Scope question?

[Changeling]

When I see scopes listed for sale or people talking about them, no one hardly ever says whether the scope is a 1st or 2nd focal plane.
Can someone please explain why they don't say what it is, 1st or 2nd plain?

 

[jlow]

It's because they figure if you are buying you know... If you don't, it is easy to just Google it...

 

[Dusty Stevens]

And because if you know you need one or the other youll know which ones are which. If you dont have a specific need like 99.9% of the scope owners who dont even know which one they have it doesnt make a difference- its not like a vx3 leupold is offered in both planes

 

[Changeling]

If I go by that reasoning people shouldn't bother about giving a rifle caliber either!

I've been involved around shooting my whole life, but I don't know what all scopes are first or second FP and see no reason why I are anyone else would be expected to know.

Maybe you're right, I should ask on another website.

 

[jlow]

Of course, there is also the most common reason - laziness... It's the same reason why people pose question on the board but don't bother to give enough details for people to help them. Generally that happens more than 50% of the time so why would selling scope be any reason. Not condoning it, just pointing it out.

 

[MGYSGT]

You all, have typed enough in your answers, to have answered his question may times over. Why not just answer it? I personally don't know the answer or I would give it to him. Why are you being so hard on this guy????????????????????? Maybe you don't know the answer.

Tom

 

[M-61]

Simplest answer is:
1st focal plane the reticle increases in size as the power is turned up.
2nd focal plane the reticle stays the same size regardless of power.
Using the range finding feature the nod goes to the 1st FP as it will be accurate at any power.
On a 2nd FP there will be one dot on the power adjustment which is the only place where the range indicated is accurate.
I would say that shooting bench rest at known distance targets the feature is unneeded and the increase in reticle size may be enough so as to not allow you a particular place to hold on the target that you like.
I am sure others know a zillion other differences but as I said this is the simplest answer.

I just re-read the OP's question. I would have no idea why sellers don't list this feature.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

If I go by that reasoning people shouldn't bother about giving a rifle caliber either!

I've been involved around shooting my whole life, but I don't know what all scopes are first or second FP and see no reason why I are anyone else would be expected to know.

Maybe you're right, I should ask on another website.

Hard to list every detail. Usually if it is FFP, folks will say it is FFP. If it is SFP, really no reason to say. Like said before. Google it! I always research everything before i buy. I want to know how many revolutions are on a turret, how much elevation adjustment is has, and read reviews. To rely on a sellers post alone for all the information is foolishness

 

[hogpatrol]

Myself, I just assume those looking at the ad are knowledgeable enough to know whether a particular scope is one or the other. That's not much help for a newbie, though.

 

[SS427]

I would say because the vast majority of scopes are second focal plane. If it is a first focal plane, then it is usually noted.

 

[hogpatrol]

I would say because the vast majority of scopes are first focal plane. If it is a second focal plane, then it is usually noted.

I'll assume it's a typo but it's the other way around.

When I see scopes listed for sale or people talking about them, no one hardly ever says whether the scope is a 1st or 2nd focal plane.
Can someone please explain why they don't say what it is, 1st or 2nd plain?

Go to any scope website, Leupold, Burris, Sightron, etc. and look at the specs for any scope. I doubt you'll see a plane spec unless it is FFP.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I would say because the vast majority of scopes are first focal plane. If it is a second focal plane, then it is usually noted.

Yeah that comment is bass-ackwards.

 

[SS427]

Yep...fixed the original post.

 

[Cold Bore]

And because if you know you need one or the other youll know which ones are which. If you dont have a specific need like 99.9% of the scope owners who dont even know which one they have it doesnt make a difference- its not like a vx3 leupold is offered in both planes

There's probably the best answer.

If you need to know the difference, you'll already know which scopes are offered in which configuration.

 

[Cold Bore]

If I go by that reasoning people shouldn't bother about giving a rifle caliber either!

Wrong.

People give the magnification of the scope, kinda like noting the chambering of a rifle.

But when dealing with first or second focal plane, a particular scope is only going to be available one way or the other. It's not an option that needs noting.

You can buy a Leupold VX-3 in different magnifications or objective sizes, so that needs noted, but you can't specify first or second focal plane, so no real reason to mention it.

Or, maybe you should also insist that somebody list "Remington Model 700, bolt action", as opposed to the rare M700 lever action, and even rarer M700 semi-automatic action.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I have one of those elusive model 700 pump falling blocks thats in over/under configuration.

 

[Cold Bore]

I have one of those elusive model 700 pump falling blocks thats in over/under configuration.

The rarest of the rare.... 8)

 

[mikecr]

I agree with OP, that the basics should always be covered in ads/specs.
But I get the impression it's the scope marketers who don't know the difference. It's also obvious they don't know the difference between actual MOA & IPHY, and very few(including the biggest brands) have any idea about their reticle subtensions.

Call your favorite scope maker. If you get someone intelligent on the line, you're lucky to begin.
But,, continue with 5 questions:
-Is model XXX FFP or SFP?
-What is the elevation range?
-What is each adjustment increment ACTUALLY correlating to in IPHY?
-What is the max power range through eyepiece setting of reticle focus?
-What does reticle YYY subtend to at max power and 100yds?

These are pretty basic things about any scope. If I were selling scopes I would know these things for sure.
But I think you'll find the answers hard to come by.
The designer of XXX scope knows it all of course. But he/she is not usually selling them. That's handled by someone else..
That someone else didn't mention FFP/SFP -because they didn't think about it at all.

 

[jlow]

I think what amuse me is why bother to complain? Although the OP has a legitimate grip, it’s not like complaining is going to make an iota (that’s Greek for a very small amount…) of difference . People are going to be lazy, incompetent, the list goes on and their behavior is not going to change..