FFP training rifle scopes?

[DuckFart]

I work in the hunting industry out west and have only bowhunted until two years ago when my wife started rifle hunting. We are both very proficient with firearms from pistols to patrol rifles (prior careers) to our hunting bolt actions. Our current elk rifles have Leupold CDS vx3is and are adequate to the limitations we have imposed on ourselves for shooting at elk (7-08@300yds 30-06@500yds). All of that adds up to zero experience "dialing".

We are enjoying our time spent shooting longer distances. We have realized the benefits of learning a system, MRAD seems to be it, and how much more versatility that knowledge would bring over a one and done CDS.

I would like to find out what others have experienced for reliable FFP scopes that are pretty basic? I am hoping $1000 or less can acquire a scope that can track, retain zero, and repeat everything reliably is possible. Those are my only real needs; I don't care about illumination, fancy reticles, "great glass", etc. The Nikon FX1000 4-16 SEEMS perfectly basic for what I want, but I only have experience with their rangefinders, and am unsure of what else is out there.

This would either go on a dedicated .223 bolt gun like a Tikka or Weatherby Vanguard or Ruger American, or get setup on one of our patrol rifles. It would be used to learn the system on the cheaper to fire rifles, and then after competence, additional scopes bought and put on our current or new elk guns.

Thank you for any suggestions.

[just a scout]

You might want to look into the SWFA scopes. Great everything at a good price. Primary Arms are pretty decent too and affordable.


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[SilentRecon]

I always went with trying to get the best glass you can afford- even save and wait another year to get what you want. You don't need fancy but glass quality is #1 followed by warranty for me if it's a scope you will be using regularly especially for hunting and precision shooting.

I would even try to find a higher end gently used scope at your budget before settling on something lesser quality but new.



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[gunnerblue]

SWFA seem popular for training rifles. I've used Bushnell LRTS in the past and currently use Nightforce SHV F1's (reticle preference). All have held zero and adjustment reliability thus far and can be found on the used market for under 1k.

[Tx_Aggie]

Bushnell has had some pretty good sales on blem scopes recently, and just lowered the MAP on most of their Elite Tactical scopes. Here's an LRTS 4.5-18 non-illum for $999:

https://www.bushnell.com/products/riflescopes/elite-tactical/elite-tactical-lrts-riflescopes-4-5-18x44/

As far as SWFA, they occasionally have sales where the HD 5-20 can be had for under $1000 off of their sample list (and still carries the lifetime warranty). Their non-HD scopes are also solid no-frills entry level FFP options, and are always available on the sample list.

Another option: If you're in the outdoors industry you can probably get set up with an ExpertVoice account and have access to deals from brands like Vortex that will stretch your dollar even further.

[jsbhike]

You might take a look at PA Gold Series.

https://www.primaryarms.com/MCategories+Primary-Arms-Optics-Gold-Series

Their silver series are frequently mentioned as decent practice rifles for long range shooting. I have one of the .223 HUD silver 4-14 models to see if I would like FFP and am still undecided about FFP, more so below about 8x.

[gaijin]

Vortex PST checks your boxes.
Have a 2-10X on a 7 WSM and the scope is repeatable with my come ups.

Also a fan of MIL reticle, just be sure you get a MIL/MIL scope.
There are MIL reticle scopes out there that use MOA adjustments for windage/elevation.
THAT is a blowjob.

[dmd08]

I would 2nd the Nightforce SHV 4-14F1.

[DuckFart]

Perfect, thank you guys.

[Tx_Aggie]

There are some really great prices on FFP Bushell Elite scopes over at Cameraland right now:

https://cameralandny.com/shop?query=bushnell

LRTS for under $700, and open box DMR II scopes for around $1000

[RKB Armory]

There are quite a few quality scopes in this range. I think the Burris XTR-II is worthy of your consideration.

Also, I think you're on the right track with a max magnification of 16x. Only get more magnification than that if you need it.

[DuckFart]

Thanks everyone. I would get the SHV Nightforce, but the 3" of eye relief seems short to me.

[SageRatSafaris]

I work in the hunting industry out west and have only bowhunted until two years ago when my wife started rifle hunting. We are both very proficient with firearms from pistols to patrol rifles (prior careers) to our hunting bolt actions. Our current elk rifles have Leupold CDS vx3is and are adequate to the limitations we have imposed on ourselves for shooting at elk (7-08@300yds 30-06@500yds). All of that adds up to zero experience "dialing".

We are enjoying our time spent shooting longer distances. We have realized the benefits of learning a system, MRAD seems to be it, and how much more versatility that knowledge would bring over a one and done CDS.

I would like to find out what others have experienced for reliable FFP scopes that are pretty basic? I am hoping $1000 or less can acquire a scope that can track, retain zero, and repeat everything reliably is possible. Those are my only real needs; I don't care about illumination, fancy reticles, "great glass", etc. The Nikon FX1000 4-16 SEEMS perfectly basic for what I want, but I only have experience with their rangefinders, and am unsure of what else is out there.

This would either go on a dedicated .223 bolt gun like a Tikka or Weatherby Vanguard or Ruger American, or get setup on one of our patrol rifles. It would be used to learn the system on the cheaper to fire rifles, and then after competence, additional scopes bought and put on our current or new elk guns.

Thank you for any suggestions.

Here's a list of all FFP rifle scopes, sorted by price. (https://sageratsafaris.com/2018/06/16/master-list-ffp-long-range-rifle-scopes/)

The ones I would personally put on my <$1000 short list:

Athlon Ares BTR 2.5-15x50 (on sale $400 right now, normally $800)
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44
Burris XTR II 3-15x50
Leupold VX-3i LRP 4.5-14x50
Steiner P4Xi 4-16x56
Meopta Optika6 3-18x56 or x50

[DuckFart]

Here's a list of all FFP rifle scopes, sorted by price. (https://sageratsafaris.com/2018/06/16/master-list-ffp-long-range-rifle-scopes/)

The ones I would personally put on my <$1000 short list:

Athlon Ares BTR 2.5-15x50 (on sale $400 right now, normally $800)
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44
Burris XTR II 3-15x50
Leupold VX-3i LRP 4.5-14x50
Steiner P4Xi 4-16x56
Meopta Optika6 3-18x56 or x50

Great link! Would you put the FFP SHV on there as well? Other Leupolds?

[SageRatSafaris]

Great link! Would you put the FFP SHV on there as well? Other Leupolds?

I didn't include the SHV FFP because it's normally not found under $1000. The next FFP Leupold is the Mark5HD, and now you're spending close to $2000 (illuminated models are even more).

If you're willing to spend between $1000 and $1500, I'd add the following to my personal short list (I'd want low-end no greater than 4X for hunting).

US Optics TS-20X 2.5-20x50
Maven RS.1 2.5-15x44
SIG Sauer Tango6 3-18x44
EOTech Vudu 3.5-18x50
TRACT TORIC 4-20x50
NightForce SHV 4-14x50 F1

[skywalkrNCSU]

SWFA scopes are proven to dial accurately and return to zero properly. The 3-9 is a fantastic scope, especially for the money. Other than that I’d go with the Bushnell LRHS/LRTS or a Nightforce if you want to up the budget a lot.

For a real good price the SWFA 6x is fantastic.