FFP or SFP Pros and Cons

[segbert]

What are the Pros and Cons of first and second focal plane scopes. Ive always shot second but I am seeing alot of guys going to the first on their long range builds

[txfireguy2003]

For ranging and holdovers, the ffp stays the same relative to the image, meaning you're holdover points don't change based on magnification. Sfp scopes with holdover points only work at one set magnification level.

[trophy8]

For me, the reticle gets too thick at max power in FFP. That's really my only downside.

[segbert]

For me, the reticle gets too thick at max power in FFP. That's really my only downside.

That's what I thought. And if your shooting at a distance that could be bad. Right?

[trophy8]

That's what I thought. And if your shooting at a distance that could be bad. Right?

a LOT of top notch shooters use first focal plane very well, but for me it is bad. it covers up way too much of my target. i am a fan of high power scopes too.... so that means i normally have mine cranked all the way to 20 or 25 power.

go get behind both of them and see for yourself. if you plan on using the reticle subtensions then i would strongly advise FFP if your going to be needing to make a quick shot.

with SFP, youll have to either have it on max power (hard to get a quick shot on max power) or doing some math.... and i hate math lol

[McClain]

For me, the reticle gets too thick at max power in FFP. That's really my only downside.

I guess it depends. If you want to hit a pie plate at 600 yards, that can be done with most ffp reticles but if you need to hit a horsefly that lands on the plate, you might have some problems.

One exception I have found is the Leupold M5 LR TMR reticles. The subtensions at max power is not exceptionally heavy.

[ducks-and-bucks]

Go on youtube and watch sniper 101 the scopes part... if your really interested in it all watch the series. Everything is explained in detail.

[trophy8]

I guess it depends. If you want to hit a pie plate at 600 yards, that can be done with most ffp reticles but if you need to hit a horsefly that lands on the plate, you might have some problems.

One exception I have found is the Leupold M5 LR TMR reticles. The subtensions at max power is not exceptionally heavy.

this is true. i should have specified. you HIT a reasonably sized target at longer ranges, but the ffp scopes seem to cover too much for me to be real precise.

[ducks-and-bucks]

I choose FFP. Yes the cross hairs get bigger when you adjust like what has been said. BUT I don't use full power for shooting out at longer distances either... I use the more power for reading mirage/trying to read mirage.

[sierracharlie338]

Unless you are going to be engaging targets at multiple ranges, using different magnifications and in very rapid succession IMO stay with a SFP. It works just as good if all you will be doing is laying down shooting at a fixed distance plus why spend extra money if you don't need to?


Sierracharlie out....