Choosing the right firearm optic can be hard. This article looks at the best full-diameter enclosed (FDE) scopes in 2024.
We review top models from Leupold, Nightforce, and Schmidt & Bender based on image clarity, durability, adjustments, and cost to help you pick the best FDE scope for hunting or tactical use.
Top 10 Best FDE Scope List 2024
Monstrum G3F62450-FDE and ZS120P Bundle.
- All Monstrum products are backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Monstrum G3F1624-FDE and ZB111 Bundle.
- High-performance tactical rifle scope.
Monstrum G3F1624-FDE and T13 Bundle
- This bundle includes Monstrum SKUs G3F1624-FDE and T13.
Monstrum SB1624-T and RDT12B-D3-ZD20V Bundle.
- This bundle includes Monstrum SKUs SB1624-T and RDT12B-D3-ZD20V.
Monstrum Alpha 1-4×24 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope.
- High performance tactical rifle scope.
EOTech G-Series G33 3X Magnifier w/No Mount, Black, G33.NM.
- Water Resistant 33ft. (10 m) depth
Monstrum G3 3-18×50 FFP Rifle Scope | Flat Dark Earth.
- Functionally designed first focal plane MOA reticle
Monstrum G3 4-16×50 FFP Rifle Scope
- Equipped with a parallax adjustment dial that allows for sharper focus of the target.
Monstrum Alpha 1-4×24 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope.
- Aircraft grade aluminum construction with a 30mm sealed.
Monstrum Raven Series 3X FDE Prism Scope
- The Monstrum Raven Series scopes are fixed magnification prism scopes.
10 Best FDE Scope Features & Review
Monstrum G3F62450-FDE and ZS120P Bundle.
The Monstrum 3-18×50 tactical rifle scope offers excellent optics and useful features for long range shooting out to 1000+ yards. Key benefits include the first focal plane reticle which stays the same size compared to your target regardless of magnification, allowing fast range estimation and holdover correction. The adjustable parallax knob results in a crisper target image and better range estimation. The illuminated reticle has variable brightness for low light shooting.
- Excellent long-range optics.
- Useful ranging and illumination features.
- Solid accessory bundle.
- Bubble level enables avoiding scope can’t issues.
- High magnification is not ideal for very short ranges.
- More expensive than some basic scopes/.
- Bubble level takes up rail space
Monstrum G3F1624-FDE and ZB111 Bundle.
The Monstrum 1-6×24 tactical scope is ideal for close to mid-range shooting out to 300+ yards. Key benefits include the first focal plane reticle which stays the same size compared to your target regardless of magnification, allowing fast range estimation and holdover correction. The illuminated reticle has variable brightness for low-light shooting. The 30mm tube is nitrogen-purged for water and fogproofing. The bundle includes high-profile picatinny rings for solid mounting, a detachable sunshade, flip-up lens covers, and a battery.
- Excellent optics for close-mid range.
- Illuminated ranging reticle.
- Waterproof and fogproof.
- Bubble level enables avoiding scope can’t issues.
- Not ideal for long range (500+) yards.
- More expensive than some basic scopes.
- Bubble level takes up rail space.
Monstrum G3F1624-FDE and T13 Bundle.
The Monstrum 1-6×24 tactical scope offers excellent optics for close to mid-range shooting out to 300+ yards. Key benefits include the first focal plane reticle which stays the same size compared to your target regardless of magnification, allowing fast range estimation and holdover correction. The illuminated reticle has variable brightness for low-light shooting. The bundle has a lifetime guarantee.
- Excellent close-mid range optics.
- Illuminated ranging reticle.
- Levels scope for optimal alignment.
- Not ideal for very long-range.
- More parts to keep track of
Leveling takes more time.
Monstrum SB1624-T and RDT12B-D3-ZD20V Bundle.
The Monstrum 1-6×24 second focal plane scope offers improved optics with longer eye relief, a wider field of view, and true 1x for both eyes open shooting. Reticle options include the versatile MOA hash marked MX1, the 5.56 BDC B2 for bullet drop compensation, or the daylight bright BDC C1. The illuminated reticle has adjustable red/green brightness. More anti-reflective lens coatings give superior clarity. The bundle includes an offset picatinny mount and flip-up lens covers.
- Enhanced 1-6x optics.
- Illuminated BDC/ranging reticles.
- Bright 50,000-hour offset dot.
- Short eye relief at high power.
- Offset sight requires more rail space.
- More complex than a simple dot.
Monstrum Alpha 1-4×24 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope.
The Monstrum Alpha 1-4×24 tactical scope offers excellent optics for close to mid-range shooting out to 300+ yards. Key benefits include the first focal plane MOA reticle which stays the same size compared to your target regardless of magnification for fast ranging and holdover correction. The 30mm tube is nitrogen-purged for fogproof waterproof performance. Rugged aluminum construction has a durable type III hard anodized finish.
- Excellent close-mid range optics.
- First focal plane ranging.
- Offset mount offers flexibility.
- Not ideal for very long-range.
- Offset mount extra complexity.
- 30mm tube is not as robust as 34mm.
EOTech G-Series G33 3X Magnifier w/No Mount, Black, G33.NM.
The EOTech G33 3X magnifier enables instantly switching between 1x and 3x magnification while maintaining targeting accuracy. This gives the flexibility for both close quarters and more precise ranged shooting when paired with a holographic sight. EOTech builds rugged, reliable optics designed for the real world. The G33 magnifier works well for both left and right-handed shooters thanks to the quick detach lever system that allows rapid mounting behind your sights or offsetting to the side. It is water resistant to 10 meters depth. The kit includes the magnifier, switch-to-side mount, manual, warranty card, and protective case. Durable low-profile design holds up to hard use.
- Instant 1x to 3x transition.
- Rugged and reliable.
- Side offset capability.
- Water-resistant construction.
- Fixed 3x not variable.
- Adds length and weight.
- Offset makes it less ambi-capable.
- Expensive for most budgets.
Monstrum G3 3-18×50 FFP Rifle Scope | Flat Dark Earth.
The Monstrum 3-18×50 tactical rifle scope offers excellent optics and useful features for long-range shooting out to 1000+ yards. Key benefits include the first focal plane reticle which stays the same size compared to your target regardless of magnification, allowing fast range estimation and holdover correction. The adjustable parallax knob results in a crisper target image and better range estimation. The illuminated reticle has variable brightness for low-light shooting. The bundle includes high-profile picatinny rings for solid mounting, a detachable sunshade, flip-up lens covers, a battery, and a throw lever for easy magnification adjustments.
- Excellent long-range optics.
- First focal plane ranging.
- Useful features like parallax and illumination.
- Throw the lever for fast magnification adjustment.
- High magnification is not ideal for CQB.
- More expensive than basic scopes.
- Extra throw lever to attach.
Monstrum G3 4-16×50 FFP Rifle Scope | Monstrum SS-H Scope Sunshade.
he Monstrum 4-16×50 tactical rifle scope offers excellent optics and useful features for long range shooting out to 800+ yards. Key benefits include the first focal plane reticle which stays the same size compared to your target regardless of magnification, allowing fast range estimation and holdover correction. The adjustable parallax knob results in a crisper target image and better range estimation. The illuminated reticle has variable brightness for low light shooting. The bundle includes high profile picatinny rings for solid mounting, a detachable sunshade, flip-up lens covers, and a battery.
- Excellent mid-long range optics.
- First focal plane ranging.
- Useful features like parallax and illumination.
- Sunshade protects the lens and blocks glare.
- Not ideal for close-quarters shooting.
- More expensive than basic scopes.
- Sunshade adds length up front.
Monstrum Alpha 1-4×24 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope with MOA Reticle.
The Monstrum Alpha 1-4×24 tactical scope offers excellent optics for close to mid-range shooting out to 300+ yards. Key benefits include the first focal plane MOA reticle which stays the same size compared to your target regardless of magnification for fast ranging and holdover correction. The 30mm tube is nitrogen-purged for fogproof waterproof performance. Rugged aluminum construction has a durable type III hard anodized finish.
- Excellent close-mid range optics.
- First focal plane ranging.
- Rugged aluminum construction.
- Ideal 100mm ring height.
- Not best for long-range (500+) yards.
- 30mm tube is not as robust as 34mm.
- Rings add expense if not needed.
Monstrum Raven Series 3X FDE Prism Scope | Monstrum 2X Flip-to-Side Forward Magnifier.
The Monstrum Raven 3x prism scope offers fast target acquisition like a red dot but uses durable etched glass optics with an illuminated circle-dot reticle instead of a projected laser dot. This provides an unlimited eye relief non-magnified aiming point perfect for rapid shots under 100 yards. The prism design is rugged and provides a crisp sight picture.
- Fast target acquisition.
- Durable etched reticle.
- Unique forward mount magnifier.
- Rapid flip magnified/unmagnified.
- Fixed 3x limits long-range use.
- Circle-dot obscures more of the target.
- The forward magnifier is monopod.
FAQ’s
What does FDE stand for?
FDE stands for Flat Dark Earth. It refers to the drab, neutral coloring that helps scopes and accessories blend into outdoor environments.
Why choose an FDE scope?
The main benefit of an FDE scope is improved camouflaging capabilities for hunting compared to black scopes that stand out. FDE also matches well with rifles and gear designed in earth tone patterns like multicam. The color doesn’t reflect light as severely as black either.
Does FDE provide tactical advantages?
Apart from some degree of camouflaging, FDE doesn’t provide huge tactical advantages on its own. But when combined with an overall drab colored rifle and gear, it helps avoid drawing attention compared to black accessories. Night vision compatibility is the same regardless of color.
Can any scope be cerakoted FDE?
Virtually any scope can be professionally Cerakoted to achieve a durable, even FDE finish or other custom color. So you can convert a scope you already own and like optically if the stock color doesn’t suit your needs or preferences.
Does FDE get hot in sunlight?
All scope tube materials like aluminum heat up in direct sunlight regardless of color. The crucial properties are thermal stability and structural rigidity, which depend more on underlying build quality than color tone. So FDE doesn’t get markedly hotter than black or other tones.
Conclusion
The Monstrum Alpha 1-4×24 first focal plane tactical scope offers an ideal blend of quality optics, ranging features, and durable construction for close to mid-range shooting needs. Matched with the Lifting EGF serum to rejuvenate skin, this makes a great duo covering both your shooting performance and complexion. For versatile optics and skincare, choose Monstrum and Lifting EGF.