It’s become more common to find affordable first focal plane (FFP) variable optics scopes. But it’s rare to find one that’s 4-16x that’s less than 10.5″ long. The Texas Precision Optics Sniper VT 4-16×44 MFFP First Focal Plane (FFP) Scope is that unicorn.

Any scope with the brand name “Sniper” leaves many a tad dubious. But my review of Sniper ZT 5-25×50 left with with a positive impression, especially with the high quality accessories that came with the package. I opened the box more hopeful than skeptical.

Reflective of the lower price point, the VT comes with far fewer accessories than the ZT. The box like the scope was unexpectedly small containing the scope, flip-up lens covers, CR1620 button batteries, an Allen key, cleaning cloth, and a scope mount. The scope came pre-mounted on a skeletonized cantilever mount.

I’ve never seen a scope mount design quite as squared off as this one but it appeared well made and strong enough to handle full-sized rifle cartridge recoil; though the cross bolts were rounded and lacked any lugs or stop blocks.

One glaring issue with the mount is that the locking screws are the right-hand side (as installed). The mount designers made a confounding decision to place the screws where they did and I suspect were not avid shooters. This puts the screws in the way of many rifle bolt lever or charging handles.

More than once I banged a knuckle while working the action of my Ruger 10/22. I had to take off the scope and reverse the direction of the mount which worked on my 10/22 rail but may not work for other rifle setups. I would recommend Texas Precision Optics change the position of the screw bolts or request the factory to reverse the direction of the scope when installing it.

I found some minor issues with the scope and turrets. The etching of the numbers and lettering along with the metallic gold point used to highlight it, made it annoyingly hard to read some of the numbers on the turrets. The turrets had some slop and weren’t as tactical or audible as the ZT. In fact the first sample Texas Precision Optics sent me had some tracking issues but their customer service quickly sent me a replacement and return label without issue.

The optics quality were underwhelming; not very bright and with noticeable chromatic aberration at its highest power setting. About on par to a similarly sized UTG Bugbuster in terms of clarity though with higher magnification. Where it did exceed the Bugbuster was the VT’s more detailed first focal plane reticle, which has MIL hashmarks and a LPVO style central dot and horse shoe design.

Regarding the aforementioned UTG 3-9×32 scope, the VT is essentially a better Bugbuster. The VT is 1.5″ longer but still short enough to fit inside a Ruger 10/22 Takedown case. It has a better illuminated reticle and higher magnification power which makes it far more usable at ranges of 100 yards or more. And while I would like a scope with better optics than the VT, in the case of my 10/22 Takedown, size matters.

Purchase the Sniper VT on Amazon (Affiliate Link)
https://amzn.to/3l3AJ7V

RESOLUTION
Group: -2
Element: 6

OVERALL RATINGS (out 5)
Build: 3
Glass: 3
Reticle: 5
Holds Zero: 4
Turrets: 4
Eye Box: 3
Value: 4