Rifle Scopes FFP or SFP

[wapiti16b]

What's your opinions regarding FFP and SFP for hunting applications with a quality range finder ?
I'm planning on purchasing the G7 range finder and will use it for long range hunting and wonder if the money saved with a SFP scope is worth the off-set of a FFP scope !
I'm on a budget and can only spend 3,000.00 or so depending on how much I can get for a few guns I have for sale .
I'm foremost a hunter and shoot at long range targets for fun and practice , do I really need a FFP scope ?

 

[PlinkIt]

seems like its up to your preference in how to use the scope..

you can use a fixed power scope and accomplish impressive long range shots..

especially given you are planning on using a range finder to calculate distance..

I am sure you can get someone to chime in on how to use a high end scope for ranging shots without even needing the range finder(considering your budget for glass is 3g you could get a very capable scope and learn to do great things with it)..

still falls back to how you want to use it.. what you like is what you will like to use.. if you learn the rifle and the scope and the capabilities of both you will be capable with it no matter ffp sfp or fixed power..

 

[Millionaire]

FFP for long range

 

[WaveNature]

First focal plane reticles don't give you much of an advantage over sfp as far as using them for range estimation goes. What they give you is a consistent point of aim if you adjust the magnification.

For long range hunting, you will want the best laser you can afford regardless of whether your scope is ffp or sfp. Relying on a reticle as your primary means of range estimation for long range hunting would be ill advised.

 

[BobinNC]

Whenever ranges are unknown and/or vary between close and very far, such as found in hunting situations or tactical rifle comps, FFP will always be superior to SFP. This trade off in price is always worth the price of admission.

For close targets that require speed and long range targets at known distances, that don't move, SFP is a good compromise with few trade offs.

 

[Matno]

How far do you plan to shoot? I like to ring steel at ranges much longer than I would ever comfortably shoot at large game. I would not shoot a deer or elk at more than 400 yards (and probably less unless conditions were ideal), so the FFP is basically totally unnecessary for me. Especially with a range finder. If you're going to be hunting at ranges that require you to accurately and significantly adjust your holdover, the FFP could come in handy.

 

[nfoley]

The short answer to your question is no - you do not need FFP to hunt/shoot long range.
Do a search here and you will find a ton of information on FFP vs SFP

 

[BobinNC]

The short answer to your question is no - you do not need FFP to hunt/shoot long range.
Do a search here and you will find a ton of information on FFP vs SFP

I don't think the question the OP actually asked is whether he needs FFP to go hunt/shoot long range. He's trying to save money, which is never a bad thing.

With the advent of inexpensive FFP scopes like SWFA's 3-9x42mm and 3-15x42mm, Burris's XTR II line, Bushnell's Tactical Elite's 3-12x44mm, Vortex FFP PST's, all of which feature FFP and are sub $1k, just to name a few. When you expand your search into the under $2k scope market to find even more and better scope choices. Plus there are many excellent sub-1K$ Range finders, from Leica and Zeiss and Bushnell just to name a few.

The question becomes how can you not buy FFP, if you can afford to spend an upwards of 3k$ on scope and rangefinder?

That being said, given the OP's budget. I myself would rather spend $500. on a range finder and $2500. on a scope.

 

[mdesign]

I made the switch to FFP a few years back and really liked the consistent reticle especially for wind holds at any power. My scope cost me under $1K and I use a range finder as my primary source of finding range but like to practice with using my reticle as well. If your hunting conditions dictate that you might be shooting at low power in low light in the brush or trees, I would suggest getting a scope with illumination. This will keep your crosshair from getting lost in the branches because when you turned down your FFP down to 3 or 4 power and the crosshair became very fine. Manufactures of FFP scopes must try to find a balance between range of power and crosshair thickness.

Turning the power up on a FFP is very useful and significantly benefits open country hunting but turning it down and then having to kill an animal in the timber can be a game changer unless you know what is going to happen to your crosshair and practice accordingly. This hunting situation is the main reason illumination is a useful discussion.

Also, as my vision aged, I started to notice that it became very difficult for me to focus the reticle on some FFP scopes. Nothing wrong with the scope but I ran out of adjustment going in before the reticle was focused. Never have this issue on SFP scopes and it might be because of differences in where the reticle is located in the scope. Kind of a bummer but the lesser of the evil between that and getting glasses. So make sure the scope you get works for you.

 

[MJY65]

It's interesting how the pendulum has swung on this subject over the past few years. I'm old enough to remember when "non-magnifying reticle" (SFP) was considered a selling point on quality hunting scopes. The reasons were exactly what mdesign has outlined above. For hunting, FFP really has the apparent size of the reticle backwards from what you would want at long and short range. Certainly, there are strong points with both systems. It's just another argument that ultimately comes down to personal preference and will never be solved.

 

[wapiti16b]

The range finder I plan on using is the G7BR2 and it will set me back1,500 or so , that limits me to a 1,500 dollar scope unless I can control myself and hold out a little longer . I'm shooting a Sako 300 WM with 210g Berger VLDs which have enough energy out to 800 yards according to the charts I've referenced . I'm thinking about a variable power scope with a magnification of at least 22X and am considering the SS scope from SWFA or the XTR II from Burris or to save a few $$$ s the Vortex PST for FFP scopes . I'd like some SFP scope choices from everyone in case I go that route .
Thanks !

 

[nfoley]

I don't think the question the OP actually asked is whether he needs FFP to go hunt/shoot long range. He's trying to save money, which is never a bad thing.

Actually that is the exact question he asked. "Do I really need FFP scope?" - last line of his post.

Personally I prefer SFP for hunting scopes. But that is only my preference. Certainly I have not felt using a quality SFP scope has handicapped me in the field.

I would look at the Nightforce NXS 5.5-22 as a serious option. They can be found used here for good deals.