In this guide, we’ll delve into the best FFP scope under $500 recommendations, highlighting their key features, performance capabilities, and why they stand out in a competitive market. From rugged construction to advanced reticle designs and precise adjustments, these scopes offer a compelling blend of value and performance that meets the demands of modern shooting enthusiasts.
For any shooter seeking precision and versatility without breaking the bank, FFP scopes offer a distinct advantage. Unlike their Second Focal Plane (SFP) counterparts, FFP scopes maintain the scale of reticle subtensions relative to the target at any magnification level, providing consistent holdover and windage values throughout the zoom range.
Within the $500 price range, discerning shooters can find a range of FFP scopes that deliver on crucial features such as clarity, durability, and reliable tracking—all without compromising on affordability. These scopes cater to a diverse audience, from hunters navigating rugged terrain to precision shooters demanding consistent performance on the range.
1) Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50mm Riflescope
The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50mm riflescope is crafted with precision engineering and advanced features, which make it set a new standard for shooters seeking uncompromising quality without exceeding their budget.
The scope features XD Lens Elements, featuring extra-low dispersion (XD) glass. This innovative technology enhances resolution and color fidelity, delivering crisp, sharp images with remarkable clarity even at extended ranges. Combined with fully multi-coated lenses, proprietary coatings ensure maximum light transmission across all air-to-glass surfaces, providing bright, clear views in various lighting conditions.
The precision-force spring system and precision-glide erector system ensure maximum repeatability and smooth, precise adjustments throughout the magnification range. Convenience features such as the fast-focus eyepiece and magnification rib facilitate quick and easy reticle focusing and magnification changes, allowing shooters to stay focused and in control even in the heat of action.
It is constructed to withstand the rigors of demanding shooting environments with its rugged build quality. The 30mm tube diameter maximizes internal adjustment and strength, while aircraft-grade aluminum construction provides unparalleled durability and rigidity.
O-ring seals and nitrogen gas purging make the scope waterproof and fogproof, ensuring reliable performance in any weather conditions. Furthermore, the shockproof design withstands recoil and impact, guaranteeing consistent performance shot after shot.
The glass-etched reticle design offers intricate detailing and durability, protected between two layers of glass for long-lasting reliability.
Features
- Magnification rib for instant power adjustments
- 50mm objective lens size
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Hard anodized finish
- 30mm tube
- Glass-etched reticle
- XD glass
- 6x to 24x zoom
- 3.9 inches of eye relief
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Precision force spring system
- Precision glide erector system
Pros
- Great tracking performance
- Built solid
- Excellent glass clarity
- Nice and pronounced clicks
Cons
- Too thin reticle for some environments
2) Swampfox Patriot 6-24x50mm Riflescope
The Swampfox Patriot 6-24x50mm is an exceptional FFP scope under $500 that redefines precision shooting with its remarkable features and unbeatable value. It is made to meet the demands of discerning shooters with its cutting-edge technology and rugged durability that deliver outstanding performance in any shooting scenario.
The outstanding eye box ensures ease of use even at high magnifications, providing a generous field of view and forgiving eye relief for quick target acquisition and tracking. Whether you’re engaging targets at long range or navigating close-quarters environments, the Swampfox Patriot offers unparalleled versatility and comfort.
It is outfitted with premium glass coatings to deliver an ultra-bright and flat sight picture, ensuring crisp, clear images with minimal distortion across the entire magnification range. This level of optical clarity allows shooters to maintain precision and confidence in their shot placement, even in low-light conditions or challenging environments.
In addition, it is designed for user-friendly operation, featuring a fast-focus adjustable ocular that allows shooters to quickly and easily fine-tune the reticle for optimal clarity and focus. Additionally, the zero-resettable turrets enable convenient adjustments on the fly, allowing shooters to make precise corrections without losing their zero reference.
The next thing that sets the Swampfox Patriot apart and qualifies it as the best FFP scope under $500 is its 50,000 Round Guarantee; a testament to its exceptional durability and reliability. Backed by this industry-leading warranty, shooters can trust that the riflescope will withstand the rigors of extended use and deliver consistent performance round after round.
Features
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- Fogproof
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Tactical, zero-resettable turrets
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- 30mm tube diameter
- 50mm objective lens
- 4 inches of eye relief
- Mate finish
- Anti-scratch coatings
Pros
- Clear optic with a superb reticle
- Durability
- Ease of use
- Accurate turret adjustments
Cons
- Non illuminated making it hard to see at dawn or dusk
3) Primary Arms SLx 4-14x44mm Riflescope
The Primary Arms SLx features a 30mm main tube which makes it compatible with a wide range of rings and mounts, giving shooters the flexibility to customize their setup to suit their preferences and shooting style.
The tactile and audible 1/10 MIL windage and elevation adjustments provide precise and reliable adjustments on the fly, ensuring that you can make quick and accurate corrections with confidence.
With exposed tactical-style turrets and zero-reset functionality, the Primary Arms SLx offers intuitive and user-friendly operation, allowing shooters to dial in their shots with ease. Outdoor elements are unpredictable but your scope shouldn’t. This scope is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant, ensuring reliable performance in any weather conditions.
One of the standout features of the Primary Arms SLX is its adjustable parallax, which ranges from 15 yards to infinity. This versatile feature allows shooters to eliminate parallax and achieve pinpoint accuracy at any distance, enhancing their shooting precision and confidence.
The scope doesn’t sacrifice anything when it comes to build quality. It is built from high-strength aircraft-grade aluminum for long-lasting durability while keeping weight at a minimum. It is engineered to endure the rigors of intensive use ensuring unwavering performance shot after shot, season after season.
A fast-focus eyepiece provides shooters with a crisp and clear view of both the target and reticle. Whether you’re engaging targets at close range or stretching the limits of your rifle’s capabilities at long distances, this scope offers exceptional clarity and precision, allowing you to maintain focus and accuracy in any shooting scenario.
Features
- 6063 aluminum formation
- Focuses from 10 yards to infinity
- Made for any weather
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Anodized matte finish
- Side-adjustable parallax
- A length of 13 inches
- 4x low magnification
- 14x high magnification
Pros
- Crystal-clear glass
- Hold up well in demanding conditions
- Reasonable weight
Cons
- Not the best for low light use as it lacks illumination
4) Swampfox Kentucky 2-12x44mm Riflescope
With a magnification range of 2-12x, the Swampfox Kentucky offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing shooters to seamlessly transition between close-quarters engagements and long-range precision shots with ease. The 30mm tube diameter ensures maximum light transmission and internal adjustment capabilities, providing shooters with a clear and unobstructed sight picture even in challenging lighting conditions.
The 44mm objective lens diameter of this other best FFP scope under $500 is sufficiently wide to deliver exceptional brightness and clarity, allowing shooters to maintain a sharp focus on their target at all magnification levels.
The lens is treated with a full multi-coating and feature anti-fog and hydrophobic coatings, providing crystal-clear optics and reliable performance in all weather conditions, from foggy mornings to humid afternoons.
The generous exit pupil of 8.9mm at 2x magnification and 2.6mm at 12x magnification ensures a wide field of view and comfortable eye relief, minimizing eye strain and fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
The parallax setting is from 10 yards to infinity which ensures precise target acquisition and consistent accuracy at any distance.
The riflescope’s turret style is designed for ease of use and precision adjustments. The push/pull locking turrets with zero reset functionality allow shooters to make quick and precise windage and elevation adjustments on the fly, ensuring that every shot is on target.
Additionally, with an IPX7 waterproof rating and impact resistance up to 1,100 G forces, this scope is built to withstand the toughest conditions, providing shooters with unwavering performance and reliability when it matters most.
Features
- Fully multi-coated 44mm objective lens
- Matte finish
- 3.4 inches of eye relief
- 2x to 12x power level
- 30mm tube
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- Locking turrets with zero reset
- Maximum windage and elevation adjustment of 150 MOA
Pros
- Includes a sunshade and flip caps
- Firm and tactile adjustments
- Quality glass
Cons
- Central dot on the reticle is difficult to pick out
5) Vortex Venom 3-15x44mm Riflescope
Vortex Venom 3-15x44mm riflescope is fashioned from aircraft-grade aluminum. It is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof for flawless performance in any weather conditions, from rain-soaked forests to arid desert environments. Whether you’re hunting, competing, or training, you can trust the Vortex Venom to deliver reliable performance when it matters most.
As the next recommendation for the best FFP scope under $500 options, it is equipped with fast and reliable return-to-zero capability, to ensure that you can trust your adjustments to remain accurate even after multiple shots or magnification changes. The strength and greater range of travel in the adjustments provide shooters with the flexibility to dial in their shots precisely, whether compensating for windage, elevation, or bullet drop.
The Vortex Venom strikes the perfect balance between quick adjustments and precise dialing control, allowing shooters to make rapid corrections on the fly without sacrificing accuracy or repeatability. With the included throw lever, magnification adjustments can be made swiftly and effortlessly, ensuring that you can maintain focus on your target without missing a beat.
Fully multi-coated lenses optimize light transmission resulting in brighter and clear sight images. The XD optical system enhances resolution and edge-to-edge sharpness for stunning views.
The windage turret is capped and the elevation turret exposed providing a sweet spot between rapid adjustments and precise dialing control. The RevStop zero system provides effortless and rock-solid return to zero.
Features
- Armortek coating on the outer lenses
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Waterproof and fogproof performance
- Fully multi-coated optical system
- Shockproof
- Capped windage turret
- Exposed elevation turret
- 3-15x magnification range
- RevStop Zero System
- Aircraft-grade aluminum 34mm tube
- XD glass
Pros
- Impeccable glass quality
- Top quality
- Adjustments are easy
Cons
- Mushy windage
6) Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44mm Riflescope
The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44mm riflescope boasts fully multi-coated optics that increase the level of light transmission. This proprietary coating technology delivers bright, clear images even in low-light conditions, allowing shooters to maintain accuracy and precision in any environment. The XD Lens Elements ensure unparalleled optical performance and reliability.
The construction quality is great. The aircraft-grade aluminum makes the unit ideal for everyday use. It is lightweight yet durable to wade through harsh conditions. The 30mm tube diameter provides maximized internal adjustment and strength, while the rugged construction ensures shockproof performance that withstands recoil and impact.
Furthermore, the scope is waterproof, fogproof, and features a hard anodized finish, providing reliable performance in any weather conditions.
As the other best FFP scope under $500, the device harbors a precision-force spring system and precision-glide erector system, ensuring maximum repeatability and ease of adjustment. The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, while the raised rib on the magnification ring facilitates fast magnification changes in the heat of action.
With all these advanced features and its unique design that pays meticulous attention to detail, this scope sets a new standard for excellence in its class.
Features
- Glass-etched reticle
- 30mm tube
- O-ring seals for moisture restriction
- Shockproof and fogproof
- Made from aircraft-grade aluminum
- Hard anodized finish
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Magnification rib for power adjustments
- Full multi-coating on the lenses
- Precision force spring system
- 3.8 inches of eye relief
- 44mm objective lens
Pros
- Robust build quality
- Stellar low-light performance
- Unparalleled tracking performance
Cons
- An illuminated reticle would be great
Related: 6 Best Vortex Coyote Hunting Scopes
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best FFP Scope Under $500
Durability
The best FFP scope under $500 should be built with rugged construction and durable materials that can withstand the rigors of field use. Features like aircraft-grade aluminum construction, shockproof design, and waterproof/fogproof capabilities ensure reliable performance in harsh environments.
Magnification Range
Determine the magnification range that suits your shooting application. A wider magnification range, such as 4-16x or 1-6x, offers versatility for both close-range and long-distance shooting scenarios. Consider your typical shooting distances and the type of targets you’ll be engaging.
Optical Quality
The best FFP scope under $500 should have high-quality optics that deliver sharp, clear images with minimal distortion. Features like extra-low dispersion (XD) glass and fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission, color fidelity, and resolution, ensuring optimal performance in various lighting conditions.
Ease of Use
Evaluate the ease of use and user-friendly features of the scope. Look for a scope with fast-focus eyepieces for quick reticle focusing, as well as features like magnification ribs for easy magnification changes. A streamlined design with intuitive controls enhances overall usability.
Reticle
Consider the type of reticle that best suits your shooting needs. FFP scopes offer the advantage of reticles that remain in proportion to the target at all magnification levels, allowing for accurate holdovers and ranging. Choose a reticle with features like bullet drop compensation (BDC) markings or mil-dot reticles calibrated for specific ammunition if needed.
Warranty
Consider the warranty and customer support offered by the manufacturer. The best FFP scope under $500 should be backed by a solid warranty, such as a limited lifetime warranty, to provide peace of mind and assurance of quality craftsmanship.
Best FFP Scope Under $500 FAQs
What is the Difference Between FFP and SFP?
The main distinction between a first focal plane and second focal plane scope is the position of the reticle. The reticle position for the FFP is far from the shooter whereas for the SFP, its position is close. Additionally, the two have different zooming abilities. In the first focal plane, both the scope and reticle have the zooming position.
In addition, the FFP cross hairs get larger while you zoom in. When compared to the second focal plane, this provides a clearer image. Aside from that, the FFP gives a reading that is more accurate than the SFP, which is more convenient.
What is the Advantage of FFP over SFP?
FFP scopes maintain the scale of reticle subtensions relative to the target at any magnification level, allowing for accurate holdovers and ranging regardless of magnification. In contrast, SFP scopes have reticles that remain the same size at all magnifications, which can make holdovers less accurate at different magnification settings.
Are Adjustment Turrets Crucial in a FFP Scope?
Yes, adjustment turrets play a vital role in FFP scopes just like in any other scope. They are responsible for making precise windage and elevation adjustments. Features like capped turrets or locking turrets help prevent accidental adjustments, while tactile and audible clicks make it easier to dial in your shots accurately.
Conclusion
The best FFP scope under $500 should provide exceptional optical performance, rugged durability, user-friendly features, and excellent value for money. By carefully evaluating these factors and considering your specific shooting needs and preferences, you can select the FFP scope that best suits your requirements and helps you achieve your shooting goals with confidence and precision.