Front Focal Plane vs Rear Focal Plane

[Jarhead]

.........for Long Range precision shooting, which one and why

[brando]

First Focal Plane (FFP) scales the reticle up and down as you change magnification. Second Focal Plane (SFP) does not, so the reticle stays the same.

With FFP, your reticle measurements for either ranging or for calling corrections ("you hit half a mil to the right") work at any magnification range. The downside is that some reticles get thick and busy at higher levels of magnification (mostly the older reticles).

With SFP, any measurements have to be done on one magnification setting only, however the reticle will never get thick or too busy to obscure your view.

So in a nutshell, FFP has more advantages. The only advantage I've found with SFP is when shooting very small or extreme range targets where your reticle can obscure them. Still, I think being able to call and make corrections using a FFP reticle out weighs that issue.

[Jarhead]

Thank You that short and precise ..........

[brando]

By the way, a FFP optic is ideal when the reticle units match the turret units. I spent most of my Army career using scopes with mil reticles and MOA turrets, which means you're constantly doing math if you want to make reticle-driven adjustments.

When both are the same, you can basically see where the impact is, measure how many units it's off, and dial that exact amount and put your follow up shot much closer to your point of aim. Of course, having a spotter calling your adjustments makes it even easier

[JMP]

First, for the reason's brando mentioned.

However, for a long range scope you also will want:
-Variable zoom (5-25x56) is probably most common, so you'll need that larger exit pupil with a 56mm objective.
-Large elevation range, so you'll be looking at a 34mm tube, minimum.
-Strong internals and accurate/reliable tracking that has crisp turret adjustments
-Clear glass

Add that up and it will cost. You have three choices:
1. Pony up the cash and get yourself a nice scope; you'll find that the European makes best fit this bill.
2. Compromise and figure on the features that will work for you.
3. Buy a cheap scope that advertises the specs you want, then buy another scope when you realize the cheap scope is subpar.

[whipkiller]

First Focal Plane (FFP) scales the reticle up and down as you change magnification. Second Focal Plane (SFP) does not, so the reticle stays the same.

With FFP, your reticle measurements for either ranging or for calling corrections ("you hit half a mil to the right") work at any magnification range. The downside is that some reticles get thick and busy at higher levels of magnification (mostly the older reticles).

With SFP, any measurements have to be done on one magnification setting only, however the reticle will never get thick or too busy to obscure your view.

So in a nutshell, FFP has more advantages. The only advantage I've found with SFP is when shooting very small or extreme range targets where your reticle can obscure them. Still, I think being able to call and make corrections using a FFP reticle out weighs that issue.

Very well put.