What is a first focal plane (FFP) scope? Those who put themselves through harsh and testing hunting conditions will also benefit from FFP scope use. First off, FFP stands for First Focal Plane or Front Focal Plane. 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. It might not have as extreme high power, adjustment travel, or tube body size as some other high-end FFP scopes in our lineup, but it sure has the ideal specs for a hunter and shooter who has some distance to travel on foot. The first image is from the $500 4-1444 Atibal Apex. 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. If theres an FFP scope you want for long-range use, get on board the Maven bandwagon. This has been specially designed for competitive bench rest shooting or, when taking longer range, more difficult hunting shots. Thankfully, optic prices have been coming down for the past few years. This allows you to lock down on your zero position. Top 10 Economical FFP Scopes in 2022 1. It's only one feature of a scope that enables you to get the job done. All rights reserved. Just look at its front focal plane reticle that's glass-etched in place. This, again, is a personal preference issue. Wind/Elevation travel at 100 yards is classed as 70 MOA. Parallax focus is easy access, side adjustable, and complemented by the fast-focus eyepiece feature, which ensures ease of reticle acquisition. 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. Learn from our expert Jerimiah Alexander to ensure the best zero while shooting.. 5. A final FFP scope benefit worthy of mention comes through its effectiveness at virtually any range. Two excellent benefits of this highly effective reticle are: When on lower power magnification, you are sure of quick target acquisition. Those shooters reading this article are likely to have made their decision already. Having this variability is nice, and lets you choose the setting that best fits your lighting conditions. Athlon Argos BTR 6-24x50mm I knew nothing of Athlon Optics before one of my friends purchased the scope seen here. While cost is certainly a consideration, shooters can rest assured they are paying for quality. . Weight-wise it will add 37.6 ounces to your weapon. This feature isn't a given as illumination is an optional feature on scopes. But the Argos BTR Gen II 6-24x50mm optic does not stop there. The extra-low dispersion glass increases image resolution and color fidelity at all magnification levels. When shooting, clarity of view is all-important. FFP reticles are a high-end feature on premium scopes. To help you narrow down that choice, lets take a look at five key factors that need to be considered. Wrench T-15 for 40 mm mount rings. Things like aircraft-grade aluminum, an illuminated reticle, a sealed housing, and plenty of holdovers on the reticle or a mil-dot reticle can be indicators of a good product. It offers 120 MOA or 35 MRAD of total elevation adjustment and 80 MOA or 24 MRAD of windage adjustment. The reticle will change in size as you change magnification. There's nothing to nit-pick about here. The illumination on this scope is both in red and green and there are multiple brightness intensities. Exit pupil is between 8.2 and 2.1mm (0.32- and 0.08-inches). The locking turrets also protect your zero and offer real ease of operation. 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. Made in Japan, it has a durable hardcoat anodized black finish and is waterproof as well as shock and fog-resistant. 5:1 zoom ratio, and 0.1 mil clicks just add to the premium design and high-performing setup of the Leupold scope. The SLx rifle scope is well established in the market and is one of the most affordable FFP scopes under $300. Set and Forget Zeroing or count your clicks. . What loyalists love about the brand is that they're extremists. As for eye relief, this is between 3- and 4-inches. The latter factor is particularly important when using heavy caliber ammo. Of all the scopes showcased here, the Athlon was the easiest to get sighted in and to use. Keep in mind your style of shooting or hunting when deciding which type would be best for your needs. It should be said that this superb scope is really aimed at experienced long-range shooters and those into sniping. However, at low power, it's difficult to see crosshairs as they may be too small and thin. This increases resolution and color fidelity of images, while the XR fully multi-coated lenses are highly effective in increasing light transmission. 292.99. The reticle is often etched or attached to the glass lenses in many modern scopes. 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. : 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. Coming in black and featuring a smooth matte finish, it measures 10.8 x 3.2 x 2.6-inches. When it comes to actually shooting with the scope, the turrets work well and have a precision not found in less-expensive models. 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. Vortex Optics Viper PST Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 2-10x32 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-4 Reticle (MRAD) But, if this is you, durability, quality, features galore, and accuracy are on the menu. This EOTech Vudu 1-624 FFP Precision Riflescope brings us back down to earth in terms of magnification and price! But, is FFP really what you need? SFP scopes have reticles that are towards the back of the scope. It simply means the reticle assembly is physically located in front of the magnifying assembly in the rifle scope. 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. This provides enhanced visibility during those all-important dawn, dusk, or low-light shooting periods. What is more, you will have peace of mind purchase through the included Vortex lifetime warranty. Shooters get between 5 and 25x variable magnification, a 56mm objective lens, and a 1.34-inch (34mm) main tube. This is a tactical feature that hunters appreciate for its unbreakable ruggedness. It is constructed using 6063 aircraft-grade aluminum and is completely water, fog, and shockproof. 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. 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. 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. 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. Crosshair posts are nice and thick for easy visibility in various terrains. Therefore, you benefit from a brighter image than normal single-coated lenses offer. A zero stop is also a feature that is considered a premium add-on, so it's no surprise that you're not getting it here. Now, that's Diamondback ruggedness and tactical performance combined. Keen hunters can be assured that its ruggedized design is built to withstand extreme hunting conditions. The red LED illumination feature is powered by an included CR2032 battery. 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 This will require an FFP reticle to really take advantage of ballistic data. Opt in to receive text messages Please text STOP to decline or UNSTOP to opt-in to text messaging services Guaranteed In Stock! Let us set the record straight - you don't see this feature at this price point, ever! FFP reticles aren't inherently better than SFP reticles. It's been Punisher Tested to withstand the harshest of recoil you can dish out. Discovery Optics ED 3-15X50 FFP SFAI . As well as an included lens shade and lens covers, this top-quality optic comes backed by Leupolds full lifetime guarantee. It's no wonder ATACR scopes are expensive, no detail left overlooked, and no expense spared. So, Which is The Very Best of The Best First Focal Plane (FFP) Scopes? 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. Because crisp, clear, and vivid images are what you are after, this should be seen as a 2-way necessity. This quality optic has been tested to exacting military standards and protocols. Itll fit on just about any rifle easily and it has build quality that will blow many other offerings out of the water. Size/weight, brand, build quality, adjustments, and low light features should all be considerations throughout your buying process. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Arken Optics SH4 6-24X50 GEN2 FFP MIL VPR Illuminated with Zero Stop - 34mm Tube at the best online prices at eBay! 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). From the outset, decide on a sensible upper price limit of what you are prepared to pay. You can then consider its shockproof abilities. 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). With that in mind, variable magnification of between 3-9x fits the bill. This compact optic is a perfect match. Many FFP reticles are laser-etched onto glass further adding to the expensive costs of a scope. Trijicon provides this through crisp and precise windage/elevation adjusters that require no tools. It offers dual LED red/green illumination to suit the conditions you are shooting in. Zero Stop: No; Lens coatings: Fully multi-coated . Trijicon are renowned for the quality glass used in their scope manufacture. The result is sure to please avid hunters. But, it also allows for the fact that some shooters prefer to count their clicks. Free shipping for many products! 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 You can have a T-MOA, TMR, CCH, Impact-29 MOA, Impact-32 MOA, and an Impact-60 MOA. 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. CR2032 Battery. 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. The MH-2 reticle has an illuminated crosshair with hash marks in 1/2 mil increments. Yes, there is a difference in clarity, but not much. These scopes are fantastic optics for long-range rifle enthusiasts, and theyve become far more popular in recent years. Compact was just mentioned, and that is what it is. Mid to high power ranges are typical in FFP scopes. Make no mistake, FFP scopes vary dramatically in price. Those AR-platform or bolt-action rifle enthusiasts into either (or both) of these shooting disciplines are in the right place. Without getting too technical, the major difference between the two is that the size of an FFP reticle appears to change as you move through the levels of magnification. Athlon has built up a solid name in the scope world. Good for a variety of shooting applications. The Helos at under $600 is comparable to much more expensive scopes, as is the Argos BTR. The included fast-focus eyepiece is also highly effective when it comes to fast, easy reticle focusing. Magnification Not Everyone is a Trained Sniper! Picture 1 . Any shooter on a tight budget (or those just testing the FFP water) will love this scope! The downside? This means you need equipment that is robust and durable to match. The side adjustable parallax feature allows instantaneous adjustments while allowing you to keep your shooting position. 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. The Monstrum Tactical G2 is another fantastic option if youre looking for a scope thats an excellent value.