Choosing the best scope for Savage 10 BA Stealth is a critical decision for any precision shooter looking to maximize the potential of this chassis-based bolt-action rifle. The Savage 10 BA Stealth is a factory-blueprinted powerhouse designed for long-range accuracy, and mounting a subpar optic is like putting budget tires on a supercar. In this guide, I will evaluate the top six optics that complement the .308 Win or 6.5 Creedmoor chamberings typically found in this platform. Whether you are engaging steel at 1,000 yards or hunting in rugged terrain, the best scope for Savage 10 BA Stealth must offer repeatable tracking, edge-to-edge clarity, and a rugged build to withstand the recoil and environmental demands of precision shooting.
Top Product List: Best Scope For Savage 10 BA Stealth
- Arken Optics EP5 5-25X56 Rifle Scope FFP: Best Overall Value for Long Range - This scope offers Japanese glass and incredible tracking at a price point that shames much more expensive competitors.
- Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 FFP: Best Mid-Tier Precision Optic - A staple in the shooting community, providing a perfect balance of features, durability, and the famous VIP warranty.
- Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24X50 FFP: Best Budget-Friendly Precision Scope - Ideal for shooters entering the PRS world who need FFP and usable turrets without breaking the bank.
- Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56 M5C3 FFP: Best Professional Grade Performance - Lightweight and featuring superior twilight light transmission, this is for the serious competitor or professional.
- NightForce ATACR 5-25x56 F1: Best Bomb-Proof Duty Scope - Known for unmatched mechanical reliability and glass that performs in the harshest conditions imaginable.
- Burris Veracity 3-15x50mm Hunting Rifle Scope: Best for Crossover Hunting/Target Use - Offers a versatile magnification range for those who take their Stealth into the woods and onto the bench.
Arken Optics EP5 5-25X56 Rifle Scope FFP
The Arken Optics EP5 has taken the precision shooting world by storm, offering features usually reserved for optics costing twice as much. It features a massive 34mm tube and Japanese Low Dispersion (ED) glass. Designed specifically for long-range shooters, the EP5 provides a crisp image and mechanical reliability that is essential for a rifle as capable as the Savage 10 BA Stealth.
Product Specs
* Magnification: 5-25x
* Objective Lens: 56mm
* Tube Diameter: 34mm
* Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
* Reticle: VPR MIL / MOA
* Eye Relief: 3.6 inches
Pros and Cons
* Pros: Incredible turret "click" feel; high-quality Japanese glass; zero-stop is very easy to set.
* Cons: Quite heavy at nearly 40 ounces; the eye box is slightly tight at maximum 25x magnification.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The glass clarity on the EP5 is surprisingly high-end. The Japanese ED glass minimizes chromatic aberration, even when looking at high-contrast targets at 800 yards. The VPR reticle is clean and intuitive, providing plenty of holdover points without cluttering the center of the image, which I found helpful for spotting my own traces.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
At 3.6 inches, the eye relief is generous enough to prevent "scope eye" on a .308 bolt-action. The eye box is forgiving at lower magnifications (5x-15x), but like many high-magnification scopes, it requires a very consistent cheek weld when pushed to 25x. On the Savage Stealth's adjustable stock, finding this position was straightforward.
Durability
This is a tank of a scope. The 34mm aircraft-grade aluminum tube feels incredibly robust. I’ve used this in dusty, windy conditions in West Texas, and the seals held perfectly. It is nitrogen-purged and waterproof, handling the recoil of heavy 175gr .308 loads without any internal shifting or loss of zero.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
Arken is famous for its turrets. They are tactile, audible, and very "clicky." There is no mushiness here. During my tracking tests, the adjustments were 100% repeatable. The zero-stop mechanism is mechanical and robust, allowing you to return to your base zero in total darkness by feel alone.
Magnification & Parallax
The 5-25x range is ideal for the Savage 10 BA Stealth, covering everything from 100-yard groups to 1,000-yard steel. The side parallax adjustment is smooth and ranges from 25 yards to infinity. I noticed that the parallax dial was very accurate to the marked distances, which isn't always the case with budget-friendly optics.
Mounting & Accessories
Because of the 34mm tube, you will need specific rings. I mounted this using Arken’s own 34mm Halo rings on the Savage's factory rail. It also comes with a sunshade and bikini covers, though many users (myself included) eventually upgrade to flip-up caps for better protection in the field.
My Personal Experience
I mounted the EP5 on a Savage 10 BA Stealth chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. After a quick three-shot zero at 100 yards, I took it straight to a 600-yard plate. The tracking was flawless; I dialed up 4.2 Mils, held for a slight crosswind, and heard the "ping" immediately. For the price, the mechanical confidence this scope gives you is unmatched. It feels like a piece of professional equipment rather than a hobbyist tool.
Online Customer Comments
Many users on Reddit's r/longrange forum praise the EP5 for its "best-in-class" turrets. A common sentiment is that while it's heavy, the trade-off for glass quality and tracking reliability is well worth it. Some users noted that the finish can scratch if bumped against rocks, but mechanically, the reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
Verdict
The Arken EP5 is the best scope for Savage 10 BA Stealth if you want the absolute most performance for every dollar spent. It is a heavy-duty, long-range tool that perfectly matches the precision nature of the Stealth chassis.
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Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 FFP
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II is widely considered the benchmark for mid-range precision optics. It sits in that "sweet spot" where you get professional features—like an illuminated reticle and RZR zero stop—without the multi-thousand dollar price tag of the Razor series. For a Savage 10 BA Stealth owner, this scope offers a proven track record of reliability and performance.
Product Specs
* Magnification: 5-25x
* Objective Lens: 50mm
* Tube Diameter: 30mm
* Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
* Reticle: EBR-7C (MRAD or MOA)
* Eye Relief: 3.4 inches
Pros and Cons
* Pros: Excellent EBR-7C reticle; legendary VIP warranty; very reliable tracking.
* Cons: Glass clarity is good but slightly edged out by newer Japanese glass competitors; turrets are a bit shorter than some prefer.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The XD (Extra-low Dispersion) glass provides a clear, sharp image with very little distortion. I found the EBR-7C reticle to be the highlight here; the "Christmas tree" style holdovers are incredibly useful for fast windage corrections without touching the knobs. The illumination is daylight visible, though it blooms slightly at the highest setting.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Eye relief is a consistent 3.4 inches. The eye box on the PST Gen II is one of the better ones in this magnification class. Even at 25x, you don't feel like you are peeking through a straw. It makes getting behind the rifle for follow-up shots much faster, which is a big plus in competitive shooting scenarios.
Durability
Vortex builds these to last. The 30mm tube is machined from a single block of aircraft-grade aluminum. It’s O-ring sealed and argon purged. I’ve seen these scopes survive falls and harsh recoil on .300 Win Mag rifles, so the .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor on a Savage Stealth won't be an issue at all.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The turrets feature the RZR Zero Stop, which uses a shim system that is very reliable. The clicks are distinct and audible. While they aren't quite as loud as the Arken's, they are very precise. During a "box test," the PST Gen II returned to zero perfectly every single time.
Magnification & Parallax
The 5-25x range is versatile. The side focus parallax knob is integrated with the illumination dial, which keeps the scope profile relatively slim. It adjusts down to 25 yards, making it useful if you ever want to move the scope to a precision .22 LR trainer, though it's most at home on the Stealth.
Mounting & Accessories
The 30mm tube means finding mounts is incredibly easy. I used Vortex PMR rings, which provided a rock-solid connection. The scope comes with a sunshade and a lens cloth. Vortex’s accessory ecosystem is massive, so finding flip-caps or throw levers is a breeze.
My Personal Experience
I’ve used the PST Gen II on various rifles over the years. On the Savage 10 BA Stealth, it felt perfectly balanced. The weight is manageable, and the feature set covers everything I need for a local PRS match. The reticle's fine center crosshair allowed me to punch sub-MOA groups at 200 yards with ease. It’s a "set it and forget it" kind of optic that you can trust implicitly.
Online Customer Comments
Reviewers on Snipers Hide often recommend the PST Gen II as the "gold standard" for entry-to-mid-level long-range shooting. The most common compliment is the EBR-7C reticle and the peace of mind provided by the Vortex warranty. Some mention that the glass can get a bit "milky" at the very edges at 25x, but it doesn't affect target identification.
Verdict
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II is the most reliable choice for anyone who wants a proven, high-performance optic with the best warranty in the business. It turns the Savage 10 BA Stealth into a truly competitive long-range rig.
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Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24X50 FFP
For those looking for the best scope for Savage 10 BA Stealth on a strict budget, the Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 is a top contender. It provides a First Focal Plane reticle and a true Precision Stop (Zero Stop) system at a price point that was unheard of just a few years ago. It’s an excellent entry point for precision rifle shooting.
Product Specs
* Magnification: 6-24x
* Objective Lens: 50mm
* Tube Diameter: 30mm
* Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
* Reticle: APMR MIL / MOA
* Eye Relief: 3.3 inches
Pros and Cons
* Pros: Extremely affordable for an FFP scope; upgraded Gen 2 turrets are much better than the original; good overall features.
* Cons: Glass clarity drops off significantly above 20x; eye relief is a bit shorter than competitors.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The glass is fully multi-coated and performs well in bright daylight. However, in low light or at the maximum 24x magnification, you will notice some softening of the image. The APMR reticle is an illuminated MIL-based "Christmas tree" that works excellently for holding for wind and elevation.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
With 3.3 inches of eye relief, it’s on the shorter side for a high-recoil rifle, but on the heavy Savage Stealth, it's perfectly safe. The eye box is somewhat tight; you have to be very precise with your head position, especially at 24x. I found that adjusting the Stealth's cheek riser was mandatory to get a good sight picture quickly.
Durability
The Argos BTR Gen 2 is made from 6061T6 aluminum. It is waterproof and fog-proof. While it doesn't feel as "heavy-duty" as a NightForce or Arken, it has held up well to standard range use and occasional transport in a padded case. It's a solid, reliable build for the price.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The Gen 2 turrets are a massive improvement over the mushy Gen 1 versions. They are stainless steel and have a much more defined click. The "Precision Stop" system is Athlon’s version of a zero stop, and while a bit simpler than high-end systems, it works consistently to get you back to your 100-yard zero.
Magnification & Parallax
The 6-24x range is perfect for most target shooting applications. The side parallax adjustment works well and goes down to 10 yards, which is actually superior to some high-end scopes if you want to use it for close-range practice. The magnification ring is a bit stiff out of the box but breaks in over time.
Mounting & Accessories
Standard 30mm rings are all you need. The Savage 10 BA Stealth has a Picatinny rail, so mounting is simple. It doesn't come with many accessories (just lens covers and a cloth), so you may want to budget for a sunshade if you shoot in bright afternoon sun.
My Personal Experience
I used the Argos BTR Gen 2 during a weekend clinic. It tracked well enough to hit silhouettes out to 700 yards. While I could definitely tell the difference in glass quality compared to my $2,000 optics, I never felt like the scope was holding me back from making hits. For a beginner or a budget-conscious shooter, this scope provides all the necessary "math" (FFP/MIL/Turrets) to learn the craft of long-range shooting.
Online Customer Comments
Users on Amazon and optics forums frequently mention the "bang for the buck" factor. Many hunters use this as a crossover scope. The most common criticism is the glass clarity at max magnification, with many users recommending keeping it at 18x-20x for the sharpest possible image.
Verdict
The Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 is the best entry-level FFP scope available. If you’ve spent most of your budget on the Savage 10 BA Stealth and need an optic that can still "walk the walk" at the range, this is it.
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Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56 M5C3 FFP
When weight and optical clarity are the top priorities, the Leupold Mark 5HD is in a league of its own. It is significantly lighter than other scopes in its class, which makes the Savage 10 BA Stealth a bit more maneuverable. Leupold’s Twilight Max HD light management system ensures you can see targets when others are packing up for the day.
Product Specs
* Magnification: 5-25x
* Objective Lens: 56mm
* Tube Diameter: 35mm
* Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
* Reticle: PR2-MIL (various available)
* Eye Relief: 3.6 - 3.8 inches
Pros and Cons
* Pros: Extremely lightweight for its size; superior low-light performance; very tactile M5C3 turrets.
* Cons: Expensive; requires 35mm rings (less common); non-illuminated models are the standard.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The glass on the Mark 5HD is exceptional. The resolution and contrast are top-tier, allowing you to see bullet holes at 200+ yards easily. The PR2-MIL reticle was designed by pro shooters to be fast and uncluttered, providing a great balance between a clean center and useful holdover points for long-range engagements.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Leupold is known for generous eye relief, and the Mark 5HD provides up to 3.8 inches. The eye box is massive and very forgiving. This is a "fast" scope—you get a full picture almost the instant your head hits the stock. This makes it an excellent choice for shooters who may need to fire from unconventional positions.
Durability
Despite being lightweight, the Mark 5HD is incredibly tough. It is tested to survive 5,000 impacts on the "Punisher" (Leupold's recoil simulation machine). It is waterproof, fog-proof, and built to military specifications. It feels refined yet indestructible, a perfect match for the rugged Savage Stealth.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The M5C3 turrets feature three revolutions of travel and a push-button lock. They are low-profile and provide very tactile, precise clicks. The zero-lock ensures you don't accidentally bump your turrets while moving through brush or transporting the rifle.
Magnification & Parallax
The 5-25x range is versatile for any precision task. The side parallax is easy to adjust and very fine, allowing you to dial out every bit of error. The throw lever on the magnification ring is included and makes transitioning from 5x to 25x lightning-fast.
Mounting & Accessories
The 35mm tube is the only "hurdle." You will need to purchase 35mm rings, which are becoming more common but aren't available at every local shop. It comes with high-quality aluminum flip-back lens covers, which is a nice premium touch that saves you $100 compared to buying them separately.
My Personal Experience
Using the Mark 5HD on the Savage Stealth was a revelation in terms of weight. The rifle felt more balanced and less top-heavy. At dusk, the glass quality really shone; I could clearly see a steel target at 500 yards that was almost invisible through a cheaper optic. The turrets are perhaps my favorite in the industry—the push-button lock is intuitive and provides total confidence that your zero hasn't moved.
Online Customer Comments
Professional shooters on forums like Precision Rifle Blog often cite the Mark 5HD as their top choice for its weight-to-performance ratio. Users love the "dead-on" tracking and the clarity of the PR2 reticle. The main complaint is simply the price, but most agree it's a "buy once, cry once" investment.
Verdict
The Leupold Mark 5HD is the best scope for Savage 10 BA Stealth for the serious shooter who wants professional-grade glass, lightweight design, and flawless mechanical tracking.
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NightForce ATACR 5-25x56 F1
If you need a scope that could survive a fall from a truck and still hold zero, the NightForce ATACR is the answer. NightForce optics are legendary for their overbuilt construction and mechanical perfection. The ATACR (Advanced Tactical Rifle) series is the choice of elite military units and serious long-range competitors worldwide.
Product Specs
* Magnification: 5-25x
* Objective Lens: 56mm
* Tube Diameter: 34mm
* Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
* Reticle: Mil-R / Mil-C (Illuminated)
* Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
Pros and Cons
* Pros: Best-in-class durability; 100% reliable tracking; brilliant ED glass.
* Cons: Very expensive; quite heavy; overkill for casual range shooters.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The ATACR uses Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass that is multi-coated to provide over 90% light transmission. The image is bright, flat, and razor-sharp from edge to edge. The Mil-C reticle is a favorite of mine, offering a simple center dot and 0.2 Mil hash marks for highly precise holds and ranging.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Eye relief is a solid 3.5 inches. The eye box is very stable, even at high magnification. NightForce optics are designed for "real world" use where you might not have a perfect bench-rest position, so the optic is very forgiving of slight head movements.
Durability
This is where NightForce justifies its price. The tube is twice as thick as most competitors. The lenses are bedded in a proprietary compound that prevents any movement even under extreme shock. It is completely waterproof and built to withstand the most punishing environments on Earth.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The ZeroStop technology in the ATACR is the gold standard—it provides an absolute mechanical stop at zero. The turrets are large, easy to grip with gloves, and provide the most distinct "thump" with every click. You can feel the quality in every adjustment you make.
Magnification & Parallax
The 5-25x range is perfect for the capabilities of the Savage 10 BA Stealth. The side parallax adjustment is incredibly smooth and allows for precise focusing. The DigIllum illumination allows you to choose between red or green and various brightness levels, which is great for low-light tactical scenarios.
Mounting & Accessories
The 34mm tube is standard for high-end tactical optics. I recommend using NightForce’s own Ultralite rings for the best fit. It comes with a Tenebraex flip-up cover set, a sunshade, and a cleaning tool. Everything about the packaging and accessories screams "professional grade."
My Personal Experience
Shooting with an ATACR feels like using a scientific instrument. There is zero "play" in any of the controls. On the Savage Stealth, it makes the rifle feel like a truly professional weapon system. I performed a "tall target" test to verify tracking, and the scope was 100% accurate over 30 Mils of elevation. It is a confidence-inspiring piece of gear that removes the optic as a variable in your misses.
Online Customer Comments
The consensus online is that NightForce is the "gold standard" for reliability. Users on tactical forums frequently state that while they own other scopes for clarity, they trust NightForce for when "it absolutely has to work." Some mention the weight as a downside, but most accept it as part of the durability package.
Verdict
The NightForce ATACR is the best scope for Savage 10 BA Stealth if you want the absolute ultimate in durability and mechanical precision. It is an investment that will likely outlast the rifle itself.
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Burris Veracity 3-15x50mm Hunting Rifle Scope
Not everyone uses the Savage 10 BA Stealth purely for target shooting. For those who want a precision rifle that can also go on a hunt, the Burris Veracity 3-15x50mm offers a more versatile magnification range. It combines a First Focal Plane reticle with a design that is optimized for both hunting and long-distance target engagement.
Product Specs
* Magnification: 3-15x
* Objective Lens: 50mm
* Tube Diameter: 30mm
* Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
* Reticle: Ballistic Plex E1 FFP
* Eye Relief: 3.5 - 4.25 inches
Pros and Cons
* Pros: Great field of view at 3x; versatile for hunting; FFP reticle at a reasonable price.
* Cons: Lower maximum magnification (15x) for ultra-long range; capped windage turret (though typical for hunting).
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The glass is very clear and provides excellent color fidelity. The Ballistic Plex E1 FFP reticle is unique; because it's in the first focal plane, the trajectory compensation is accurate at any magnification. At 3x, it looks like a simple hunting crosshair, but at 15x, the fine details for long-range shots become visible.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
This scope offers very generous eye relief, up to 4.25 inches at lower magnifications. This is excellent for fast target acquisition in the woods. The eye box is very wide and forgiving, making it one of the easiest scopes to get behind when you are in a hurry to take a shot on a moving animal.
Durability
Burris stands behind their products with the "Forever Warranty." The Veracity is built with a rugged 30mm tube and is nitrogen-filled to be waterproof and fog-proof. It is designed to handle the vibration and shock of hunting trips, from bumpy truck rides to mountain treks.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The elevation turret is a multi-turn design that is easy to adjust, while the windage turret is capped to prevent accidental changes in the field. The clicks are precise, though slightly less "sharp" than the dedicated tactical scopes above. It’s a very practical setup for a "crossover" rifle.
Magnification & Parallax
The 3-15x range is excellent. At 3x, you have a wide field of view for close-range shots in thick cover. At 15x, you have enough power to accurately engage targets or game out to 600-700 yards. The side parallax adjustment ensures a sharp image and removes parallax error across the entire range.
Mounting & Accessories
It mounts easily with standard 30mm rings. On the Savage 10 BA Stealth, you can mount it relatively low due to the 50mm objective lens, keeping your bore-to-optic height manageable. It comes with standard lens covers and a basic sunshade.
My Personal Experience
I took a Savage Stealth equipped with the Veracity on a hog hunt. The 3x setting was perfect for scanning the brush, and when a hog appeared at 250 yards, the 15x magnification allowed for a very precise, ethical shot. It’s much more "at home" in the field than the massive 5-25x scopes, yet it still allowed me to ring steel at 600 yards later that afternoon.
Online Customer Comments
Hunters on forums like Rokslide appreciate the Veracity for its combination of FFP and a hunting-friendly reticle. Many users comment that for the price, the glass quality is very competitive with European brands. Some target shooters wish for a 20x or 25x version, but for a general-purpose rifle, the 15x is highly praised.
Verdict
The Burris Veracity is the best scope for Savage 10 BA Stealth users who need a versatile optic that bridges the gap between a precision target rifle and a long-range hunting platform.
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How to Choose the Right Scope for the Savage 10 BA Stealth
Selecting the right optic for a precision chassis rifle like the Savage 10 BA Stealth requires an understanding of how the scope's features interact with the rifle's intended purpose. This rifle is built for accuracy, so your scope must be up to the task.
Understanding Focal Planes (FFP vs. SFP)
For a rifle like the Stealth, First Focal Plane (FFP) is almost always the better choice. In an FFP scope, the reticle grows and shrinks as you change magnification. This means the hash marks on your reticle represent the same "real world" distance (MILs or MOAs) regardless of what magnification you are on. This is vital for fast holdovers or ranging. Second Focal Plane (SFP) scopes are generally cheaper and the reticle stays the same size, but the "math" only works at one specific magnification (usually the highest).
Choosing Between MIL and MOA
Neither is "better," but you must pick one and stick with it. MIL (Milliradians) is the standard for most tactical and competition shooters because the math (based on 10s) is slightly faster for many. MOA (Minutes of Angle) is more common in the hunting world and is slightly more "fine" (1/4 MOA is about 0.25 inches at 100 yards, while 0.1 MIL is about 0.36 inches). The most important thing is to ensure your turrets match your reticle (e.g., MIL turrets with a MIL reticle).
Glass Quality and Tube Diameter
The Savage 10 BA Stealth can reach out to 1,000 yards. To see a target at that distance, you need high-quality glass with low dispersion. Look for "ED" or "HD" glass. Furthermore, a larger tube diameter (30mm, 34mm, or 35mm) allows for more internal "travel" for the elevation turret. If you plan on shooting at extreme ranges, a 34mm tube will give you more adjustment range than a 1-inch or 30mm tube, allowing you to dial for the bullet's drop without running out of clicks.
FAQs
1. Does the Savage 10 BA Stealth come with a scope rail?
Yes, the Savage 10 BA Stealth comes factory-equipped with a one-piece Picatinny rail. This makes mounting any of the scopes on this list very straightforward, as you only need to choose the appropriate rings for your scope's tube diameter.
2. What ring height do I need for a 50mm or 56mm objective lens?
For the Savage 10 BA Stealth, "Medium" or "High" rings are typically required. Because the rifle has a flat top rail and a chassis, a 56mm objective lens often needs High rings to clear the handguard. Always check the manufacturer's height specifications before buying.
3. Is .308 Win or 6.5 Creedmoor better for these scopes?
Both are excellent. The 6.5 Creedmoor has a flatter trajectory, meaning you will "dial" less elevation on your scope for the same distance compared to a .308. However, all the scopes on this list have more than enough adjustment range for either caliber out to 1,000 yards.
4. Why are FFP scopes more expensive?