Hello to all. This is my first post. So forgive me in advance of this has been discussed before. I am looking for the advantages or disadvantages from a second focal plane scope. I will be using my scope strictly for deer hunting and not target shooting. I use my rangefinder for all shots on any living animal. I understand it first focal plane‘s are great for arranging targets as the radical stays the same throughout the magnification range. I guess my main question is if I see a deer at 275 Yards and have a 3-15 power scope Can I just range the deer and shoot at 5x. 7x, etc.. and the impact be the same? I am new and will seek some help with wind reading etc... but just wanted to get started on the right foot in regards to scope choice. I was thinking Nightforce SHV or Viper PST since I can get a good deal on one. Honestly I’ll probably never shoot past 400 yards (with lots of practice in the upcoming off season). Thanks all
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Rifle Scopes Scope choice for deer hunting occasionally dialing range
- Thread starter Punchy123
- Start date
A second focal plane scope will have a fixed reticle size regardless of zoom. A first focal plane scope reticle size will change based on the zoom but the scope markings will always represent the same change in windage or elevation. Second focal plane reticles can be easier to see when zoomed out in low light times of day, and if you can't see your reticle you can't make a shot and you lose that opportunity.
Either scope will suffice. I would go ffl with a good ranging reticle! I never dial in hunting situation . That’s just me though. I won’t shoot deer size animal past 600.
With a 2nd focal plane scope, the subtensions of the reticle that are used for hold overs and wind correction will only be accurate at 1 power setting, usually the max power. So if your using the scope on 5x or 7x power you will need to dial any elevation or windage correction using the turrets, unless the animal’s distance is within the max point blank range of your rifle.
Some great hunting scopes here f1 and f2
For normal deer hunting I think second focal plane would be preferred. The reticle is easier to see at lower magnifications and if the deer is far enough to warrant dialing or holding, you will have time to dial and or will be at max magnification where the sub-tensions of the reticle are correct.
For normal deer hunting I think second focal plane would be preferred. The reticle is easier to see at lower magnifications and if the deer is far enough to warrant dialing or holding, you will have time to dial and or will be at max magnification where the sub-tensions of the reticle are correct.
At that range and for deer or other like animals, go SFP. No brainer. Depending on what type of reticle and caliber, you may be able to get away with using the reticle hash marks. Some scopes have hash marks that you can use to mark ranges. Not a BDC reticle but kind of.
My pure hunting rifles, I use Leupold VX3is or VX 5 HDs with the CDS dial. The CDS dials will work spot on if you do your work and do it correctly.
At the price you are looking at, I would definitely choose a Leupold VX 5 HD.
My pure hunting rifles, I use Leupold VX3is or VX 5 HDs with the CDS dial. The CDS dials will work spot on if you do your work and do it correctly.
At the price you are looking at, I would definitely choose a Leupold VX 5 HD.
I have a VX 5 HD 3-15x44 excellent hunting scope, also have zeiss conquest v4 3-12x56 both are amazing in different ways. Can't go wrong with either IMO.
Thanks Poorboy. Do you use the Leupold 5hd much for dialing? If so how does she track. Repeatability etc...? I know I’ll have to do some extended practicing but want to make the right choice out of the gate. Also does Zeiss have a good warranty like the Leupolds? Thanks for the advice. Truthfully a lot of my shots are 50 yards but every year it seams I see a big boy out there around the 350 yard mark, but I never shot that far so I didn’t want to wound him.
The CDS dials on the Leupolds' are pretty much idiot proof. Leupold makes the custom dials for you. You just need to supply the correct information to them. <--- This is key!
I've never had any problems with Leupolds, either one. I've taken them out to 1000 yards and back numerous times. No issues with the turrets.
Shooting targets / paper is much different than hunting. Everyone has their own limits. I have set distances I won't shoot past when hunting with either a rifle or bow. If you want to shoot far, you need to practice a lot and a lot with the same rifle. Practicing with the same rifle is key. Know the rifle you are going to use. Every rifle is different and just because it's the same caliber does not make it the same.
Depending on where you plan to hunt makes a difference also. Good luck
I've never had any problems with Leupolds, either one. I've taken them out to 1000 yards and back numerous times. No issues with the turrets.
Shooting targets / paper is much different than hunting. Everyone has their own limits. I have set distances I won't shoot past when hunting with either a rifle or bow. If you want to shoot far, you need to practice a lot and a lot with the same rifle. Practicing with the same rifle is key. Know the rifle you are going to use. Every rifle is different and just because it's the same caliber does not make it the same.
Depending on where you plan to hunt makes a difference also. Good luck
Zeiss warranty is transferable and unlimited; they even offer a 5 year no fault warranty. That being said I have never had to use it (which i'd consider a positive). Most high end scopes offer good lifetime transferable warranty's segment is extremely competitive.
I have been having the same conversation in my head for my 7mm RM which I do enjoy shooting steel out to 1000 but want it to be my elk rifle. I've been going between the SHV for the reliable turrets or the VX-5HD for the glass and I just can't make up my mind. Any thoughts on the VX-5HD CDS turrets dialing out to 1000 yards accurately? Any hunters have complaints on SHV 5-20x image quality at twilight?
A. If you zero your rifle to be dead on at 200 yards (the proverbial 2” high at 100) then if you have a 275 yard shot your bullet will drop maybe 5-6” at 275. Just aim a little higher above the boiler room and it will drop in nicely.
B.If you are using said rifle and may get a 400yard shot, you will typically have time to range and dial. If the deeris moving too quickly to range, dial and shoot then in most instances it’s probably moving too fast to shoot at that distance anyway.
C. Or you could go with a hunting scope like the Leupold Boone & Crockett or LR duplex with the dots, zero at 200, first dot down would be around 300, second dot down would be around 400. Pretty simple to use.
D. A decent 3-9x40 or 3-10x42 works great out to 400 yards. 10 power at 400 yards is like seeing the deer with the naked eye at 40 yards.
B.If you are using said rifle and may get a 400yard shot, you will typically have time to range and dial. If the deeris moving too quickly to range, dial and shoot then in most instances it’s probably moving too fast to shoot at that distance anyway.
C. Or you could go with a hunting scope like the Leupold Boone & Crockett or LR duplex with the dots, zero at 200, first dot down would be around 300, second dot down would be around 400. Pretty simple to use.
D. A decent 3-9x40 or 3-10x42 works great out to 400 yards. 10 power at 400 yards is like seeing the deer with the naked eye at 40 yards.
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Lack of experience with hunting scopes, I've been using FFP tactical scopes exclusively.
Leica magnus i 2.4 x 16 56mm.
SFP with BDC illuminated reticle.
27 oz. And best glass around.
SFP with BDC illuminated reticle.
27 oz. And best glass around.
I have a Leupold vx-6hd 3-18x50 and it is a great hunting scope that dials with perfect. Great at dusk and dawn, light in weight and plenty of elevation. Mine has the impact 29 with illumination from the custom shop, which allows for easy hold over or dialing.
