Rifle Scopes SFP or FFP for my shooting - Opinions

[MAG00]

Alright, I have searched and read about second focal plane versus first focal plane now and I think I understanbd it now. However, I am still a little up in the air as to which way I want to go. I was curious as to ya'lls opinions based upon my shooting and rifles. Here is my basic info:

<span style="text-decoration: underline">Basic Info</span>
- I don't currently shoot competitions.
- I do have a range finder, but as you know sometimes when hunting you don't have the opportunity to use it.
- Scope will be variable power with min. 15x max with 50mm obj
- I think with a mil dot scope, I would like to use the the markings for hold overs. So with this in mind I think I lean towards the FFP

<span style="text-decoration: underline">Rifles & General Uses</span>
Rem 700 5R .223:
- Mainly for fun target shooting, plinking and maybe a little hunting.
- Will be shooting anywhere from 50 yds out to as far as I have access (maybe 400-500 yds.
- I think with this rig I will be playing trying to see how well I can shoot small target at distance (i.e. training, practice for longe range and challenging myself etc.)

Rem 700 Custom buid 300 win mag:
- Mainly for hunting long range
- Maybe a little target or playing (i.e. practice for longe range and challenging myself)

What is ya'lls thought or recommendations based upon my info?

I appreciate any help. Thanks.

 

[jschroed]

Re: SFP or FFP for my shooting - Opinions

Shooting longer distances you most likely will be on max magnification. A scope in SFP with Moa/mil Subtensions accurate at max power will serve you well.

 

[Icallem]

Re: SFP or FFP for my shooting - Opinions

SFP you run the risk of not having it on the correct power setting when you think you do.

FFP your risk is in a hunting setting you need it on a lower power (low light time of day) and then the reticial is to small to see.

That said, I have both and for just playing and having a LRF, I would spend the additional money somewhere else.

I'm unsure what you mean by not being able to use the LRF, but if you mean time wise, well for me, if I didn't have time for the LRF, I sure would not have time to range in the scope. Now that is just me. YMMV

 

[BoilerUP]

Re: SFP or FFP for my shooting - Opinions

I have a Bushnell Elite 4200 Tactical 6-24x50 FFP, and a Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44 SFP. The Bushnell is on a 260, the Vortex on a 223.

For the shooting I have done (which sounds similar to your uses), I haven't been left wishing for FFP on the Vortex. With "only" 15x magnification and the reticle subtended for that magnification, I've found once I set up on target 100yd or further away, I don't change the setting and haven't felt limited out to 650yd.

I kind of think of it as a 15x fixed power scope, with the ability to use less magnification when it suits me; I treat a Weaver 3-10x the same way.

If I did lots of UKD shooting, on the other hand, I'd probably want FFP on all my rifles.

 

[WKR]

Re: SFP or FFP for my shooting - Opinions

I use both and a LRF as well and I like SFP better, I use it on on any magnification without any issues, the FFP ( 4-16x50 ) I mostly use it above 6x magnification because the reticle looks so small below that

 

[sawman556]

Re: SFP or FFP for my shooting - Opinions

I like SFP as well. You can still range. Take a NF 5.5-22 . You can range at 22x, 11x and 5.5x. You just have to do some simple math.

 

[MAG00]

Re: SFP or FFP for my shooting - Opinions

I think general speaking I would be fine with the SFP. I was just thinking that if I had referenced mil dots to specific yardages (hold over) that the FFP might be better since it wouldn't change with magnification.

This is given that I understand the differences in SFP and FFP correctly.

However, I guess if I had my marks referenced with yardage and magnification I could do the same (reference card accompanying rifle on stock pack, sling or other).

I am just learning all of this so I appreciate the help and patience. I figure I have to start somewhere.

 

[TRAAV]

Re: SFP or FFP for my shooting - Opinions

I use all FFP just so I don't have to take the chance of not being on the correct magnification or doing and math on the half power. As you know it's sometimes hard to run your optics on max magnification in the field in hunting situations.

 

[WhiskeyWebber]

Re: SFP or FFP for my shooting - Opinions

For 50yds to 500yds why not just go with a HD fixed 10x?

and then you can tell the FFP & SFP to STFU

 

[Aqua Mark]

Re: SFP or FFP for my shooting - Opinions

Here is an article you may enjoy.
http://demigodllc.com/articles/intro-long-range-rifle-scopes/

For your application a fixed 10x may work great, the only downside would be scanning in the field or tracking a mover in close (hunting situations).

I have gone from SFP to FFP for all the long rifles, and I will never look back....

Once you get your dope set up for the .223, you can print out these free downloads and do your come-ups, wind, and reticle holds for different (dens) altitudes:
http://www.stormtactical.com/stu.htm

 

[MAG00]

Re: SFP or FFP for my shooting - Opinions

I appreciate all the replies thus far. Right now I think I am leaning towards the FFP.