What is a First Focal Plane Scope? FFP scope is a rifle scope that can change the size of the reticle as you change the power setting on the scope. This is in contrast to a second focal plane scope, which keeps the reticle at a fixed size regardless of the power setting.
Many shooters feel that FFP scopes offer more advantages than SFP scopes and are worth the extra money. In this blog post, we will discuss what makes a first focal plane scope so special and why you might want one for your next hunting or shooting trip!
Magnification and Reticle Theory
When you look through a rifle scope, the image you see is magnified. This means that the object you are looking at appears larger than it does when you look at it with your naked eye.
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The amount of magnification that a rifle scope provides is measured in terms of power. A higher power rating means that the image will be magnified more than a scope with a lower power rating.
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The size of the reticle on a rifle scope is also important to consider. The reticle is the part of the scope that you use to aim your rifle. Some reticles are thicker than others, and some are adjustable so that you can make them thicker or thinner depending on your preferences.
When you change the power setting on a first focal plane scope, the size of the reticle also changes. This is in contrast to a second focal plane scope, which keeps the reticle at a fixed size regardless of the power setting.
What to Look for in a First Focal Plane Scope?
When looking for a first focal plane scope, there are certain factors you need to keep in mind. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Magnification range: This is the range of zoom available on the scope. It’s important to choose one that will cover the distances you plan to shoot.
- Reticle type: The reticle is the aiming point on the scope. There are several different types available, so be sure to choose one that will be suitable for your needs.
- Eye relief: This is how far away from the eyepiece your eye can be and still see the image. It’s important to choose a scope with good eye relief, especially if you wear glasses.
- Turret type: The turrets are the knobs on the scope that allow you to adjust the magnification and elevation. Choose one with a turret type that you feel comfortable using.
- Weight: This is not as important of a factor as some of the others, but it’s still something to keep in mind. You don’t want a scope that’s too heavy to carry around with you.
Budget
A budget scope is the most basic and affordable type of rifle scope. It is a fixed magnification scope with a single power level, usually between three and nine times magnification.
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A budget scope will generally have a lower quality lens and construction than more expensive scopes but still offers good performance for the price.
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These scopes are ideal for shooters on a tight budget who are looking for an affordable way to improve their accuracy at medium to long ranges.
Activity
A first focal plane scope is a rifle scope that keeps the reticle in the same position on the eyepiece no matter how you adjust the power. This means that as you increase or decrease magnification, the size of the reticle stays the same.
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This is important for long-range shooting because it allows you to accurately measure your target size and distance.
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First focal plane scopes are also often called “variable power” scopes because they have a range of adjustable magnification levels.
First focal plane scopes are becoming increasingly popular with long-range shooters because they offer more flexibility and accuracy than other types of scopes. If you’re looking for a new rifle scope, be sure to consider a first focal plane model!
Magnification
First focal plane scopes are designed to maintain the same magnification regardless of how much you zoom in or out. This is in contrast to second focal plane scopes, which can change their magnification as you adjust the zoom.
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This feature can be important for certain types of shooting, like long-range target practice or hunting. When you’re trying to hit a small target at a great distance, maintaining the same level of magnification can be crucial for success.
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But first focal plane scopes aren’t just for long shots; they can also be helpful when you need to shoot quickly and accurately. Since the magnification doesn’t change, you don’t have to worry about adjusting your aim every time you switch from short-range targets to far-away ones.
So, if you’re looking for a scope that can handle any shooting situation, a first focal plane scope may be the right choice for you. Be sure to do your research and find the model that’s perfect for your needs.
Illuminated Reticles
There are two types of illuminated reticles: those that are powered by a battery and those that are self-illuminating. Battery-powered reticles are generally brighter and allow you to choose between different colors, while self-illuminating reticles rely on fiber optics or tritium to light up the crosshairs in low-light conditions. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to decide which is best for you before making a purchase.
Glass-etched VS Wire Reticles
When you are looking at a scope, the first thing you will likely see is either a glass-etched reticle or a wire reticle. Both of these have their pros and cons, but which one is best for you?
Glass-etched reticles are etched into the glass of the scope, making them very durable. They also tend to be more precise because they are not as susceptible to recoil or movement as wire reticles are. However, they can be harder to see in low-light conditions.
Wire reticles are less durable than glass-etched ones, but they are easier to see in low light conditions. They also tend to be less expensive than glass-etched reticles.
Once you’ve considered these factors, you’ll be able to choose the right first focal plane scope for your needs.
Recommended first focal plane scope to use:
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25X50 FFP EBR-2C MRAD
What are the pros of the first focal plane?
One of the biggest benefits of the first focal plane scopes is that the reticle remains in proportion to the target no matter what magnification you are using. This is important for two reasons.
- First, it allows you to accurately range find and judge windage and elevation adjustments no matter what power you are using.
- Second, it allows you to use the reticle as a holdover or lead indicator for targets at different distances.
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For example, if you are zeroed at 100 yards with a 200-yard holdover marked on your reticle, the crosshairs will still be on the target when you magnify your image up to 20x. This can be a real advantage in tactical situations where time is of the essence.
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When you change the magnification on a scope, the image seen through the scope is magnified or reduced. This is true for both FFP and SFP scopes.
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However, with an SFP scope, the size of the reticle does not change. This can be a problem because, at high power settings, the reticle can become so small that it is difficult to see.
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With an FFP scope, the reticle will always be the same size as your target, regardless of the power setting on the scope. This makes it much easier to hit your target!
In addition to making it easier to hit your target, first focal plane scopes offer other benefits as well. Because the reticle grows and shrinks with the image, it is possible to use the reticle as a range finder. Simply line up the target with the reticle and read the distance on the side of the scope. This can be very helpful in hunting situations where you need to know how far away your target is.
First focal plane scopes are also great for tactical applications. Since the reticle grows and shrinks with the image, it is easy to keep track of your target no matter what magnification setting you are using. This can be critical in situations where every second counts!
Overall, first focal plane scopes offer many advantages over second focal plane scopes. If you are looking for a new rifle scope, make sure to consider a first focal plane model!
The Shooter’s Guide to First-Focal-Plane Scopes
First focal plane scopes are popular among long-range shooters because they provide more accurate measurements for estimating distance. They are also popular for use in competitive shooting, where target sizes can vary significantly.
The Long View
First focal plane scopes are a great option for long-range shooting. Unlike second focal plane scopes, the reticle in a first focal plane scope remains the same size no matter what magnification you’re using. This makes it easy to keep track of your target’s position and make adjustments as needed.
Aim for the Middle
A first focal plane scope is a riflescope in which the reticle remains in the same place relative to the target regardless of the magnification. This is in contrast to a second focal plane scope, in which the reticle changes size with different magnifications, making it harder to use at higher magnifications.
For this reason, first focal plane scopes are often preferred by long-range shooters. This can be helpful when taking long-range shots, as you can keep your target in the same spot on the reticle and make adjustments based on how far away it is.
What Are the Main Differences between First Vs Second Focal Planes?
A first focal plane scope maintains the size of the reticle (crosshairs) relative to the target, regardless of magnification. This is important for rangefinding and ballistic calculations.
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A second focal plane scope will shrink or grow in size as you change magnification, making it difficult to use for precise ranged shooting.
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First focal plane scopes are typically more expensive than second focal plane scopes, but they offer several advantages that may make them worth the investment. If you plan to do a lot of long-range shooting, a first focal plane scope is probably the best option for you.
Most Common Reticle Types
There are three main types of reticles: duplex, MIL-DOT, and Horus.
- The duplex reticle is the most common type. It has a simple crosshair design with thicker lines at the center that thin out as they reach the edge of the scope’s viewing area. This type of reticle is good for general-purpose shooting and offers an easy way to adjust your aim point.
- The MIL-DOT reticle was designed for military use and offers ballistic compensation features. The Mil (military) unit of measurement is used to calculate bullet drop, so shooters can accurately hit their target even at long distances. The dots in this type of reticle are spaced one millimeter apart and there is a Mil-Dot scale on the side of the scope to help you determine your adjustments.
- The Horus reticle is a more advanced type that offers even more ballistic compensation features than the MIL-DOT reticle. This type of reticle uses hash marks and dots to help shooters accurately hit targets at long distances. There are also windage and elevation indicators to help you make further adjustments. Many shooters find the Horus reticle to be too complicated for general use, but it can be very useful in certain situations.
Which type of reticle is best for you will depend on your individual shooting needs and preferences. Try out several different types of scopes with different types of reticles to find what works best for you.
Primary Uses
First Focal Plane Scope:
- is primarily used for long-range shooting. When the magnification is increased, the crosshairs stay in the same place on the target as the image gets bigger. This allows you to make accurate shots at long distances.
- are also great for hunting. They allow you to quickly and easily adjust your aim depending on how far away your target is.
- are perfect for tactical situations where precision is key. Whether you’re shooting at a hostage-taker or trying to take out an enemy sniper, a first focal plane scope will help you get the job done.
Second Focal Plane Scope:
- used for long-range hunting and shooting. The reticle in a second focal plane scope remains the same size regardless of the power setting, making it easier to make precise shots at extended ranges.
- are also popular among tactical shooters and precision rifle competitors.
Conclusion
A first focal plane scope is a great option for shooters who want the ability to range targets and adjust their turrets simultaneously. These scopes are also favored by long-range shooters because of their ability to provide accurate measurements at all magnifications. If you’re looking for a high-quality rifle scope that will help you take your shooting skills to the next level, then a first focal plane scope may be the right choice for you.
Now that you know all about the first focal plane scopes, it’s time to decide which one is right for you. Do some research online or at your local gun shop and find the perfect model for your needs. With so many options available, there’s sure to be one that fits your budget and shooting style.
Did you find this article helpful? If so, please share it with your friends and family, and be sure to check out our other articles on everything optics-related. If you’re still not sure whether a first focal plane scope is right for you, contact us today and we’ll be happy to help. Thanks for reading! Happy shooting!
