FFP training rifle scopes?

[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.

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.

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.