The Helos at under $600 is comparable to much more expensive scopes, as is the Argos BTR. Tuned to deliver accuracy, whether rapidly acquiring close quarter targets or moving out to mid-range, it gives the ability to achieve fast, accurate hits out to 800 yards. When shooting, clarity of view is all-important. This is a must-have feature for those in PRS matches and long-range, precision shooting. When choosing a rifle scope, you have a host of considerations to take into account. But, it also allows for the fact that some shooters prefer to count their clicks. That being the case, there are variable magnification FFP scopes just waiting to be part of your armory! Conversely, an SFP reticle appears the same size regardless of the magnification you have it set on. It is Mil Rad adjustable with click values of 0.1 Mil Rad steps. 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. When you're stuck with a tight budget you might think your options are limited. You do not pay anything extra and your purchase helps support our work. The Mark 5HD is one of Leupold's serious beasts of a machine. It also has an illuminated center grid to provide fast target acquisition during low light or when the reticle is in the lower power range. 40 mm mount rings for Picatinny Rail. 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. Arken Optics Scope EP-5 5-25x56 FFP MIL VPR Reticle Combo Pack 34mm Rigid Mount. The Vortex Gen II PST and the V4 line from. finally, two years ago, they came out with an SIII in mil/mil ffp. Keep in mind your style of shooting or hunting when deciding which type would be best for your needs. American Firearms was established by firearm fans for firearm fans as a modern-day take on all things that go BOOM. We may earn a commission on purchases from a link. The illumination is also variable, so you can choose from a variety of settings to further dial in your preferences. That is, do you prefer your reticle to be sitting in the FFP (First Focal Plane) or the SFP (Second Focal Plane). The single piece, 30mm main tube comes with strong o-ring seals and is nitrogen purged. Perfect for experienced hunters and 3-gun competition. Often scopes in the middle price range will have the right mix of quality and cost. As for the non-illuminated Ballistic Plex E1 FFP reticle, this gives hunters the ability to accurately compute target distances at any magnification while also providing trajectory and windage reference points. They both feature modified Christmas-tree designs with red LED illumination and abundant (and really smart) windage and holdover references. For those with long-distance accuracy in their mind, the range of windage and elevation are certain to please. It simply means the reticle assembly is physically located in front of the magnifying assembly in the rifle scope. Parallax is 15 yards to infinity, and the eye relief ranges between 3.14- and 3.22-inches. 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. The 30 mm tube body allows up to 65 MOA in adjustment travel and pushing past 1000 yards with the easy to see FFP reticle puts you in the long-range game of things. It is also packed with useful features that include laser-etched turrets, adjustable parallax, the Vortex RZR zero stop feature, and a fast-focus eyepiece. It's a preference, and scopes on the more expensive end will offer reticle illumination. It measures 15-inches in length and weighs in at 27.2 ounces. FFP scopes have the reticle situated towards the front of the scope. There are a lot of options out there when it comes to FFP scopes. Wrench T-15 for 40 mm mount rings. Then there is the quality extra-low dispersion glass. Coming with variable magnification of between 1 and 6x, it has a 30mm main tube diameter and a 24mm objective lens. Thankfully, optic prices have been coming down for the past few years. Thats good peace of mind and just one of the things that make the Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II FFP scope one of the best first focal plane scopes available today. Free shipping for many products! Lens Cleaning Cloth. What rifle scope offers both sniper precision and user ease that's good enough for both the professional and the enthusiastic civilian? This FFP scope gives shooters top-quality materials, build quality, and premium features at a fair price. Users will find it quite easy to see and maintain subtensions regardless of the zoom magnification setting they are on. Top 10 Best First Focal Plane (FFP) Scopes To Buy In 2023 Reviews, Best First Focal Plane (FFP) Scopes Buying Guide The Key Factors to Look Out For. When youre in the higher ranges, its not obnoxiously large either. But the Argos BTR Gen II 6-24x50mm optic does not stop there. 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. 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. It has to be seen as one of the best performing first focal plane scopes currently available in this price bracket. As well as an included lens shade and lens covers, this top-quality optic comes backed by Leupolds full lifetime guarantee. FFP it is! This versatility ensures close, mid, and long-range shot accuracy. Made from 6061-T6 aluminum with a stylish matte black finish, this riflescope is built to withstand the harshest of conditions. This solid build will protect your scope regardless of the conditions it is used in. 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. A new player in the shooting optics industry, Athlon Optics offers some excellent products that are winning customers that would normally turn to names like Leupold. Theres an old shooter adage that essentially says you should spend as much on the optics as you did on the gun. When it comes to actually shooting with the scope, the turrets work well and have a precision not found in less-expensive models. Weight-wise it will add 37.6 ounces to your weapon. 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. This compact optic is a perfect match. 5:1 zoom ratio, and 0.1 mil clicks just add to the premium design and high-performing setup of the Leupold scope. Athlon is a welcome brand to many shooters who need high quality without being ripped off in the process. Neither one is inherently better than the other, although, some shooters may swear by one system for their purposes. Investment is certainly a consideration with the Mark 5HD 5-25X56mm optic. 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. Not only is the EBR-2C MOA reticle with organized hashmarks in the front focal plane, it has also been glass-etched. Those who put themselves through harsh and testing hunting conditions will also benefit from FFP scope use. The popularity of the Vortex Optics Viper PST Generation II FFP rifle scope family comes through the choice of magnification and reticle choices. 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. 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. It's 38 ounces total and adding that to your setup will quickly tack on the poundage. The scope features a glass etched reticle with illumination in both red or green. Simply use the easy access push button controls to get a clear target shot. Discovery Optics ED 3-15X50 FFP SFAI . For under 1000, this FFP scope is sporting premium features that we're unable to find anywhere else. Focal plane reticles inside rifle scopes are physical things. All content cited is derived from their respective sources. The side adjustable parallax feature allows instantaneous adjustments while allowing you to keep your shooting position. Close X. Adding to its value is the additional technology Vortex puts into the glass and image quality. The included EOTech Red LED illuminated Speed Ring reticle is powered by an included CR2032 battery. The CFR-MIL reticle holds the balance between being clear and visible to not overcrowding the field of view. Leupold is one of those names in the optics world that almost every shooter knows and respects. Also, you should think about how youre going to use the product. View. 292.99. Premium components are part of the zoom lens. These tend to have finer reticles, and adjustment down to the quarter minute-of-angle on windage and elevation. This means that all future adjustments are readily tracked. Athlon Argos BTR 6-24x50mm I knew nothing of Athlon Optics before one of my friends purchased the scope seen here. Maybe that's what attracts you. The diopter adjustment range is between -2 and 2 dpt, while eye relief varies between 3.1- and 3.9-inches. If your scope is defective, fails to perform, or suffers non-cosmetic damage that affects its function, during normal use - we will replace your scope at no charge to you! This means you need equipment that is robust and durable to match. It is Mil Rad adjustable with 0.1 Mil Rad click steps and has an adjustment range of 29 Mil Rad. This is one tacti-cool rig that any shooter would be proud to be seen with. Overall, with all the different reticles Primary Arms generates, the simple mil dot has been a long-lasting option. Leupold certainly does not stand still when it comes to offering customers choice. With its magnification range above 10x, it features a side focus and a fast focus eyepiece for maximum reticle sharpness for your vision. As for battery life, this is 39 hours when using red and 94 hours when using green illumination. Copyright 2023 American Firearms LLC. They come with a Zero Reset feature, and shooters will benefit from precise 1/10 MIL W/E (Wind/Elevation) adjustments. These days, even affordable, basic optics are made with reasonably good quality, so dont turn your nose up at cheaper options! Perhaps you can relate. Shooters have a choice of MOA or MRAD models to suit their style. Magnification range on the scope is 6.5-2050. It's almost ridiculous how affordable this scope is. 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. 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. With a quick overview of its specs, it's a heavy scope that's meant to be set up for those extreme long-range shots. Free Postage. It is glass-etched and protected between two glass layers to give optimum reliability and durability. A further benefit not to be dismissed comes during low-light shooting sessions. The 30 mm tube body gives up to 60 MOA/18 MIL adjustment travel to get you pumping off rounds at further distances. With that in mind, variable magnification of between 3-9x fits the bill. Besides, who are you kidding? Whichever configuration is chosen, durability, reliability, and ease of use is yours during daylight as well as low-light conditions. Overall, this is a lot of bang for your buck. The MH-2 reticle has an illuminated crosshair with hash marks in 1/2 mil increments. 3-inch Sunshade. Probably the best thing about this system is that the zero stop collar has a line on . Best Overall: Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II Best Value: Sniper ZT Most Affordable: Monstrum G2 Best Build Quality: Leupold VX-3i LRP Easiest to Use: Athlon Optics Ares BTR FFP Scope Reviews 1. If further proof of its durability is needed, this comes through the fact it is fog proof and waterproof. The advanced reticle design also promotes set and forget zeroing to make life easy. This increases resolution and color fidelity of images, while the XR fully multi-coated lenses are highly effective in increasing light transmission. The latter factor is particularly important when using heavy caliber ammo. We got our hands on one to physically test out in the field. From my research, it appears that the Riton RT-S Mod 7 5-25x56IR is the cheapest I've found with everything I want. The illuminated reticle provides clear aiming points to ensure fast target engagement and allows for Both eyes open shooting. The ATACR scope is heavy. While you can certainly buy more expensive FFP scopes, theres little chance youll actually need the incremental features of a more expensive option. Keen hunters know just how important ease of scope adjustment is during those crucial hunting sessions. The Mark 5HD series of quality optics is a perfect example. We say almost because the Argos does it. We'll answer your reticle questions here and guide you towards the best scope to mount your rig! Vortex knows shooters. SFP scopes have reticles that are towards the back of the scope. 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! Free shipping for many products! Features. 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. But, there is one thing you will have decided from the off. 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. Your choice when it comes to picking one of the best FFP scopes is not an easy one. While this scope can easily take out varmints, big game, and predators from distances that just might be controversial to some, you'll find it better suited for prone position shooting for competition and/or military/law enforcement use. When it comes to the best first focal plane (FFP) scopes at an attractive price, the Vortex Optics Diamondback series delivers. : 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. Move to higher power and excellent accuracy along with quality image resolution is yours. As for eye relief, this is between 3- and 4-inches. This demo site is only for demonstration purposes. Ease of adjustability will breed confidence. It's only one feature of a scope that enables you to get the job done. We stand behind our product 100% and provide a Lifetime Warranty and our . The feature you need is an FFP reticle. 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 included quality components and features mean mid to long-range accuracy is assured. 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. The larger the zoom ratio, the more versatile one scope can be. All those who purchase this quality scope will also receive a sunshade, lens covers, and cleaning cloth. Both focal plane reticles illuminate red. Get discounts from top brands and our latest reviews! Learn from our expert Jerimiah Alexander to ensure the best zero while shooting.. . What to look for in an FFP rifle scope, The American Firearms Guide to Shotgunning, Illumination of reticle could be brighter, Illuminated Focal plane reticle in both red and green, The included scope mount isnt super sturdy, Lacks some of the features of high-dollar options, Illuminated rangefinding focal plane reticle. 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. This ensures smooth, easy magnification changes no matter what conditions you are shooting in. 5. Are you interested in learning how to mil targets or estimate distances using your reticle? Each comes with objective lens sizes of 32mm, 44mm, and 50mm, respectively. That's a big factor to consider when scopes that get bigger with more power often add another 2 lbs plus to your rifle. We'll find any and every excuse to legitimize pulling the trigger on buying an FFP rifle scope. Extreme high power and a side focus give you the ability to see further with more detail and focus at any range. Made in Japan, it has a durable hardcoat anodized black finish and is waterproof as well as shock and fog-resistant. The details matter when shooting long-range targets, and having a first focal plane riflescope helps you get the details right. It is night vision compatible when on its lowest setting and daylight bright on its highest setting. MSRP: $1,299 for the 3-1850 or $1,399 for the 5-3056 By the way, what does FFP and SFP mean? Everything from the matte black finish to the turrets is engineered with the shooter in mind. This means that when using an FFP reticle as you zoom in on your target, the reticle becomes larger. The FFP reticle is going to increase in size as you crank up the power, and you'll need to pay attention to the glass-etched, illuminated MRAD reticle if you're serious about taking advantage of accurate holdover points. This is a tactical feature that hunters appreciate for its unbreakable ruggedness. The majority of shooters will initially settle for short to mid-range targeting, and that really does make sense. 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. 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. From there, you can go for an EBR-2C (MRAD) or EBR-2C (MOA) reticle. The Helos and Argos BTR scopes come in 6-24x 50mm & 8-34x 56mm obj with matching turret & reticle. Those AR-platform or bolt-action rifle enthusiasts into either (or both) of these shooting disciplines are in the right place. Thanks to the multi-coated ED optics, quality imaging is yours in any environment or light conditions. Picture Information. It offers dual LED red/green illumination to suit the conditions you are shooting in. Buy Arken Optics SH4 6-24X50 GEN2 FFP MIL VPR with Zero Stop - 34mm Tube: GunBroker is the largest seller of Gun Scopes Scopes, Sights & Optics All: 973455855 . My review will concentrate on the Mark 5HD 5-25X56 M5C3 FFP PR1-MIL reticle model. 2. 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. . 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). Regardless of whether your target is 100 yards, 1,000 yards, or anywhere in between, it still provides excellent accuracy assistance. You can then consider its shockproof abilities. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II Leveled and Zeroed. If you are in this category, then I am with you all the way! Look for a scope that has high-quality materials and features. Our testers reported no problems, but its unclear how much time youll need to spend re-calibrating the zero on the Monstrum over time. One thing that our testers didnt like was the fact that the scope rings were higher than expected. This will require an FFP reticle to really take advantage of ballistic data. Are you a fan of long-range shooting? Range: 36 MIL Adjustment range is 6 Mil Rad, and Parallax is 10 yards to infinity. The locking turrets also protect your zero and offer real ease of operation. It is not as robust as our testers would have liked to see, so we would suggest upgrading it at some point, especially if youre doing any kind of backcountry hunting where your gear can take a true beating. From the outset, decide on a sensible upper price limit of what you are prepared to pay. 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. FREE SHIPPING on Sig Sauer TANGO-DMR 3-18x44mm MOA Milling 2.0 Illum 1/4MOA FFP Riflescope w/Side Focus SOTD63111 . 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. Primary Arms class this quality riflescope in their PLx top-tier optics family. As you would expect for a scope made to be this durable, it's completely waterproof and fogproof. They can also protect those precious lenses from dust, dirt, and scratch damage. Every extra ounce you carry while out and about will tell. Vortex Optics Diamondback: Best Overall. Whichever configuration you choose, quality and ease of use is guaranteed. Set and Forget Zeroing or count your clicks. However, at low power, it's difficult to see crosshairs as they may be too small and thin. This allows for the reticle itself to be magnified as you adjust the magnification on a variable scope. Athlon doesnt include these with the scope, and our testers found this to be a pain point given the price. All images are copyrighted to their respective owners. Get discounts from top brands & our latest reviews! A final FFP scope benefit worthy of mention comes through its effectiveness at virtually any range. While the purchase price is a serious consideration, this scope offers good value to keen, regular hunters. Also, our testers did note that this scope may not hold up as well as more proven brands over time due to the general build quality. Sightron Scope SIII 8-32x56 Lr Moa Zero Stop 30mm Sf Matte $1,374.99 (Save 32%) $939.99 Instant Savings. 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. There is a choice of reticles, and the one this review will concentrate on is the ACSS Raptor M2 version. It's no wonder ATACR scopes are expensive, no detail left overlooked, and no expense spared. 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. Their Argos Gen II BTR model is a point in case. 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. Best AR-15 Scopes Under $500 Bushnell AR Optics (1-4x24 mm) w/ Drop Zone .223 Reticle . The reticle is a simple, non-illuminated mil-dot reticle with 1 mil dot increments. Wind/Elevation travel at 100 yards is classed as 70 MOA. What is a first focal plane (FFP) scope? 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. 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. The extra-low dispersion glass increases image resolution and color fidelity at all magnification levels. DISCOVERY ED-PRS 5-25X56SFIR FFP Zero Stop Hunting Rifle Scope for .50BMG Gun. This allows for a lot of precision in shot placement, but might not be the fastest to acquire with the eye. Comparing it to other scopes with the same specs, it offers a lot more. Of course, those who are experienced shooters may wish to reach out much further. So if you have a $300 rifle, you should spend about that much on a scope. This is when we proudly introduce the Athlon Argos that is equipped to get you ready for precision shooting at the range or in competition. Leupold says it's good enough to survive past 5,000 rounds worth of recoil 3x that of a .308. 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. Weighing in at 1.42 lbs, its dimensions are 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1-inches. FFP scopes can get shockingly expensive. Arken stands behind their product 100%: 1) they provide a lifetime . We use the best materials and advanced features available within a price that most shooters can afford. 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. Coming in black and featuring a smooth matte finish, it measures 10.8 x 3.2 x 2.6-inches. You can be assured it is ready to handle harsh weather conditions as well as heavy recoil. Here are some rough benchmarks for what to expect. Its popularity shows why many hunters place it in their best first focal plane (FFP) scopes list. 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 Just look at its front focal plane reticle that's glass-etched in place. The Credo has fully multi-coated broadband anti-reflective coating to ensure clarity of image view under all light conditions. Among first focal plane optics, some are also intended for precision shooting. Five of these options come with green and red DigIllum illumination. The Diamondback Tactical family of scopes is. They should also come with a one-piece main tube and be water, fog, and shockproof. This is helpful if you have any sighting issues.