FFP vs SFP

[underthebridge]

Chaps,
I've been trying to get my head around this and have read various explanations online.
being by nature more at the poet end of the spectrum rather than scientist end, i was hoping one or two of you might be able to give me the benefit of your real-world experience actually using the two systems either, or preferably both, at the range or stalking?
thanks

[Blackstuff]

Its my understanding that its mainly for range finding/windage etc using mil-dots/minute of angle markings on the reticle. A FFP scope magnifies the reticle at the same rate/power as the view through the scope so as you dial up the zoom the reticle will get bigger and bigger so you can use the dots/dashes for range finding etc at any magnification setting.

As opposed to a SFP scope where the reticle remains the same size regardless of how much zoom is put on. This means you can only use whatever measuring system on the reticle at certain magnifications. In my experience that's usually either the maximum setting of a '10' value e.g. 10x, 20x etc.

Therefore personally I would only select a FFP scope if I had to shoot at things quickly/needed a faster judgement of distance etc (military type applications), whereas just lying on a range with all the time in the world shooting at known distances i'd go for a SFP and keep a fine thickness reticle for more precision. YMMV.

This video covers the basics;

[WelshShooter]

Only have range experience, no stalking experience. We'll assume that you are aware of the differences between FFP and SFP scopes.

If you are shooting at a fixed, known range, then there is no benefit of having a FFP. You will almost always be shooting with the highest magnification available, and will not charge this. The reticle of as FFP scope at high magnification will be larger than a SFP scope, and this may obstruct your target if you are shooting at a small target.

If you are shooting targets at ether unknown distances, or transition between targets at different distances (eg field firing range) then the FFP scope can be really useful. It doesn't matter what magnification you set the scope to, your holdovers and windage correction will always be correct. If you know the height of your target, you can also use the reticle to estimate the distance to the target.

I mostly shoot my rifles at field firing ranges (Sennybridge) and at 100m. I use FFP scopes on my rifles. When shooting groups at 100m for load development, practice etc. I take my own targets which are large enough that my reticle don't block out the target. They feature a large, black cross so that I can line my reticle stadia up with it.

[underthebridge]

thanks guys very helpful - as usual i could trawl the web for hours and be more confused or just refer to Full-bore. thanks again

[underthebridge]

Blackstuff / mark please repost the video - can't see it

[dromia]

Should be visible now.