We will go so far as to say, for the price, it's the best money you'll ever spend if you want quality and performance for the field without breaking a financial sweat. The popularity of the Vortex Optics Viper PST Generation II FFP rifle scope family comes through the choice of magnification and reticle choices. Here are some rough benchmarks for what to expect. Sightron SVIII ED 5-40x56 FFP IR Zero Stop - Optics-Trade - United States Then comes the easy access exposed tactical turrets and side parallax knob. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II Leveled and Zeroed. This becomes even more important for those who go on extended shooting sessions. You can be assured it is ready to handle harsh weather conditions as well as heavy recoil. The reticle is a simple, non-illuminated mil-dot reticle with 1 mil dot increments. Arken Optics SH4 6-24X50 GEN2 FFP MIL VPR with Zero Stop - 34mm Tube My review will concentrate on the Mark 5HD 5-25X56 M5C3 FFP PR1-MIL reticle model. With a 30mm tube, you have 17.5 mils in elevation and windage travel. Coming from Athlons Argos family of scopes, you have a variety of configurations to choose from. This EOTech Vudu 1-624 FFP Precision Riflescope brings us back down to earth in terms of magnification and price! Adjustment range is 6 Mil Rad, and Parallax is 10 yards to infinity. The illumination is also variable, so you can choose from a variety of settings to further dial in your preferences. The exit pupil is between 3.3-11.2mm, while linear field of view at 100 yards comes in between 27.2 and 7.85 feet. . Our testers found this scope to be an excellent value for the money, but its not the least expensive option showcased here. Adding to its value is the additional technology Vortex puts into the glass and image quality. This Viper might be on the more expensive end, but what do you expect when you get the best? Because the lens magnifies the reticle throughout the scopes entire magnification range, things like bullet drop compensators work as you change the magnification. Athlon is a welcome brand to many shooters who need high quality without being ripped off in the process. The scope offers 6-2450 magnification, which is more than enough for most shooters. If youre just going to the range, then the mount may be just fine. If youre shooting over 500 yards (and definitely 800 yards), failing to take windage and bullet-drop into account will only result in inaccurate holds, missed shots, and failed hunting trips. The reticle will change in size as you change magnification. If you've caught the highly contagious long-range shooting bug, an FFP reticle might be for you. The RS.1 combines the high-end features of a premium rifle scope and a tactical rig to make it suitable for hunters in the field or shooters getting into the long-range game. This has been specially designed for competitive bench rest shooting or, when taking longer range, more difficult hunting shots. The VX-3i LRP is compact and easy to use. Get discounts from top brands & our latest reviews! Also, as you zoom in your overall field of view decreases as well, so a scope that might need to be used at close range or to track game should also have a fairly low base magnification so that you have the option to use it as a spotting scope as well. So if you have a $300 rifle, you should spend about that much on a scope. These days, even affordable, basic optics are made with reasonably good quality, so dont turn your nose up at cheaper options! For this review, I will concentrate on the 4 to 16x MOA reticle version. 3. The details matter when shooting long-range targets, and having a first focal plane riflescope helps you get the details right. This is helpful if you have any sighting issues. Arken Optics SH4 6-24X50 GEN2 FFP MIL VPR Illuminated with Zero Stop But, if that's the only complaint we have (if you can call that a complaint), you know it's a buy we highly recommend. Lens Cleaning Cloth. FFP scopes have the reticle situated towards the front of the scope. The scope offers high definition glass that our testers found to have excellent clarity. Looking for Even More Superb Scope Options? How Do You Use a LPVO Scope: All You Need to Know Advertisement Kestrel Ballistics Best Rifle Scopes of 2023 | Outdoor Life Those keen shooters who purchase this Trijicon Credo FFP riflescope will truly believe in quality, durability, effective use, and reliability. Edge-to-edge clarity is constant and is further enhanced by a 5:1 zoom ratio. The advanced reticle design also promotes set and forget zeroing to make life easy. With that in mind, Ive decided to review the best first focal plane (FFP) scopes currently on the market. If your optics fail, the company will fix or replace your scope no matter what happens. Neither one is inherently better than the other, although, some shooters may swear by one system for their purposes. This increases resolution and color fidelity of images, while the XR fully multi-coated lenses are highly effective in increasing light transmission. Youll get max accuracy as it tracks excellently proven through my field testing. Further specs include eye relief of 3.22-3.14 that is comfortable for most people especially with an AR-15, but the 23.9oz weight seems to be an issue for some buyers. Of course, those who are experienced shooters may wish to reach out much further. Again, regardless of the reticle chosen, you will benefit from high functionality, intuitive use, and detailed hold points. The Helos at under $600 is comparable to much more expensive scopes, as is the Argos BTR. Users will benefit from excellent light transmission, clear detail, and crisp color with zero distortion. When it comes to the best first focal plane (FFP) scopes at an attractive price, the Vortex Optics Diamondback series delivers. With that said, its certainly advisable to be fairly careful with your first focal plane optic: a lot of these are expensive enough that breaking them would be a major downer on the mood for the rest of a hunting trip or range day. Arken Optics Scope EP-5 5-25x56 FFP MIL VPR Reticle Combo Pack 34mm Rigid Mount. It's a preference, and scopes on the more expensive end will offer reticle illumination. So, Which is The Very Best of The Best First Focal Plane (FFP) Scopes? With up to 25x power, you can crank it up and use the Tremor 3 by Horus reticle to get dead-on. Once you've read this article and when you're looking for more, I highly suggest our write up on the best 1-8 ffp scope options on the market today. All images are copyrighted to their respective owners. At the lower end of the price range, youll get optics with decent glass that aid you in shooting at long ranges in well-lit conditions, but youre unlikely to find any especially fancy features or tactical styling here. XD elements ensure you have HD quality to view everything within the field of view with optimum color fidelity and sharp resolution and contrast. Meaning, it depends upon the amount of light entering the lens as well as the ability of the lenses to transmit light. These 0.1 MIL click adjustments are both precise and repeatable. While the purchase price is a serious consideration, this scope offers good value to keen, regular hunters. Editor's Choice: Leica PRS 5-30x56i Leica PRS 5-30x56i $2,699 Leica This is the world-class riflescope that we knew Leica was capable of delivering American shooters. They've been embraced by shooters and hunters who appreciate the price slashings on their rifle scopes but still come out the other end with more features than they know what to do with. Model Name Blackhound Emerge 2-12x44 FFP MIL Rifle Scope Illuminated Reticle, Zero Stop and Parallax with 34mm Rings, 44mm Hood and Mounting Bubble Levels : Color Black Worth considering! Before that, lets take a look at 10 of the best first focal plane scopes you can buy. In total, the Primary Arms SLx is a budget buy given its low price point to acquire a FFP scope. With a background like that, there's a scope that fits every shooter's needs, including yours. The RS.1 is a rifle scope that every shooter, tactical or hunter, can get behind. You will also benefit from accurate and repeatable 1/4 MOA adjustments to ensure fine-tuning. Are you a fan of long-range shooting? DISCOVERYOPT HD 5-30x56 FFP First Focal Plane (FFP) with Red Illuminated Reticle and Parallax Adjustment, Zero Stop Rifle Scope Brand: Discovery Optics 1 rating Currently unavailable. Thanks for your feedback, will have to check it out! The included extra-low dispersion glass couples with fully multi-coated lenses to ensure a bright, crisp sight picture. One thing that our testers didnt like was the fact that the scope rings were higher than expected. It has an exterior XPL coating to protect the glass from all the nasties from being out in the field. What distances do I want to achieve? Crosshair posts are nice and thick for easy visibility in various terrains. The difference in models relates to non- and illuminated options with a wide reticle choice. It's 38 ounces total and adding that to your setup will quickly tack on the poundage. Maven RS.4 5-30x56 FFP - Best Under $2000 Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25X50 FFP EBR-2C MRAD - Best FFP Scope Under $1500 Maven RS.1 2.5-15X44 - Best FFP Scope for Hunting Athlon Ares BTR 4.5-27X50 - Best FFP Scope Under $1000 Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24X50 - Best FFP Scope Under $500 Athlon Argos BTR 6-24X50 - Best FFP Scope for the Money This ensures smooth, easy magnification changes no matter what conditions you are shooting in. As mentioned, must be 34mm, FFP, and zero stop turrets.parallax of ~25 yards. 1. Hunters will also find that the sleek finish is complemented with low-profile controls. If the sound of ringing steel from a distance is a sound you live for, an FFP reticle might be for you. All ten of the reviewed scopes above offer quality, durability, and specific features dependent upon what you want to achieve. When dialing in for bullet drop and wind compensation, shooters will benefit from laser-etched turrets, adjustable parallax, and the Vortex RZR zero stop feature. But, if this is you, durability, quality, features galore, and accuracy are on the menu. Compact was just mentioned, and that is what it is. You do not pay anything extra and your purchase helps support our work. With its front focal plane, you can focus on the target without any distractions. The SVIII 5-40x56 ED FFP LRM includes the following: Scope. Their Argos Gen II BTR model is a point in case. Perhaps you can relate. Yes, we know the ATACR series of scopes is beyond expensive, but that hasn't stopped fanatics and professional shooters from owning one, or two. The latest Burris Veracity scope release also includes a new five times zoom system. These optics come in many different models and from a host of manufacturers. It comes in 13 different models to ensure shooters get exactly what they want. High quality coatings such as the Wide Band Fully Multicoated and Xtra Protective Coatings explain why image quality is as crystal clear as it can get. It has a floating center dot along with thin lines. Check Price. Such fine adjustments might not be wanted, or necessary, on rifles that are meant to shoot at medium ranges, but for folks who are putting together a rifle for precision shooting, especially a bolt action that will be good out to 1000 or more meters, then having that level of precision is a must-have for the most demanding of hunters and competition shooters. However, illumination isn't a determinant of reticle quality, its assembly, or accuracy. What rifle scope offers both sniper precision and user ease that's good enough for both the professional and the enthusiastic civilian? The Mark 5HD is one of Leupold's serious beasts of a machine. You can then add to this the mentioned Power Throw Lever or similar, sunshade, windage beauty ring, stickers, and a comprehensive owners manual. They both feature modified Christmas-tree designs with red LED illumination and abundant (and really smart) windage and holdover references. Sightron SIII Long Range 10-50x60mm Zero Stop Rifle Scope $1,499.99 (Save 30%) $1,049.99 Instant Savings. . Sightron S-TAC 3-16x42mm Rifle Scope Zero Stop - OpticsPlanet The Mueller Target Rifle Scope is a great 1000-yard scope with a solid magnification of 8-32x, giving a great field of view at well over 1000 yards. HD glass means it has some special extra-low dispersion elements to help eliminate chromatic aberration and enhance color fidelity and resolution. Then, you do a holdover for shots farther and a hold-under for shots closer in. Take it into any environment you wish, and it is ready to perform. From there, it gives the ability to dial back with a precise, sharp stop exactly at your zero mark. Since the reticle is itself magnified, you can use precise bullet drop marking found on some of these reticles with a lot more detail than would be possible without magnification. Its hard to ask for more than this for under $300. This quality optic has been tested to exacting military standards and protocols. When shooting, clarity of view is all-important. It is Mil Rad adjustable with click values of 0.1 Mil Rad steps. 8 Best Rifle Scopes Under $500 - Budget & Value Picks 1. Though its mostly a stylistic choice, for example being able to get a scope thats flat-dark-earth in color, some of the more tactical options take into account worse operating conditions and thus include things like an illuminated reticle to make it more possible to shoot in poorer lighting conditions than are possible with an unlit reticle. Riflescope Optics Planet Price This 3-18X50 Primary Arms riflescope features a 50mm objective lens with a variable zoom that ranges from 3x to 18x. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25X50 FFP EBR-2C MRAD, comparing this system with SFP (second focal plane), How to Sight In A Scope & How To Mount A Scope (Includes Videos), Nikon ProStaff 4-12X40mm Black Matte Riflescope (BDC) - Model 6729, Nikon Monarch 3 4-16x42mm BDC Rifle Scope with Side Focus (Model 6770), Nikon Prostaff 7 4-16x42 BDC Riflescope w/ 30mm Body (Model #16324), Simmons 8-Point Truplex Reticle Riflescope 3-9x40mm (Model 510513). Although this is fine if your intention is to major in long-distance shooting, there are questions to ask yourself: What distance do I generally shoot at? Extreme high power and a side focus give you the ability to see further with more detail and focus at any range. We stand behind our product 100% and provide a Lifetime Warranty and our . And that is most definitely what you get with this top-of-the-range FFP riflescope. Conversely, an SFP reticle appears the same size regardless of the magnification you have it set on. It is this coating that affects light transmission. It will work for hunters and it will work for long-distance range shooting or competition shooting. For those with long-distance accuracy in their mind, the range of windage and elevation are certain to please. The scope features a glass etched reticle with illumination in both red or green. Its strategic design extends to the thick 34 mm tube body that provides an extremely wide 120 MOA elevation and 80 MOA windage adjustment travel. The Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane 4-16x44 stands at the intersection of precision and value, delivering an impressive array of features and performance. 9 Best First Focal Plane Scopes (FFP) in 2023 - ALL BUDGETS - Target Tamers That scope provided the best set of features and the best build quality for the money. Product Info for Sightron S-TAC 3-16x42mm Rifle Scope Zero Stop. You can certainly swap the rings for lower-profile options to get the scope positioned to you needs, and at this price point its not a shocking shortcoming, but worth noting if youre super budget focused. These tend to have finer reticles, and adjustment down to the quarter minute-of-angle on windage and elevation. This highly effective system gives an extra 30 minutes of shooting light at the beginning and end of the day. Vortex offers the Viper PST with two different reticle options. Some first focal plane optics are clearly meant for forks putting together some kind of tactical rifle setup. It simply means the reticle assembly is physically located in front of the magnifying assembly in the rifle scope. Focal plane reticles inside rifle scopes are physical things. Theres an old shooter adage that essentially says you should spend as much on the optics as you did on the gun. You are buying into a scope made from 6061 aluminum that is fully fog, water, and shockproof. For tactical rifles, then, we prefer something with a beefer reticle, preferably one that is illuminated, to give the greatest flexibility when shooting in poor light conditions. Arken EP5 5-25x56 FFP Scope - FIRST IMPRESSIONS ~ Rex Reviews It is Mil Rad adjustable with 0.1 Mil Rad click steps and has an adjustment range of 29 Mil Rad. . You'll need that steadiness a bipod can provide when you have extreme 5-25x power to get up and personal with. They can also protect those precious lenses from dust, dirt, and scratch damage. Discovery Scope 4-16ED FFP NONE IR WITH HOYA JAPANESE LENSES All this fancy talk means you're strutting away with savings in your pocket and more than you bargained for on your scope. Because crisp, clear, and vivid images are what you are after, this should be seen as a 2-way necessity. Vortex offers their Diamondback Tactical scope in two variable magnification sizes. It will function in temperatures of between -20 and +140 deg. As the popularity of long-range shooting (generally over 500 yards) has increased, so has the need for optics that enable shooters to get on target at greater and greater ranges. This means you need to narrow down your options to suit your particular shooting style, applications, and pocket. Highly popular! This model from Primary Arms has to be one of the best value first focal plane scopes available for the price offered. The Mark 5HD series of quality optics is a perfect example. This is practically unheard of for under 500 bucks. Every hunter is familiar with Vortex and especially their Diamondback line of optics. This is further enhanced through the ten intensity levels of illumination with an off position between each. Vortex Optics claim to fame is its VIP warranty. Those looking to buy one of the best scopes in the first focal plane currently available have a very wide choice. Those shooters reading this article are likely to have made their decision already. One major gripe about this particular scope is the mount. 10 Best FFP Scopes for the Money (2022) Backed By Results - Lunde Studio It's also obvious that with a setup like this, this scope is not a cheap optic. It really is that straightforward. Quality glass is a must, but that needs pairing with quality lens coating. To seal the deal, you will find that customer service is very responsive, and peace of mind is yours through the Vortex VIP Lifetime Warranty. The illuminated BDC Segmented Circle FFP reticle is powered by an included CR2032 battery. This design feature helps prevent any snagging when you find yourself in those tough to reach places. Plus, they simply make it harder to see the target at a distance. More detail on what to look for from an FFP scope will be given in the buyers guide section below. However, anyone who is prepared to invest more will surely benefit from the, Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescopes From Vortex Optics. While the choice of six different illumination settings mean you can match this with the ambient light, you shoot in. This is further enhanced by easy access LED brightness settings that have an off position between each setting level. Surprisingly, there havent been many complaints, if at all, about reticle visibility at low 4x power. Athlon Optics, Argos BTR, Riflescope Some rifle owners found Athlon Optics Argos BTR comparable to Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II and Primary Arms 4 to 1444 in terms of features. We're reviewing the best budget rifle scopes you can grab right now: AR opics, mid-range scopes, and long-range FFP glass made for accuracy, without breaking the bank. The included fiber optic rotation indicator also means ease of turret tracking position. Sightron Scope SIII 6-24x50 Lr Moa Zero Stop 30mm Sf Matte (1) $1,249.99 (Save 30%) $879.99 Free 2 Day Shipping. : 200640 Best Large Game First Focal Plane (FFP) Scope, 7Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm MOA Riflescope 13 Models Most Versatile First Focal Plane (FFP) Scope, 8NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm F1 ZeroStop Riflescope 6 Models Best Premium First Focal Plane (FFP) Scope, 9EOTech Vudu 1-624 FFP Precision Riflescope 7 Models Best 3 Gun Competition First Focal Plane (FFP) Scope, 10Primary Arms Platinum Series 1-8x24mm FFP Riflescope 4 Models Best Tactical First Focal Plane (FFP) Scope, Argos BTR Gen II 6-24x50mm MRAD Riflescopes From Athlon Optics Model: 214063, The Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescopes From Vortex Optics, SLx3.5 4-14X44mm FFP Rifle Scope With Illuminated R-Grid 2B Reticle From Primary Arms Model: 610090, The Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescopes From Vortex Optics, Trijicon Credo 1-8x28mm FFP Riflescope Model: 2900032, Burris Veracity 4-20x50mm Riflescope with Ballistic E1 FFP Reticle Model No. Fahrenheit. Premium components are part of the zoom lens. Show up the guys in the next shoot with your FFP rifle scope that'll be sure to impress. Not only does the RS.4 bring a quality FFP reticle to competition shooting, but it brings with it a price point that is worthy of praise. Burris Signature HD Riflescope Series: Award-Winning Optics Advertisement Athlon has made a name for itself by offering FFP mil reticle scopes with mil adjustments, like this Argos BTR 6-24x50mm, at very reasonable prices. The result is super-fast, close quarter engagement speed that is comparable to red dot use. Primary Arms 3-18X50 Front Focal Plane 1000 yd. FFP scopes can get shockingly expensive. In terms of recommendations, anyone on a tight budget (or shooters wanting to test the FFP waters) will do well to take a very close look at the, SLx3.5 4-14X44mm FFP Rifle Scope With Illuminated R-Grid 2B Reticle From Primary Arms. For an explanation on the differences between the two, check out our Reticle Guide here. The 13 Best New Precision Riflescopes Put to the Test Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Discovery Scope 4-16ED FFP NONE IR WITH HOYA JAPANESE LENSES at the best online prices at eBay! The alternative to an FFP scope, a second focal plane scope (SFP), places the reticle closer to the shooters eye and on the near side of the magnification. Crosshairs will increase in size as you crank up the power. If you're in thick brush or it's rapidly approaching lowlight hours where you need to sit in lower magnification ranges, cross hairs can be difficult to see as they may be too thin and small. As would be expected from a premium riflescope, this NightForce ATACR model comes with some excellent features. Extra-low dispersion glass and fully multi-coated lenses transmit a crisp, bright sight picture. It offers 120 MOA or 35 MRAD of total elevation adjustment and 80 MOA or 24 MRAD of windage adjustment. Shooters get between 5 and 25x variable magnification, a 56mm objective lens, and a 1.34-inch (34mm) main tube. For instance, a super-tactical-looking scope might not look great on a walnut-stocked bolt-action hunting rifle, whereas something a little simpler in appearance will not only work just as well but also make a lot more visual sense with the rifle upon which it is mounted. This is a must-have feature for those in PRS matches and long-range, precision shooting. The single piece, 30mm main tube comes with strong o-ring seals and is nitrogen purged. It's only one feature of a scope that enables you to get the job done. Are you scouting where you need light weights and compactness as a priority? How to use the Zero Stop and Zero Reset feature on Riton Optics riflescopes. This is a common feature among all first focal plane optics, and if thats the kind of thing you value in a rifle scope, then this category of optics is what youre looking for. The downside? I list the best choices in terms of value, performance, design, and cost. It is glass-etched and protected between two glass layers to give optimum reliability and durability. 24 MIL elevation and windage adjustment travel, HD glass, Zero stop. Arken Optics EP5 5-25X56 FFP MIL VPR Illuminated with Zero Stop - 34mm The Leupold is one of the more expensive FFP scopes showcased here. Our testers found the RZR Zero Stop feature of the Viper to be excellent. Comparing it to other scopes with the same specs, it offers a lot more. Vortex Optics Diamondback: Best Overall. The RS.4 has Japanese ED glass and components and is assembled in Japan. Or how about reviews of the Best M4 Scopes, our Best 1000 Yard Scope Rifle Optic Reviews, the Best Scopes for 30 30 Lever Action Rifles, our Best 1-8x Scope reviews, our Best Slug Gun Scope Reviews, the Best Long Range Rifle Scopes under 1000 Dollars, or the Best Night Vision Scope for AR 15 you can buy. We say almost because the Argos does it. Dimensions are 15.67 x 2.54 x 2.54-inches, and it weighs in at 30 ounces. The included quality components and features mean mid to long-range accuracy is assured. It offers dual LED red/green illumination to suit the conditions you are shooting in. While there are tons of cheap optics available within your price range, finding the gems within the junk is the trick to a good buy and making the most out of your budget. Any shooter on a tight budget (or those just testing the FFP water) will love this scope! 8 Best Rifle Scopes Under 500: A Complete Buying Guide - Shooting Mystery Your choice when it comes to picking one of the best FFP scopes is not an easy one. Are you constantly putting your targets out further and further? This can lead to significant increases in target coverage at higher magnifications, leading to imprecise holds. Check Price. The Athlon scope even has a zero stop that gets you back to your original zero with a mere twist in micro seconds. Manufacturer, quality of build, robustness, magnification, and price immediately spring to mind. We may earn a commission on purchases from a link. In terms of weight, it will add an acceptable 25.6 ounces to your weapon. The latter factor is particularly important when using heavy caliber ammo. There is some slack in the turrets adjustment, which isnt great, but it is to be expected at this price point. You get between 1-8x variable magnification, a 24mm objective lens, and a high strength, heavy-duty 34mm main tube. From there, the adjustability of the optic in terms of zoom is something that we consider carefully. Now, that's Diamondback ruggedness and tactical performance combined. For longer range stuff, we like the thinnest cross we can find for a reticle, as long as it comes with bullet drop markings as well. In an FFP scope, the reticle must be placed in front of the magnification lens making it closer to the objective lens (the lens which transmits light to the eyepiece).