1st Focal Plane use VS 2nd Focal Plane use

[Ben Jefferson]

Alright, as you probably know I am old, blind and just learning how to accurately use scopes on a rifle.

Would I be correct in saying that:

1. A 1st plane reticle will stay the same size at any magnification on a multiple magnification scope (3-9). With that arrangement the Bullet Drop Compensator will be correct for that caliber at any range you have dialed in (such as 5 on a 3-9 scope).

AND that

2. With a 2nd plane reticle the BDC is ONLY accurate with the scope at maximum magnification. Therefore to use the BDC to any degree of accuracy I must crank up the scope to max magnification before a shot.



Trying to learn how to shoot with old failing eyes is not as simple as line up the dot and squeeze!

What has got me asking for help is the use of a Trijicon 1-4x24 which is not doing as I expected. I know this probably seems like an infantile question to many of you, but you're not alone, sometimes my wife thinks I ask infantile questions too.

Any explanations or educational articles would be appreciated!

 

[Tim]

A 1st focal plane scope, the reticle Is accurate at any magnification. The reticle itself will be magnified (I.e. change size) along with the image.

A 2nd focal plane reticle is only valid at a certain magnification. Typically max power. The reticle does not magnify with the image.

 

[REELDOC]

Premier Reticle used to customize Loopy scopes and would put a white dot on the power ring where the correct magnification is to mil from. I still have two or three 8.5-25's from Premier.

 

[Ben Jefferson]

Premier Reticle used to customize Loopy scopes and would put a white dot on the power ring where the correct magnification is to mil from. I still have two or three 8.5-25's from Premier.

Loopy Scopes?

Drunk?
High?

 

[nbkky71]

Loopy = Leupold

 

[Ben Jefferson]

Loopy = Leupold

Thank you!

 

[NKD]

What problems are you having with the Trijicon?
How is it not meeting your expectations?

Your questions are not dumb at all, and little more detail can help us help you find answers that satisfy.

 

[Ben Jefferson]

What problems are you having with the Trijicon?
How is it not meeting your expectations?

Your questions are not dumb at all, and little more detail can help us help you find answers that satisfy.

I have just figured out why my accuracy has SUCKED and I can't maintain any consistency as I have been using it at varied magnification levels. I guess I never paid attention to it being a 2nd focal plane scope.

Plus, I had not realized the difference. Scope use is very new to me and while I tried to buy a quality piece of glass it doesn't help if you're not smarter than the scope!

 

[NKD]

I have just figured out why my accuracy has SUCKED and I can't maintain any consistency as I have been using it at varied magnification levels. I guess I never paid attention to it being a 2nd focal plane scope.

Plus, I had not realized the difference. Scope use is very new to me and while I tried to buy a quality piece of glass it doesn't help if you're not smarter than the scope!

I think you’ll get used to it. IMO, FFP is not ideal for a 1-4. They are just not designed for precision shooting, as most would go with much higher magnification for that.

I rarely if ever use any setting but 1x or 4x I have found.
And when I do, it’s for something where BDC is unnecessary.
Now, this is for a 5.56 with a 200 yard zero,

Not sure of your application/rifle/cartridge. And it’s super relevant!

 

[NKD]

Double tap

 

[Ben Jefferson]

The Trijicon is on a 5.56. I was not looking for a long distance piece.

I probably just need to shoot it much more.



I just picked up an Athlon 3-9 that is for a 10-22, it is also a 2nd focal plane scope so at least I will better know how to set it up.

 

[Steve]

I took a class with @Apex Defense Group and he went over alot of stuff Ive forgotten but I came away knowing I want a MOA scope and First focal. Just from looking through all the scopes he had mounted for demos and how I want to shoot. I need to go back to remember why now and how to do all the calculations, lol. Class is great for refreshing your knowledge but really great for someone who knows nothing.

 

[JBoyette]

I do not understand what is failing @Ben Jefferson

What is a success and whats not a success by your standard?

 

[Ben Jefferson]

I do not understand what is failing @Ben Jefferson

What is a success and whats not a success by your standard?

I am going to get out to the local range tomorrow and put to work some of the hundreds of pages I have read in the last few days.

Hopefully I may finally have cyphered a bit of MY issues out. I wish I could still see well enough to use sights.

Will get back to you!

Thank you sir!

 

[Matt.Cross]

I am going to get out to the local range tomorrow and put to work some of the hundreds of pages I have read in the last few days.

Hopefully I may finally have cyphered a bit of MY issues out. I wish I could still see well enough to use sights.

Will get back to you!

Thank you sir!

Make sure that you understand how to correct parallax issues as well, that can eliminate a lot of second guessing.

 

[Ben Jefferson]

Make sure that you understand how to correct parallax issues as well, that can eliminate a lot of second guessing.

Good point, that's still a bit of an issue to my old butt.

Will read