FFP vs SFP...

[ramirojpc]

I currently have a Nikon Buckmasters 4-12x50 scope but I am looking to replace it with something with a bit more range. My current gun, a Savage LRH in 6.5x284 Norma, will be used for both elk hunting and target practice out to 600-800 yards. I have looked at several scopes and have settled in 2 possible candidates with similar features and about a $300 price difference. My dilema is that 1 scope is FFP (first focal plane) and the other is SFP (second focal plane). Now if all I was doing was target shooting I would have no reservations about the SFP scope, but since I plan to use the gun for hunting as well, I am thinking that the FFP scope would be handy if I have a chance at a shot closer than 100 yards. Below are the 2 scopes I am considering, but I'd like to hear your opinions/experience regarding how useful or necessary a FFP scope would be for hunting.

Vortex Viper PST 6-24X50 FFP Mil/Mil

Nightforce SHV 5-20X56 SFP MOAR reticle

[elkaholic]

I have the vortex scope on my 257 Weatherby and love it. It is reassuring knowing that regardless of the power it is on my holdovers are always the same.

[wawhitey]

My old man has that same vortex on his savage LRH (7mag) and he rings steel at 900 no sweat. Pretty slick set up

[ElkNut1]

I'm a second focal plane hunter, I like turning magnification up or down once on the sub tensions for longer shots over 200-300 yards, you cannot do this with first focal plane.

ElkNut1

[vertical limit]

I like my second focal plane scopes. And I just so happen to have the SHV on my 338 Edge. Honestly, at 100 yards it's really not that bad. The reticle isn't so big that you cover up any detail, if that's what you are worried about. I have shot FFP and they are nice, but I don't think they are worth the extra money. Just my opinion. The SHV is an awesome scope. First day I mounted it I was shooting clay pigeons at 600 yards. Very clear scope and Nightforce is bulletproof. Tracks very well and returns to zero every time. I have gone from shooting my 100 yard zero, then out to 600 and back to 100 just to test it. No issues. It is a bit on the heavy side, but my 338 Edge isn't light so I wasn't worried about the extra weight. On the other hand, all of my optics besides the SHV are Vortex haha. You can't beat their warranty.

Let me know if you have any specific questions about either scope. I used to have the PST, but got rid of it. A little too "tactical" for my style, but a great scope in all regards.

[ramirojpc]

Thank you all for the feedback, sorry I have not posted or replied but was on vacation the last 2 weeks and I just got back. I am sure I'll come up with a couple of questions once I've settled back in at home and have time to read through the responses in more detail. Thanx again.

[7saum]

I have and use both - my preference for hunting is SFP because in the timber the FFP on low magnification makes for a very fine reticle that is hard to see in low light. I run the Viper HS Long Range 4-16x50 on my 7saum, with the SFP BDC reticle.

Big advantage to the FFP would be if you use the subtensions in the reticle for holdover rather than dialing it into your elevation adjustments, since the reticle drops are constant on any magnification

cheers