Are you going to be doing a lot of range shooting or competitive shooting? As for the side-adjustable parallax and fast focus eyepiece, these features ensure a crisp view of both your chosen target and the reticle. Some reported they would have liked to see the eye relief be a little longer. From the outset, decide on a sensible upper price limit of what you are prepared to pay. . . FFP it is! Vortex offers their Diamondback Tactical scope in two variable magnification sizes. If further proof of its durability is needed, this comes through the fact it is fog proof and waterproof. Nightforce offers this in six different reticle versions. A $3,000 scope on a $300 gun will never realize its true potential, so use this as a friendly rule and youll always get about the right mix of scope features for your firearm. $571.98. We got our hands on one to physically test out in the field. If we had to choose only one scope from this list, it would be the Vortex Optics Viper PST. Exposed tactical-style turrets are easy to access and simple to use under any field conditions. Check Price. The feature you need is an FFP reticle. To justify a generous budget for an FFP scope, you should also look for other features and overall quality that will support your shooting requirements. American Firearms was established by firearm fans for firearm fans as a modern-day take on all things that go BOOM. Sometimes an FFP reticle can be too thick and can cover too much of a target at high magnification. You can be assured it is ready to handle harsh weather conditions as well as heavy recoil. Both can be easily setup for zero stop elevation. Shooters will benefit from a quality eyepiece featuring enhanced engraving as well as two trademark features an integrated Power Throw Lever (PTL) and an XtremeSpeed thread to allow rapid diopter adjustment. Rest assured, whichever configuration you go for, the quality runs seamlessly throughout this excellent family of top-quality rifle scopes. If youre just going to the range, then the mount may be just fine. Sightron Scope SIII 6-24x50 Lr Moa Zero Stop 30mm Sf Matte (1) $1,249.99 (Save 30%) $879.99 Free 2 Day Shipping. Screw in Aluminum lens covers. One of the reasons for the good image quality is . The most basic, and usually cheapest, kind of first focal plane scopes youll likely find have adjustments for windage, elevation, and magnification, but not much else. The SHR (Simplified Holdover Reticle) reticle is in the FFP that is easy to incorporate and see at all magnification levels. You must look at other features that would be appropriate for your type of shooting. Once youve decided that you want a first focal plane optic in general, and determine the price point and application is a good fit, the thing I look for next is the kind of reticle that it comes with. However, illumination isn't a determinant of reticle quality, its assembly, or accuracy. 5. It will work for hunters and it will work for long-distance range shooting or competition shooting. A final FFP scope benefit worthy of mention comes through its effectiveness at virtually any range. Dimensions are 15.67 x 2.54 x 2.54-inches, and it weighs in at 30 ounces. The difference in models relates to non- and illuminated options with a wide reticle choice. Switch right out to the maximum 8x magnification, and the full benefits of the reticle are yours. People pick up first focal plane optics to increase their ability to shoot at longer ranges without re-zeroing the rifle for different distances. Exit pupil is between 8.2 and 2.1mm (0.32- and 0.08-inches). It is constructed using 6063 aircraft-grade aluminum and is completely water, fog, and shockproof. The ZeroStop, PTL (Power Throw Lever), high power, and extremely large aperture all adds to its prowess out in the field. Meaning, it depends upon the amount of light entering the lens as well as the ability of the lenses to transmit light. What loyalists love about the brand is that they're extremists. Size/weight, brand, build quality, adjustments, and low light features should all be considerations throughout your buying process. The second image is from a $1,200 Nightforce 5-2056 SHV. The Vortex Gen II PST and the V4 line from. Those who put themselves through harsh and testing hunting conditions will also benefit from FFP scope use. Those looking to buy one of the best scopes in the first focal plane currently available have a very wide choice. Product Info for Sightron S-TAC 3-16x42mm Rifle Scope Zero Stop. It will function in temperatures of between -20 and +140 deg. It's difficult to ever justify spending more on your rig when you can complete it with a high-power, long-ranging scope with high-end features to boot for under 500 bucks. Below is my list of the best first focal plane scopes under for 2022. Then there is the quality extra-low dispersion glass. Thanks to the multi-coated ED optics, quality imaging is yours in any environment or light conditions. Not only is it water and fog-proof, but the shockproof design also ensures it will withstand any knocks, bumps, and expected recoil. It offers dual LED red/green illumination to suit the conditions you are shooting in. Both features will quickly give confidence when it comes to precise targeting over those more testing long-distance shots. Finally, some optics have been designed to be super rugged. Products are selected by our editors. Lens Cleaning Cloth. Hunters will also find that the sleek finish is complemented with low-profile controls. How to use the Zero Stop and Zero Reset feature on Riton Optics riflescopes. You got it. When it comes to the best first focal plane (FFP) scopes at an attractive price, the Vortex Optics Diamondback series delivers. The reticle is a simple, non-illuminated mil-dot reticle with 1 mil dot increments. Keep in mind your style of shooting or hunting when deciding which type would be best for your needs. The first focal plane, glass-etched reticle keep subtensions accurate throughout the 4x . Because the lens magnifies the reticle throughout the scopes entire magnification range, things like bullet drop compensators work as you change the magnification. There is a good portion of the posts visible to draw the eye but crosshair subtension remains thin at 0.088 mils and dots at 0.25 mils. It proved to be an accurate scope throughout testing at the range and in the backwoods and appears as though it would hold up extremely well over time, whether or not youre using it for hunting or range shooting. Athlon is a welcome brand to many shooters who need high quality without being ripped off in the process. There's a time and place for either type of reticle in the hunt or in the tactical world. Our testers reported no problems, but its unclear how much time youll need to spend re-calibrating the zero on the Monstrum over time. The included extra-low dispersion glass couples with fully multi-coated lenses to ensure a bright, crisp sight picture. The explosion in quality lens technology in recent years has lead to a tremendous number of these scopes hitting the market which can make choosing the right option a little daunting. Turret adjustments are in 0.1 mil clicks. First off, FFP stands for First Focal Plane or Front Focal Plane. Magnification: 4-16X44 mm. Let us set the record straight - you don't see this feature at this price point, ever! Mid to high power ranges are typical in FFP scopes. It features a micro-fine crosshair with a standard target reticle, plus side focus parallax adjustment and standard target turrets to help you focus at 1000 yards. If the sound of ringing steel from a distance is a sound you live for, an FFP reticle might be for you. What we hear is "ka-ching, ka-ching." You zero an LPVO at the average distance you expect to shoot. Athlon doesnt include these with the scope, and our testers found this to be a pain point given the price. 30 mm tube, Zero stop, 20 MIL adjustment travel, XD glass elements. Sightron Scope SIII 8-32x56 Lr Moa Zero Stop 30mm Sf Matte $1,374.99 (Save 32%) $939.99 Instant Savings. Compact was just mentioned, and that is what it is. 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. Eye relief of 3.5-inches should pose no issues for experienced shooters. If you want FFP for a steal of a price, you're lucky Vortex has the scope to fit the bill. It's 38 ounces total and adding that to your setup will quickly tack on the poundage. When it comes to comparing this system with SFP (second focal plane) or Rear Focal Plane reticles, it's a matter of preference. Every extra ounce you carry while out and about will tell. XD elements ensure you have HD quality to view everything within the field of view with optimum color fidelity and sharp resolution and contrast. Additionally, a lot of these attach to Picatinny rails to make it easier to mount them directly to AR15s, and a lot of other rifle systems are taking this approach as well. It's no wonder NightForce stands at the top. Best 1000 yard scope 1. The included fast-focus eyepiece is also highly effective when it comes to fast, easy reticle focusing. 34 mm tube, MOA & MIL reticles, dual illumination, ED Japanese glass. There is a choice of reticles, and the one this review will concentrate on is the ACSS Raptor M2 version. You get between 1-8x variable magnification, a 24mm objective lens, and a high strength, heavy-duty 34mm main tube. 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. It has to be seen as one of the best performing first focal plane scopes currently available in this price bracket. This is a convenient trick for folks who like to shoot long range but who have a little bit of difficulty seeing small details up close. With up to 25x power, you can crank it up and use the Tremor 3 by Horus reticle to get dead-on. Vortex has equipped this FFP scope with a glass-etched reticle. Will you be sitting and using a bi/tripod? All images are copyrighted to their respective owners. The Athlon Optics Ares BTR is a great option for anyone who wants an alternative to Leupold or Vortex. Field of view at 100 yards ranges between 18.7 and 4.9 feet, while the exit pupil varies between 8.3 and 2.3mm. It's no wonder ATACR scopes are used by the U.S. military. In such situations target size is small, and you dont want the reticle to obscure the target. The red LED illumination feature is powered by an included CR2032 battery. Worthy of praise? This ensures smooth, easy magnification changes no matter what conditions you are shooting in. Get discounts from top brands and our latest reviews! Using top-quality glass, this riflescope gives sharp, crisp imaging throughout the magnification range. You're on a hunt for a bargain but you're not going to compromise on specific features you need to get out further and practice holding over. With its front focal plane, you can focus on the target without any distractions. By the way, what does FFP and SFP mean? Five of these options come with green and red DigIllum illumination. To have these three features in a scope is a recipe for multiple dollar signs, and yet, the Ares still comes in under budget for its value. It simply means the reticle assembly is physically located in front of the magnifying assembly in the rifle scope. Shooters have a choice of MOA or MRAD models to suit their style. Close to longer-range shots can be taken with precision. This means you need to narrow down your options to suit your particular shooting style, applications, and pocket. Get Our Latest Guides & Field Tests Straight to Your Inbox. It offers 120 MOA or 35 MRAD of total elevation adjustment and 80 MOA or 24 MRAD of windage adjustment. Those new to the world of rifle scopes have a tendency to go for top-end variable magnification that is too high for their needs. My review will concentrate on the Mark 5HD 5-25X56 M5C3 FFP PR1-MIL reticle model. With the popularity of these scopes, you dont need to aim for something that costs as much as a new riding lawnmower to get a high-quality scope. Picture 1 . This highly effective system gives an extra 30 minutes of shooting light at the beginning and end of the day. Top 10 Best First Focal Plane (FFP) Scopes In 2023 Reviews, 1Argos BTR Gen II 6-24x50mm MRAD Riflescopes From Athlon Optics Model: 214063 Best PRS First Focal Plane (FFP) Scope, 2The Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescopes From Vortex Optics Best Affordable First Focal Plane (FFP) Scope, 3SLx3.5 4-14X44mm FFP Rifle Scope With Illuminated R-Grid 2B Reticle From Primary Arms Model: 610090 Best Budget First Focal Plane (FFP) Scope, 4The Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescopes From Vortex Optics Best All-round First Focal Plane (FFP) Scope, 5Trijicon Credo 1-8x28mm FFP Riflescope Model: 2900032 Best Both Eyes Open First Focal Plane (FFP) Scope, 6Burris Veracity 4-20x50mm Riflescope with Ballistic E1 FFP Reticle Model No. The Viper PST Gen II scope. That SIIISS624x50LRFFP/MH was one of the sub $1K, ffp, mil/mil scopes I reviewed last year. Your choice when it comes to picking one of the best FFP scopes is not an easy one. Its price is justified due to the fact that its quality is so high. The included fast-focus eyepiece complements reticle use to allow fast, easy target focusing. Discovery Optics ED 3-15X50 FFP SFAI . Zooming out does the opposite; the reticle will appear smaller. The scope is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof, and our testers experience with Leupold products made it clear that this scope will withstand the beating of a multi-day backwoods hunt with ease. In total, the Primary Arms SLx is a budget buy given its low price point to acquire a FFP scope. Investment is certainly a consideration with the Mark 5HD 5-25X56mm optic. Leupold offers six different reticle choices. Our testers found this scope to be an excellent value for the money, but its not the least expensive option showcased here.