Either you are a person who likes long-range shooting or long-distance hunting, you must be considerate about the type of scope that will fit your requirements without causing you a problem in doing so. An FFP scope is always a part of the discussion whenever we talk about long-range distance hunting or shooting. Going back to their invention, these scopes were explicitly designed for long-range shooting, but with time, they are being used by hunters too.
An FFP is an abbreviation for First Focal Plane scope. This scope is designed in such a way that as you experiment with magnification, its reticle size changes too. When you zoom in towards your target, the reticle becomes large, and when you zoom out, it looks small. Due to this feature, it is suitable for shooting or hunting in a long-range.
Most of the hunters and shooters out there are unable to decide which FFP scope they should buy, which enables them to hunt well and isn’t too expensive. To make this task easier for you, we have made a list of some top brands that make the best FFP scopes at prices under $500 because we believe that buying a high-end scope makes hunting and shooting a pleasant experience for you, but that doesn’t mean that you can buy a good quality FFP scope by paying thousands.
After reading this article, you will be able to decide what features shall you look for in your FFP scope, and you will be able to choose the scope that matches your needs and makes your shooting and hunting an unforgettable experience!
List of 7 Best FFP Scopes Under 500 dollars
Table showing the best ffp rifle scope under $500 with a quick comparison table listing all their key features
| Product | Key Features | Rating |
| Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical | 4-16x magnification range excellent eye relief. fast-focus eyepiece Extra-low light dispersion glass | 4.8 |
| Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen I | 4-16x magnification range offers ample windage elevation adjustment 50mm objective lens Customizable Rotational Stop | 4.8 |
| Athlon Optics, Argos BTR, Riflescope | 6-24x magnification range better light transmission aircraft-grade aluminum exceptional strength better thermal stability | 4.7 |
| Monstrum Alpha Series FFP Scope | 6-24x magnification range adjustable objective lens Aircraft-grade aluminum the sharper focus of the target water and fog-resistant | 4.6 |
| Monstrum G2 First Focal Plane Rifle Scope | 1-4x magnification range long eye relief faster range estimation holdover correction multiple brightness intensities Aircraft-grade aluminum | 4.5 |
| Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 | 6-24X magnification range 25 MOA Click Value 50mm objective lens 60 MOA Total Adjustment 10 yards to infinity Parallax adjustment weather resistant4.4 | 4.4 |
| Monstrum G2 with Illuminated Rangefinder Reticle | 6-24×4-4.5 inches eye relief Touch-button controlled reticle illumination good low light transmission | 4.4 |
1. Vortex Optics Diamondback-Best ffp rifle scope under 500
Are you someone who wants to buy an FFP scope, but it shouldn’t be too pricy? It yes then look no further because the features present in Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical ffp Rifles cope under $ 500 are offered by no other brand because the features in this Vortex riflescope makes it stand out among others of its kind.
Vortex is a trusted brand and is known for its amazing quality optics all over the world. Vortex Optics Diamondback’s first focal plane Rifle scope is one of the most outstanding products of Vortex that is a definition of accuracy and clarity. The lens of the scope is coated with many layers that add to the durability of the lens and ensure that it doesn’t disperse light.
The ffp feature present in this scope allows the hunters to use EBR-2C reticles to learn about any windage corrections on the extent to which you magnify. The scope is made up of a single piece and provides excellent eye relief. The eyepiece focuses on distant objects within no time. The scope gives a crisp, clear and sharp image of the object you want to shoot. The image is clear even on the edges and doesn’t get blurry.
Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical first focal plane Rifle scope is a water, fog, and shockproof scope that comes with a fantastic warranty and an affordable price. Some people complain that the first focal plane reticle isn’t visible when the background is white, making hunting a little tricky in such scenarios.
Pros
- It is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof.
- It has a first focal plane reticle.
- Fast focus eyepiece.
- The glass is fully multi-coated and offers low dispersion of light.
- It comes as a single piece.
- It has excellent eye relief.
Cons
- When the background is white, the reticle can’t be seen clearly.
- The scope doesn’t have a zero-stop feature.
2. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen I – best ffp scope under 500
Vortex optics viper is a name that speaks for itself due to the fantastic quality of optics the brand manufactures at the most affordable prices. One such product is the Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen I Rifle scope that comes as a single piece and is thus, easy to adjust on any kind of firearm without having any problem.
The vortex optics viper has fully multi-coated lenses that prevent any type of light dispersion, holding the image’s colors clearly and allowing the shooter to see sharp and clear images of the target. The fully multi-coated glass also minimizes reflection of light and offers outstanding low-light transmission, thus adding to the targetted object’s clarity and image. Therefore, it is waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof and can function well in rain, fog, or unleveled terrain.
Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen I ffp riflescope is made of high-quality aluminum and has windage and elevation control turrets for accurate shooting. The scope has a Customizable Rational Stop (CRS) that allows you to return to zero after making any changes in the zero. Furthermore, a rotation indicator made of a fiber optic turret allows you to view an accurate reference point. The scope comes with lens caps for its security.
Some people complain that the image becomes unclear at the edges of the lens when the magnification power is at the maximum. Overall, the scope is a big yes for its price and features. It comes with an excellent warranty, and the company is responsible for repairing and replacing the scope in case of any problem or damage.
Pros
- It holds zero perfectly.
- The scope excellently magnifies distant objects.
- The image is clear and sharp.
- It has separate knobs for adjusting the focus, parallax, etc.
- The scope offers an incredible light transmission.
- It has an O-shaped ring that protects it.
- Lens caps are also included in the scope packaging.
Cons
- The scope becomes unclear at the edges at maximum magnification power.
3. Athlon Argos BTR – budget ffp rifle scope under 500
Athlon Optics is a brand that comes at the top of the list when we talk about ffp rifle scopes under 500 for any type of rifle or firearm. Athlon Optics Argos BTR Riflescope is a precision-oriented scope. The Athlon Optics BTR rifle scope belongs to the family of scopes usually unavailable at prices under $ 500.
The magnification up to 24 times makes it a versatile scope for all shooting ranges. Its FFP stays accurate and precise at all power ranges allowing your reticle to be shrunken or enlarge as you zoom in or zoom out thus, enhancing your vision. The presence of an o-shaped ring protects the lens.
Athlon Optics Argos BTR Rifle scope has multiple layered glasses that minimize the light transmission and provides you with a bright picture keeping the colors as realistic as possible. If you like to go hunting in places with uneven terrain, then this scope is designed for you because even if you give the scope a jerk, that won’t affect its accuracy. After all, it is shockproof. Furthermore, it is purged with Argon that makes it waterproof and fog-proof.
Athlon offers an appealing warranty for its products and is concerned with what their customers have to say about their products thereby, offering free exchange and repair policies. Taking into account its price, it is pretty affordable.
Few people say that the image becomes less clear when you magnify it to the maximum power. Therefore, you need to be a bit careful while handling the magnification option.
Pros
- The glass has an O-shaped ring that protects it.
- It comes at a nice, affordable price.
- The scope is durable.
- It comes with an amazing warranty, repair, and replace policy.
- The reticle has a red light that makes shooting more accurate.
- It works great when shooting at rest.
Cons
- The image becomes less clear at maximum power.
- It doesn’t offer great eye relief.
4. Monstrum Alpha Series – ffp scopes under 500
Are you looking for an affordable best rifle scope under 500? If yes, then we have a solution to your problem. Monstrum Alpha Series 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope with MOA Reticle is a perfect rifle scopes under 500 for your firearm. The scope is suitable for both mid-range and long-range shooting.
It is made up of high-quality aluminum and comes as one unit; therefore, it is durable and easy to attach to any type of firearm. The lens is made up of fantastic quality glass and has several coatings that are reliable and work in any weather. Talking of the focus, it is clear and produces a sharp image. The lens is outlined by an O-shaped ring that protects any dirt from getting into the lens. For further protection, it has lens covers as well.
The overall material and quality of the scope are excellent, and it holds zero well, due to which the target can be precisely shot. To add more precision to shooting, the windage and elevation turrets are present.
Many people complain that the scope comes in a grey color which usually doesn’t match their firearms color. Another problem that people face is that if the scope isn’t used with care, the parallax feature of the scope gets affected. Some users complain that the reticle dot can be set at 1 MOA, not at any other option.
Warranty is a point of concern for all the people out there. Therefore, we have a piece of good news for you! Monstrum Alpha Series 6-24×50 FFP RifleScope comes with a nice warranty at a reasonable price. In case of any damage or breakage in the first one month, the company repairs or exchanges the scope in no time and pays for the shipping charges.
Pros
- The side focus of the scope is precise.
- The quality of the scope is excellent.
- It comes as a single unit.
- It is easier to hold its zero.
- The windage and elevation turrets work fine.
- It has an O-shaped ring outlining its lens.
Cons
- The reticle dot can be set at 1 MOA, not any option other than 1 MOA.
- The parallax feature isn’t too accurate.
- It comes in a greyish color that usually doesn’t match the body of the firearm.
5. Monstrum G2 | Cheap ffp Scope
Monstrum is a brand that keeps its products budget-friendly for its buyers so that they don’t have to go beyond their budget to buy their products. The brand keeps track of the prices and makes sure that the materials used in their products are high-end, too, so that their customers have an excellent experience using their products.
One such product on Monstrum is their G2 1-4×24 FFP Riflescope with Illuminated BDC Reticle, known for its precision and accuracy. The scope is designed for long-range shooting. For shooting at far off distance, the scope’s precision is necessary because if your scope is accurate, only then can you shoot the target with accuracy without missing it.
The scope has a 24 mm objective lens and offers a magnification of 1 time to 4 times. A good scope is the one that provides your eye with some eye relief even after magnification. Monstrum G2 1-4×24 first focal plane Rifle Scope does it so well. The scope’s reticle can be controlled with a dial and can be illuminated with two different colors, i.e., red and green, for better visibility day and night. Furthermore, the reticle’s brightness can be controlled according to the time at which you are hunting or shooting.
Monstrum G2 1-4×24 FFP Riflescope is made up of amazing quality aluminum and is purged with Argon that makes it waterproof and fog proof, so if you are a shooter and your scope restricts you, from shooting in rainy or foggy weather, then this is the best pick for you. You also get scope rings and lens caps, along with the scope, at such a reasonable price.
Few people complain about its big size and weight, but it isn’t too bulky. One more thing that you should take good care of is that handle the lens caps carefully while opening or closing them because if not done so, they can be damaged. Overall the scope is quite user-friendly and is easy to use as well. If the scope gets damaged in the initial one month, the company replaces it or repairs it without charging you a single penny.
Pros
- The reticle’s illumination is too good and can be illuminated in two colors, i.e., red and green.
- It provides generous eye relief.
- It holds zero perfectly.
- It has two lights, i.e., red and green, for illumination.
- It is budget-friendly.
- The lens has an o-shaped ring on the outside.
Cons
- The scope is a little bulky.
- Open and close the lens covers carefully, or they can break.
6. Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN 2
Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24X50 ffpRiflescope is an amazing FFP scope that is 14.1 inches long, 2.2 inches wide, and weighs about 51.2 ounces. This rifle scope is black and comes as a single unit. It is therefore easy to mount onto your firearm.
The scope can magnify a distant object up to 4 times and has an objective lens of 50 mm. The lens has multiple layers for minimum light dispersion and enhanced low light transmission. Thus, giving you a clear image compared to other best rifle scopes with a single-layered lens. The lens is further protected by an O ring that stops any dirt or dust from entering into the scope’s glass and affects your vision.
Since it is a First focal plane reticle, its first focal plane functions at all power settings, allowing you to hunt accurately. Furthermore, the zero lock feature allows you to lock the zero so that if you are shooting at an unlevelled terrain, in case of a sudden jerk, the zero of the scope doesn’t move and doesn’t affect the accuracy of your shot. The elevation and windage turrets are a little hard. This feature prevents them from changing unintentionally.
The scope is said to have a small field of view, and the users are suggested to read the manual that comes with the scope before using it to prevent the scope from any damage. Some people complain that the crosshair present at the center doesn’t shrink when you magnify an object, due to which the entire space gets occupied by the crosshair, and it is difficult to view the target.
Athlon optics provides a nice warranty with their optics, and Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24X50 First Focal Plane Riflescope is a scope that has amazing features at a price below $ 500.
Pros
- It comes with clear, high-quality glass.
- The reticle is good too and makes shooting easy.
- The scope has a feature to lock the zero that doesn’t let the zero moves once set, even if it gets some jerks.
- The turrets aren’t soft. Rather they are hard. Due to their hardness, they don’t move with sudden movements.
- The image produced is sharp and clear.
Cons
- It has a small field of view.
- The crosshair at the center that points towards the target covers the entire space when you magnify your target and shoot it precisely.
- For better usage, read the manual before using the scope.
7. Monstrum G2 6-24×50 – first focal plane Rifle Scope
Monstrum G2 6-24×50 First Focal Plane FFP Riflescope is an outstanding scope that has amazing features and comes at a reasonable price. The 55 mm objective lens has multi-coatings and can be adjusted accordingly to get a crisp image of the target object.
The scope is designed for mid-range to long-range shooting and can magnify an object up to 6 times to 24 times. The riflescope offers amazing eye relief no matter how much you magnify. The reticle works fine and has dual-colored lights, i.e., red and green. These lights allow the shooter to shoot precisely in the daytime and nighttime even though, unlike other scopes, the reticle’s brightness can’t be adjusted.
The scope is made up of good quality aluminum and is waterproof and fog proof. This feature makes it stand any type of weather, i.e., foggy and rainy, without affecting your performance. The scope comes with mounts and lens caps that need to be dealt with care or else you might break them. Few people complain that the image produced isn’t too clear or sharp if any distant object is magnified.
Taking into account the features that the scope has, its price is justified. The company offers a warranty period of one month in which any problems encountered with the scope can be exchanged and repaired by the company without charging the user. Furthermore, the scope is easy to use and install over any kind of rifle.
Pros
- It provides a clear image.
- It makes accurate adjustments at ¼ MOA.
- It comes with a free repair and exchange policy.
- The scope isn’t too expensive.
- It is made up of high-grade aluminum.
Cons
- Handle the lens caps carefully.
- The image produced isn’t sharp after magnification.
- The brightness of the reticle can’t be adjusted.
Buying Guide For Best FFP Scope Under $500
Choosing a perfect scope is the real deal that is the most confusing part of the entire buying process. We have made a list of features that you should look for when you buy an FFP scope for your rifle to make this easier for you. After going through this buying guide, you will be able to conclude what you should invest in.
Multi-coated lenses
The lens of the scope plays the most important role in your entire hunting experience. While choosing an FFP scope for long-range, check if the scope has a multi-coated lens. This feature ensures better functioning of the scope.
fast-focus eyepiece
Many hunters lose their target while hunting because they spent many minutes bringing their eyepiece to focus on their target object. To save yourself from this problem, buy a scope whose eyepiece can focus fast, thereby making hunting fun for you.
Tube construction
The scope shall be constructed as one single piece. Such a scope is easier to take care of and inserted on your rifle.
Waterproof, shockproof and fog-proof
Look for a scope that is waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof because these features will allow you to hunt and shoot in any weather, and you will be able to shoot your target accurately on unlevelled or rocky grounds too.
High-quality construction
A good scope will serve you for an entire lifetime; therefore, the products used in its manufacture play a vital role. Buy a scope that is manufactured from the outstanding quality of products.
Brand
The brands that are known for producing good quality scopes choose the model of scope from there. Their scope will be of good quality, and the company will offer a nice warranty period for the scope as well.
Price
Buying a good scope is as important as buying a good rifle. Save money for your scope and then invest in a scope that fulfills the list of features you want your scope to have because it is a one-time investment that will pay off for life.
Durability
Always look for durability. This can be taken care of by reading all the reviews of that specific scope. In choosing a product, the reviews can be of huge help.
Eye relief
If there is a scope with outstanding features, but your eyes aren’t comfortable using it, then that scope will be of no use to you. Therefore, look for a scope that offers remarkable eye relief, thus enabling you to hunt and shoot accurately.
Magnification
Since you are looking for an FFP scope for long-range, therefore, it is necessary that whatever scope you choose shall have an excellent magnification power so that you can clearly view far-off objects and then hunt them down.
Conclusion
Either you are a hunter or a shooter. This article has covered all the features you should look for in a scope for long-range distance hunting or shooting. We have collected this list of the leading brands with tremendous features in their best rifle scopes, and you can buy them below $ 500!
After reading our buying guide, take out a pen and a paper and write down all the features you want in your FFP scope. After you are done writing, look for those features in the list of best rifle scopes under 500 that we have provided in this article and buy them from an authentic source. We assure you that if you follow this process and read the article thoroughly, you will be able to buy an amazing FFP scope that will make hunting and shooting fun and easier for you and will charge you below $ 500.
FAQ’s About ffp best rifle scopes under 500
1. What Is The First Focal Plane (FFP)?
In the first focal plane scope, the reticle change dimension as you change the magnification. The reticle shows up small when magnification is zoomed out and large when magnification is focused.
2. What magnification do I need for 500 yards?
If you are hunting at a distance of 500 yards, then you should buy a scope that offers a minimum magnification of 5 times and can magnify till 18 times.
3. What is the best riflescope under $ 500?
We have provided you with a list of the best rifle scopes under $500, but our favorite is Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescopes.
4. Which is better first focal plane (ffp) or second focal plane scopes (SFP)?
Choosing an FFP and SFP scope depends upon the type of hunting you want to do. If you aren’t into long-range hunting, then buy a second focal plane scope that is a little less expensive than an FFP scope, but if you are a long-range distance shooter, then FFP scope is a better option for you.
5. Are Leupold scopes FFP or SFP?
Most Leupold scopes are second focal planes (SFP) or rear focal planes (RFP).
6. Why are FFP Scopes more expensive?
FFP stands for First focal plane or front focal plane. The scope is more expensive because it is more precise and magnifies more since it is suitable for long-range hunting.
7. Is FFP worth the extra money?
If you are a long-range shooter and will use the reticle of your FFP scope, then it is definitely worth the money.
8. Do Snipers use FFP or SFP?
Snipers use SFP instead of FFP.
