Field Target Scope Recommendations for less than $500

[PasadenaMike]

Hey shooters I know scopes are like guns that they’re a personal preference and everyone has their favorite for field target. I’m assuming FFP is the way to go for field target to have one less variable to deal with when zooming in and out so with that said what do you folks recommend? I’ve looked at the following. I own a couple Element Optics in SFP for hunting so I know the glass is excellent so that’s why I put those two in the list. I really like Hawke but seems like most of the stuff around 4-500 $ range are SFP plus their reticles aren’t as target shooter friendly as the ones listed below, they make great hunting scopes with easy basic Mildot reticles.

MOA or MIL?

Illuminated reticle?

-Element Helix FFP 4-16x44
-Element Helix FFP 6-24x50
-Athlon Optics Talos BTR 4-14x44 FFP Mil Scope (recommend by Rich at aoa)

Feel free to suggest anything around the $500 range

[Back_Roads]

 Not the most I have spent on a scope but this is what I got for FT, when I had matches within a 30 mile drive. It sits on my Mrod .177 slug gun now. With the side wheel it makes for easy ranging.

[PasadenaMike]

Not the most I have spent on a scope but this is what I got for FT, when I had matches within a 30 mile drive. It sits on my Mrod .177 slug gun now. With the side wheel it makes for easy ranging.

Actually I have one of those thanks for the advice

[Thane]

Highly subjective subject with some opinions far more valuable than others, the sub $500 market definitely narrows the field. It is easy to recommend a Kahles, March, Sightron or Schmit-Bender... but what are high scorer's having success with at lower costs.

Scott Schneider likes the old Optisan/MTC Viper 4-16x50 SFP, Scott Hull is fond of Argos 6-24x50 APLR2,  GEN1 Helos 6-24x50, a GEN2 Helos 6-24x56, and a Ares ETR 4.5-30x56. Between the two of them there a sizable stack of first place medals.

Truth is you will probably switch your 1st choice of scope once you put a few matches together. Scope height, magnification, click or no clicking, moa or mil... One and done probably wont happen, but plenty of good candidates.

This Riton Optics 2022 Series X3 Conquer 6-24x50 Riflescope 30mm Tube for $242 is definitely worth a look.

[Motorhead]

Just keep in mind that in "Hunter" your limited to 16X
That makes FFP optics really tricky to find a FFP when at 16x does not have a tree branch reticle thickness.  Typical FFP optics that exhibit this desired attribute will be 6-24's or 8-32's
You really need to handle a scope & play with it before buying.  Thus why hanging out before & after an FT match and talk with other shooters. Be forward enough to ask what others are using and handle as many choices as you can