Best FFP Scope For The Money 2021

First focal plane scopes are continuing to gain popularity, especially among the hunting/shooting population.

Perhaps, this may be attributed to their efficiency and also their outstanding optical performances.

The FFP scopes are a great companion for long-range skillful shooters and hunters.

Just like other optical devices, finding the best FFP scope for the money can be something difficult especially if you have no knowledge in this field.

If you’re not quite familiar with FFP scopes, then worry not, this review is for you.

Top Rated FFP Scope For 2019

What is the First Focal Plane?

The first focal plane is a type of telescope which has its reticle placed at the focal plane in between the image erector lens system and the objective lens. This presents the user with an upright image view.

Is FFP better for hunting?

Unless you are familiar with a scope or other optical devices, you probably may have never heard of the first focal plane.

Though it’s not as common as the second focal plane, they have so many advantages that make them better for hunting purpose.

The first focal plane is an excellent companion for both shooters and hunters. With the help of the reticle, the FFP has the ability to estimate the target distance and as well as the bullet drop correction.

 

Best First Focal Plane (FFP) Scope Reviews 2019

 

Best Budget FFP Scope:

1. Monstrum Tactical 4-14×44 First Focal Plane Rifle Scope – Cheap FFP scope

Looking for the best budget FFP scope with all amazing long range features at an affordable price? Then this is the one. The Monstrum Tactical 4-14x44mm is a high precision tactical scope with an FFP reticle and an (AO) adjustable objective lens.

Featuring an easily adjustable magnification range from 4 to 14X, capable of fast precision and close to mid targeting at a distance of up to 1000+ yards. The FFP 4-14×44 is equipped with a functionally designed FFP rangefinder reticle for easier and faster range determination and handover correction.

This amazing scope comes with an adjustable objective lens for the sharper focus of your target, eliminating parallax, and range estimation via the easily accessible side-focus dial. The sensitive illumination switch pad allows for an easy reticle illumination control.

The 0.1MIL windage and adjustment knobs having resettable zeroes and turret-locks prevent slippage. Featuring a high-quality Aircraft (6061) aluminum construction.

All thanks to the sealed nitrogen-charge scope making it fully waterproof and fog proof. The package also comes with a pair of 30 mm Picatinny scope rings, easy detachable anti-reflective sunshade, and a set of see-through lens cover that protects your scope lenses whenever not in use. An additional felt drawstring carrying case for storage and easy transport of the riflescope.

Key Features

• High precision tactical riflescope featuring 4-14x magnification and a 44mm objective lens.
• Functionally designed FFP rangefinder reticle.
• Equipped with an adjustable objective lens.
• Touch-button controlled reticle illumination.
• The package also includes a pair of medium profile 30-mm Picatinny scope rings.
• A detachable honey-comb filter sunshade.
• Set of see-through lens covers.
• Felt drawstring carrying bag.
• One CR2032 3V battery.

 

2. Primary Arms 4-14 x44mm FFP Riflescope – High performing but affordable.

This is another amazing product from Primary Arms. The 4-14x44mm affordable FFP scope is waterproof, fog proof and also shockproof.

This amazing piece of scope from Primary Arms features the patent pending (ACSS HUD/DMR 5.66) reticle which stays the same through the entire scope’s magnification range of 4x-14x.

This outstanding revolutionary reticle features wind holds and quick ranging using 5.56mm NATO chambered rifles you don’t have to divide through the data book and no any calculations needed! The mounted parallax adjustment knob help keep the reticle parallax-free and also the target object sharp at a long range.

This tough optical device is shockproof fog proof and as well water resistant, in addition, comes with a three-year warranty. The improved illumination center reticle features six brightness settings with an OFF-NOTCH in between each setting. Rugged and durable aluminum housing with a beautiful matte black finish.

The reticle illumination is served by a single CR2032 battery. Above all, it has a three-year warranty if any defect arises making your product to malfunction due to materials, or normal wear and tear.

Key Features

• CR2032 3V Lithium Coin Battery Type.
• Rugged and durable construction.
• 3 – 11.2mm Exit Pupil Diameter.
• 14 – 3.22mm Eye Relief.
• 4-24X variable Magnification.
• 44mm Objective Diameter.
• Fog and water resistant construction.
• ACSS HUD DMR 5.56 Nato Reticle.

 

Best Under $500:

3. Nikon Prostaff 5 FFP 3.5-14X40mm Rifle Scopes

Ranking third on the list is the Nikon Prostaff 3.5-14x40mm Rifle Scope, it’s one of the best FFP scopes under 500 that has an outstanding high-performance long-range focus.

The Nikon Prostaff 3.5-14x40mm riflescope with BDC distance lock function comes with an optical system that is located in the FFP, thus allowing the riflescope to be able to maintain its distance proportion on the target image throughout the whole zoom range.

With this new BDC long-range distance function, points offered by on application remain the same not minding what the present magnification level. Also features a hand-turn reticle adjustment with a spring-loaded resettable turret.

Each glass surface has multiple layers of anti-reflective compounds that enhanced the light transmission giving a bright, clear and superior image resolution from dawn to dusk. For this reason, the Nikon 3.5-14X40mm Riflescopes are always listed among the best first focal plane scopes value for the money.

Key Features

• Hand-turn reticle adjustment.
• BDC locks distance function.
• Fully multicoated optics.
• Optimal light transmission power.
• Beautiful high quality design.

 

4. Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24×50 Riflescope – best FFP mil-dot scope

The Athlon Argos BTR 6-24×50 Tactical Riflescope is an affordable scope that comes with a whole lot of great features. No wonder many consider it to be the best FFP mil-dot scope and also the scope in high demand by high-performance shooters.

Its Specifications include 6-24 magnification power, 50mm objective lens diameter, Glass Etched Surface, black matte finish, fully multicoated optics and an extra protective coating tube. Rugged and durable Lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum construction.

Also, this amazing piece of scope features 0.1MIL click value adjustment range per rotation, 8.2-2.1 mm exit pupil, 3.3 inches eye-relief, 0.1MIL click value, 5MIL adjustment per rotation and an Argon purging material.

This fantastic optical enhancement device Weight only 29.6 ounces. The FFP reticle stays valid in all power settings enabling you to utilize the improved design reticle grows or shrinks along with your target depending on how you zoom your riflescope.

Compact and very powerful. All thanks to the aircraft-grade aluminum tube which offers exceptional strength and great mechanical integrity.

Key Features

• Fully multicoated lenses.
• Aircraft-grade aluminum tube.
• Reticle edge on the glass.
• Extra protective tube coating.
• 6-24X magnification power.

 

Best Under $600:

5. Nikon Monarch 3 SF FFP M BDC Rifle Scopes

Before now, the Nikon’s riflescopes were for long among the second focal plane scopes. This means as the shooter zoom from lower to higher magnification level, the reticle remains the same size in your Field of view but changes size in relation to the target object.

That is, for Spot On users, it means that aiming points offered by the popular ballistic app is specific to only one magnification (highest magnification power). But with the introduction of the new BDC distance-locks system, keeps everything in the FFP, and hence the aiming points offered by the spot-on app remain the same and regardless of which magnification level is the riflescope has been set at.

Wondered why it is like that? Well, this has been made possible because, with the FFP scope, the reticle is designed to stay in the same size relative to your target image. What will amaze you more is this scope is among the best-rated FFP scope under 600 that is available in the market.

Fully Multicoated for optimal light transmission capacity from dawn to dusk. In addition, this best cheap FFP scope has been engineered for high-performance and durability.

Key Features

• Fully Multicoated Optical System
• Riflescope features Spring-Loaded Instant Zero-Reset turrets.
• It also has a comfortable eye relief,
• Smooth zoom control and is
• Nitrogen purged and O-Ring sealed

 

Best Under $1000 and $1500:

6. EOTech Vudu 1-6x24mm FFP Rifle Scope

Looking for the top quality FFP scope under 1000? Then look no more, the Vudu gets you covered. Here we present to you the feature loaded riflescope that is great for multiple platforms.

Well if you think because you own more than one gun that you need to have more than one scope also, the vudu 1-6x24mm multiple platforms scope is the perfect solution to your problem. The EOTech Vudu riffle-scope with SR3 Reticle is engineered for the serious-minded hunters or those that own more than one rifle scope.

The speed ring reticle targets the objective quickly in both low and high magnification posted and delivers outstanding accuracy and resolution for long range shooting. The Vudu 1-6x24mm scope is the perfect solution for both medium and long-range shooting requiring accuracy and durability.

The EOTech Understand your need and that is why we provide you with a lifetime lasting impression. The XC high-density and low dispersion glass provide an exceptional light transmission capacity and scene clarity. Featuring a broadband anti-reflection coating on each of the lenses.

The illuminated FFP glass etched R1 reticle offers impressive ranging and accuracy. Also featuring an aircraft grade aluminum construction, push-button illumination controls 1-6X magnification, 24mm objective lens, 82-100 mm Eye Relief and 11.4-4mm exit pupil.

Key Features

• Lightweight
• Waterproof and fog roof.
• Push button illumination controls.
• Impressive light transmission.
• Lifetime warranty.
• SR3 Reticle.

 

7. Sightron SIII SS 624×50 LR FFP Rifle Scope

Speaking of the best value FFP scope loaded with a whole lot of great features that will give you exceptional image quality and scene clarity, we cannot think much better than the Sightron SIIISS 6-24x50mm riflescope.

Featuring fast focus Eyeball for quick easy adjustments whenever in the field. A diopter adjustment in the range of +1 to -2 settled. A side focus system for side parallax focus. All riflescopes in the SIIISS series features a 30mm eyepiece and high-quality Aircraft-grade aluminum construction.

The scope also features a unique exact rack wind and elevation adjustment system. This tech improved riflescope features the ultimate all-weather construction design which makes it fit in all weather conditions.

A waterproof and nitrogen-filled construction which provide a lifetime internal fog protection. Also featuring a ZACT seven multiple layer coating and a precision ground glass. 6-24X magnification power, 50mm objective lens diameter, 3.6-3.8 eye-relief, and an MH reticle type are the specs of this great riflescope.

Accessories Included are lens cloth, lens cap, Torn 20 Allen Key, sunshade and instruction manual.

Key Features

• 6-24X Magnification.
• Side focus adjustment
• 50mm Diameter.
• Weather-resistant construction.
• Seven layer multicoating with high precision ground glass.

 

8. Primary Arms Platinum Series 6-30×56 FFP Rifle Scope

Primary Arms is so proud to present to you our best FFP scope under 1500 (6-30×56 FFP precision riflescope).

All in engineered using the finest-glass and aircraft grade aluminum materials. This rifle scope is perfected for long range shooting with a large caliber rifle.

Capable of delivering unprecedented optical performance and scene clarity better than the most scope of its class. 30x magnification power, with an FFP design, keeps the reticle same regardless of the magnification.

The 6-30×56 FFP riflescope features the interview DEKA MIL Reticle which also features 0.1MIL sub tensions combine with the max 30x magnification to give unprecedented optical performances and scene clarity that is second to none.

The 34mm tube diameter allows a full 23.3 mils elevation adjustment. The ARMS became the first Primary riflescope to use zero-stop elevation turret-system.

Key Features

• 6-30x magnification for unprecedented precision.
• Illuminated reticle.
• Deka MIL reticle.
• Fully constructed using the aircraft grade A6061-T6 aluminum.
• Lifetime warranty.

 

Best Under $2000 and $2500:

9. Vortex Razor HD 5-20x50mm First Focal Plane Riflescopes

The Vortex HD 5-20×50 riflescope is thoughtfully built to handle all the needs of precision and skillful shooters even in long-range shooting situations.

This riflescope is said to be the best FFP scope for hunting featuring extra-low dispersion glass, high-quality optics, and high definition XR coatings which generate unparalleled image clarity and resolution.

The index matched apochromatic lenses is made to correct the image color in all the visual spectrum. A versatile glass etched FFP reticle which ensures a precise sustention all through the entire zooming range.

Hunters/shooters can alternatively choose eleven levels of brightness. The EBR -2B is ranging reticle with MOA-based sustention lines for handover, ranging and windage corrections. Numbered sustentions on crosshairs ensure easy-fast reference.

A side focus gives optimal image focusing and also parallax removal. Featuring a rapid Zero Return and rugged steel components. It is fog proof, waterproof and has Armortek that protects the lenses dirt, scratches, and oil.

Key Features

• 5-20x Magnification.
• Premium XR coatings.
• 9 in Objective Lens Diameter
• 35 mm Tube Size.
• RZR Zero Stop Tactical Turret Style.

 

10. Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27×56 Riflescopes

The Vortex Razor HD 4.5-27×56 EBR -2C riflescope is ranked tenth not because it is less than the other riflescopes on our list.

This riflescope is engineered and designed for dialing precision long-range shooting. Featuring 34mm single-piece, 6x zoom range, sophisticated L-Tec turret system and aerospace grade aluminum tube plus host for exceptional performance and deadly accuracy.

Featuring EBR-2C reticle for holdover, ranging and windage corrections. Highly accurate for advanced precision long range shooting and tactical operations hence describe as the best value FFP scope. Built for long range precision shots.

This riflescope features a locking mechanism which prevents accidental elevation controls. A visual rotation indicator which allows shooters to quickly and easily keep the track revolution on the turret. 6X zoom range provides magnification versatility and the fast focus eyepiece allows easy adjustments of the reticle into sharp focus.

The apochromatic optical system provides exceptional image quality through high density and extra-low dispersion glass. Illuminated reticle offers accurate and precise aiming under low-light conditions.

Key Features

• Aircraft-grade aluminum construction.
• Glass-etched reticle.
• Illuminated reticle.
• O-ring sealed and argon purged.
• Armortek coatings.

 

Buyer’s Guide: What to look for before choosing the First Focal Plane (FFP) Scope

To buy the best quality FFP scope for the money, there are some features one need to look for before making any investment. In addition, it is very necessary to understand the various features and components of the ffp scope. In this article, we try to break down the anatomy of FFP scope.

MAGNIFICATION

This is the most obvious feature for every first focal plane scope and yet very important. Getting an FFP scope having the magnification range which will suit your shooting scenarios is very critical.

For instance, a long-range shooter who is consistently shooting over a range of 1000 yards and above will definitely need a higher magnification scope. Therefore, the FFP scope for long-range shooting should have a high magnification reaching up to 20x or more.

Contrary to this, a deer hunter may likely need an entirely different thing. Hunting effectiveness may be hindered by such a high magnification like the 20x, this is because the thick cover will likely restrict visibility. Hence, the ideal magnification range for an FFP scope for hunting purpose should be between 3x to 15x.

LENS COATINGS

This feature is sometimes overlooked by many customers although very important. Lens coatings contribute immensely to that crystal clear picture produce by the FFP scopes. Every brand has their own type of lens coatings. Below is what each coating type means.

• Coated: means there is a single coating on at least one of the lens surface.
• Fully Coated: This means there is a single layer coating on all surfaces.
• Multicoated: meaning there is multicoating layers on at least one of the lens surface.
• Fully multicoated: means there is multiple coating on all of the lens surfaces.

The quality of an FFP scope can vary significantly based on their lens coatings type. The good FFP scope would have fully multicoated lenses. On the other hand, a cheap FFP scope is likely going to have a single coating on one of the lens surface.

SCOPE TUBE

The metal tube that is holding the eye-bell in an FFP scope is the scope tube. This holds the reticle and the ocular lens. This also holds the objective bell containing your objective lens.

EYE BELL

This is the flared-portion of the scope tube that is located very close to your eye, and this also houses the ocular lens.

EYEPIECE

The eyepiece is an assembly that is located at the end of the scope closest to the shooter’s eye. It houses the eye bell (and thus the ocular lens). This is the portion of the scope that moves in and out in order to focus the sight picture you see through the scope

OCULAR LENS

Within the eyepiece is contained the ocular lens. This is the lens that is located closest to your eye while looking through the tube. It is used in focusing the image created by objective lens through moving the eyepiece in and out. The ocular lens has a direct effect on the field of view. The bigger your ocular lens is, the larger your FFP scope’s field of view would be.

OBJECTIVE LENS

The objective lens is lens located furthest away from the shooter’s eye as he looks through the FFP scope. The objective lens primarily functions to gather more light making the picture brighter and clearer. The larger the objective lens, the more light your scope is able to collect and the brighter the image will be.

EXIT PUPIL

All the light passing through the objective lens must enter through the exit pupil before it can get to the ocular lens. It is the virtual aperture within the scope. How large the exit pupil will be is determined by the size of the scope’s objective lens and magnifications.

The exit pupil is calculated simply by dividing the objective lens diameter by magnification. For FFP scopes with variable magnifications say 3-7x 50mm, the size of the objective lens remain the same, but increase or decrease in the magnification levels directly affects the exit pupil size.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE NUMBERS ON MY FFP SCOPE (10×50)?

A: The first number before the letter ‘X’ represents the magnification power. For example, 10×50 is a 10 power magnification, meaning objects viewed using this scope are 10 times their size. Some scopes have variable magnifications say 4-20X50, this means the scope has an adjustable magnification from 4x to 20x.

The low power riflescopes are best to be used at a close range and also for shooting a target in motion. The medium power riflescopes are best for medium range shooting. While the high power riflescopes are excellent for shooting a stationary target at a long range.

On the other hand, the second number after  ‘X’ is the objective lens size, the bigger the number, the larger the size of the objective lens and the more light gathering capacity of your FFP scope.

Q: WHAT IS MOA?

A: This stands for Minute of Angle. It is used to indicate variances on a target that is at 100 yards away. Commonly used to represent the adjustment on an FFP scope. If the scope has an MOA adjustment as 1/4, this mean for each click on the adjustment knob, bullet point of impact moves 1/4″ at 100 yards.

Q: HOW DO I KEEP MY SCOPE LENSES CLEAN?

A: one need to be careful when cleaning the lenses. Dust and dirt can easily be cleaned by air blast or using a soft brush. It is not advisable to wipe dry dirt lenses using a dry cloth, this is because doing so could easily make scratches on the lenses, and this will, in turn, impair the clarity of the scope. Lubricants and fingerprints can be wiped off easily with a lens cloth.

Note: make sure to use the lens-covers whenever possible.

Q: WHAT MAINTENANCE IS REQUIRED ON A RIFLESCOPE?

A: With proper mounting, care and handling, your scope will need no any special maintenance. No solvent or lubricant is required for efficient mechanical function.

Q: WHAT PURPOSE DOES THE RECOIL PIN ON THE REAR RING SERVE?

A: All Center-Point dovetail ring type of mount features a removable recoil pin placed underneath the rear ring. A hex wrench can be used to adjust the pin, slotting it into the recess to prevent the mount from moving under heavy recoil.

Q: WHAT IS (AO) ADJUSTABLE OBJECTIVE AND WHAT IS ITS BENEFIT?

A: Scopes having an Adjustable Objective will certainly have an adjustment knob from the side opposite of the windage dial or a rotating ring at front of the objective bell.

The adjustment range directly depends on the magnification power. For instance, the Center Point 6x32mm is adjustable from 3 yards to infinity.

Q: WHAT IS PARALLAX?

A: This occurs when viewing long range targets, here, the reticle appears to move or shift. Side Focus adjustment system or adjustable objectives allow the shooter to correct the parallax simply by dialing in on the target distance.

Q: WHY DO I NEED A GREEN/RED ILLUMINATED RETICLE?

A: Say it or not, illumination is a great feature that all scopes should have. This is because it offers the shooter a bright, clear reticle in any light condition.

If you are in a dark wooded area, black reticles can easily get lost. Illumination provides a good contrast to the background so that identifying your target becomes easier. Dual illumination offers the user with two contrasting colors for different lighting conditions.

 

Conclusion

There are a whole lot of FFP scopes on the market to select from. Regardless of that, your options become limited if you’re looking for the best FFP scope for the money.

If you are a long-range skillful shooter or hunter, looking for a high-quality scope below $1500, the Vortex Razor HD 5-20×50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes is for you.

It’s designed to handle the needs for high precision and skillful shooters challenged by the most extreme long range shooting situations.