FIRST FOCAL PLANE VS.SECOND FOCAL PLANE: WHEN DOES FFP MAKE SENSE FOR HUNTING?

Understanding the advantages of first focal plane riflescopes for hunting situations.

One of the trickier decisions when selecting a riflescope for hunting is the choice between first focal plane (FFP) and second focal plane (SFP) reticles. This simple break down explains what first focal plane is, its advantages in specific hunting scenarios, and considerations to keep in mind when selecting a riflescope like the Viper® HD 5-25×50 FFP or Razor® HD LHT™ 4.5-22×50 FFP.

What is First Focal Plane?

First, let’s clarify how FFP differs from SFP riflescopes. With a FFP riflescope, the reticle appears to change size as you adjust the magnification. This means the reticle’s sub-tensions remain accurate at all magnification levels, making it ideal for long-range shooting where precise holdovers are crucial.

ADVANTAGES OF FIRST FOCAL PLANE FOR HUNTING

1. Precise Holdovers

Whether hunting elk in the mountains or aiming at distant mule deer across an open plain, a FFP riflescope ensures your reticle’s measurements are accurate throughout its entire magnification range. This means you can calculate accurate holdovers with ease at any magnification.

2. Dynamic Target Acquisitions

For any hunting situation where target game may appear suddenly or cover ground quickly, a FFP riflescope allows you to quickly adjust for changing distances without fumbling with magnification settings.

3. Versatile Performance

From river-bottom whitetails to Southwestern Coues deer and Rocky Mountain elk, FFP riflescopes can give hunters an edge in diverse hunting environments. Their versatility allows you to seamlessly transition between close-range shots in cover and longer-range shooting across open landscapes, making them a reliable choice for precision shooting in many different hunting scenarios.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHOOSING A FFP RIFLESCOPE

Performance Worth Investing In

For hunters seeking higher-level performance, Viper® HD and Razor® HD LHT™ FFP models deliver more advanced design and functionality—including more robust construction to protect more intricate, internal mechanisms inside. While FFP riflescopes tend to come with a higher price tag, consider it an investment in precision and versatility.

Adapting to FFP Reticles

While they require learning and adjustment for hunters used to SFP riflescopes, the versatility and accuracy FFP reticles deliver make the learning curve worthwhile. Practice with different magnification levels and holdover techniques to master FFP reticle dynamics and enhance your long-range shooting skills.

Low-Light Challenge

FFP reticles can pose visibility challenges due to finer sub-tensions, especially in low-magnification settings and thick cover or low-light conditions. However, Viper® HD and Razor® HD LHT™ address this challenge with illuminated reticles, which significantly improve visibility. Unlike Viper® HD SFP options that only illuminate the center dot, Viper® HD and Razor® HD LHT™ FFP reticles illuminate the entire vertical and horizontal stadia, providing a clear point of aim regardless of lighting conditions.

Battery Preparedness

Riflescopes with illuminated reticles rely on batteries for operation. These models use easy-to-find CR2032 batteries, ensuring extended battery life. While the riflescope will continue to function without batteries, the illuminated reticle (or center dot) will not in the unlikely event of battery failure. Therefore, it’s always wise to carry spare batteries, especially for extended hunts far from civilization.

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