For the modern shooter, a first focal plane (FFP) scope is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for precision. In an FFP optic, the reticle scales in size as you change magnification. This means your holdover points, ranging marks, and windage dots remain accurate and true at any power setting. Whether you’re engaging targets at close quarters on 1x or making a long-range shot at maximum zoom, your reticle’s subtensions are always correct.
This tactical advantage is crucial for competitive shooting, hunting in varied terrain, or any scenario where quick, accurate calculations are paramount. The market is flooded with options, making it challenging to find the right balance of performance, durability, and value. To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of the top-tier FFP scopes that deliver the tactical accuracy demanded by today’s shooters.
Our Top Picks for First Focal Plane Scopes
- Bushnell Legend 3-9x40mm Illuminated Riflescope
- Bushnell Optics 4x24mm Riflescope with FFP Drop Zone Reticle
- Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen III 1-10×24 FFP Riflescope
- Primary Arms Platinum Series 1-8×24 FFP Rifle Scope
- Trijicon Tenmile 3-18×44 FFP Riflescope
- Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 FFP Riflescope
- EOTech Vudu 1-10×28 FFP Rifle Scope
- Burris XTR III 5.5-30×56 FFP Riflescope
Bushnell Legend 3-9x40mm Illuminated Riflescope
The Bushnell Legend is an excellent entry point into the world of FFP scopes, offering core features for hunters. Its 3-9×40 configuration provides a versatile magnification range, and the 40mm objective lens pulls in ample light for clear sight pictures during dawn or dusk. The illuminated Multi-X reticle features a bright center dot for fast target acquisition in dense cover or against dark backgrounds.
Built to handle the elements, this scope is protected by Bushnell’s RainGuard HD coating. This proprietary lens treatment causes water to bead up and roll off, ensuring your view remains sharp and unobstructed in rain, snow, or high humidity. With six brightness settings and quick-access off positions, you have precise control for any lighting condition you encounter in the field.
Bushnell Optics 4x24mm Riflescope with FFP Drop Zone Reticle
Designed with the AR platform in mind, this Bushnell AR Optics scope is a feature-rich and compact option. The fixed 4x magnification is ideal for medium-range engagements, and the First Focal Plane Drop Zone-223 reticle provides accurate hold points out to 600 yards. The exposed turrets allow for quick and tactile windage and elevation adjustments without fumbling with caps.
Speed is a key benefit of this model. The Throw Down PCL (Power Change Lever) enables almost instantaneous magnification changes, a critical feature in dynamic shooting situations. Fully multi-coated optics ensure a bright, high-contrast image by reducing glare and maximizing light transmission. Its IPX7 waterproof rating and compact size also make it a great candidate for use with offset iron sights or a red dot.
Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen III 1-10×24 FFP Riflescope
The Vortex Razor HD Gen III represents the pinnacle of low-power variable optics (LPVO). Its 1-10x magnification range offers incredible versatility, functioning as both a 1x red-dot substitute for close-quarters speed and a powerful 10x scope for precise shots at distance. The glass-quality is exceptional, with high-density (HD) elements delivering outstanding resolution, color fidelity, and edge-to-edge clarity.
This scope features a sophisticated illuminated reticle in the first focal plane, ensuring subtensions are accurate at every setting. The rugged construction is built to military standards for shock, vibration, and waterproof performance. Whether you are a competitive 3-Gun shooter or a tactical professional, the Razor Gen III provides a single optic solution for a wide spectrum of engagement distances.
Primary Arms Platinum Series 1-8×24 FFP Rifle Scope
Primary Arms is renowned for offering high performance at a competitive price, and the Platinum Series is their top-tier line. This 1-8×24 scope features Japanese glass and advanced optical coatings that produce a bright, sharp image with minimal chromatic aberration. The first focal plane reticle is designed for rapid use at 1x and precise holdovers at 8x.
Durability is a cornerstone of the Platinum Series. The scope body is crafted from a single piece of 6061-T6 aluminum for maximum strength and reliability. It is purged with argon gas and sealed for waterproof and fog-proof performance in all environments. With precise, tactile turrets and a smooth magnification ring, this scope is built for serious use by demanding shooters.
Trijicon Tenmile 3-18×44 FFP Riflescope
The Trijicon Tenmile series strikes a perfect balance between long-range capability and practical weight. The 3-18×44 magnification range is exceptionally versatile, suitable for everything from medium-range hunting to precision rifle competitions. Its first focal plane illuminated reticle provides accurate aiming points and holdovers that are consistent across the entire zoom range.
Trijicon’s reputation for ruggedness is fully present in the Tenmile. It features a 36mm main tube for increased elevation travel and shock-proof performance. The optical system uses high-performance glass and coatings to provide a clear, bright sight picture even in challenging light. It’s a workhorse scope designed for shooters who need reliable precision without excessive bulk.
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 FFP Riflescope
For the long-range specialist, the Leupold Mark 5HD is a top-tier choice. With a 5-25x magnification and a large 56mm objective lens, this scope is built for identifying targets and making precise shots at extreme distances. The Mark 5HD’s optical system is second to none, featuring Twilight Max HD Light Management System for exceptional clarity and contrast in low light.
This scope is incredibly lightweight for its class, thanks to advanced materials and a slim 35mm main tube. The turrets are renowned for their tactile and audible clicks, providing reliable and repeatable adjustments. Combined with a versatile FFP reticle, the Mark 5HD is a favorite among military, law enforcement, and elite competitive shooters who demand uncompromising performance.
EOTech Vudu 1-10×28 FFP Rifle Scope
EOTech brings its holographic sight expertise to the LPVO market with the Vudu 1-10×28. This scope offers a true 1x experience that feels like using a red dot, allowing for rapid both-eyes-open shooting. On the top end, the 10x magnification provides the detail needed for precise shots. The glass is exceptionally clear, with minimal distortion at the edges.
The first focal plane reticle is simple and uncluttered at 1x but reveals its full set of holdover markings as you increase magnification. Built with a rugged 34mm tube, the Vudu is designed to withstand heavy recoil and harsh conditions. It’s an ideal optic for a designated marksman rifle or a general-purpose carbine where performance at both speed and distance is required.
Burris XTR III 5.5-30×56 FFP Riflescope
The Burris XTR III is a long-range powerhouse built for the most demanding precision tasks. With a massive 5.5-30x magnification range and a 56mm objective lens, it leaves no detail unseen. The first focal plane reticle, combined with Burris’s ProTrack elevation trajectory system, allows for highly accurate holds and dialing for targets at known distances.
Durability is engineered into every component. The scope features a reinforced 34mm main tube, a patented SCR (Spherical Tolerant Contact) reticle leveler, and tool-less zero reset turrets. The optical system uses index-matched Hi-Lume multicoating for superior light transmission and color fidelity. For ELR (Extreme Long Range) shooters and serious competitors, the XTR III offers proven performance and robust construction.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a First Focal Plane Scope
When I’m looking for a new first focal plane scope, the first thing I consider is my intended use. Am I shooting long-range on a precision rifle, or do I need something faster for tactical scenarios? The answer dictates everything from magnification range to reticle design. For long-range precision, I want a higher top-end magnification, like a 5-25x or 6-24x. For a more general-purpose or tactical rifle, a 1-8x or 3-18x scope is often more practical. The key is that in a first focal plane scope, the reticle grows and shrinks with the magnification, so the holdover points are accurate at any power. This is non-negotiable for me when I need to make a rapid, accurate shot at an unknown distance.
Next, I scrutinize the glass quality. A scope can have all the right features, but if the glass is poor, it’s a waste of money. I look for high levels of resolution, color fidelity, and contrast. Good glass makes a huge difference in low-light conditions and helps me spot my target and mirage more clearly. The reticle is just as important. I prefer an illuminated reticle for low-light shooting, and I want a design that isn’t too cluttered. Some of the best first focal plane scopes in 2025 use clean, Christmas-tree-style reticles that provide a wealth of holdover and windage information without blocking my view of the target.
Durability and repeatability are paramount. I need a scope that can handle recoil and maintain zero. This comes down to the build quality and the turrets. I always check for scopes that are purged with inert gas and have robust O-ring seals to be waterproof and fog-proof. The turrets should feel crisp and track accurately. If I dial 10 MILs of elevation, I need to know the reticle will move exactly 10 MILs and return to zero without any issues. Finally, I think about the eye box and eye relief. A forgiving eye box makes it easier to get a sight picture quickly, which is crucial in dynamic shooting situations. Spending time to balance these factors—magnification, glass, reticle, and durability—is how I find the right tool for the job.
FAQ
What is the main advantage of a first focal plane scope?
The biggest advantage for me is that the reticle’s subtensions remain true at every magnification level. If a hash mark represents 1 MIL at 4x power, it still represents 1 MIL at 20x power. This allows for consistent range estimation and holdovers regardless of where the magnification ring is set. It’s a huge benefit for tactical shooting and long-range precision where you don’t always have time to be on a specific power setting.
Are first focal plane scopes good for hunting?
They can be, but it depends on the type of hunting. For most big-game hunting at shorter ranges, a second focal plane scope might be simpler. However, if you are hunting in open terrain where longer shots are possible, or if you’re varmint hunting, a first focal plane scope is fantastic. The key is to choose one with a lower magnification range, like a 2.5-15x or 3-18x, and a reticle that isn’t too fine to see at low power in dim light.
Why are first focal plane scopes generally more expensive?
The manufacturing process is more complex. Etching or placing the reticle in the first focal plane requires extreme precision because any imperfection is magnified along with the target image. The mechanisms and glass used in these scopes are also typically of a higher tier to ensure they perform reliably under the stress of recoil and environmental changes. You’re paying for advanced engineering and superior materials.
Can I use a first focal plane scope for close-range, fast shooting?
Absolutely. This is one of the great strengths of a low-power variable optic (LPVO) in a first focal plane configuration. On 1x power, the reticle is small and unobtrusive, acting like a red dot for rapid target engagement. As you zoom in, the reticle expands, providing those precise holdovers. It makes a 1-8x or 1-10x first focal plane scope one of the most versatile optics you can mount on a rifle.
How do I maintain my first focal plane scope?
My maintenance routine is pretty straightforward. I use a soft lens brush or air blower to remove dust. For smudges, I use lens tissue and a dedicated lens cleaning fluid, applying it gently in a circular motion. I avoid using any harsh chemicals or household cleaners. I also periodically check the torque on the mounting rings to ensure nothing has loosened, and I store the scope in a cool, dry place. Proper care ensures my investment lasts for years.