We’ve been testing out some new glass from ARKEN OPTICS, the OUTRIDER 2-12x42 SFP Hunting Scope, and we have some thoughts on it! They’ve taken the classic, old school hunting scope and applied new designs and materials to create a solid optic for todays shooters ranging from mountain hunts, range training, and property predator control.
Magnification: 2-12x
Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
Eyepiece Lens Diameter: 40 mm
Tube Size: 30 mm
Eye Relief: 3.5 in
Field of View: 58.8-9.7 ft @100 yd
Focal Plane: SFP (Second Focal Plane)
Reticle: FDR / DLR
Illuminated Reticle: FDR (Red)
Zero Stop: No
Throw Lever: Yes
Turret Adj: 0.25 MOA
Adj. per Revolution: 15 MOA
Elevation Adj. Range: 90 MOA
Windage Adj. Range: 80 MOA
Parallax: 100 yd
Length: 12.1 in
Weight: DLR 22.4 oz / FDR 23.8 oz
Color: Matte Black
With everything being compared to the “tactical space”, I think the below questions/answers really do a good job at explaining why the ARKEN OPTICS Outrider 2-12x42 scope exists…
Arken is best known for high-precision, long-range First Focal Plane (FFP) tactical riflescopes. The OUTRIDER Series expands the lineup with a lightweight, compact hunting optic platform featuring a Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle that maintains consistent size and visibility across all magnifications. Designed for modern hunters, the OUTRIDER Series combines fast target acquisition, reliable precision, and all-weather durability in a rugged yet portable platform built for demanding outdoor conditions.
Both FDR and DLR are Second Focal Plane (SFP) Duplex reticles designed for fast target acquisition and precise aiming. The main difference is illumination.
FDR (Fiber Duplex Reticle) uses fiber-optic technology to illuminate the center aiming point, improving visibility and target acquisition in low-light or changing conditions.
DLR (Duplex Reticle) uses a classic duplex pattern with bold outer posts and a fine center point, providing a simple and precise sight picture without illumination.
Choose FDR if you want an illuminated aiming point for improved visibility in low-light conditions. Choose DLR if you prioritize a lightweight, affordable option designed for simplicity and value.
The OUTRIDER Series is built to deliver a clear sight picture and reliable performance in demanding field conditions. Japanese HD glass, high light transmission, and SFP reticles help maintain image clarity and reticle visibility from dawn to dusk. The FDR option adds an illuminated center point for improved visibility when light is limited. A hydrophobic lens coating helps repel water and oil, while waterproof, fog proof, and dustproof protection keeps the optic ready for changing outdoor environments.
The OUTRIDER 2-12x42 uses a factory-set 100-yard fixed parallax, paired with a forgiving eyebox and large eyepiece to prioritize speed and simplicity in the field. The fixed-parallax design eliminates the need for manual side-focus adjustments, helping hunters stay focused on the target in fast-moving situations.
Now let’s cover what I think are the highlights that I think make the ARKEN Outrider 2-12x42 a solid fit for hunting and farm predator use…
First off, the reticle is K.I.S.S. (Keep It Stupid Simple), and this is a good thing. Nothing crazy with distractions from just putting the crosshairs on your target and pulling the trigger. Sometimes simple is better and I think this is a great example of that for this optics intended use.
Second, the illuminated center dot is simple and effective. Especially in lower light situations like in the woods or during dusk and dawn hours. At 2x it is almost red dot’ish, and I dig that in it.
Third, I am a fan of the larger eyebox. This has been mentioned in other optic reviews and the Outrider is no different. The large eyebox is forgiving for quick target acquisitions and for overall viewing comfort (more on this in a moment).
Fourth, the 42mm objective lens lets in plenty of available light, which for me is great in the hardwoods of northern Ohio and for dusk/dawn hunts.
Lastly, smooth magnification adjustments. The adjustment is stable with just the right amount of resistance to turn with ease but not get accidently moved when on the move.
Back to that generous eyebox. With the large eyebox you also get great eye relief at a generous 3.5”. For me it provides increased comfort, ease of getting on target, and quicker followup shooting.
Now for a couple things I think were misses on this…
Lack of flip up scope caps. The caps on their last release were a homerun and I wish they would have been included with the Outrider. It's not a deal breaker by any means but man those would've been nice to have instead of the included bikini caps.
No mount included. Again, not a deal breaker breaker, but Arken makes a really nice mount that hopefully wil be included on future Outrider releases.
Maybe both items will be included in future bundle deals. Both items are worth including for a bit of a higher price point.
Real quick for those who don’t know the difference…
In an FFP scope, the reticle grows and shrinks alongside the magnification.
In an SFP scope, the reticle stays the same size no matter the magnification level.
Second Focal Plane Scopes: Because the reticle size does not change in SFP scopes, the reticle hash marks that indicate holdover for bullet drop only work at the highest magnification power. They could theoretically be set to work at any magnification, but scope makers usually set them to work at top magnification. So, if your SFP scope is 3-9x, and your scope manual says to hold at the first hash mark at 200 yards, you need to be zoomed in to 9x for that holdover to work. The same applies to the windage marks, if any. Dialing the scope’s turrets to compensate for bullet drop will still work at every magnification. Only the holdover marks on the reticle are affected by the SFP design
First Focal Plane Scopes: In an FFP scope, the reticle hash marks work at every magnification because the reticle grows and shrinks with the magnification setting. That 200-yard bullet drop compensation (BDC) mark will work at 3x and at 9x, though the reticle will look much smaller at the lowest magnification setting.
So this now begs the question, which is better?
The quick answer is one isn’t better than the other, just different. But lets use an example to help determine which might be better for you…
For most guys your choice will depend on the terrain of you hunt.
For an SFP scope, the reticle will stay large and visible even at lower magnification levels that facilitate greater light input. This will allow you to keep your scope at 3x or 5x and still see the reticle for the deer at 100 or 150 yards. The BDC marks won’t work properly at that lower magnification, but you won’t need to use them at those distances anyway.
I know FFP scopes are all the rage in the tacticool long-range shooting world, and it’s easy to see why. In some long-range shooting scenarios, you may not want to crank that space telescope all the way up to 25x. If there’s lots of mirage on a hot day, for example, a lower magnification can cut down on that distortion. Transitioning between targets is also generally easier at lower magnifications. In those scenarios, it’s helpful to have a BDC reticle that works on 18x or 12x. FFP scope for a hunter planning to target animals in open country makes total sense. The reticle will still be easy to see at higher magnifications, and the BDC marks will work all the way up the magnification ladder.
So for me, the bulk of my hunting is done in the woods or along shadowy treelines and at the low light time periods of dusk and dawn and my shooting distances are 300 yards maximum with the most common at 100-150 yards. So a SFP optic suits my needs best!
For me, this is an upgrade from my standard (tried and proven) 3-9x40 scope.
The above scope has been my varmint go to for several years now and my biggest complaint was always the smallish eyebox, lack of illumination, narrow field of view, and limited magnification scale. At 3x on the low end it makes closer shots (which is common when varmint hunting) tough and at 9x on the high end it just isn't quite enough for my aging eyes out at 300 yards.
I think the Arken Outrider 2-12x42 is the perfect combination of features for replacing my old 3-9×40 scope. It addresses the complaints I've had with my old scope and does it in a package that won't break the bank. This is a pure hunting scope that would likely serve you for many years to come, I think it will do that for me!
Be on the lookout for some upcoming video reviews from the range!
Currently, ARKEN OPTICS has the NEW Outrider 2-12x42 SFP scope on sale using code: ARKEN.
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