Using First Focal Plane Scopes for Hunting | TPH 12 Minute Talks

There's a lot of discussion back and forth about First Focal Plane versus Second Focal Plane for hunting, and today's 12 Minute Talk is focused on the FFP side of the argument.

[@anon-yw4wd]

The Kentucky Long Precision 2-12x44 FFP Ill looks pretty awesome. It comes in MILS and MOA.

[@formulajoe2]

The first FFP optic that I ever looked through was the Nightforce NXS 3-15 F1. That was back when you couldn’t get a scope that would track properly for less than 2k. These days, $500 will get you a FFP reticle AND decent tracking.

[@magnumcipher4971]

Agreed 100%, but the upper tier 2 and tier 1 stuff just has the glass, look and feel that’s tough to get without forking over the cash, although Arken has seriously impressed me with their current line. Incredible what they can put to market for so little money.

[@magnumcipher4971]

My brain automagically looks for a certain type reticle. I started shooting long range years ago with an ole SWFA 10x42 with the milling T-Post with the diamond aim-points (I still love the things honestly). I’ve since moved on to better FFP equipment on my No. 1 rifles for both ELR and hunting white tails , but still prefer a milling T-Post reticle (illuminated), my go-to is the Steiner SCR. It’s clean enough not to obstruct the view of the target, and useful enough for wind holds. My PM-ii has a similar reticle, the P4FL, also a similar design FFP milling reticle in an illuminated T-Post style. I guess if a fellow does anything enough, he’ll develop a preference for how to get it done. Great topic guys.

[@michaelcerrone1482]

Another advantage of FFP, is you can check your range finder with the reticle, at any power. As long as you know general size of the animals that you're shooting at, in your area.

[@TeezleySPT]

Where I’m at east of the Mississippi I’m still hunting with sfp. My farthest shot is 300, so I like to keep my magnification around 3-5 power and with ffp the reticle is just too small. If I have to hold it’s never off the animals body. I agree if I ever came out west to hunt I would bring a ffp because I could be around 8-10x and the reticle would be good.

[@holdleftedgeandsendit9351]

really wish they would put the pr2 reticle in the 3.5-18 mark 5. good 12 min talk zero comp released a 7-35 I beleive

[@aceprater5397]

I prefer oddities and thus run MOA SFP scopes. My brain thinks in inches and I like to be able to see and aim small. But I'm target shooting mostly. I stay on the base mag or double and do the math. The custom dope cards that I made and laminated for each lot of "good ammo" also help for quick reference.

[@txpredatorhunting]

Nothing wrong with that.

[@waynemensen4252]

I like my Nikon with the circle drop increments. I put the prairie dog in the circle and send it. Regular cross bdc reticles cover them up.

[@aceprater5397]

my first 1k shot/hit was with a cheap nikon buckmaster II a RAP in 6.5...

[@chrisfisher3900]

Wish they would stop illuminating the whole damn reticle though. I prefer ones like the nightforce shv that has the center x illuminated and not the rest. Y’all better let my 308’s alone😂

[@crossbowhunter9118]

Question I want to hunt out west shots out to 300-400 yard shots for mule deer should I look at first focal plane or second? I never shot a first focal plane sight before. Should I look at moa or mill scope? I will be shooting a 308 rifle I am not a fan of the at the lowest setting the sight is small.

[@gabrielbudausiii9921]

What illum. reticle do you prefer/ recommend on the mark 5? About to purchase one for my sig cross ? Thanks Sir!

[@txpredatorhunting]

TMR illuminated on the 3.6-18 On the low power it comes across as just a duplex when powered on. I’m running the new easy 6 bdx on my cross and another rifle. Pretty good set up for hunting.

[@leavethelandalone835]

I use both and that depends on where I’m hunting and how far I’m shooting. To me it’s simply, distance.

[@scottsquires6186]

I think mil and first focal plane should be standard not much reason for anything else makes me a little butt hurt because I have several that don’t fit this category

[@jkd0114]

Isn’t the best part of calling predators getting them close! Like your show but we are different animals! For me no better way to hunt then getting them to almost run you over! Get them to 10 yds and you beat them at their own game!? Duplex reticle 3x9 know your gun well.

[@txpredatorhunting]

Absolutely, thus the reason I’ve swapped to 1-8 and 1-10 on most of my ar platforms. That close quarters stuff. Your grabbing a small amount of information and assuming far to much.