Many high-quality FFP scopes can be quite expensive, leaving you budget-conscious. However, the best FFP scope under $300 article will take you through the best top picks in the market that are very decent and manufactured by trusted brands.
A good FFP (first focal plane) scope is essential to any serious shooter and hunter. It allows for accurate ranging and holdover adjustments at any magnification level. In this $300 price range, you will get a good quality rifle scope with rugged construction, and useful features such as illuminated reticles, zero-reset turrets, and parallax adjustment. Taking your shooting game to the next level.
What Is An FFP Scope?
An FFP ( first focal plane) is a rifle scope where the reticle is positioned in the first focal plane. Meaning it is in front of the erector assembly. This design allows the reticle to change as the magnification is adjusted.
In contrast, in a second focal plane (SFP) scope, the reticle is located at the rear of the erector assembly, which means that the reticle’s size remains constant, regardless of the magnification level.
What Are FFP Scopes Good For?
FFP scopes are very popular in long distances shooters, hunters, and tactical shooters because they allow for quick and accurate range estimation and holdover corrections without the need for multiple reticles or scope adjustments.
They are an excellent choice with accuracy in the field and the best thing is you can get one with a budget
How Expensive Should Your Scope be?
For general purposes like casual target shooting or hunting at moderate ranges, there are good-quality scopes available in the $200 to $500 range that offer clear optics and reliable performance.
Best FFP Scope Under $300
1) Primary Arms 4-14 x 44mm Rifle Scope
Primary Arms 4-14 x 44mm Rifle Scope, is a versatile and affordable option for those looking to upgrade their optics for long-range shooting with a budget.
With a magnification range of 4-14x, it makes it very versatile that it can be used in both long distance shooting and mid-range shooting.
The 44mm objective lens makes it reliable in low light conditions because it provides clear and bright images. One of its other important features is the ACSS HUD/DMR reticle, which stays true on close-range targets at 4x up to long-distance targets at 14x.
Another notable feature is the construction. It is tough, with a shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant construction. With high-quality materials, including aircraft-grade aluminum, it can withstand any environment at hand.
Specifications
- Magnification: 4 – 14 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Exit Pupil: 3.3 – 11.2 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.14 – 3.22 inches
- Field of View, Linear: 7.85 – 27.2 ft at 100 yds
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
Pros
- Friendly price
- It is an FFP scope
- Has illuminated reticles
- Has nitrogen purge
- Waterproof, Fog resistant
- Shockproof
- Versatile
Cons
- Has some build quality issues
- Has only a 3-year warranty
2) Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 6-24X50mm
Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 6-24X50mm APMR Rifle Scope is a high-quality optic that is designed to provide precision and accuracy at long ranges and yet very affordable.
One of its outstanding features is the Advanced Precision Mil-Dot Reticle (APMR). This enables the reticle to provide precise holdovers at long ranges, allowing for quick and accurate target acquisition.
Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 6-24X50mm APMR Rifle Scope has a 50mm objective lens that provides clear images and works even in low light conditions not to forget the 6x to 24x magnification which allows for fine-tuned targeting, making it an ideal choice for hunters and target shooters.
The scope is not only affordable but also user-friendly, the turrets are easy to use and allow precious and quick adjustments to windage and elevation.
In addition, the scope is constructed with high-quality materials, including aircraft-grade aluminum and nitrogen-purged to make it waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.
Specifications
- Magnification: 6 – 24 x
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Exit Pupil: 8.2 – 2.1 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.3 inches
- Field of View, Linear: 16.7 – 4.5 ft at 100 yds
Pros
- It is fully multicoated
- It is an FFP scope
- Friendly price
- Precious zero-stop system
- Extra protection on the exterior lenses to prevent the scope from enduring dirt, oil, and potential scratches.
- Illuminated reticles
Cons
- For long-range shooting
3) Monstrum G3 1-6×24 FFP Rifle Scope
Our next pick of the best FFP scope, under $300 is the Monstrum G3 1-6×24 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope.
The scope has a magnification range of 1-6x which allows accurate targeting and makes it an ideal choice for hunters and target shooters.
Monstrum G3 1-6×24 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope features a 24mm objective lens which gives a clear image and is essential to a rifle scope. Has an illuminated reticle which highly visible, even in low light conditions, and can be set to either red or green.
The scope is easy to use with turrets that are finger-adjustable and can be reset to zero easily, making it easy to make quick adjustments in the field. Also has a fast-focus eyepiece which gives easy reticle focus and target acquisition.
Specifications
- 1-6x Magnification
- Objective Diameter: 24 mm
- Eye Relief: 4 – 4.5 inches
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Weight: 1 lb 0 oz
- Length: 10.7 inches
Pros
- Has Etched Type-C Reticle
- Hard-Anodized Finish
- 11-Levels of Illumination
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Good eye relief
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a throw lever
4) Monstrum G3 6-24×50 First Focal Plane
Monstrum G3 6-24×50 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope marks our next pick. Has a decent price yet a high-end rifle scope.
The scope is powerful with a magnification range of 6x to 24x and a large 50mm objective lens, this scope provides exceptional clarity and precision at long distances.
Its construction has nothing to doubt about. It is made from high-quality aircraft-grade aluminum and is shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof. Meaning it can withstand bad environmental conditions as well as good ones.
One of the key features of this scope is zero-reset turrets, this allows quick and easy adjustments without losing zero. There are also illuminated reticles that give five brightness levels, making it easy to see in low-light conditions.
Specifications
- Magnification: 6-24x
- Objective Diameter: 50 mm
- Tube Size: 30 mm
- Eye Relief: 4 – 4.5 inches
- Weight: 1 lb 14 oz
- Scope Range: Long Range. 1000+ Yards
Pros
- It is an FFP
- Has locking turrets
- Single-Piece Milled
- Has all bras internals
- Illuminated reticles
- Easy to use
- Affordable
Cons
- Requires retorquing if experiencing a shift in POI
5) Athlon Optics BTR 4-14 x 44 mm Rifle Scope
Athlon Optics Talos BTR 4-14 x 44 mm Rifle Scope 30mm First Focal Plane is designed to its best. It is a versatile rifle scope with a magnification range of 4x to 14x and a 44mm objective lens, this scope provides a wide field of view and exceptional clarity at all magnification levels.
The reason why it fits into the best FFP scope under $300 is that it is not only being affordable but also durable, made from aircraft-grade aluminum and is shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof. This makes it ideal for use in harsh environments and adverse weather conditions.
This scope has a fully multi-coated lens with a reticle that is also illuminated, with six brightness levels, allowing you to switch up in any given environment at hand. The reticle is also etched onto the glass, making it durable and resistant to wear and tear.
Specifications
- Magnification: 4 – 14
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Exit Pupil: 3.3 – 11.2 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.15 – 3.23 inches
- Weight: 23.6 oz
Pros
- First focal plane reticle design
- Multi-coated optics
- Good magnification
- Made from Aircraft grade aluminum
- Illuminated reticle
- Excellent light transmission
Cons
- Reticle seems to be quite “busy”
How to Choosing The Best FFP Scope Under $300
Choosing the right FFP (first focal plane) scope is essential to ensure that you have the right tools for your shooting needs. Because there are so many in the market here are factors to guide you in getting the best for your shooting needs.
The first factor is the magnification range of the FFP scope. This determines how close or how far you can get to your target. If you are shooting at a long distance you need a high magnification and if you are shooting at a short distance you need a lower magnification range.
The second factor is the reticle of scope. Each type of reticle has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s crucial to choose one that suits your shooting needs. If you are shooting at long range a Mil-Dot reticle suits you better.
The third factor is the objective lens diameter of the scope. This determines how much light enters the scope. A larger objective lens is always a key goal since more light will enter and there will be a better clarity of the image even in low light conditions.
The fourth factor is the durability of the scope. Any good scope should have the ability to withstand any environment at hand. A good scope is made of Aluminium material. To add on being waterproof, fog proof.
The fifth factor is the eye relief. It is the distance at which you hold your shooting eye from the rear or ocular lens of the scope to see the entire image produced by the scope. Choose a scope with an ideal eye relief to avoid a black eye.
Last but not least is the ease of use. A scope that is easy to use and adjust will save you time and frustration in the field. Go for a scope that has clear and easy-to-read turrets and also an easy-to-use magnification adjustment ring.
FAQS
- How should I clean my riflescope for under $300?
Using a lens cap will keep the lens clean and avoid scratches. After using the scope it might end up having dirt and mud and even fingerprints. The best way to clean is by blowing the dust off using a lens duster/brush instead of damp cleaning, even if your lens is water-resistant. Also, use the microfiber chamois pad at the end to remove tiny nooks and crooks.
- What magnification do I need for 1000 yards?
The general rule for magnification is 1X for 100 yards of distance. So for 1000 yards, you need 10x magnification power.
- Do Snipers use FFP or SFP scopes?
Military and police snipers also have a use for FFP scopes when they need precious and quick targeting.
Final Thoughts
Finding an affordable yet high-quality and well-functioning scope can be a daunting task, but it’s not impossible. With the optics we have highlighted you can get affordable with reliable features for excellent performance. So, go ahead and take your pick, and we are confident that you’ll be thrilled with the performance of your new FFP scope!