SFP vs FFP for hunting

[Mikecr]

The FFP reticle appears to grow, but it's subtension (what it covers) actually stays the same.
That is, the target get's larger and so does the reticle with it. With that, it can be a problem if reticle subtension is too high.
Sometimes a small enough subtension at high power then ends up too small at low power.
Basically what us SFP people hate

SFP reticle subtension decreases with more power.
The target get's larger but the reticle does not so much (barely any).
So I can zoom in to see the whites of a woodchuck's eyes, and put the SFP reticle right between them.
When I zoom out, the reticle barely changes (still visible unless seriously too fine, target type).

 

[TXTrained]

Has the argument changed about SFP or FFP over time?? LINK

I found the linked thread with an interesting flare to it. People down on ffp scopes.

So, I ask myself why could SFP be better?

Are SFP users needing a precise aimpoint on like 3-5x? Perhaps shooting at a 600yd animal on 4.5x with a 4.5-30x scope?

If the issue is low power at 0-150 yd shots, doesn't the ffp reticle on 3-5x have a nice fat appearance, especially with illumination?

I have always hunted with a SFP Scope.I shoot competition with both. Ranging targets with FFP is much easier. However it all depends if you h ave time to dial a FFP and parallax in a hurried shot.Mizt SFP you don't have to.Not all but alot.I have 5-50×56 on SFP my 6.5 PRC.to shoot long range in MOA

 

[villagelightsmith]

Has the argument changed about SFP or FFP over time?? LINK

I found the linked thread with an interesting flare to it. People down on ffp scopes.

So, I ask myself why could SFP be better?

Are SFP users needing a precise aimpoint on like 3-5x? Perhaps shooting at a 600yd animal on 4.5x with a 4.5-30x scope?

If the issue is low power at 0-150 yd shots, doesn't the ffp reticle on 3-5x have a nice fat appearance, especially with illumination?

SFP, FFP, PRS and other abbreviations should have the full description expressed somewhere in the first part of the message. Standard journalistic style doesn't leave the reader wondering ***. That would be NFG. I'll let you ponder your sins.

 

[Ckleeves]

From some of the responses I'm betting quite a few people haven't actually used both….

 

[XSIVSPD]

So is anyone using a FFP at high power?
25x, 32x, +?

I have a 5-35 ffp on my 17hmr the reticle is pretty tiny at 5x and non illuminated so it's hard to use in dark targets, but it's great from about 10x-35x I don't shoot that rifle much over 150yds, but no issues doing a heads hot on grouse or squirrels under at 100yds or under (so long as I have time to setup and get steady lol...). The reticle doesn't hold me back and those are some tiny targets

 

[gpo1956]

A lot of folks are assuming using subtensions are only for ranging targets. I never use them for that. I do, however, frequently use them to range my misses. I have, in the heat of the moment, misdialed or otherwise miscalled a shot. It's easier to see my miss is 1.2 miles off and determine if I missed the wind call or misdialed or whatever. You KNOW it's 1.2 mils at 500 yards and not guessing is that 6" or is that 18"?

 

[orkan]

FFP reticles are basically all I own now. I haven't ever wished I kept a SFP. Not one time.

Once upon a time, I had zero FFP optics. Then I started taking first round hits at distance seriously. Made the switch to FFP and I'm thankful I did.

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[dragon798]

SFP, FFP, PRS and other abbreviations should have the full description expressed somewhere in the first part of the message. Standard journalistic style doesn't leave the reader wondering ***. That would be NFG. I'll let you ponder your sins.

Maybe rather than posting a negative comment, you should ask or maybe do your own research. Your ignorance of the subject is not the OP's problem, nor anyone who was commenting. Perhaps you should be the one to ponder their sins.

 

[Barrelnut]

A lot of folks are assuming using subtensions are only for ranging targets. I never use them for that. I do, however, frequently use them to range my misses. I have, in the heat of the moment, misdialed or otherwise miscalled a shot. It's easier to see my miss is 1.2 miles off and determine if I missed the wind call or misdialed or whatever. You KNOW it's 1.2 mils at 500 yards and not guessing is that 6" or is that 18"?

I do similar with a SFP on low power. If I miss and spot the shot. I reference where the shot hit in the scope and move that position in the scope to the target, and send it. using the hash marks for reference. Doesn't matter if they are calibrated to the correct MIL or MOA. They are really just reference marks at that point.

 

[Barrelnut]

If they could just figure out how to make a FFP scope reticle thick at low power and thin at high powder' that would be the cats meow.

 

[Teri Anne]

I like SFP for hunting because my scope lives on 4.5-5 on the norm. My FFP scopes start there and the reticle isnt really visible. At about 8x I can see it well but that's not great in timber and brush. I think if all I hunted was open prairies and sage I'd just use my FFP scopes but I'm always in mixed terrain and vegetation. SFP for me.

One thing most people do not know, or ignore is the fact that the focus ring on the back of the scope is used to focus the image in the scope to your vision. If the reticle is not prominent and clear in your vision try focusing while watching the reticle. When it shows up bold and clear then the scope is focused to your vision. Try it...It works.

 

[Teri Anne]

Your photo is not consistent with the FFP's I tried. The reticle was INVISABLE on the low power and covered too much of the target on higher magnification.

Then you do not have your scope focused to your vision. Try using the focus ring on the back of the scope. Look throught the scope at the setting you are having issues with and use the focus ring to make it become bold and beautiOnce focused the reticle will be visible throughout the magnification range of the scope.

 

[Todd Gansel]

I have switched over to FFP about 10 years ago. While I still have a few SFP scopes I struggle a bit with hold over as they are not scopes you'd dial. My favorite hunting scope is a 2.5-10x32. Picture is great even in low light and I can power down to 2.5 when I get in a wooded area for quick acquisition.

 

[Todd Gansel]

I have switched over to FFP about 10 years ago. While I still have a few SFP scopes I struggle a bit with hold over as they are not scopes you'd dial. My favorite hunting scope is a 2.5-10x32. Picture is great even in low light and I can power down to 2.5 when I get in a wooded area for quick acquisition.