If you want real-world tested hunting optics, it’s smart to look at the team from Backfire (Backfire.tv). Their hands-on scope tests cut through the hype and focus on clarity, tracking, durability, and value for hunters. In this guide, you’ll find Backfire’s top-rated rifle scopes—plus a buyer’s guide, head-to-head comparison, and all you need to make a confident choice for your next hunt.
Quick Picks (Backfire’s Top-Rated Scopes)
- Best Overall Under $1,000: Athlon Helos BTR Gen II 4-20×50 – “Best All-Around” in Backfire’s tests. Reliable tracking, crisp glass, illuminated reticle, feature-rich.
- Best Under $500: Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 – Backfire’s winner in the budget class. Accurate, clear, rugged, and proven in real-world tests.
- Best for Close to Mid-Range: Athlon Argos BTR 1-8×24 – Practical for thick woods or bush hunts. Good glass and FFP at a reasonable price.
- Best High Magnification: Discovery ED-PRS GEN2 5-25×56 FFP – For those who want to stretch their shots and need advanced features at long range.
Buyer’s Guide: How Backfire Tests and Picks the Best Hunting Scopes
- Tracking & Repeatability: Backfire tests if a scope’s turrets move the point of impact exactly as marked, and return to zero after adjustment.
- Optical Clarity: Clarity at low, mid, and high magnification gets hands-on scrutiny, especially in low light—Backfire uses side-by-side field tests, not just spec sheets.
- Build & Durability: Scopes are rated for waterproofing, shock resistance, and overall construction quality.
- Features that Matter: Locking turrets, zero stops, good reticle design, and practical illumination all score points—while unnecessary “tactical” clutter is a drawback for hunters.
- Warranty & Support: Top picks all have strong, no-fault warranties and good service support.
- Price-to-Performance: Backfire’s goal is value: the best performance at a reasonable price, not just the most expensive option.
Detailed Product Reviews (Backfire’s Favorites)
Athlon Helos BTR Gen II 4-20×50
Who It’s For: Hunters who want advanced features—FFP reticle, true zero stop, robust turrets, and excellent glass—at a reasonable price. Perfect for long-range, open country, and serious shooters.
- Key Benefits:
- First focal plane (FFP) for accurate holdovers at any zoom
- Locking, resettable turrets with positive clicks and zero stop
- Illuminated reticle for dawn/dusk or dark timber
- Strong tracking—passes Backfire’s dialing and return-to-zero tests
- Pros:
- Best feature set under $1,000 (Backfire.tv “Best Overall”)
- Rugged and holds zero on heavy-recoiling rifles
- Excellent warranty and brand support
- Cons:
- Heavier than simple hunting scopes (27+ oz)
- Reticle may be “busy” for those used to basic duplex styles
Final Verdict: If you want the best all-around hunting scope under $1,000, this is Backfire’s pick for most hunters. See latest price
Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44
Who It’s For: Budget-conscious hunters who want maximum clarity, reliability, and accuracy without spending a fortune.
- Key Benefits:
- Clear, sharp optics at all zoom levels for the price
- Proven tracking—passes all Backfire dialing tests
- Robust build, waterproof and shockproof
- Reliable, simple turrets for hunting distances
- Pros:
- Backfire’s “Best Under $500” hunting scope
- Lightweight and easy to mount
- Excellent warranty (Vortex VIP lifetime)
- Cons:
- No illumination for dawn/dusk hunts
- Simple reticle (good for hunting, less so for holdover fans)
Final Verdict: Reliable, no-nonsense scope for hunters who want to maximize value. See latest price
Athlon Argos BTR 1-8×24
Who It’s For: Thick bush, woods, or mixed terrain hunters who want fast target acquisition at low power and flexible zoom for close to mid-range shots.
- Key Benefits:
- True 1x for both-eyes-open shooting, 8x for open country
- FFP reticle, daylight-bright illumination
- Rugged construction, holds zero under recoil
- Reasonable price for feature set
- Pros:
- Versatile for both hunting and practical competitions
- Good glass and tracking for the price
- Cons:
- Eye relief tightens at high magnification
- Not for ultra-long-range precision work
Final Verdict: A practical LPVO (low power variable optic) for dynamic hunting or bush walks. See latest price
Discovery ED-PRS GEN2 5-25×56 FFP
Who It’s For: Hunters and shooters who want very high magnification for long-range shots, with full tactical features at a mid-range price.
- Key Benefits:
- FFP reticle, zero stop, tall tactical turrets
- ED glass, good clarity at high power
- Strong tracking and reliability in field tests
- Pros:
- Lots of scope for the money
- Recommended by Backfire for those stretching distance
- Cons:
- Big and heavy for hunting rifles
- Reticle is more complex than many hunters prefer
Final Verdict: The top Backfire pick for hunters who shoot at extended range and need lots of features. See latest price
Comparison Table (Backfire Top Picks)
| Scope | Zoom / Type | FFP? | Weight | Best For | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athlon Helos BTR Gen II 4-20×50 | 4-20x / Tactical Hunting | Yes | 27 oz | All-around, long-range | Heavier, “busy” reticle |
| Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 | 4-16x / Budget | No | 23 oz | Classic hunting, value | No illumination |
| Athlon Argos BTR 1-8×24 | 1-8x / LPVO | Yes | 20 oz | Close/mid-range, woods | Eye relief at high zoom |
| Discovery ED-PRS GEN2 5-25×56 | 5-25x / Long Range | Yes | 33 oz | Long-range hunting, tactical | Heavy, complex reticle |
How to Choose a Scope for Hunting (Backfire’s Criteria)
- Match magnification to your hunt: Woods or bush? Go for 1-8x or 3-9x. Open country and long-range? Pick 4-20x or 5-25x.
- Decide on reticle style: Simple duplex for classic hunts, FFP with marks for dialing or holdovers at distance.
- Focus on tracking and zero stop: If you plan to dial elevation, choose a scope that passes repeatability tests and has a true zero stop.
- Test glass at hunting times: Side-by-side, Backfire checks clarity at dusk and dawn—this is where cheap scopes often fall short.
- Consider weight and size: Lightweight for mountain or stalk hunting; larger scopes are fine if you mostly hunt from a blind or stand.
- Check warranty and dealer support: All Backfire’s top picks have strong, no-questions-asked warranties.
FAQ
Do all Backfire-endorsed scopes work for magnum rifles?
Yes. Backfire tests on heavy recoiling rifles. Just use high-quality rings and mounts, and recheck zero after rough handling.
Is FFP (first focal plane) necessary for hunting?
It’s useful for dialing and holdovers at multiple zoom levels, but not required. Many classic hunters do fine with SFP (second focal plane) duplex reticles.
Can I buy these scopes through Backfire?
Yes, most are available at Backfire Shop or from major retailers like Amazon, OpticsPlanet, or EuroOptic.
What makes Backfire’s reviews trustworthy?
They perform live range tests, tracking and zero checks, and use real rifles—not just box-openings. They often publish side-by-side results, so you can see performance, not just specs.
Conclusion & Call to Action
If you want a scope that’s truly been tested—not just hyped—Backfire’s top picks are proven in real field and range conditions. The Athlon Helos BTR Gen II 4-20×50 is their all-around champ for most hunting needs. The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 gives unbeatable value for classic hunts. For long range or tactical-minded hunters, Discovery and Athlon Argos options round out the best of the field. Still not sure? Drop your rifle type, hunting style, or budget and I’ll recommend a shortlist just for you!