Best FFP Scope under $500.
- Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope
- Vortex Venom 5-25x56mm Riflescope
- Primary Arms 4-14 x 44 mm Rifle Scope
- Monstrum G2 6-24×50 Rifle Scope
- Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope
A first focal plane scope has its reticle housed towards the front of the erector tube assembly. The reticle size is similar and exactly to the image or target being viewed, It shrinks with a decrease in magnification and increases with an increase in magnification. This reticle is suitable for long-range hunting.
An FFP scope is a scope whose reticle stays true at every magnification. The high accuracy and reliability make FFP scopes ideal for shooting at long ranges.
Read More on FFP Scopes, Pros, Cons & More
Now let’s look at the best FFP Scopes under $500
Best FFP Scope under $500 -Our Top Picks
Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Rifle ScopeCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on Opticsplanet
Vortex is a top brand in the industry of optics. It offers plenty of high-quality and remarkably affordable optics and the Diamondback 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope is no different. This FFP scope is packed with a wide array of user-friendly features which makes it ideal for any hunting and tactical applications. The scope is built to provide unmatched durability. It has a tough yet lightweight aluminum housing which stands to any punishment you subject it to. Furthermore, it is fully waterproof and fog proof to handle harsh weather conditions, and shockproof and recoil proof for greater durability. It also features a hard-anodized finish that makes it rustproof and ideal for use in humid environments. The finish also helps camouflage your hunting position by reducing glare. Another good thing about the scope is that it provides unmatched optical performance. It boasts a high-quality ED glass which provides high resolution and contrast. Lenses are fully multi-coated to maximize light transmission to create bright, clear, and sharp images from sunrise to sunset. Other noteworthy features found in the scope are a fast-focus eyepiece, raised magnification rib, and a precision-glide erector system. Features
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Vortex Venom 5-25x56mm RiflescopeCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on Opticsplanet
Another best FFP scope under $500 on our list is the Venom 5-25×56 riflescope from Vortex. The scope provides unprecedented long-range performance. It features a wide 5x to 25x zoom range ideal for shooting at varying ranges and an array of shooter-friendly features to help you get the most out of your hunting/shooting trip. The scope has a large 56mm objective for optimum light collection. It complements the high zoom power and offers a wide field of view for smooth target identification. Paired with the fully multi-coated optics, the scope provides clear and high-quality sight pictures from early morning to late evening. Moreover, it boasts a throw lever for easy magnification adjustment and an EBR-7C FFP reticle which provides accurate holds at every zoom range. When it comes to construction, the Venom is virtually unbreakable. It is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum which is tough yet lightweight. It is shockproof to stand anything you throw at it, and fully waterproof and fog proof for all-weather reliability. Above all, it features a side-mounted parallax knob for easy parallax adjustment, a fast-focus eyepiece for quick reticle focusing, and a RevStop zero system for fast and efficient return to zero. Features
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Primary Arms 4-14 x 44 mm Rifle ScopeCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on Opticsplanet
This Primary Arms 4-14 x 44 mm riflescope is one of the best FFP scopes under $500. It features a variable 4x to 14x magnification suitable for hunting/shooting at varying ranges. It provides clear target images at every magnification setting and has a wide field of view that is essential for easy target spotting. The scope is uniquely made to boost your accuracy while hunting or shooting. It features an FFP ACSS HUD/DMR reticle which provides quick ranging and wind holds. The reticle is also illuminated for precise shooting in low-light settings. Furthermore, the scope comes with a side-mounted parallax adjustment knob which removes parallax from 15 yards to infinity. This helps increase your accuracy when engaging long-distance targets. More importantly, the scope is built to last. It is crafted from high-strength aluminum which enhances its durability while remaining ultralight. It is also shockproof to stand rough handling, nitrogen purged to prevent internal fogging, and fully waterproof for all-weather performance. To top it all, the scope has decent glass which provides bright and clear sight pictures. Features
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Monstrum G2 6-24×50 Rifle ScopeCheck Price on Amazon
If you are in the market for the best FPP scope under $500 for hunting, look no further than the Monstrum G2 6-24×50 Rifle Scope. It features a wide and versatile 6x to 24x magnification and a large 50mm to complement the high magnification. It provides high image quality at every magnification setting and a wide field of view for swift target spotting. The scope has a rangefinder reticle for quick range estimation and holdover correction. The reticle is etched in glass for greater durability and better recoil resistance. It stays visible without illumination but you can light in either green or red for better visibility and easy shooting in low light settings. Furthermore, the scope has 1/4 MOA click windage and elevation adjustments with the capability to reset the zero. It also boasts an adjustable objective lens which allows for parallax elimination, range estimation, and precise image focusing. For added convenience, it has a lightweight design for easy carrying in the field and ultra-long eye relief for comfortable glassing. Above all, the scope is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof for all-weather performance. Features
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Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50mm Rifle ScopeCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on Opticsplanet
If you are looking for a scope that can accurately clip a target that is as far as 1000 yards away, the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope suits you. It has a variable 6x to 24x power specifically made for long-distance shooting. Unprecedented optical performance awaits you when you purchase this rifle scope. It boasts a high-quality ED glass that provides premium-quality images and fully multi-coated lenses for optimum light transmission. Even better, the glass-etched FFP reticle keeps sub tensions accurate through the whole zoom range for quick range estimation and holdover corrections. It also features a fast-focus eyepiece which allows for simple reticle focusing. Furthermore, the scope is designed to allow for quick magnification changes in any conditions. In terms of construction, it features a solid 30mm single-piece tube that is ruggedly built to be shockproof, recoil proof, and impact resistant. It is also sealed with high-quality O-rings to prevent the entry of moisture and dirt that could damage the optics. Lastly, it is purged with dry nitrogen gas to provide a lifetime of reliable fog-proof performance and has a hard-anodized finish that minimizes glare when hunting/shooting under direct sunlight. Features
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Related
How to Choose the Best FFP Scope under $500
Magnification
The first thing you should put into consideration is magnification. Your ideal magnification power will largely depend on what you intend to use the scope for and your shooting range.
For hunting, it is best to get a scope that aligns with your shooting environment. For long-range hunting in open fields, look for a scope with not less than 10x magnification.
For hunting in thick bushes and woodlands where a wide field of view is more important, it is best to get a scope with moderate magnification of not more than 10x.
Objective Lens
Magnification and objective lens go hand in hand. If you get a scope with a high magnification power, it should also have a large objective lens. The further you shoot, the more light the scope requires to form a clear image.
However, scopes with bigger objective lenses are heavier, cumbersome to shoot with, and costly. To find the perfect balance between optimal light transmission and low weight, go for a scope that has an objective lens between 40mm and 50mm.
Construction
When it comes to construction, it is best to get a 30mm scope that is built from high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum. That you are guaranteed that the scope will handle the roughest handling.
Also, make sure that you get a shockproof and recoil-resistant scope for greater durability.
An FFP scope under $500 worth of buying should be at least IPX4 waterproof. This way, you can be able to use it even in rainy and humid conditions. Furthermore, it should be purged with nitrogen or argon gas to prevent the interior from fogging when you move between environments with huge temperatures and humidity gradients.
Parallax
Since FFP scopes are mainly used for long-range applications, it is important that you get a scope that has a parallax adjustment feature. Most scopes have a side-mounted parallax knob for convenient access. Parallax removal helps you shoot more accurately at longer ranges.
Weight
The other thing you should consider is the weight of the scope. If your shooting activity requires you to hold the rifle for a lengthy period of time, it is best to get the lightest scope possible.
This way, you will have an easy time carrying both the rifle and the scope around. On the other hand, if you will be shooting from a fixed position, you shouldn’t worry too much about how heavy the scope weighs.
Reticle
Nowadays, riflescopes come with a wide array of reticle patterns to suit the needs of different users. For instance, a BDC reticle is ideal for long-range hunting, while the Mil-Dot reticle is considered ideal for tactical shooting.
Moreover, a thin reticle will be a little harder to see, but it will always provide accurate results as it doesn’t obstruct the target. On the other hand, thick reticles are highly visible, but less accurate compared with thin reticles.
So, make sure that you consider your shooting situations and preference when picking a reticle.
Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the distance between your eye and the scope’s eyepiece. Eye relief is important particularly when you are using a heavy caliber weapon.
It keeps your eye safe from the high-recoiling rifle. It also helps you glass comfortably at any shooting position. Eye relief of at least 3.5-inch is considered safe for most rifles.
Which is better SFP or FFP?
It depends, FFP is better for long-range hunting and tactical shooting as it stays true at every magnification. However, SFP scopes offer better performance for hunting. They are simple to use and less expensive.
Is FFP good for Hunting?
Yes. A first focal plane riflescope is good for hunting at any range. You get to use the hash marks on the reticle for any holder or windage regardless of the magnification power you are on. This can be advantageous in a situation where you need to engage a target quickly.
Final Thoughts
While $500 for a rifle scope is a reasonable price, finding the best FFP scope under $500 is not something to do on a whip. Take your time and go through the features that each scope has until you get a scope that aligns best with your individual needs.