ll need to account for the added magnification.

For example, if you're using a 3x magnifier placed in front of the prism scope (closer to your eye), the target image is magnified 3 times, but the reticle size remains unchanged. To correctly estimate range in this setup, you’ll need to divide the apparent measurement by 3. This adjustment ensures accurate distance evaluation using the reticle.

In sum, 1x prism scope is well-suited for close-range shooting (within 100 yards), home defense, or backyard varmint hunting. For mid-range applications and small game hunting, 3x and 4x prism scopes provide enhanced accuracy and longer reach. A 1x prism scope paired with a magnifier offers a budget-friendly solution for you to play with more powers.