Rifle Scopes First vs. Second Focal Plane Help

bacon

Private
Minuteman
Nov 16, 2013
10
0
Hello,

Again, need some help with my ignorance...sigh. Can someone explain the difference between the two for me and what are some examples of scopes I should consider? Thanks folks, I appreciate the help with my new rifle adventure.
 
In short...

FFP- the sub tension values will remain constant regardless of magnification. Which makes holdovers, holdoffs, leads, ranging and measuring a no brainer.

SFP- On only one magnification are sub tension values correct to either a MIL, MOA or IPHY.
 
In short...

FFP- the sub tension values will remain constant regardless of magnification. Which makes holdovers, holdoffs, leads, ranging and measuring a no brainer.

SFP- On only one magnification are sub tension values correct to either a MIL, MOA or IPHY.


+1 also to keep it simple (and not saying I'm 100% right or that this is the way) But for shooting steel in tactical matches the FFP would be your first pick and for hunting the SFP would be your 1st choice. I personally have a FFP on my hunting rifle but I know my way around the FFP scopes. One reason I say what I did first is most people complain that the reticle gets to thick on high zoom on FFP scope but for me its fine. In the end its all what you feel comfortable with.
 
A few other things about SFP - you can make a sub tension any value you want by adjusting the magnification. Supposedly, you can experience a POA-POI shift when changing magnification. I never noticed one with NF.

FFP - sub tensions reach a point of uselessness somewhere towards the lower ?fifth? of the scopes magnification range. What magnification range is usually used at night with clip on devices in front of the day scope? SFP doesn't solve that problem completely, but, you can account for what the sub tensions equal at a specific lower magnification of your choosing... and see them.
 
In short...

FFP- the sub tension values will remain constant regardless of magnification. Which makes holdovers, holdoffs, leads, ranging and measuring a no brainer.

SFP- On only one magnification are sub tension values correct to either a MIL, MOA or IPHY.

Don't know about other scopes, but my SFP IOR 3.5X18X50 has three mags where the reticle measurements work, 1 mil per space @ 5X , 1 mil and 1/2 mil per space @10X, 1moa per space @ 18X.
 
I personally use the IOR Sfp scopes. To me I only see a small advantage on a FFP Scope for unknown range tactical matches that don't allow rangefinders. If a rangefinder is available then I say SFP all the way. For hunting, low light hunting, known range shooting, rangefinder available targets, field target matches, bench rest shooting, the list is endless. Plus you can still range find with a SFP scope on several powers, just not every power. More math to do possibly, slower? Yes a bit, but I still see guys do well in tactical matches with an SFP scope.