Front Focal Plane or Back Focal Plane Scope Reticle???

NJS · #8 06-02-2010, 06:56 AM

FFP scopes were designed in Europe for low light and night time hunting... where higher magnification is used to magnify the available light, not shoot ultra-long ranges... that is the difference. A big bold reticle is great for shooting a wild boar in the moonlight at 100 yards or less at night - not trying to slip a bullet into a elks engine room from one ridge top to another... NJS

royinidaho · #9 06-02-2010, 06:36 PM

I have an older, out of production, Weaver Tactical 4.5-14 with 1/8" clicks.
It is a FFP design.

The optic quality is very good. The 4.5-14 range is also very good.

Even at 4.5 powder any time of day, especially at either end of the day, the reticle is plenty visible enough to discern the point of aim, for my eyes, out towards 900 yds.

Using a reticle to range is setting up for a disappointment both in the field and at the table.

trebark · #10 06-02-2010, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davewilson

i think the first focal plane reticle is over rated. the ONLY advantage it has is the ability to range set on any power. first off, this is a rare thing. 99% of the time, you have enough time to use a range finder. this would be for shots that are far enough to need one. mind you a second focal plane works at one setting, usually the highest magnification power. how long does it take to turn the power to the highest setting. in my experience, not very long.
the drawbacks to a FFP are when you're gonna take that shot in low light, usually fairly close situations. the power is turned down. this is a scenario when you need a bold crosshair, but you don't have that with a FFP. it's at it's smallest. of course the opposite is true when taking that long shot. now you want a small crosshair. but not with a FFP. on the highest power is when it's at it's thickest. again, not a good scenario. a FFP scope has one very small advantage and a couple strong disadvantages. for me, a hunting gun, especially a long range hunting gun, is much better served with a SFP scope.

An FFP reticle in MOA can also be used to call corrections.

davewilson · #11 06-02-2010, 08:26 PM

RBH, you seem to be debating the scope you've chosen. i think it's a great scope. i have a pst on order myself for a long range carry gun. but i ordered a second focal plane. let me know how that FFP works out for ya when you try to line up on a groundhog at 1k.

Rather Be Hunting · #12 06-02-2010, 08:46 PM

Dave:

I'm not really questioning my decision, more trying to confirm that I can do what I am hoping to do with this style of scope (per my previous post).
Not planning on ranging with this scope or popping ground hogs at 1K

.
More lots of paper at various ranges out to 800 meters and hunting deer, elk and moose at all ranges out to 500 meters.

This scope is a considerable expense for me and I want to get the most for the money.
I think it's a huge advantage to be able to choose turret or reticle at any magnification.

Thanx for your input, it is appreciated

.

RBH