I've heard on more than one occasion that many people believe that FFP is useless or not necessary at all under 10 mag. Why is this? In addition I've heard from many experience shooters that FFP is a must for ELR especially on moving targets. Why is the FFP necessary for long range but not short? I have plenty of experience with SFP scopes but have only recently acquired a SFP scope so I was curious.
Rifle Scopes Why SFP under 10x
- Thread starter generalzip
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I'm assuming because fewer people are using precise wind and elevation holds with low magnification optics. At shorter ranges (200 yards and in), you really don't even need mil markings, honestly. Just hold a tad high and pull the trigger.
For what it's worth, I'm planning to put a FFP 2.5-10x on my precision AR.
For what it's worth, I'm planning to put a FFP 2.5-10x on my precision AR.
I can't say who is saying this, but I would disagree. In any tactical environment, the less variables you have to account for, the more consistent you are going to be. Believe me, there is a difference between 3x and 9x. If your scope needs to be on 6x,7x, or 9x to match up for calculation of distance, you could be off and so will the shot. It's just a whole lot easier to have the reticle match a given size, no matter what power.
The theory on a 1-x LPV, as I understand it, is that you're likely to shoot with the optic in two positions 1x and Max. At 1x the markings would be irrelevant due to size on a FFP and a SFP scope should be calibrated so the reticle is functional at the max setting. On anything else, like a 3-9 or a 4-14 I'd personally want FFP. I also don't understand the purpose of a 3-9 of any kind when 4-14 FFPs and 3.5-21 FFPs exist.
It should in theory allow for a more usable lit reticle at 1x while still having a functional reticle at max.
If I'm not mistake, I believe the high end lit DualFP scopes have the reticle in the FFP and the illumination (dot) in the SFP.
It should in theory allow for a more usable lit reticle at 1x while still having a functional reticle at max.
If I'm not mistake, I believe the high end lit DualFP scopes have the reticle in the FFP and the illumination (dot) in the SFP.
Normally, a lower mag scope will be used for close range to medium range.
Take my NF 2.5-10 SFP scope with LV 600 reticle mounted on a short barreled AR-15.
If I'm out hunting close range with it the mag is on 2.5x. I have the advantage of the reticle being full size and it's easy to see for quick shots. Also very nice having the reticle full size and illuminated for low light/ no light conditions. I don't intend to be shooting past 250Y when on this magnification. I have the zero set 5 clicks" high at 100Y so I'm GTG even at 250Y. Those 5 clicks are also the required sight in distance to use the LV600 reticle on 10x for holdovers. A quick easy turn all the way to 10x so the reticle values are right and I can holdover to 600Y using the reticle. The 5 and 10 mph marks on the reticle work great for 223 as well.
BTW that 2.5-10 is the only SFP scope I'm using. A few cheap SFP scopes are in the safe not mounted. I haven't got around to selling them. All my other rifles including airguns and 22 rimfires have FFP scopes. I shoot them at what can be considered long distance for the power level and need FFP. It's kinda funny, my 6 ftlb LGB1 air rifle requires 4 mils elevation at 50Y from a 20Y zero. It's not uncommon to hold 2-3 mils of wind to hit stuff either.
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I have used 10x variables for shooting well beyond medium range so I don't think that's what decides to stick with SFP. The two main reasons to stick with SFP for 10x variables is 1. A FFP reticle almost disappears on the low end, and 2. Any time you're shooting far enought that you really need to worry much about wind holds or just using the reticle in general, you will be on 10X anyway.
My opinion and experience as well.
What I've highlighted is exactly why I think you need an FFP. At least as far as any precision shooting is concerned. Often-times in LE situations the range will be very close but still need precise placement. The power will need to be turned down. You still need low power and in some cases higher power. So, 3-9x or 3.5-10/12 and 4-14x don't matter so much. As the power is turned down in an FFP the reticle stays 'attuned' to the power. In a SFP it changes. That's the simple most important difference right there. If your shot will change from it's zero then you have to have a calibrated scale by which to hold with. The SFP scope changes that calibration and you don't have time to work out the calculations. In a split second situation figuring the difference in power/elevation is not acceptable. You need to be able to say "From a 100 yard zero, I need to change to a 300 yd. POI. And, in this case its going to be an added 4.5moa/1.25 mil. Ramp up the power, without losing standard demarcation of the reticle.
Dialing is great when you can do it. With reticles today, you can very accurately switch targets short/long and long/short. As long as the values of the reticle doesn't change.
