With its max of 15x magnification, 30 mm tube, and 100 MOA of elevation travel, it's still a very attractive and impressive scope, and it all helps to keep weight down. Were reader-supported, which means we may earn a small part of the sale from links to any products or services on this site. Are you interested in learning how to mil targets or estimate distances using your reticle? 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. To help you narrow down that choice, lets take a look at five key factors that need to be considered. 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. The included extra-low dispersion glass couples with fully multi-coated lenses to ensure a bright, crisp sight picture. . Its overkill just for hunting with, but its your prerogative. Specializing in Active Shooters, Counter-Ambush, Low-light, and Patrol Rifles, he has trained thousands of Law Enforcement Officers in firearms. It may be the last consideration mentioned here, but for many, it will be the most important! 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. If you want usable holdovers throughout your entire magnification range, an FFP reticle might be for you. There's a time and place for either type of reticle in the hunt or in the tactical world. With its front focal plane, you can focus on the target without any distractions. All rights reserved. All content cited is derived from their respective sources. 3. A final FFP scope benefit worthy of mention comes through its effectiveness at virtually any range. Our testers found the RZR Zero Stop feature of the Viper to be excellent. The Ares ETR First Focal Plane rifle scope is loaded with features that will allow you to take your long range shooting to another level. You'll need that steadiness a bipod can provide when you have extreme 5-25x power to get up and personal with. Many hunters find that the variable magnification of between 4-16x and 44mm objective lens is ideal for their needs. Thanks to the multi-coated ED optics, quality imaging is yours in any environment or light conditions. 2. The RS.4 has Japanese ED glass and components and is assembled in Japan. Theres an old shooter adage that essentially says you should spend as much on the optics as you did on the gun. Overall, with all the different reticles Primary Arms generates, the simple mil dot has been a long-lasting option. This increases resolution and color fidelity of images, while the XR fully multi-coated lenses are highly effective in increasing light transmission. $571.98. 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. It also eliminates up to 90% more glare than other scopes offer. Check out the lens coating of each scope you are looking at. Having a reticle in the FFP is only one contribution to its expensive price tag as high-end scopes often come with high-end features that the Mark 5 obviously has. Measuring just 10.63-inches in length, 2.6-inches in width, and 2.1-inches in height, it weighs in at only 19.75 ounces. Keen hunters know just how important ease of scope adjustment is during those crucial hunting sessions. 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. SAVE 10% ON YOUR ORDER TODAY! As for the side-adjustable parallax and fast focus eyepiece, these features ensure a crisp view of both your chosen target and the reticle. One of the reasons for the good image quality is . There are a lot of options out there when it comes to FFP scopes. Rex does a side by side comparison of the new Arken EP5 5-25X56 FFP MIL VPR Reticle with Zero Stop - 34mm Tube against the Primary arms Pox 6-30x56, the Stei. It really is that straightforward. If so, you should keep that in mind when buying a scope. 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). You can have a T-MOA, TMR, CCH, Impact-29 MOA, Impact-32 MOA, and an Impact-60 MOA. However, elevation tracks true and are tactile enough for most target shooters even out to 500 yards. 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. 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. You get between 1 and 8x variable magnification, a 34mm main tube, and a 28mm objective lens. This scope is going on a rig where you're in a prone position and a bipod is holding you steady anyway. Their Argos Gen II BTR model is a point in case. The Mark 5HD is one of Leupold's serious beasts of a machine. The MIL-XT reticle version comes with red DigIllum illumination only. 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. By the way, what does FFP and SFP mean? That being the case, there are variable magnification FFP scopes just waiting to be part of your armory! It's unusual to find it in entry-level models. It also features capped windage adjustments and marked parallax adjustment. 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. While any of the scopes on this list will serve most shooters well, theres no denying that Vortex Optics Viper PST is the best front focal plane scope that you can buy. But, to help you narrow down what qualities you want at the top end of your priorities when it comes to FFP reticles, here's what you need to keep in mind. You should expect tough conditions and rough terrain when out on a hunting expedition. This is a must-have feature for those in PRS matches and long-range, precision shooting. The elevation turret is exposed and can be reset to your zero. This EOTech Vudu 1-624 FFP Precision Riflescope brings us back down to earth in terms of magnification and price! The Credo has fully multi-coated broadband anti-reflective coating to ensure clarity of image view under all light conditions. 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. There are Tenebraex flip-up covers, a cleaning Fob/Cleaning Cloth, and a Multi-Tool. One thing that our testers didnt like was the fact that the scope rings were higher than expected. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. finally, two years ago, they came out with an SIII in mil/mil ffp. Regardless of whether your target is 100 yards, 1,000 yards, or anywhere in between, it still provides excellent accuracy assistance. Hunters will also find that the sleek finish is complemented with low-profile controls. Trijicon provides this through crisp and precise windage/elevation adjusters that require no tools. It's a preference, and scopes on the more expensive end will offer reticle illumination. However, hunters and those on the move should be. There is a donut hole in the long-range, exposed turret scope market. You can be assured it is ready to handle harsh weather conditions as well as heavy recoil. Hawke Frontier 34 FFP Specifications. This means you need equipment that is robust and durable to match. Close to longer-range shots can be taken with precision. This is because they are generally far more robust and durable than SFP scopes and are ready to withstand the most testing of hunting conditions. Pros and cons of this reticle preference? Mil-dot reticle, Zero Reset, Side Focus, 30 mm tube, 1/10th MIL clicks, 3-year warranty, Extreme Long-Range, Competition, Low Light Use, Long-Range PRS Matches, Precision Shooting. These tend to have finer reticles, and adjustment down to the quarter minute-of-angle on windage and elevation. At the lower end, you will find models around the $300 mark. In such situations target size is small, and you dont want the reticle to obscure the target. . A U.S Air Force combat veteran with over 25 years of service specialized in small arms and tactics training. 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. DISCOVERY ED-PRS 5-25X56SFIR FFP Zero Stop Hunting Rifle Scope for .50BMG Gun. Highly popular! People pick up first focal plane optics to increase their ability to shoot at longer ranges without re-zeroing the rifle for different distances. The ACSS Raptor M2 reticle gives shooters a large illuminated horseshoe that draws the eye. With approximately 35 MILS of long-ranging elevation travel, a huge 35 mm main tube, and an FFP reticle, it's a shooter's complete scope to hit steel at ranges once unachievable. You can get a MOA version or an MRAD version. Another great scope, in my opinion, that was not included in this review, is the Nikko Stirling Diamond 4-16x43, HMD (half mil-dot) reticle. The SHR (Simplified Holdover Reticle) reticle is in the FFP that is easy to incorporate and see at all magnification levels. Glass-etched reticles are still largely a tactical feature, but like FFP reticles, they're being adopted into high-end hunting scopes too. American Firearms was established by firearm fans for firearm fans as a modern-day take on all things that go BOOM. These 0.1 MIL click adjustments are both precise and repeatable. You can holdoff for elevation and wind at any power range since your crosshair marks will be usable as subtension consistently remains unchanged. But, there is one thing you will have decided from the off. Trijicon has a very proud name in the world of optics. 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. 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. Additionally, youll be able to better make out differences, for instance, between the 500m and 600m marks on your reticles bullet drop compensator much easier. First focal plane optics are an excellent choice for this because of the reticle placement in relation to the lens. Due to the fact the reticle size changes with magnification, those new to FFP reticles can find them initially challenging to use. 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. The reticle is often etched or attached to the glass lenses in many modern scopes. Those keen shooters who purchase this Trijicon Credo FFP riflescope will truly believe in quality, durability, effective use, and reliability. With the Primary Arms SLx, it seems the windage turret has a little bit of play and doesnt quite seem as tactile as the elevation turret. The latest Burris Veracity scope release also includes a new five times zoom system. However, when this is gauged against quality and reliability, it has to be seen as excellent value for money. This second offering from Vortex Optics jumps up the price scale but also offers enhanced quality and features. This scope has been purpose-built for tactical shooters, those into competition, and keen hunters. Exposed tactical-style turrets are easy to access and simple to use under any field conditions. High-quality FFP scopes come with special coatings that work to increase light transmission. 34 mm tube, wide 120 MOA elevation and 80 MOA windage adjustment travel, MOAR reticle. How we select gear. This ensures smooth, easy magnification changes no matter what conditions you are shooting in. The illuminated BDC Segmented Circle FFP reticle is powered by an included CR2032 battery. 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. The heat-treated one-piece 30mm tube is constructed from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. Product Info for Sightron S-TAC 3-16x42mm Rifle Scope Zero Stop. Any shooter on a tight budget (or those just testing the FFP water) will love this scope! Both features will quickly give confidence when it comes to precise targeting over those more testing long-distance shots. An Argon-purged gas chamber is a luxury feature that outdoes nitrogen gas when weatherproofing and sealing your scope. You can then consider its shockproof abilities. You zero an LPVO at the average distance you expect to shoot. As you would expect for a scope made to be this durable, it's completely waterproof and fogproof. This means the second focal plane scopes reticles are a fixed size they will not adjust as you dial up or down the magnification. Finally, some optics have been designed to be super rugged. Simply use the easy access push button controls to get a clear target shot. We say almost because the Argos does it. Not only is the EBR-2C MOA reticle with organized hashmarks in the front focal plane, it has also been glass-etched. The model reviewed here is their Gen II version giving between 6-24x variable magnification and a 50mm objective lens. Vortex Optics claim to fame is its VIP warranty. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm MOA Riflescope - 13 Models - Most Versatile First Focal Plane (FFP) Scope NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm F1 ZeroStop Riflescope - 6 Models - Best Premium First Focal Plane (FFP) Scope EOTech Vudu 1-624 FFP Precision Riflescope - 7 Models - Best 3 Gun Competition First Focal Plane (FFP) Scope One thing that our testers werent crazy about was the eye relief of the Viper. They will also have peace of mind thanks to the VIP Vortex lifetime warranty. No problem, illuminating the reticle could not be easier. Vortex Optics Diamondback: Best Overall. It's much easier to do this when you can actually see the marks and dots on your crosshairs. Its hard to ask for more than this for under $300. Crosshairs will increase in size as you crank up the power. The Helos at under $600 is comparable to much more expensive scopes, as is the Argos BTR. Those who put themselves through harsh and testing hunting conditions will also benefit from FFP scope use. The MH-2 reticle has an illuminated crosshair with hash marks in 1/2 mil increments. From my research, it appears that the Riton RT-S Mod 7 5-25x56IR is the cheapest I've found with everything I want. Investment is certainly a consideration with the Mark 5HD 5-25X56mm optic. Probably the best thing about this system is that the zero stop collar has a line on . Worthy of praise? Thankfully, optic prices have been coming down for the past few years. Best Precision Hunting Scope: Zeiss LRP S5 3-1850 Most Versatile Hunting Scope: Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-1040 Best Budget Scope: Hawke Vantage 30 WA IR 2.5-1050 Best Crossover Scope: Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-2250 Best LPVO: EOTech Vudu 1-1028 Best Budget Precision Rimfire Rifle Scope: Athlon Midas HMR 2.5-1550 These scopes are fantastic optics for long-range rifle enthusiasts, and theyve become far more popular in recent years. Mostly for use in hunting rifles, the more durable first focal plane optics are usually waterproof to a certain extent, and many of them also have features that make them a little bit resistant to being bumped and dropped as well. This will require an FFP reticle to really take advantage of ballistic data. 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. Weighing in at 1.42 lbs, its dimensions are 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1-inches. The super fine APMR FFP IR MIL reticle is glass etched. When you're stuck with a tight budget you might think your options are limited. It is glass-etched and protected between two glass layers to give optimum reliability and durability. Vortex has equipped this FFP scope with a glass-etched reticle. It is constructed using 6063 aircraft-grade aluminum and is completely water, fog, and shockproof. As for eye relief, this is between 3- and 4-inches. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Depending upon the variable magnification chosen, you then have a choice of MOA or MRAD reticles. Hitting steel at 1000 yards plus is nothing for this long-ranging machine. We think you get the point. The majority of shooters will initially settle for short to mid-range targeting, and that really does make sense. With that in mind, Ive decided to review the best first focal plane (FFP) scopes currently on the market. Trijicon are renowned for the quality glass used in their scope manufacture. The ATACR scope is heavy. With a 30mm tube, you have 17.5 mils in elevation and windage travel. Conversely, an SFP reticle appears the same size regardless of the magnification you have it set on. Quality glass is a must, but that needs pairing with quality lens coating. Higher magnifications do help with greater precision, but the optics with the highest zoom levels are also often the most expensive. Look for a scope that has high-quality materials and features. As is typical for many FFP scopes in the affordable end of the price range, it lacks a zero stop. Even though it doesn't have a zero stop, it's not something we'll complain about when it has literally everything else a scope more than twice its price has. Vortex Optics Viper PST Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 2-10x32 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-4 Reticle (MRAD) 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 Leupold certainly does not stand still when it comes to offering customers choice. Bench rest shooters may not be too concerned about the optimal weight a scope will add to their weapon. The FFP model also utilizes an easy to set Zero-stop mechanism . Arken stands behind their product 100%: 1) they provide a lifetime . Often scopes in the middle price range will have the right mix of quality and cost. Free shipping for many products! Having said that, practice and perseverance reap rewards. Some reported they would have liked to see the eye relief be a little longer. : 200640, Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm MOA Riflescope 13 Models, NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm F1 ZeroStop Riflescope 6 Models, EOTech Vudu 1-624 FFP Precision Riflescope 7 Models, Primary Arms Platinum Series 1-8x24mm FFP Riflescope 4 Models, Best Scopes for 30 30 Lever Action Rifles, Top 8 Best Scopes for Mini 14 Ranch Rifles In 2023 Reviews, Top 8 Best Spotting Scopes In 2023 Ultimate Reviews & Buying Guide, Mossberg Patriot Long Range Hunter Review, Top 10 Best Rimfire Scopes In 2023 Reviews, Best Scopes for .308 Rifles In 2023 Top 10 Rated Reviews, Burris Eliminator III Reticle Laser Scope Review, Best Budget Trail Cameras under $100 in 2023 Top 10 Ultimate Reviews, Top 10 Best 1-4X Scopes For The Money In 2023 Reviews & Buying Guide, Top 10 Best Scopes For 6.5 Creedmoor in 2023 Reviews & Buying Guide, Best Crossbow Scope On The Market 2023 Review, Best 1-6x Scopes On The Market 2023 Reviews, Top 8 Best Rifle Scopes Under $500 To Buy In 2023 Reviews, Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4X24 Riflescopes Review, ATN X-Sight II HD 3-14 Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope Review, Best Scopes for .30-30 Lever Action Rifles, Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-2550 Riflescope Review, Simmons Truplex Reticle Riflescope 3-9x40mm Review, Vortex Viper HS-T 6-24x50mm Riflescope Review, Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes Review, Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II Riflescopes Review, Bushnell Banner 3-940 Rifle Scope Review, ATN THOR 4 1.25-5X Review A Smart Thermal Scope, NightForce NX8 1-8x24mm F1 Riflescope Review, Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope Review. The ZeroStop, PTL (Power Throw Lever), high power, and extremely large aperture all adds to its prowess out in the field. What we hear is "ka-ching, ka-ching." 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. Choose either 4 to 16x or 6 to 24x. . Surprisingly, there havent been many complaints, if at all, about reticle visibility at low 4x power. 1. Sightron Scope SIII 8-32x56 Lr Moa Zero Stop 30mm Sf Matte $1,374.99 (Save 32%) $939.99 Instant Savings. 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. Then there is the quality extra-low dispersion glass. The advanced reticle design also promotes set and forget zeroing to make life easy. FFP scopes have the reticle situated towards the front of the scope. View. Comparing it to other scopes with the same specs, it offers a lot more. Arken Optics Scope EP-5 5-25x56 FFP MIL VPR Reticle Combo Pack 34mm Rigid Mount. Not a bad compromise considering everything else you're walking away with on the Argos! The options have grown for the sub-$1000 and the $1500-plus categories, but it's a little thin in between those two price points. It has been designed for anyone looking to get into PRS (Precision Rifle Series) competition or hunting over longer distances. Yes, there is a difference in clarity, but not much. Description. Again, regardless of the reticle chosen, you will benefit from high functionality, intuitive use, and detailed hold points. Looking for Even More Superb Scope Options? The included fast-focus eyepiece is also highly effective when it comes to fast, easy reticle focusing. A good range scope can very different from one made for hunting and often considerably cheaper. This Viper might be on the more expensive end, but what do you expect when you get the best? The larger the zoom ratio, the more versatile one scope can be. 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. Wind/Elevation travel at 100 yards is classed as 70 MOA. The Argos might just be the solution optic to your shopping dilemma. This becomes even more important for those who go on extended shooting sessions. 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! Vortex knows optics. It is Mil Rad adjustable with 0.1 Mil Rad clicks, and the adjustment range is 17.5 Mil Rad. The extra-wide field of view available allows for maximum situational awareness. By doing this you have a reticle that maintains its relationship to the target no matter the magnification ranges, parallax adjustment, magnification setting, 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. This allows for a lot of precision in shot placement, but might not be the fastest to acquire with the eye. The illumination will only present the most important image elements to allow for rapid engagement. This demo site is only for demonstration purposes. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II Leveled and Zeroed. For an explanation on the differences between the two, check out our Reticle Guide here. We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock. Move to higher power and excellent accuracy along with quality image resolution is yours. Learn how your comment data is processed. The extra-low dispersion glass increases image resolution and color fidelity at all magnification levels. We stand behind our product 100% and provide a Lifetime Warranty and our . More Reading: Best 1-8 FFP Scopes. The included EOTech Red LED illuminated Speed Ring reticle is powered by an included CR2032 battery. Coming in black and featuring a smooth matte finish, it measures 10.8 x 3.2 x 2.6-inches. Now, that's Diamondback ruggedness and tactical performance combined. What is more, you will have peace of mind purchase through the included Vortex lifetime warranty. While you can certainly buy more expensive FFP scopes, theres little chance youll actually need the incremental features of a more expensive option. Just look at its front focal plane reticle that's glass-etched in place. Along with one of the best premium FFP scopes currently available, you also get a variety of extras. Free shipping for many products! When it comes to your optic, look at those which are made from quality grade aluminum. While it may not matter in terms of performance, I do think that the looks of a firearm and optic combination are worth thinking about if there are different options and youre already spending this much money on a scope. If so, then you need to start thinking about first focal plane (FFP) rife scopes. This factor allows shooters to keep estimated windage and elevation holdover points accurate regardless of the level of magnification. While the purchase price is a serious consideration, this scope offers good value to keen, regular hunters. What loyalists love about the brand is that they're extremists. 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 is another quality scope manufacturer, and this Veracity model will not disappoint. Built using quality aluminum, it will perform in any harsh hunting environments you find yourself in. When you're trying to save a buck without compromising on quality, Athlon gets it done. Keen hunters can be assured that its ruggedized design is built to withstand extreme hunting conditions. Good for a variety of shooting applications. That glass proves to be important because it offers unparalleled quality throughout the entire power range especially so at max power.