Discovery Optic 6-36×56 XED — Test & Review: FFP, Zero Stop, and Stunning Clarity
Looking for a high-performance long-distance shooting (LDS) scope without breaking the bank?
The Discovery Optic 6-36×56 XED stands out with its First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle, 35mm main tube,
reliable Zero Stop, and ultra-clear XED lenses. In this article, we share our
unboxing experience, first impressions, and preliminary review to help you decide
if this optic is worth investing in for your long-range shooting needs.
Reprinted with permission from Stéphane.The original article can be found at Unboxing, First Impressions, and Specs — by Stéphane
Last updated: November 09, 2025
★★★★★
Preliminary Rating After Initial 50m Shots: 4.6/5
(This rating will be confirmed or adjusted following the 200m long-distance test.)
A scope that can reach extreme distances without the premium price tag? The Discovery Optic 6-36×56 XED checks most boxes for long-distance shooting (LDS) enthusiasts: FFP reticle, Zero Stop, 35mm tube, and exceptionally clear XED lenses for its price point.
Unboxing & First Impressions
The world of competitive shooting is evolving rapidly, with optics becoming more powerful by the day… and often more expensive. Against this backdrop, the Discovery Optic 6-36×56 XED has caught the eye of many. We’ve gathered insights from Stéphane, who conducted an initial test as soon as he received the scope.
“Right out of the box, the presentation is impeccable. For the first time ever, I found a complete record of the manufacturing process and quality control tests signed off before shipment included in the package. This is a sign of serious craftsmanship — and I own several other optics in regular use!”
Clarity & Accessories: Exceptional Value for Money
First trip to the (impromptu) shooting bench: the XED lenses surprised us with their clarity, delivering an incredibly sharp image for a mid-range price.
“The lens clarity is dazzling for what I paid. The image is truly crisp, even on the first use.”
On the accessories front, mounting rings are included — a welcome cost-saving bonus — and a horizontal leveling system helps ensure accurate initial installation, which will delight meticulous shooters.
Pros
- XED lens clarity far exceeds the average for this price range.
- FFP reticle: consistent subtension values at all magnification levels.
- Zero Stop: fast, reliable return to the zero stop position.
- 35mm main tube: generous internal adjustment range.
- Included mounting rings + horizontal leveling system.
- Excellent performance-to-price ratio for long-distance shooting (LDS).
Cons
- 56mm objective lens weight/size: should be considered based on your rifle setup.
- In-depth LDS tests pending (click tracking, bullet trajectory consistency, recoil resistance).
- Zero Stop: proper adjustment procedure must be followed to avoid errors.
Key Technical Specifications
- Magnification: 6–36x — Ideal for long-distance shooting.
- Objective Lens: 56mm for superior light transmission.
- Tube Diameter: 35mm.
- Reticle: FFP (First Focal Plane).
- Zero Stop: Yes.
- Lenses: XED (Low dispersion).
- Recommended Use: Long-distance shooting (LDS), Precision Rifle Series (PRS)/light benchrest, recreational precision shooting.
Real-World Testing & Next Steps
Initial 50m shots: The results are highly encouraging, with a clear image, perfectly legible reticle, and fully functional Zero Stop right out of the box. This first validation confirms the positive impressions from the unboxing.
What’s next: More in-depth tests (tracking consistency, adjustment repeatability, recoil resistance, low-light performance) will be conducted at 200m in the coming weeks. We will then update this article with the full results.
Update (September 2025)
Initial 50m tests completed: The Discovery Optic 6-36×56 XED lives up to its promises, with sharp imaging and reliable adjustments. Next step: a full 200m test to validate tracking and repeatability under real LDS conditions
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Mounted on an Anschütz Rifle
“The Discovery Optic 6-36×56 XED mounted on an Anschütz rifle for our initial tests.”
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Chronograph / Velocity Measuring Device
“Precise projectile velocity measurement using our chronograph.”
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Inflatable Rear Shooting Bag
“Inflatable rear shooting bag used to stabilize the rifle and ensure reliable shot placement.”
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50m Targets – Ammunition Testing
“Results of 50m shots with various types of ammunition. Full 200m test coming soon.”
Update — 300m Test (November 2025)
As promised, Stéphane continued the long-distance tests — not at 200m, but at 300m! These new tests were conducted using factory-loaded SAKO Racehead .308 Win ammunition, with the sole purpose of fine-tuning the Discovery Optic 6-36×56 XED scope.
The results are particularly impressive: a 97/100 score at 300m, confirming the reliability of the tracking system and the repeatability of the elevation clicks. The clarity of the XED lenses remains stunning even at maximum magnification, and the Zero Stop proved precise and stable during successive adjustments. This performance confirms that the 6-36×56 XED can easily handle real-world LDS use up to 300m and beyond.
Check the Current Price & Enjoy 10% Off with Code: 10SAFE
This Discovery Optic 6-36×56 XED scope is also available on Amazon USA.
For those on a tighter budget, there is an entry-level alternative that I use on my .308 Win rifle: the SPINA OPTICS 6-24×50 GEN2 FFP (see full SPINA test review). It gets the job done, but it still falls short of the Discovery Optic 6-36×56 XED, which clearly stands out with its superior clarity and wider adjustment range.
At this price point, combined with the 10SAFE discount code (10% off), this is one of the few FFP optics with Zero Stop and a 35mm tube available in this budget range.
Discovery Optics Partner Offer
Enjoy 10% off your entire order sitewide with code: 10SAFE
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Disclaimer
Affiliate Link: Purchases made through this button may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you. Discovery Optics offers products
renowned for their reliability and high-quality manufacturing.
FAQ — Quick Answers
What difference does FFP make in the field?
The FFP reticle maintains consistent subtension values at all magnification levels. Your adjustments remain valid whether you’re at 6x or 36x — perfect for dynamic shooting and quick corrections.
Is Zero Stop useful in competitions?
Yes, it allows you to instantly return to your zero after a series of adjustments. This is a real time-saver and provides protection against counting errors under pressure.
What are the benefits of a 35mm tube?
A wider internal adjustment range (elevation/windage) for LDS, especially if you use angled scope rails.
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