7 Best FFP Scopes for Deer Hunting

When it comes to deer hunting, precision is everything, and that’s where FFP scopes shine. First Focal Plane scopes are becoming increasingly popular among hunters for their ability to provide consistent reticle accuracy across all magnification levels. The best FFP scopes for deer hunting ensure that your reticle scales perfectly, allowing for precise holdovers and windage corrections.

These scopes are built for performance, offering advanced features like illuminated reticles, parallax adjustments, and rugged, weather-resistant designs. If you’re looking to elevate your deer hunting game, investing in a quality FFP scope could make all the difference in the field.

Best FFP Scopes for Deer Hunting

We have searched the market and come up with a comprehensive review of the best scopes that are worthy of consideration. Let’s jump straight into the models.

1) Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44mm Riflescope

The Vortex Diamondback Tactical FFP 4-16x44mm Riflescope offers all the essential tactical features needed for long-range shooting, hunting, and competitive events while maintaining a streamlined design that eliminates unnecessary bulk.

The exposed turrets offer precise tracking performance, making the device one of the best FFP scopes for deer hunting. With extra-low dispersion glass and fully multi-coated lenses, this scope delivers sharp, high-contrast images with excellent color fidelity, ensuring that you can make accurate shots even at maximum magnification.

The rugged construction ensures its longevity, making it the perfect choice for shooters who face tough conditions. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof, allowing it to withstand the harshest environments and recoil from high-caliber rifles.

The matte black anodized finish not only enhances its durability but also helps reduce glare, keeping you concealed while targeting. A fast-focus eyepiece and magnification rib allow for quick target acquisition and easy adjustments, so you never miss a shot when time is of the essence.

The Vortex Diamondback Tactical offers the performance, clarity, and durability needed to excel in any shooting scenario. It’s a high-value scope that delivers on its promises, allowing you to unlock your full potential.

Features

• Extra-Low Dispersion (XD) Glass: Provides superior resolution and color fidelity for sharp, clear images.
• Fully Multi-Coated Lenses: Anti-reflective coatings increase light transmission for brighter, clearer sight pictures.
• Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Construction: Built from a solid block of aluminum for maximum strength and rigidity.
• Waterproof, Fogproof, and Shockproof: O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged to protect against moisture, dust, and extreme recoil.
• Exposed Tactical Turrets: Offer precise tracking performance with easy-to-use adjustments.
• Hard Anodized Matte Black Finish: Increases durability and reduces glare in the field.
• Precision-Glide Erector System: Ensures smooth magnification adjustments throughout the entire zoom range.
• Fast-Focus Eyepiece: Allows for quick and easy reticle focusing.

Pros

• Excellent image clarity and color fidelity.
• Durable construction withstands rough conditions and recoil.
• First focal plane reticle ensures accuracy at all magnifications.
• Lightweight design with essential tactical features.
• Fast-focus eyepiece for quick target acquisition.
• Exposed turrets for easy and precise adjustments.

Cons

• No illuminated reticle, which could be a drawback in low-light situations.

2) Primary Arms SLx 4-16x44mm Riflescope

The Primary Arms SLx features a 4-16x magnification range is perfect for a wide variety of shooting scenarios, offering a broad field of view at low power and precise targeting at higher magnifications.

With the ACSS Apollo 6.5CM/.224V reticle, the scope is optimized for calibers like 6.5 Creedmoor and .224 Valkyrie, enabling precise ranging, holdovers, and wind holds at distances up to 1,000 yards. The reticle is etched in the first focal plane, ensuring accuracy at all magnification levels, making it an excellent choice for both mid-range and long-range shooting.

The scope is packed with innovative features that enhance the shooting experience. The chevron central aiming point allows for incredibly precise aiming, while the .2 MIL crosshair subtensions provide additional accuracy for windage and elevation adjustments.

The partial reticle illumination offers daylight brightness, ensuring clear visibility even in challenging lighting conditions. The scope’s body is built for durability, with a 30mm main tube that is waterproof, fog-resistant, and shockproof. Additionally, the replaceable power ring fin lets users adjust magnification rapidly and customize the placement for personal preference.

Other features include zero-resettable turrets with tactile and audible 0.1 MIL click adjustments, ensuring easy and reliable adjustments during use. It weighs 25.4 oz., making it lightweight and easy to handle, and it comes with a lifetime warranty, showcasing Primary Arms’ commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Features

• 4-16x Magnification Range: Ideal for hunting, target shooting, and precision shooting at various distances.
• ACSS Apollo 6.5CM/.224V Reticle: Optimized for 6.5 Creedmoor and .224 Valkyrie, with ranging and holdovers up to 1,000 yards.
• Chevron Aiming Point: Provides an infinitely small and precise aiming point.
• Replaceable Power Ring Fin: Customizable for rapid magnification adjustments.
• Zero-Resettable Turrets: Tactile and audible 0.1 MIL click adjustments for precise and easy-to-use turrets.
• Durable Construction: Waterproof, fog-resistant, and shockproof for all-weather performance.
• 30mm Main Tube: Offers maximum internal adjustment and durability.
• Partial Reticle Illumination: Daylight bright, making it visible even in bright conditions.
• Lifetime Warranty: Guaranteed performance and customer support for life.

Pros

• Versatile magnification range for different shooting situations.
• First focal plane reticle ensures accuracy at all magnifications.
• Easy-to-use and precise turrets with zero-reset capability.
• Durable and weather-resistant construction.
• Chevron aiming point and .2 MIL subtensions enhance accuracy.
• Customizable power ring fin for rapid adjustments.

Cons

• Illumination is partial and limited to the horseshoe and chevron, which may not suit all users.

3) Sig Sauer Whiskey4  4-16x44mm Riflescope

The Sig Sauer Whiskey4 4-16x44mm Riflescope is a feature-packed, high-performance optic built to provide precision and clarity in both hunting and long-range shooting. It boasts a MOA Milling Hunter 2.0 reticle that delivers superior accuracy and allows for precise ranging, holdovers, and windage corrections.

This riflescope is equipped with advanced technologies such as the LockDown Zero System, which prevents over-adjustment by locking the turret securely at zero after making elevation adjustments for long-range shots.

The removable throw lever facilitates swift magnification changes, ensuring you can easily adjust to shifting conditions or fast-moving targets without losing your mark. Additionally, the factory-installed flip-back lens covers provide added protection for the lenses while keeping them easily accessible for quick use.

Optical clarity is a standout feature of the Whiskey4 that makes it one of the best FFP scopes for deer hunting. Thanks to the argon-purged lenses and IPX6 waterproofing, the scope is resistant to internal fogging and is fully protected from harsh weather conditions.

The Stealth ID feature adds a sleek, stealthy look to the scope while enhancing durability and resilience. With a lightweight design of 22.6 oz and a 30mm main tube, the Whiskey4 balances durability with portability, making it ideal for extended hunting trips or long-range shooting competitions.

Features

• 4-16x Magnification: Ideal for a wide range of shooting scenarios, from close-quarters hunting to long-range precision.
• LockDown Zero System: Prevents accidental adjustments by securely locking the turret at zero.
• Removable Throw Lever: Facilitates quick and easy magnification changes for fast target acquisition.
• Factory-Installed Flip-Back Lens Covers: Protect the lenses while maintaining easy access for rapid deployment.
• MOA Milling Hunter 2.0 Reticle: Optimized for both precision and speed in hunting or long-range competition.
• Argon-Purged Lenses: Waterproof and fog-proof performance, ensuring reliability in all weather conditions.
• Stealth ID Design: Adds a sleek, stealthy appearance and enhances durability.
• Generous Eye Relief: Ranges from 3.5 to 3.9 inches for comfortable shooting at any magnification.

Pros

• Exceptional clarity and precision across all magnification ranges.
• LockDown Zero System prevents over-adjustments, ensuring consistent performance.
• Swift magnification changes with the removable throw lever.
• Argon-purged lenses offer fog-proof and waterproof performance.
• Factory-installed flip-back lens covers provide protection and convenience.
• Lightweight and durable design with Stealth ID for enhanced aesthetics and functionality.
• FFP reticle ensures accuracy at all magnification levels.

Cons

• Reticle illumination is not available, which may limit low-light usability.
• Slightly narrower field of view at maximum magnification compared to some competitors.

4) Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Riflescope

The Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Riflescope is a game-changing optic that transforms your rifle into a precision powerhouse, with features tailored to maximize accuracy and performance in the most demanding environments.

This riflescope has been rigorously tested, surviving over 5,000 impacts on Leupold’s Punisher recoil simulation machine, which subjects optics to forces three times greater than those generated by a .308 rifle. This ensures the scope can handle the toughest conditions and maintain zero under heavy recoil, making it a perfect match for high-caliber rifles.

Further, the scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, so it will continue to perform flawlessly in the harshest weather conditions.

The Twilight Max HD Light Management System gives the Mark 5HD a significant advantage in low-light conditions by adding 30 extra minutes of shooting light and reducing glare by 90% more than competitors. This ensures you can make the most of the early morning or late evening hours in the field. With edge-to-edge clarity, this scope allows for sharp, bright images even in difficult lighting conditions.

With ZeroLock adjustments and a Zero Stop feature, you can quickly return to your original zero without second-guessing. The side focus adjustment makes parallax correction easy, and the fast-focus eyepiece enables rapid reticle acquisition, ensuring you can quickly get on target.

Features

• 5-25x Magnification: Ideal for long-range shooting, providing precision across a wide range of distances.
• Twilight Max HD Light Management System: Adds 30 minutes of extra shooting light and eliminates 90% more glare than competitors, offering crystal-clear images in low-light conditions.
• ZeroLock Adjustments & Zero Stop: Prevents unintentional adjustment and allows you to return to your original zero with ease.
• Punisher Tested: Survives over 5,000 impacts with three times the force of a .308 rifle to ensure durability and performance.
• Side Focus Adjustment: Makes parallax corrections simple and fast for long-range accuracy.
• Fast-Focus Eyepiece: Allows for quick reticle acquisition so you can get on target faster.
• Waterproof, Fogproof, and Shockproof: Built to perform in all weather conditions and withstand heavy recoil.

Pros

• Exceptional low-light performance thanks to the Twilight Max HD system.
• First focal plane reticle ensures accuracy at any magnification.
• Rugged construction tested to withstand extreme recoil and harsh conditions.
• ZeroLock and Zero Stop features prevent accidental turret adjustments and simplify returning to zero.
• Crisp, edge-to-edge clarity with reduced glare.
• Side parallax adjustment and fast-focus eyepiece enhance ease of use and precision.

Cons

• Premium price point may be prohibitive for casual shooters.

5) Burris Veracity 3-15x50mm Riflescope

The Burris Veracity 3-15x50mm Riflescope features a range of advanced features that ensure it offers exceptional performance at both close and long ranges so that hunters can make the most of their equipment regardless of the hunting environment.

As one of the best FFP scopes for deer hunting, the scope has a Ballistic Plex E1 FFP reticle. This reticle incorporates trajectory-compensating technology and cascading wind dots, allowing for wind drift compensation even in varying conditions.

Calculated in MOA, the reticle is designed for trajectory compensation out to 600 yards, with wind dots marked for 10 m.p.h. wind adjustments at every hash mark, extending out to 500 yards. This makes the Veracity an excellent choice for hunters targeting big game over long distances.

The 50mm objective lens ensures maximum light collection, delivering bright and clear images in low-light conditions, which is essential during early morning or late evening hunts.

Ergonomics and ease of use are further enhanced by the low-profile adjustment knobs, which offer finger-adjustment zero for windage and elevation. The side focus adjustment provides easy parallax correction from 50 yards to infinity, making long-range shots more accurate.

Features

• 50mm Objective Lens: Maximizes light transmission for bright, clear images in low-light conditions.
• 5-Times Zoom System: Versatile zoom range provides a wider field of view at lower magnifications and precise target acquisition at higher magnifications.
• Progressively Thick Crosshairs (PTC): Fine center crosshairs for accuracy and thicker edges for fast target engagement, especially in low-light conditions.
• Low-Profile Adjustment Knobs: Easy finger adjustments with the ability to quickly reset to zero after sighting in.
• Side Focus Parallax Adjustment: Ergonomically placed for quick parallax correction from 50 yards to infinity.
• Hi-Lume Multicoating: Enhances brightness and reduces glare in all lighting conditions.

Pros

• Excellent trajectory compensation with wind drift adjustments for precise long-range shooting.
• Versatile 5x zoom range for both close and long-range hunting.
• FFP reticle ensures accuracy at any magnification level.
• Large 50mm objective lens for superior low-light performance.
• Durable and shock-resistant construction that maintains zero under heavy recoil.
• Nitrogen-filled body tubes for fogproof performance in harsh weather.
• Easy-to-use, low-profile adjustment knobs and side focus for parallax correction.

Cons

• The advanced features and capabilities may come with a higher price point compared to entry-level scopes.

6) NightForce ATACR 4-16x42mm Riflescope

The NightForce ATACR 4-16x42mm F1 Riflescope is designed for shooters who need a powerful yet compact optic to enhance their shooting experience. Built with high-quality materials and innovative technology, this riflescope offers exceptional precision and durability, making it ideal for long-range hunters, tactical shooters, and competitive marksmen.

At the heart of the scope is its Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass technology, which provides brilliant image quality and exceptional color fidelity. This high-end optical design ensures superior resolution, allowing shooters to see minute details at long distances. Whether you’re hunting big game or competing in precision shooting, the clarity of the ATACR ensures you won’t miss critical visual cues.

The ZeroHold technology featured in this riflescope allows users to return instantly to their chosen zero, with the added ability to dial below zero for additional flexibility. This ensures rapid, intuitive adjustments in the field without losing sight of your target. The parallax adjustment is also marked with approximate distances, allowing for quick and easy focus corrections, especially at long distances.

A Power Throw Lever ensures rapid magnification changes while the XtremeSpeed diopter adjustment for fast and precise focus. The addition of Digillum digital reticle illumination ensures that the reticle remains visible in low-light conditions, giving users a critical advantage during dawn or dusk shooting.

Features

• Extra-Low Dispersion Glass: Provides outstanding color fidelity, brightness, and clarity, allowing users to discern fine details at any distance.
• ZeroHold Technology: Allows instant return to zero and offers the ability to dial below zero for increased flexibility during adjustments.
• Parallax Adjustment with Numbered Distances: Quick and precise focus adjustment at varying distances, ensuring maximum sharpness.
• Digillum Digital Reticle Illumination: Enhances reticle visibility in low-light conditions, making the scope suitable for all lighting environments.
• Power Throw Lever (PTL): Integrated for fast magnification changes, particularly helpful in dynamic shooting scenarios.
• XtremeSpeed Diopter Adjustment: Allows for fast and precise diopter adjustments to ensure a clear and sharp image at any magnification.

Pros

• Exceptional optical clarity and image resolution thanks to ED glass.
• Versatile 4-16x magnification range suitable for both close and long-range engagements.
• First focal plane reticle ensures accurate holdovers at any magnification level.
• ZeroHold technology enables rapid return to zero and allows below-zero adjustments for added precision.
• Digillum reticle illumination enhances visibility in low-light environments.
• Compact and lightweight design for easy mounting on a variety of weapon platforms.
• Durable and shockproof construction capable of withstanding rugged use in the field.

Cons

• Slightly smaller field of view compared to some competitors in the same magnification range.

7) Monstrum G3 5-25x50mm Riflescope

Last but not least on our review of the best FFP scopes for deer hunting is the Monstrum G3 5-25x50mm riflescope.  Built with functionality in mind, this riflescope combines advanced features with durable construction, making it a great choice for both tactical and hunting applications.

Its 5-25x magnification range offers versatile zooming capabilities, allowing for clear target acquisition at close and long distances, while the 50mm objective lens ensures ample light transmission for bright, sharp images.

The parallax adjustment dial further enhances accuracy by allowing shooters to sharpen the focus of their target image, eliminate parallax error, and estimate range effectively. Whether you’re at the shooting range or in the field, the Monstrum G3 ensures that your shots land precisely where you aim.

In low-light environments, the inline dial-controlled reticle illumination provides multiple brightness settings, improving reticle visibility and ensuring that you maintain accuracy even during dawn or dusk conditions. This illuminated reticle feature is particularly useful for hunters who find themselves in situations with changing light conditions.

Features

• Parallax Adjustment Dial: Allows for sharp focus on target, eliminates parallax error, and helps with range estimation.
• Reticle Illumination: Inline dial-controlled illumination with multiple brightness levels for improved visibility in low-light conditions.
• 5-25x Magnification Range: Versatile zoom range suitable for both short and long-distance targeting.
• 50mm Objective Lens: Maximizes light transmission for bright, clear images even at higher magnification settings.
• Durable 6061 aircraft aluminum construction built to handle rugged outdoor use

Pros

• First focal plane reticle ensures consistent holdover and range estimation at any magnification.
• Parallax adjustment improves target focus and accuracy at long distances.
• Reticle illumination with multiple brightness settings allows for better visibility in low-light conditions.
• Affordable compared to other scopes with similar features, offering good value for budget-conscious shooters.

Cons

• Limited eye relief may not be ideal for high-recoil rifles.

Considerations When Choosing the Best FFP Scopes for Deer Hunting

When selecting the best FFP scopes for deer hunting, there are several key factors that will impact your hunting experience. These are:

Magnification Range

The magnification range is one of the most important aspects to consider for deer hunting. An FFP scope allows the reticle to change size in proportion to magnification, which ensures accurate holdover calculations. For deer hunting, a 3-9x or 4-16x magnification range is often ideal for typical hunting distances, though higher magnification scopes (like 5-25x) can be helpful for long-range shots. Ensure that the scope’s magnification range suits the terrain you hunt in—whether it’s dense woods (lower magnification) or wide-open plains (higher magnification).

Objective Lens Size

The size of the objective lens (measured in millimeters) determines how much light the scope can gather. Larger objective lenses, such as 50mm or 56mm, are ideal for deer hunting as they allow more light to enter, resulting in brighter images—particularly beneficial in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk when deer are most active. However, larger lenses can add weight to the scope, so you’ll need to balance light transmission with portability.

Reticle Design

An FFP scope’s reticle is crucial for accuracy at varying distances. The reticle should include holdover points and windage adjustments, such as MOA or MIL hash marks, to help account for bullet drop and wind drift at long ranges. Deer hunters often benefit from simpler reticles like duplex or ballistic reticles with clear holdover points.

Lens Clarity

The optical clarity of a scope is essential for precise target acquisition. High-quality glass and advanced lens coatings, such as those found on premium scopes, can provide sharp, bright images with reduced glare and increased color fidelity. The best FFP scopes for deer hunting should have multi-coated or fully multi-coated lenses, which improve light transmission and help you see details in varying lighting conditions. Hi-Lume coatings or similar technologies enhance visibility, especially in low-light conditions when deer are most active.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Deer hunting often involves rugged conditions, from rain to cold temperatures, so your scope needs to be durable and weather-resistant. Look for scopes that are shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof, as they will endure harsh environments. For example, nitrogen or argon-purged scopes prevent internal fogging in wet or cold conditions, and shockproof construction ensures that your scope maintains zero even after heavy recoil or rough handling.

Parallax Adjustment

Parallax adjustment is particularly useful in long-range deer hunting, as it allows you to focus the target image and eliminate parallax error, which can occur when viewing targets at different distances. Having a side-focus parallax adjustment is convenient and helps hunters fine-tune their aim, especially for precise long-range shots. Many high-end FFP scopes, like the Nightforce ATACR, include this feature, ensuring you can maintain accuracy whether the target is at 100 yards or 500 yards.

Weight and Size

Another instrumental consideration when choosing the best FFP scopes for deer hunting is the weight and size. While FFP scopes tend to offer many benefits, they can also be heavier and bulkier than second focal plane (SFP) scopes due to added features and larger objective lenses. When choosing a scope for deer hunting, it’s important to strike a balance between performance and portability. A heavy scope can make your rifle more cumbersome, especially during long hikes or when you’re hunting in thick cover. Opt for a scope that offers the features you need but doesn’t add excessive weight.

Best FFP Scopes for Deer Hunting FAQs

Are FFP Scopes Good for Hunting?

Yes, FFP scopes are excellent for hunting, especially in situations where long-range accuracy is crucial. They offer the benefit of maintaining reticle proportions as you adjust magnification, meaning holdovers and range estimations remain consistent at any zoom level. This makes them ideal for hunting in varied terrains and distances, as you can quickly adjust to different shooting ranges without recalculating.

These scopes also provide superior precision in dynamic hunting environments where fast target acquisition and accurate shot placement are necessary, particularly for big game and long-range shots.

However, for hunters primarily taking close-range shots, an FFP scope’s reticle can become fine at lower magnifications, which might not be as easy to see compared to Second Focal Plane (SFP) scopes.

What Size Scope is Best for Deer Hunting?

The best size scope for deer hunting typically falls within the 3-9x40mm or 4-12x50mm range, offering a versatile balance between magnification and light-gathering ability. A magnification of 3x to 9x is ideal for most deer hunting situations, allowing you to acquire targets at close to moderate ranges with ease, while still providing enough power for longer-range shots. A 40mm or 50mm objective lens provides ample light transmission for clear, bright images, even in low-light conditions, such as dawn or dusk, when deer are most active. Larger objective lenses improve light gathering but may add bulk to your setup, so it’s important to balance clarity with portability depending on your hunting environment.

Next Read: Best Red Dots for Glock 19

Conclusion

FFP scopes are an excellent choice for deer hunting, providing hunters with precision, accuracy, and adaptability in the field. The ability of first focal plane reticles to adjust proportionally with magnification allows for quick range estimation and consistent holdovers at any power setting, making them ideal for dynamic hunting environments.