Pride Fowler Industries Rapid Reticle H-2 3-12x42mm FFP 30mm Tube Rifle Scope Review

First Impressions of Pride Fowler Industries Rapid Reticle H-2 3-12x42mm FFP 30mm Tube Rifle Scope

The Pride Fowler Industries Rapid Reticle H-2 3-12x42mm FFP 30mm Tube Rifle Scope promises to be a game-changer for hunters and long-range shooters alike, particularly those who engage targets in the .243, .270, 30-06, and .308 caliber range. Pride Fowler Industries (PFI) aims to simplify long-range shooting with their intuitive Rapid Reticle system in a robust and user-friendly package. This scope boasts features like ballistic holdovers, wind compensation, rapid ranging, and close-range target acquisition, all in a first focal plane optic.

For years, I’ve struggled with scopes that require complex calculations and adjustments in the field, especially when hunting unpredictable game. I was looking for a scope that would allow for quick and accurate target acquisition without having to fiddle with turrets constantly. The Pride Fowler Industries Rapid Reticle H-2 seemed to offer a solution with its BDC reticle and user-friendly design.

Upon unboxing, the scope feels solid and well-constructed, with a reassuring weight that speaks to its durability. The tall, non-snagging turrets and fast focus ocular immediately catch the eye, promising ease of adjustment in the field. Compared to my older Leupold VX-3i, the PFI H-2 feels more robust and purpose-built for long-range shooting, even though the Leupold has always been reliable.

I chose the Pride Fowler Industries Rapid Reticle H-2 over the Vortex Viper PST Gen II and the Burris Veracity because of its unique Rapid Reticle system designed for common hunting cartridges and its claim of intuitive, simplistic long-range shooting. While the Vortex offers a more extensive feature set for tactical applications and the Burris is known for excellent glass, the PFI H-2’s promise of simplifying long-range hunting held strong appeal. My first impression is one of cautious optimism; the scope looks and feels the part, but the real test will be its performance in the field.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Pride Fowler Industries Rapid Reticle H-2 3-12x42mm FFP 30mm Tube Rifle Scope to the Test

First Use Experience

I mounted the Pride Fowler Industries Rapid Reticle H-2 on my trusted .308 Winchester bolt-action rifle and headed to my local shooting range. The range offers distances out to 600 yards, perfect for initial zeroing and getting a feel for the Rapid Reticle system. The weather was clear and cool, around 50 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight 5 mph breeze.

The scope’s BDC reticle required some initial familiarization, but the manual provided clear instructions and I quickly understood the ranging and holdover system. After zeroing at 100 yards, I began testing the holdover points at various distances. The reticle proved intuitive, allowing me to quickly engage targets out to 600 yards with reasonable accuracy after a couple of adjustments.

Initially, I noticed that the illumination was quite bright even on the lowest settings, which could be distracting in low-light conditions. I was also surprised by the generous eye relief, which allowed for comfortable shooting even at higher magnifications.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use at the range and a weekend deer hunting trip, the Pride Fowler Industries Rapid Reticle H-2 has proven to be a reliable and effective optic. The scope has maintained its zero consistently, even after being subjected to rough handling during transport and field use. I even bumped it pretty good getting into a deer stand, and it still held zero.

The anodized finish has held up well, with no visible scratches or signs of wear despite being exposed to brush and inclement weather. Cleaning the lenses is straightforward, and the turrets offer positive and tactile clicks, ensuring precise adjustments. Compared to my older scopes, the PFI H-2 offers a significant improvement in ease of use and target acquisition at longer ranges.

However, the illumination brightness remains a minor issue in very low light, and the reticle can appear somewhat busy at lower magnifications. Overall, the Pride Fowler Industries Rapid Reticle H-2 has met my expectations and has become a trusted companion on my rifle.

Breaking Down the Features of Pride Fowler Industries Rapid Reticle H-2 3-12x42mm FFP 30mm Tube Rifle Scope

Specifications

The Pride Fowler Industries Rapid Reticle H-2 3-12x42mm FFP 30mm Tube Rifle Scope boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. It features a 3-12x magnification range and a 42mm objective lens diameter for a versatile balance of close-quarters and long-range capabilities. The scope utilizes a Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) reticle in the First Focal Plane (FFP), ensuring accurate holdovers at any magnification.

The 30mm tube diameter allows for increased internal adjustment range, while the use of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy provides a durable and lightweight housing. The scope is waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof, making it suitable for use in various environmental conditions. It weighs 22.1 oz and is 13.8 inches long, offering a compact profile.

The PFI H-2 features a 1/4 MOA adjustment click value and a parallax adjustment ranging from 25 yards to infinity. It uses a CR2032 lithium battery to power the illuminated reticle, offering both green and blue illumination options. The exit pupil ranges from 3 to 12.5 mm and offers 75-100 mm of eye relief, while the field of view ranges from 8.3 to 33 ft at 100 yards.

Performance & Functionality

The Pride Fowler Industries Rapid Reticle H-2 excels in its intended role as a hunting optic designed for common centerfire cartridges. The Rapid Reticle system allows for quick and accurate holdovers out to 1000 yards, significantly reducing the learning curve for long-range shooting. Wind compensation holds up to 20 mph further enhance its practicality in the field. The Rapid Ranging feature enables instant ranging on 10″ and 20″ objects, useful for determining target distance.

However, the busy reticle can be slightly distracting at lower magnifications, particularly for those accustomed to simpler reticle designs. The illumination, while helpful in low light, can be too bright even on its lowest setting, which needs improvement. Overall, the scope’s performance meets and often exceeds expectations, especially in its ease of use and long-range accuracy.

Design & Ergonomics

The Pride Fowler Industries Rapid Reticle H-2 features a well-thought-out design focused on user-friendliness and durability. The tall, non-snagging turrets are easy to grip and adjust, even with gloved hands. The fast focus ocular allows for quick and precise reticle focusing. The one-piece 30mm tube construction ensures strength and reliability.

The scope’s weight is manageable, and the balance on my rifle feels comfortable and natural. While the aesthetics are subjective, the matte black anodized finish gives the scope a professional and rugged appearance. The only potential drawback is the somewhat busy reticle design, which can take some getting used to for shooters accustomed to simpler optics.

Durability & Maintenance

The Pride Fowler Industries Rapid Reticle H-2 is built to withstand the rigors of field use, thanks to its robust construction and high-quality materials. The 6061-T6 aluminum tube is resistant to impacts and scratches, and the waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof design ensures reliable performance in various environmental conditions. Regular cleaning of the lenses with a quality lens cloth is generally sufficient to maintain optimal clarity.

The PFI H-2 appears to be a long-lasting optic with proper care. However, as with any electronic device, the illumination system could potentially fail over time, although the warranty should cover such issues. The ruggedness of the scope means that it is easy to maintain and keep in excellent condition for many years.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Pride Fowler Industries Rapid Reticle H-2 3-12x42mm FFP 30mm Tube Rifle Scope comes with standard accessories such as lens covers and a basic instruction manual. While there aren’t many customization options specific to the scope itself, its 30mm tube makes it compatible with a wide range of aftermarket scope rings and mounts. Additionally, the BDC reticle is designed for specific caliber families, which limits its direct compatibility with other calibers unless the user is comfortable with calculating their own holdovers.

The scope is compatible with various anti-reflective devices (ARDs) and sunshades designed for 42mm objective lenses. While the scope doesn’t offer interchangeable turrets or reticle options, its core functionality is comprehensive and well-suited for its intended purpose.

Pros and Cons of Pride Fowler Industries Rapid Reticle H-2 3-12x42mm FFP 30mm Tube Rifle Scope

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Who Should Buy Pride Fowler Industries Rapid Reticle H-2 3-12x42mm FFP 30mm Tube Rifle Scope?

The Pride Fowler Industries Rapid Reticle H-2 is perfect for hunters looking for a straightforward and effective long-range optic. It’s particularly well-suited for those who primarily hunt with .243, .270, 30-06, and .308 caliber rifles. It’s also a good choice for recreational shooters who want to improve their long-range accuracy without complex calculations.

This scope is probably not ideal for tactical shooters who require more precise MIL-based adjustments or extensive customization options. Those who prefer minimalist reticle designs might also find the PFI H-2’s reticle to be too busy. A must-have accessory would be a quality set of scope rings to ensure secure mounting.

Conclusion on Pride Fowler Industries Rapid Reticle H-2 3-12x42mm FFP 30mm Tube Rifle Scope

The Pride Fowler Industries Rapid Reticle H-2 3-12x42mm FFP 30mm Tube Rifle Scope is a solid and well-designed optic that delivers on its promise of simplifying long-range shooting. While the reticle design might not appeal to everyone, its effectiveness in providing quick and accurate holdovers is undeniable. The price of $349.99 represents excellent value for the features and performance offered.

I would definitely recommend the Pride Fowler Industries Rapid Reticle H-2 to hunters and recreational shooters looking for a reliable and user-friendly long-range optic. If you’re tired of complex calculations and want to spend more time focusing on your target, the PFI H-2 is definitely worth considering. Give the Pride Fowler Industries Rapid Reticle H-2 3-12x42mm FFP 30mm Tube Rifle Scope a try, and experience the ease of long-range shooting!