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Top 7 Best First Focal Plane Scopes of 2024
You’re in the market for an exceptional first focal plane scope, but with so many options, it can be overwhelming. You want a scope that delivers outstanding optical clarity, precise tracking, and reliable holdovers. You’re not alone in this quest for the perfect scope.
In the world of first focal plane scopes, seven stand out from the rest. From Vortex Optics’ unparalleled glass quality to Leupold’s exceptional image quality, each scope boasts unique features that cater to different needs and preferences. But which one is right for you?
Top 7 Best First Focal Plane Scopes on the Market 2024
Note: The following advice comes from my personal perspective. What works for me might not work for you, but hopefully it sparks some ideas!
1. Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescopes
If you’re a serious hunter seeking a reliable, high-performance riflescope that delivers exceptional optical quality and precision tracking, the Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescope is likely your best bet.
This scope offers unparalleled optical clarity, thanks to its extra-low dispersion glass and fully multi-coated lenses, ensuring you get a sharp, high-contrast image even in low-light conditions.
With its first focal plane, glass-etched reticle, you’ll enjoy precise tracking and accurate holdovers, while the precision-glide erector system guarantees smooth magnification changes.
Additionally, the exposed turrets, side parallax knob, and fast focus eyepiece make adjustments a breeze.
Best For: Serious hunters seeking a reliable, high-performance riflescope that delivers exceptional optical quality and precision tracking.
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2. Bushnell AR Optics
For shooters seeking a reliable and adaptable optic for their AR platform, the Bushnell 1-4x24 Optics DZ 223 Illuminated Reticle scope is an excellent choice. It offers a versatile magnification range and an illuminated Ballistic Drop Compensated reticle. With its fully multi-coated optics and waterproof construction, this scope is built to withstand the rigors of tactical shooting.
You’ll appreciate the adjustable length throw lever and the clarity of the glass, making it ideal for short to mid-range shooting. While some users have reported issues with reticle rotation, the overall customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive. It boasts a 4.6-star rating based on over 1,800 ratings.
Best For: Shooters seeking a reliable and adaptable optic for their AR platform, particularly for short to mid-range shooting and medium game hunting.
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3. Monstrum G3 3-18x50 FFP Riflescope
With its 3-18x magnification and first focal plane MOA reticle, the Monstrum G3 3-18x50 FFP Rifle Scope is an ideal choice for hunters and shooters who need a reliable scope for targeting at varying distances.
You’ll appreciate the parallax adjustment feature, which guarantees a clear view of your target. The scope comes with high-profile picatinny scope rings, a detachable sunshade, and lens covers, making it a great value for the price.
With a full lifetime warranty, you can trust that your investment is protected. While some users have reported issues with eye box and target focus at high magnification, overall, this scope has received positive feedback for its optic clarity, tracking, and zero holding.
Best For: Hunters and shooters who need a reliable scope for targeting at varying distances.
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4. Arken Optics Riflescope
When you demand exceptional optical clarity and precision for your long-range shooting and hunting needs, the Arken Optics Rifle Scope FFP stands out as a top choice, boasting Japanese ELD glass and a fully multi-coated lens system for superior light transmission.
You’ll appreciate the simplicity of the zero stop mechanism and the fast focus eyepiece, making it easy to get on target quickly. The aircraft-grade aluminum construction guarantees durability, and the O-ring sealed, nitrogen-purged design ensures waterproof and fogproof performance.
With a choice of VPR or VHR reticle, you can customize your shooting experience to suit your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or competitive shooter, the Arken Optics Rifle Scope FFP is a reliable and accurate companion for your rifle.
Best For: Seasoned hunters and competitive shooters who demand exceptional optical clarity and precision for their long-range shooting and hunting needs.
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5. Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm First Focal Plane Riflescopes
You’ll want to zero in on the Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm First Focal Plane Riflescope if precise ranging and holdover are your top priorities, thanks to its traditional MIL-Dot reticle and first focal plane design that guarantees accurate magnification.
This scope is built for hunting, with a rugged aluminum construction that’s shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant. The side-adjustable parallax and fast focus eye piece guarantee a clear view, and the tactile and audible 1/10 MIL windage and elevation adjustments make changes a breeze.
With a limited lifetime warranty and a competitive price point, you’ll get exceptional performance without breaking the bank.
Best For: Hunters who need a reliable and accurate riflescope with precise ranging and holdover capabilities.
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6. Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 6-24X50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes
If you’re a hunter or competitive shooter seeking a versatile scope that excels in multiple shooting disciplines, the Argos BTR GEN2 6-24X50 First Focal Plane Riflescope is an excellent choice, boasting a 0.1 MIL click value and 18 MIL total adjustment.
This scope’s impressive features don’t stop there - it also offers a 10 yards to infinity parallax adjustment, a first focal plane reticle, and fully multicoated optics. The Precision Zero Stop system guarantees accurate adjustments, while the XPL coating protects the lens from scratches.
With its 4x magnification, 50mm objective lens diameter, and 3.3-inch eye relief, this scope is designed for top-notch performance.
As an added bonus, it comes with a detailed instruction manual and is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty.
Best For: Hunters and competitive shooters seeking a versatile scope that excels in multiple shooting disciplines.
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7. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm M1C3 FFP Riflescope
For long-range hunters who demand exceptional image quality and durability, the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm M1C3 FFP Riflescope is an ideal choice, boasting a robust design and high-performance features that excel in the most demanding environments.
You’ll appreciate the Twilight Max HD Light Management system, which guarantees superior image quality in low-light conditions. The M1C3 Turrets with ZeroLock and revolution indicator provide precise adjustments, and the Front Focal Plane (FFP) reticle guarantees accurate holdovers.
With a durable aluminum construction, this scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, making it perfect for harsh hunting conditions. Weighing 2.86 pounds and measuring 17.99 x 5.55 x 5.28 inches, this scope is lightweight and compact, making it easy to handle.
Best For: Long-range hunters who demand exceptional image quality and durability.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing First Focal Plane Scopes
When choosing a first focal plane scope, you’re not just picking a product - you’re investing in a critical component of your shooting system.
You’ll need to carefully consider several key factors, including the optical quality, reticle choice, magnification range, eye relief, and durability.
Optical Quality Matters
You demand exceptional optical quality in a first focal plane scope, as it’s the linchpin that holds together the entire shooting experience, impacting the clarity, sharpness, and brightness of your sight picture.
When choosing a first focal plane scope, you should prioritize optical quality, as it directly affects your shooting performance. Look for scopes with fully multi-coated lenses to guarantee maximum light transmission and reduced glare for a clear sight picture.
Additionally, consider scopes with extra-low dispersion glass, which enhances color accuracy and resolution, especially at higher magnifications. High-quality optical systems in first focal plane scopes contribute to better target acquisition, precision aiming, and overall shooting performance.
Reticle Choice Is Crucial
Selecting the right reticle is a vital decision, as it directly impacts your shooting performance and overall experience with a first focal plane scope. You’ll want to evaluate the type of reticle that suits your shooting style and preferences. Do you prefer a MIL or MOA-based system? Make sure you’re familiar with the system you choose, as it’ll impact your accuracy.
Evaluate the reticle’s design for clarity, visibility, and functionality at various magnification levels. A well-designed reticle should provide clear holdover points, windage marks, and range estimation features to enhance your accuracy. It’s important to choose a reticle that complements your shooting style, whether it’s for long-range precision, hunting, or tactical applications.
Lastly, confirm that the reticle’s subtensions match the scope’s magnification levels for accurate ranging and holdover calculations. A mismatch can lead to errors, so it’s vital to get this right.
Magnification Range Considerations
Now that you’ve selected a reticle that suits your shooting style, it’s time to contemplate the magnification range of your first focal plane scope, as it directly impacts your ability to engage targets at varying distances effectively.
When choosing a scope, consider the range of magnification offered, such as 1-4x, 3-18x, or 5-25x, to match your shooting needs from close quarters to long distances. A wider magnification range, like 6-24x or 4-14x, provides versatility in various shooting scenarios. Higher magnification scopes, such as 5-25x, are suitable for precision shooting and long-range engagements.
On the other hand, lower magnification scopes, like 1-4x, are ideal for fast target acquisition in close-range situations. It’s essential to choose a magnification range that aligns with your shooting style, whether it’s hunting, tactical shooting, or long-range precision shooting.
Eye Relief and Ergonomics
When selecting a first focal plane scope, eye relief and ergonomic considerations can make all the difference in ensuring a comfortable and accurate shooting experience. You’ll want to take into account the eye relief, which is the distance between your eye and the scope where you can still see the full field of view. A longer eye relief is beneficial for high recoil firearms, while shorter eye relief may work better for compact rifles or carbines. Typically, ideal eye relief ranges from 3 to 4 inches, ensuring a clear sight picture without any scope shadow.
Ergonomics also play an important role in user comfort. Factors like turret design, parallax adjustment, and overall scope weight contribute to ease of use during shooting. Understanding your shooting style and preferences will help you choose a first focal plane scope with the right eye relief and ergonomic features for your needs.
Durability and Build Quality
You’ll want a first focal plane scope that can withstand the rigors of frequent use and harsh environments, which is why durability and build quality should be top priorities during your selection process.
When choosing a scope, consider those made from high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum, guaranteeing durability and longevity. Look for scopes with waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof features to guarantee reliable performance in various conditions.
Check for scopes with sealed O-rings and nitrogen or argon purging for added protection against moisture and internal fogging. A robust construction and rugged design will help the scope withstand recoil and rough handling.
Additionally, evaluate scopes with warranties like lifetime guarantees, which provide long-term support and protection for your investment. By prioritizing durability and build quality, you’ll be confident that your scope can withstand the demands of frequent use and harsh environments.
Parallax Adjustment Importance
Accurate shooting demands a first focal plane scope that allows for precise parallax adjustment, as this feature is crucial for eliminating aiming errors and ensuring a consistent point of impact.
When you’re shopping for a first focal plane scope, you’ll want to prioritize parallax adjustment, as it’s vital for eliminating the optical illusion of the reticle shifting in relation to the target. By adjusting the parallax setting, you can maintain a consistent point of impact at different distances, ensuring improved shooting accuracy.
This feature is particularly important at longer ranges, where even slight misalignments can throw off your aim. Proper parallax adjustment can greatly reduce aiming errors caused by parallax shift, leading to more accurate shots.
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