FFP When Used to SFP

[leclairk]

How much will it mess me up to buy a FFP scope when I have only used and own SFP (5+ years). I really like the Leupold Mark 5 but it’s only offered in FFP. Truth be told I don’t really use the reticle for shot correction. If I’m half a target width to the right on my first shot then I shoot half a target width to the left for my second shot. I’m more of a hunter than a benchrest or match shooter. Can I use both types interchangeably?

 

[KY_Windage]

You can get used to a wife that beats you every night when you get home, but I don't see the point. FFP is great for the folks who find it important that their reticle be synched to their turrets, but I can't stand the thick crosshairs at high power and the "ball of twine" cluttering the middle of my picture when I am scanning for targets on low power. I would look at NF ATACR or some other SFP scope with great glass.

 

[olddav]

Have you looked through the scope? The main difference between FFP & SFP (visually) is the changing of the reticle with changes in magnification. If you do not find it distracting then how you use the info (provided by the reticle) is up to you.

 

[CharlieNC]

Compare the reticle subtension size to the size of the target you want to shoot. You may find the ffp reticle is too thick.

 

[rebelyell]

You can use both interchangeably, but I wouldn't suggest it. It's easier for me to keep things straight only using one type of scope. It's a whole mindset change for me and too much to keep up with in a rapidly changing environment. If you're taking all of your shots at max magnification, then I wouldn't worry about a FFP scope.

FFP really came around because of the need to take long and short shots repeatedly and quickly. It's more of a tactical advantage developed for the military and removes a lot of thinking from taking a shot at 150yds then going immediately to 400.

 

[jepp2]

Can I use both types interchangeably?

I do, but for different purposes.

For big game I like a SFP since I may shoot in low light at minimum power. Those condition the FFP is hard to see.

For prairie dogs I only shoot FFP scopes. Once I know my holds for the wind, I don't want to have to learn them again just because I reduce the power when the mirage kicks up mid day. Same hold for any power setting. This is the reticle I use on prairie dogs.

 

[leclairk]

Glad I asked you guys. I hadn’t considered the thick crosshairs when using a FFP scope. I have not looked through one. Sounds like that should be my first step. Thick crosshairs would drive me nuts! Looks like I’m down to NF or Swaro. I love my S&B but it’s just too heavy for packing around when I’m hunting.

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

Glad I asked you guys. I hadn’t considered the thick crosshairs when using a FFP scope. I have not looked through one. Sounds like that should be my first step. Thick crosshairs would drive me nuts! Looks like I’m down to NF or Swaro. I love my S&B but it’s just too heavy for packing around when I’m hunting.

Not so fast, young man.

SFP is great for certain things but FFP has undeniable advantages in many circumstances. For competition or target shooting on a square KD range, SFP rules. For shooting at various unkown distances, FFP have their place. The design of more modern reticles used in FFP riflescopes have been enhanced to be very appropriate throughout the zoom ratio.

Don't tell anyone, let's keep this a secret between us, but and friend and I recently designed an FFP reticle for an upcoming March scope with a 6.2X zoom ratio. It's fun to see the perspective of the reticle change as you zoom in and out. March also has FFP reticles for even higher zoom ratios like 8X and even 10X and the reticles are quite advanced; as the power increases the reticle changes.

 

[FeMan]

I use both. For PRS/NRL field matches, the FFP is a must. I have FFP scopes on all my comp rifles and most of my hunting rifles too. I bought a NF NX8 recently (4-32 ffp) for a LR hunting rifle and the reticle on that gets so tiny at low magnification (like below 8 power) it's very dicey. The reticle is illuminated for low light but I still don't like how fine it gets at low power. My other ffp scopes I have on hunting rifles have 3x to 5x between low and high power and are much more usable for hunting. Unless you are going to use the reticle for hold overs or hold offs, I think the ffp will be a distraction for you.