POI Change with 2nd Focal Plane scopes

[arthurj]

Hey guys,
I am a few months away from buying a new scope and I am wondering if it is worth switching to a first focal plane reticle. I have never performed a thorough test of a second focal plane scope to try and detect an impact change at different magnification settings but I guess I should. Have you guys documented a noticeable change in impact at different magnifications? I have read that with the reticle on the first focal plane the possibility of this problem is greatly reduced. I am trying to decide between a nightforce and a schmidt and bender. I'll say one thing I don't like about FFP scopes is the increasing size of the reticle as magnification is increased. I tend to like a very fine point of aim. Everyone here has done a whole lot more shooting than me, so what are your thoughts?

Thanks

 

[Tony Shankle]

I have owned and used both and now I only buy second focal plane. I can't take that growing reticle so I sold my USO's, S&B's and have been strickly NightForce for a long time. In the high quality glass you will have a hard time telling the difference in POI but you will darn sure notice that reticle growing like a bad bite of something you just can't swallow.

BTW, NightForce also makes some first focal plane scopes...not sure why. Laser rangefinders work so well now and they are so cheap, I can't undertand the ranging arguement from the first focal plane guys.

 

[Greg Culpepper]

Tony,

In a military situation, a laser rangefinder will identify your position to even rudimentary infrared sensors so passive rangefinding has its place. However, sod poodles haven't discovered this yet.

Greg

 

[Big Al]

Could it be that European shooters are just stupid about the use of FFP scopes? I really like my S&B FFP scopes with the FFP, but then I only hunt with them and don't use them for formal paper punching. The increase in size of the reticule with increase magnification. None of my for fun scopes have the FFP, but if I had the 3K to toss down for a FFP fun scope I would not let it bother me. Funny to me that when I want to kill something this just does not need to apply cause it really does not mean squat.

 

[Tony Shankle]

Tony,

In a military situation, a laser rangefinder will identify your position to even rudimentary infrared sensors so passive rangefinding has its place. However, sod poodles haven't discovered this yet.

Greg

Good point Greg and I can see the value of a Horus on a FFP in that situation but we are not in that situation. And even then I can dial that NXS down to 22 and still range my target. So, the SFP will do both and on top of that still have to ability to be fine enough to shoot groups from the bench.

 

[vinny]

I have several Nightforce BR's and NXS's as well a USO SN-9 10-42x. My experience has been, as you crank up the power on the USO the target grows as the cross hairs grow so if the x hairs cover 10% of the target at 10 power it covers 10% of the target at 42 power. I have used this scope on multiple 16" gongs from 350 yards out to 1200 yards and it doesn't matter if I'm at 10 or 42 it all looks the same and they all go BONG when you hit them.

 

[Greg Culpepper]

Tony,

I'm right there with you. I've grown up with SFP glass and prefer them as you do for target and most hunting type stuff. I've never been and don't anticipate ever being in a situation where an active ranging device would compromise anything. I was just offering an explanation for the utility or appeal of that type scope to one group or another (the dangerous men or those that need to feel dangerous).

I've got one FFP scope, a Kahle 1.5-6 with a very heavy post and crosshair setup. I like it also but for fast work up close or in very low light situations, not fine work at a distance. The Horus system doesn't apply to anything I do, just a lot of clutter.

Greg