Today, you will find the best FFP scopes for hunting. Long-range shooting is better accomplished using a first focal plane reticle. FFP scopes for hunting have been embraced by long-distant hunters and they have started to dominate the variable scope industry gradually.
FFP scopes for hunting are available in every price range, implying there is something for every hunter. First focal plane riflescopes help to obtain constant sub-tension values. Additionally, it’s preferable if you want to accomplish precise holdovers and easier bullet drop adjustments.
No matter the magnification, the holdover spacing is accurate. These kinds of scopes are typically most useful to shooters and hunters who don’t always have the luxury of dialing their turrets owing to time constraints.
If you are looking for a suitable FFP scope for hunting. Continue reading to find a suitable model for you.
#1) Burris Veracity 3-15x50mm Riflescope
The Burris Veracity 3-15x50mm FFP Riflescope is perfect for both close and long ranges. It has the requisite accuracy and precision for the successful hunting of varmints. A perfect combination of performance, ruggedness and accuracy makes Veracity 3-15×50 stand out among the best FFP scopes for hunting.
Combining Burris proven engineering with the state-of-the-art optical system creates a potent shooting solution that you can rely on to make the most accurate shots regardless of the shooting distance.
Its 50mm objective lens guarantees maximum light into the scope. This is of the essence for high-quality images. Also, it has Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses that lead to perfect light transmission leading to outstanding images. The unrivaled optical prowess is one of the facets that make Veracity 3-15x50mm riflescope one of the best FFP scopes for hunting.
Additionally, the scope has a 5:1 zoom system that ensures a wide field of view at low magnification and instant target acquisition at maximum magnification. To ensure seamless focusing, the reticle has a useful feature that helps determine the size of the target, and distance to the target and compensates for the trajectory across different magnification settings.
Regarding construction, it is durably made of aircraft-grade aluminum. This is in addition to being waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. Expect reliable performance from the Veracity 3-15x50mm riflescope.
Also present in the scope is easy-to-adjust knobs that are useful for windage and elevation modifications and help return the scope to zero after sighting in. The ergonomic side focus makes parallax correction intuitive from 50 yards to infinity.
This is a first-class optic and surely one of the best FFP scopes for hunting. The multitude of impressive features helps deliver relentless performance and ergonomic design making it a valuable companion for your hunting rifle.
Features
- Superior glass provides excellent clarity and brightness
- 5:1 zoom ratio for unrivaled versatility
- Durable construction
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Ergonomic knobs for windage and elevation changes
- Double internal spring-tension system
- Ballistic Plex reticle
- First focal plane
Pros
- Survives tough conditions
- Easy and accurate windage and elevation adjustments
- Side focus is ergonomically placed
- Unmatched brightness and clarity
Cons
- No drawbacks
#2) Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Riflescope
Vortex is a renowned brand in the optics industry for making high-end products with unmatched quality and performance, and the Diamondback 4-16x44mm Riflescope is no different. It’s one of the best FFP scopes for hunting for those looking for a long-range performer.
The scope is purposely built to extend your effective shooting range without stretching your pockets. Designed with premium optics, the scope delivers outstandingly clear and bright views no matter the lighting condition.
This rifle scope’s magnification ranges from 4x to 16x. Both close-up and distant shooting benefit greatly from the versatile 4x zoom range. The scope provides incredibly bright images at every magnification level because of the massive, crisp 44mm objective lens. The lens is fully multi-coated to enhance light transmittance.
Like other Vortex scopes, the Diamondback 4-16×44 is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum that provides rugged and reliable use. A hard anodized exterior ensures a reduced glare surface that is durable and enables the shooter to conceal position.
Thanks to the O-ring seals and nitrogen purging, the scope is completely waterproof and fogproof. Not even snow or rain can stop you from enjoying your favorite sport. This is in addition to being shockproof because of the rugged edifice.
For more convenience, the scope has a magnification rib that allows seamless magnification adjustments when situations demand. A fast-focus eyepiece allows rapid target acquisition by facilitating rapid reticle focusing.
Even more, it boasts a glass-etched reticle found on the first focal plane, which maintains sub-tension accuracy over the entire 4x zoom range. A side parallax knob is also included for parallax correction at greater distances.
The Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Riflescope offers a combination of features that will help make your hunting mission an adventure like no other. The stellar performance of the scope at an unbeatable price helps cement the scope amid the best FFP scopes for hunting.
Features
- Precision-Glide Erector System
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Magnification rib for instant adjustments
- ED glass
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- 30mm tube
- Glass etched reticle
- A fast-focus eyepiece
Pros
- Unbeatable price
- Exceptional tracking for long-range precision
- Holds zero well
- HD image clarity
- Unparalleled long-range accuracy
- Covered for life by Vortex’s VIP warranty
Cons
- A bit heavy
#3) Primary Arms 4-14x44mm Riflescope
Primary Arms 4-14x44mm Riflescope is one of the best FFP scopes for hunting that you can get on the market without breaking the bank. This scope is made of durable material, so it can be subjected to anything and remain solid.
It is constructed from sturdy aircraft-grade aluminum. It is purged with nitrogen to keep fog and moisture from penetrating the scope. It is also shockproof for relentless performance. This scope has a remarkable magnification for its pricing and is suitable for both close-range shots and long-distance hunting.
The scope performs remarkably when it comes to light transmission. Its multi-coated lenses make it a top-notch scope. This is superior to most other optics in a similar price range.
This scope is also highly user-friendly, so even a newbie could use it. Even at maximum magnification, the rifle scope’s glass quality is exceptionally bright and clear.
The turrets have a pretty loud audible click and are finger-adjustable. Additionally, this scope maintains the zero very well in the first focal plane and is seamless to zero.
You’ll appreciate that the parallax knobs are on the side. As a result, adjustments are significantly more fluid when shooting at a distance. Additionally, turning the side parallax knob is gratifyingly effortless.
Features
- Turrets are finger-adjustable
- Multi-coated optics
- Parallax from 15 yards to infinity
- Robust construction to stand up to abuse
- Ideal for short and long ranges
- Glass etched reticle
- Side parallax knobs
Pros
- Lightweight
- Six brightness settings
- Exceptional glass clarity
- Well priced
Cons
- Limited eye relief
#4) ATN X-Sight 4K Buckhunter 3-14x50mm Daytime Riflescope
ATN is the best option for all those tech-savvy hunters out there. For a scope in its price range, it offers pretty great features. The scope is designed with a Smart Mil-dot reticle. It’s interesting to note that the reticle is dynamic across the full zoom range and changes with magnification.
It has substantial recoil resistance. You may place it on any compatible weapon because it is made to resist the pressure of large caliber firearms. The construction is made of a solid aluminum alloy with impact-resistant circuits that contribute to its sturdiness.
Sighting in the unit is a cinch thanks to One Shot Zero technology. It only takes one shot, one reticle adjustment, and you’re good to go. Moreover, an impressive Recoil Activated Video technology lets you focus on the search rather than stressing over whether the video is on or not.
It would be best to download the Obsidian 4 app to your smartphone or tablet to make the most of this scope. You can quickly and remotely operate the internal menu features of the scope using the Obsidian 4 app. You can capture 1080p HD video at up to 120 frames per second, which is impressive.
With the ATN X-Sight 4K, you can expect to enjoy an astounding 18+ hours of battery life with no extra battery required. The newly integrated Dual-Core Processor makes this feasible. This is the first digital scope to ever run continuously for more than 18 hours on a single charge, as it runs quickly and efficiently.
Packed with technological advancements, the ATN X-Sight 4K Buckhunter 3-14x50mm Ballistic Rifle Scope transforms your hunting rifle into a powerful and versatile weapon to conquer in the hunting field. It’s one of the best FFP scopes for hunting.
Features
- Recoil activated video
- Easy sighting in
- Smart reticle design
- 1080 HD video
- Built-in ballistic calculator
- Simultaneous live streaming and recording
- Obsidian App operates remotely on smart gadgets
Pros
- Sturdy aluminum alloy body
- Very recoil resistant
- Excellent battery life
- State-of-the-art technology
Cons
- Does not have night vision
- Slightly bulky
#5) Swampfox Patriot 4-16x44mm Riflescope
Patriot’s glass is designed for optimal clarity and sharpness. For maximum light transmission and anti-reflection, the lenses are fully multi-coated. Additionally, they add extra custom coatings for waterproof, anti-scratch, and anti-fog performance.
It has exceptional edge-to-edge optical clarity across all magnification ranges. It has excellent light-gathering capabilities to capture high-quality images in poor lighting conditions. Unrivaled clarity and resolution make the scope stand out as one of the best FFP scopes for hunting.
Regardless of how far away your target is, the side focus parallax knob maintains sharpness and focus by eliminating detrimental parallax error.
Even with its affordable price, the scope doesn’t compromise durability. The Patriot is sandproof, waterproof, and shockproof. So, nothing out there can hinder you from taking down your target.
No matter the target distance or magnification range, the scope’s rapid focus adjustable ocular enables minute changes to maintain the reticle’s sharpness at all times.
The scope’s optical system is precisely engineered to maximize the field of view while providing a substantial amount of eye relief. The view image is flat from edge to edge and has no chromatic aberration or distortion. The scope will minimize eye fatigue when looking through it.
Features
- Two throw levers
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Fast focus ocular
- Turrets are zero-resettable
- Glass etched reticles
Pros
- Long-lasting construction
- Pocket friendly
- Forgiving eye box
- Decent eye relief
- Incredible optical clarity
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
Further Reading
- Best 300 Win Mag Scopes
- Riflescopes for Low Light Conditions
- Best Long-Range Nightforce Scopes
- Best 270 Long-Range Scopes
- Best Rangefinder Scopes for Rifles
Choosing the Best FFP Scopes for Hunting
With the market offering a wide selection of scopes, choosing the best optic from the wide pool can be a taxing affair. Here are the key considerations to keep in mind when looking for an FFP scope for hunting.
Durability
Durability is a key factor when it comes to scopes for hunting. You should be prepared for challenging weather and treacherous terrain when going on a hunting adventure. You, therefore, need a scope that is equally strong and long-lasting.
Look for one that is composed of high-grade aluminum. It must also have a single-piece tube and be resistant to water, fog, and shock. The latter factor is particularly significant when employing high-caliber ammo.
Magnification
Beginners in the world of rifle scopes frequently choose top-tier variable magnification that is overkill for their requirements.
Although this is okay if your goal is to specialize in long-range shooting, you should still consider the typical range you intend to shoot at and the lengths you want to reach.
Most shooters will first opt for short- to medium-range targeting, which makes perfect sense. Variable magnification of between 3 and 9 times is therefore appropriate.
Of course, seasoned shooters could want to extend their range considerably. Given this situation, variable magnification FFP scopes are available and ready to join your arsenal.
Read: Best Thermal Scope with Rangefinder
Cost
Decide on a reasonably higher price limit for what you are willing to pay upfront. That would not only ease your mind but also limit your options to that higher price range.
Remember that the cost of FFP scopes varies greatly. With price ranges ranging widely, it does imply that you can find an FFP scope with your ideal budget.
Weight
The ideal weight a scope will add to a weapon may not be a big concern for bench rest shooters. However, hunters and people in motion ought to be. Your every additional ounce, while you’re out and about, will be noticed.
Those who engage in lengthy shooting sessions should pay even closer attention to this. Additionally, keep in mind that your scope will often be heavier overall if your objective lens is larger.
Read: Best FFP Scopes for 6.5 Grendel
Lens Coating
Look at the lens coating of the scope you intend to buy. Special coatings on high-quality FFP scopes help to boost light transmission.
Additionally, they can shield those priceless lenses from damage caused by scuffs, grime, and dust.
Ease of Adjustments
The ideal FFP scope should include precise, simple elevation and windage adjustment knobs and turrets on the side. With this, you can get the emphasis you want regardless of your stance or viewpoint.
Look into purchasing a model that will enable you to make quick and accurate adjustments, particularly if you’re in an open area. For longer shots and improved target acquisition, this includes adjusting your field of view and parallax.
Benefits of FFP Scopes for Hunting
First focal plane scopes have improved reticle illumination, making them more flexible in dim light and allowing longer, more intricate, and more precise shots.
Regardless of your zoom power, precise range measurement and elevation corrections are maintained by the reticle size changing with the zoom. These scopes often work well at any magnification and practically any distance.
Read: Best Vortex Scopes for 6.5 Grendel
Best FFP Scopes for Hunting FAQs
Q: What Ranges Are First Focal Planes Good For?
Since the reticle can adjust to a scope’s magnification level, First Focal Plane scopes are useful at all distances. The best FFP scopes can help you get the superior accuracy you require, whether you typically shoot at close ranges of 100 yards or out to a distance of 1500 yards.
But because it makes shooting off the reticle easier, users looking for long-range scope typically favor this focal plane. Additionally, if you frequently practice or hunt at varied distances, having FFP would be helpful.
Q: Are FFP Scopes Good for Hunting?
Both focal planes will ultimately be fantastic for hunting; it depends on your use scenario and what your eyes may prefer. Find someone with a different scope than you have, and if you can, properly compare a first and second focal plane side by side.
Q: Between a First Focal Plane and a Second Focal Plane, which is Better?
Both focal planes are equal, and none is superior to the other. For a first focal plane scope, higher magnification ranges are preferable.
For second focal plane scopes, lower magnification is ideal. A first focal plane riflescope is an excellent tool if you enjoy precision shooting, especially in competitions, and you don’t mind the price.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this review has helped you make a wise buying decision. Although it can be difficult to choose a scope, the information provided above will come in handy. Remember to have the essential factors in mind before settling for a model. All the scopes above are pretty reliable choices.