Rifle Scopes Advice from Professionals PLZ!

[GrimmRoper]

I am needing to buy another scope. I had a Zeiss Conquest with the Rapid Z 1000 Reticle, but it was canted/ etched wrong. The store I took it back to does not want to return it, but they said I could exchange it. I dont want to go back to the Rapid Z after reading several posts on here about it

The only other scope they have in stock of great quality is a NF 3.5x15x56, with mil reticle. It does not have the zero stop on it.

How important is the zero stop? I can't afford an F1 and I dont really want to put the extra $800 in the NF if it doesn't have a way to accurately return to zero. Also it is a SFP and I am reading on here that SFP is sub-par to FFP. Please tell me the direction I should go. This is driving me nuts, and in turn driving my wife nuts, which makes her mad and its a vicious circle.

I want to shoot 800 to 1000 yards. I have shot out to 550 yards a lot, but now I would like to progress. Please Help! Dont just read this, give me some input! Thanks

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: Advice from Professionals PLZ!

zero stop is handy for night operations and the forgetful....


get the NF

 

[GrimmRoper]

Re: Advice from Professionals PLZ!

How big of a deal is it if its SFP? I am wanting to go to a long range shooting school this fall. Is that going to be a good enough scope?

Not being stupid I know NF rocks for optics, but I have seen a bunch of posts saying how FFP is needed to moving targets, posts, etc

 

[ECHO4]

Re: Advice from Professionals PLZ!

Enough said. Well put BT.

 

[brand692]

Re: Advice from Professionals PLZ!

SFP is not sub par. FFP and SFP have different places. If you are ranging with your reticle to unknown distance targets, then you want a FFP. If you are shooting known distance targets, or you have a range finding device, then I would lead to SFP. The SFP doesn't get huge on high magnification, which allows for better shot placement.

It depends on your use.

BTW, I always go for a scope with zero stop. Its one less thing for me to screw up.

 

[deadly0311]

Re: Advice from Professionals PLZ!

FFP isnt needed for engaging movers. FFP comes in handy for the subtentions of the reticle are the same at all powers through the magnification range. SFP is correct subtentions at a certain power. You will be just fine using the SFP scope.

FFP- 1 mil is 1 mil at any power
SFP- 1 mil is 1 mil at only 1 certain power

both of those statements refer to the reticle

 

[GrimmRoper]

Re: Advice from Professionals PLZ!

I appreciate the feedback. Can the zero stop be added to a scope, or is it something you have to buy from the get go?

 

[GrimmRoper]

Re: Advice from Professionals PLZ!

Also, the turrets on the scope are 1/4 moa adjustment. Can those be upgraded to 1 mil/ .1 mil turrets. I have never owned a NF but I know they can up grade/change a lot of things in their scopes. Thanks again.

 

[One-Eyed Jack]

Re: Advice from Professionals PLZ!

You can still range to UKD targets with a SFP mil dot, but you must do it at a specified magnification (or multiples of it). With a FFP reticle, you can do it at any magnification.

I've heard of people adding the NF zero stop after they purchased the scope, it's just more expensive.

 

[Lindy]

Re: Advice from Professionals PLZ!

FFP vs. SFP is not a ranging issue. Anyone with any sense will range on the maximum possible magnification, if they can.

FFP allows you to use the reticle for wind holds, moving target leads, holdovers, and holdunders at any magnification.

If you don't need to do those things because you shoot stationary known-distance targets with no time pressure, then an FFP scope is not needed.

An SFP scope whose reticle is accurate at the highest power can be used at half power by understanding that a half mil at full power is now one mil at half power.

Another reason for a FFP scope is so you can adjust the power to the best exit pupil for night-vision use, but that doesn't apply to many people.

Zeros stops are handy for people who shoot under time pressure. They are less needed for people who don't - just write down the elevation hashmark for your short-range zero, and tape it to the top of the elevation turret so you don't forget.

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: Advice from Professionals PLZ!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lindy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">FFP vs. SFP is not a ranging issue. Anyone with any sense will range on the maximum possible magnification, if they can.

FFP allows you to use the reticle for wind holds, moving target leads, holdovers, and holdunders at any magnification.

</div></div>

Of course, the whole post of Lindy's is spot on, I just think that the quoted part bears repeating!

If I have to choose, I would take FFP (or fixed)/non-zero stop over SFP/zero stop. But then again, I'm by no means a professional.....

 

[GrimmRoper]

Re: Advice from Professionals PLZ!

Hey Everyone, I really appreciate the info and feedback. I am gonna put the extra money out and go with the NF.

You guys are awesome, I'm not kidding. This has kept me pre-occupied for days!