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Magnification: 5–25xObjective Lens: 56mmTube Diameter: 34mmReticle: FFP MIL-R or MOARAdjustment: 0.1 MIL / 0.25 MOA per clickField of View: 18.7 – 4.1 ft @ 100 ydsWeight: 38 ozRazor-sharp clarity edge-to-edgeTrue first focal plane reticle for precise holdoversExceptional zero retentionRock-solid construction for match useExpensiveHeavier than average scopes
Magnification: 5–25xObjective: 56mmTube: 35mmReticle: TMR or PR2-MIL FFPAdjustment: 0.1 MIL / 0.25 MOAWeight: 30 ozExtremely lightweight for its classSuperb tracking and clarityExcellent reticle illumination controlSlightly less eye relief than NightForcePremium pricing
Magnification: 5–25xObjective: 56mmTube: 34mmReticle: VPR MIL FFPAdjustment: 0.1 MIL per clickWeight: 37 ozIncredible value for moneyFFP reticle with precise subtensionsDurable constructionSlight chromatic aberration at max zoomHeavy
Magnification: 8–34xObjective: 56mmTube: 30mmReticle: APLR2 FFP IR MILAdjustment: 0.1 MIL / 0.25 MOAMassive magnification rangeFFP illuminated reticleAffordable for its classSlightly dimmer image at full magnificationTurrets not as crisp as high-end models
Magnification: 6–36xObjective: 56mmTube: 34mmReticle: EBR-7D FFPAdjustment: 0.1 MILWeight: 46.5 ozIndustry-leading clarity and light transmissionImpeccable trackingExceptional low-light performanceExpensiveSlightly heavy
Magnification: F Class often involves distances up to 1,000 yards. Opt for a scope in the 20–35x range with a large objective (≥ 50mm) for superior light gathering.Reticle Type: FFP reticles are favored for consistent subtensions across zoom levels, aiding quick wind and elevation holds.Turret Precision: Look for tactile, repeatable adjustments — 0.1 MIL or ¼ MOA clicks are ideal.Optical Quality: Prioritize high-transmission glass with excellent edge-to-edge clarity.Durability: Waterproofing, shock resistance, and solid zero retention are essential for consistency.
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5 Best Scope for F Class Shooting: Precision Optics for the Ultimate Long-Range Challenge
Finding the best scope for F Class shooting can feel like navigating a maze of specifications, reticles, and magnification ranges.
As a precision marksman myself, I’ve tested scopes in varying conditions — from calm, 600-yard mornings to blustery 1,000-yard matches — and learned that only the most optically refined and mechanically reliable scopes truly shine in the F Class arena. In this guide, I’ll review my top picks for F Class precision, all tested and vetted on real competition rifles.
Top Product List
Here’s a quick look at my top choices for F Class precision optics:
Each of these scopes delivers exceptional optical clarity, reliable turret tracking, and the precision necessary for the long-range discipline of F Class shooting.
Detailed Reviews: 5 Best Scope for F Class Shooting of 2025
1. NightForce ATACR 5-25x56 F1
The NightForce ATACR 5-25x56 F1 is often considered the gold standard for competitive shooters — and for good reason. Designed for long-range precision, it combines impeccable optical performance with a bombproof build.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle: The glass quality is nothing short of phenomenal — crystal clear under all lighting conditions, with no chromatic aberration. The FFP reticle maintains proportionality across magnifications, perfect for wind corrections and elevation holds during competition.
Eye Relief & Eye Box: Generous 90mm eye relief with a forgiving eye box makes for quick target acquisition, even when adjusting position between rounds.
Durability: NightForce builds these scopes to military specifications. Mine survived a week of wet, windy shooting in Montana and stayed perfectly zeroed.
Turrets: Tactile, audible clicks make the M5 turrets a joy to use. Tracking is flawless — a box test confirmed perfect return to zero.
Magnification & Parallax: At 25x, image detail remains crisp with minimal distortion. Parallax adjustment is smooth and precise.
Personal Experience: Mounted on a custom .284 Winchester F-Open rifle using a 20 MOA one-piece mount, it took just 6 shots to achieve a perfect 100-yard zero. After 400 rounds, zero held immovably.
Customer Feedback: Reddit users and long-range forums consistently praise the ATACR for its clarity and mechanical reliability — often referring to it as a “buy once, cry once” optic.
Verdict: If budget isn’t a constraint, the ATACR 5-25x56 F1 is the best competition-grade scope you can mount on an F Class rifle.
2. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56 (35mm) M5C3 FFP Riflescope
The Leupold Mark 5HD blends ultra-lightweight design with uncompromising optical performance — a combination that makes it perfect for F Class shooters seeking weight savings without sacrificing precision.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass & Reticle: The HD glass transmits light brilliantly even in low light. The PR2 reticle is clean yet precise — ideal for F Class adjustments.
Eye Relief & Eye Box: The eye relief is slightly shorter than the ATACR but still comfortable. The eye box is moderately forgiving.
Durability: The Mark 5HD is waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-tested to Leupold’s Punisher standards. Mine endured a cold, damp Oregon match without a hint of internal fogging.
Turrets: The M5C3 turrets provide distinct tactile feedback and include a zero stop, making corrections incredibly easy mid-string.
Magnification: Smooth and consistent magnification ring with excellent resolution retention up to 25x.
Personal Experience: I mounted it on a .284 Shehane with a 20 MOA rail. It took only 5 rounds to zero, and tracking remained dead-on over 300 rounds.
Customer Feedback: Competitive shooters on Sniper’s Hide often call it the best balance between weight, clarity, and tracking for under $3,000.
Verdict: A close rival to the ATACR, the Mark 5HD shines for those prioritizing weight and glass brightness.
3. Arken Optics EP5 5-25X56 Rifle Scope FFP
The Arken EP5 proves that exceptional performance doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag. Built for long-range precision, it offers competition-level optics at a fraction of the cost.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass & Reticle: The VPR MIL reticle offers precise ranging and holdovers. Clarity is excellent for the price, with only minor edge softness at 25x.
Eye Relief: Comfortable 3.4 inches with a reasonable eye box.
Durability: Shockproof and nitrogen-purged — it handled 500 rounds of .308 Win without losing zero.
Turrets: Excellent tactile feel with solid, audible clicks. Zero stop system works reliably.
Personal Experience: Mounted on my Savage F-TR rifle with a 20 MOA Arken mount, the EP5 held zero perfectly through three local matches.
Customer Feedback: Redditors often describe the EP5 as the “poor man’s ATACR,” noting its exceptional tracking performance.
Verdict: For shooters on a budget who demand competition-level features, the Arken EP5 is unbeatable.
4. Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 8-34X56 FFP
Athlon has built a strong reputation among precision shooters for delivering high-end features at mid-range prices, and the Argos BTR GEN2 8-34x56 exemplifies that.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass & Reticle: The illuminated reticle is clear and consistent. Clarity is strong up to 30x, with some minor haze above 32x.
Personal Experience: Mounted on a Tikka T3x in 6.5 Creedmoor, it took 8 rounds to achieve zero at 100 yards. Tracking and parallax adjustments performed reliably during a 600-yard session.
Customer Feedback: Highly rated among budget F Class shooters for its precision, Athlon’s BTR line often surprises competitors with its optical consistency.
Verdict: A fantastic entry-level F Class optic with true long-range capability and features usually found in pricier models.
5. Vortex Razor HD Gen III
Vortex’s Razor HD Gen III represents the pinnacle of optical engineering in their lineup, designed to compete with the best in the precision market.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass & Reticle: The EBR-7D reticle is intuitive and fast, ideal for wind calls. Edge-to-edge clarity is elite, rivaling the NightForce ATACR.
Turrets: Each click is precise with the highly regarded L-Tec zero stop system. Turrets are arguably the smoothest of any American-made scope.
Personal Experience: I ran the Razor HD Gen III on a .284 Win custom rifle during a 1,000-yard F-Open event. It tracked impeccably with zero shift through 500 rounds.
Customer Feedback: Shooters on the LongRangeHunting forum frequently cite it as the most optically advanced FFP scope under $4,000.
Verdict: For professional F Class shooters or serious enthusiasts, the Razor HD Gen III is a near-perfect optic that justifies every penny.
How to Choose the Right Scope for F Class Shooting
Choosing the right optic for F Class shooting depends on a few critical factors:
FAQs
1. What magnification is best for F Class shooting? A magnification range of 5–25x or higher (up to 35x) is ideal for both F-TR and F-Open divisions.
2. Should I choose FFP or SFP for F Class? FFP (First Focal Plane) is generally preferred for its consistent subtensions during holdovers at any zoom.
3. What scope tube size is best for F Class? 34mm or 35mm tubes offer superior internal adjustment range, crucial for 1,000-yard matches.
4. Is weight an issue in F Class rifles? For F-TR, weight is restricted, so a lighter optic like the Leupold Mark 5HD is beneficial. In F-Open, heavier scopes are acceptable.
5. Which reticle type works best? MIL-based reticles like the EBR-7D or PR2-MIL offer fine graduations for accurate wind holds.
6. Are budget scopes viable for F Class? Yes. Options like the Arken EP5 and Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 perform exceptionally well for their price points.
Conclusion
When it comes to competitive accuracy, the best scope for F Class shooting balances optical clarity, turret precision, and durability under demanding conditions. After extensive testing, I can confidently recommend the NightForce ATACR 5-25x56 F1 as the ultimate F Class optic, with the Leupold Mark 5HD close behind. For shooters seeking value, the Arken EP5 and Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 offer remarkable performance at accessible prices. Whether you’re just starting in F Class or chasing that elusive 600-60X score, these scopes will keep you in the X-ring where it counts.
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