Posted on: May 29, 2025
Categorized in: Optics Tests, Long-Range Rifle Tests, Optics Equipment Tests
Written by: Kaneda

Do you remember Stéphane, our special correspondent, and his article on the Gun Show? You can read it here if you missed it. Well, he’s back, faithfully doing his job, with a new toy to test: his legendary Mini 14 in "A-Team" style, now mounted with a Discovery Optics 1-8×24 FFP LPVO. Yes, you read that right: a scope priced at €200 offering surprisingly great performance for its price.

A Mini 14 that Brings Back the 80s

The Mini 14 is like a madeleine de Proust for an entire generation. Just seeing it, you can almost hear the theme song from "The A-Team" echoing in your head. Stéphane chose the .222 caliber version, “a fun little gun,” as he calls it. Not a platform for medium-range shooting (TMD), but a great rifle for fun between 50 and 200 meters.

So, when he decided to mount an optic on it, he didn’t want to break the bank. “I was looking for an affordable LPVO, and I came across this Discovery Optics 1-8×24, which was one of the bestsellers. 200 bucks. I clicked.”

A €200 Scope... Impressive?

The Discovery Optics ED-AR 1-8×24 FFP LPVO is a real surprise. Marketed as an entry-level FFP scope (First Focal Plane reticle), it offers features typically found in much more expensive gear:

1-8×24 mm Zoom

34 mm Tube

Etched Reticle with Clear Red Illumination

Zero Stop

Crisp, Precise Adjustments (Sharp clicks)

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Stéphane received the scope quickly from Poland. The 34 mm mounting rings took a bit longer to arrive from China. But thanks to a friend, he quickly mounted the whole setup.

“I looked through, and honestly, it’s as clear – if not clearer – than my Trijicon ED that costs over €3000. At 50 meters on 5x magnification, it’s sharp, bright, and precise.”

Field Verdict: Effective, Accessible, to be Continued…

The test still needs confirmation over time – especially for durability – but for a medium-caliber rifle like the .222, the optic should hold up well. For the price, it’s hard to find fault:

The illumination is clean.

The build feels solid and reliable.

The zero stop is always a bonus.

The price-to-performance ratio is clearly spot-on.

“Time will tell how it holds up, but for now, I’m impressed.”

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Discover Discovery Optics

Disclaimer: Affiliate link – purchases through this button may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Discovery Optics offers products known for their reliability and build quality.

What We Remember

For anyone looking for an affordable LPVO with impressive performance, the Discovery Optics 1-8×24 FFP could be a pleasant surprise. On a Mini 14, in .222, it’s the perfect match for recreational shooting between 50 and 200 meters.

Like Stéphane, are you nostalgic for old TV shows? Let us know in the comments or come chat with us on our Facebook page!

Discover an excellent budget LPVO alternative here