FFP or SFP scope?

[maroonandwhite]

Just curious what you folks prefer in a scope for mostly hunting with the occasional range day out to 600 yards or so. I’ve been looking at scopes below $500 and seems like you can get better glass in second focal plane for the money. I also don’t know if I will actually use the tactical turrets and all that jazz vs Kentucky windage. 308 caliber and am considering a 1” tube as well vs a 30mm for weight savings. 

 

Ive been eyeballing the new Leupold VX- Freedom line which is supposed to be the replacement for the VX-2.

[Danger Rane]

I prefer FFP for everything if I have a choice, mainly because that's what I've used the most and I feel it gives me more versatility depending on what type of reticle I'm using. If you go with SFP just be mindful of which power setting you need to be on for proper use of your reticle (usually the max setting but not always). If you don't anticipate needing your reticle to scale throughout your power band then you should be fine with SFP. I know some folks don't like how small a FFP reticle looks at low magnification in low light situations, so that's something to consider for hunting. Of course an illuminated reticle could mitigate that issue.

Theoretically the biggest benefit of a 30mm scope body vs a 1" body is the amount of elevation adjustment. If you are only shooting out to 6 then you should be fine with the 1". 

[Hozzie]

It completely depends what you are doing.  If you plan to use it for a PRS type of application where you are changing distances and magnification frequently, FFP is best.  For bench shooting or if you always lean towards a single magnification, meaning you always use 9x on a 3-9 scope, SFP is better. Neither is better than another overall in general.  Completely depends on usage.  

[maroonandwhite]

I may just save up a bit and get a nice FFP. I like shooting handguns and AR’s competitively so I’m sure that bug will make its way to bolt guns. 

[Capbyrd]

12 hours ago, maroonandwhite said:

I may just save up a bit and get a nice FFP. I like shooting handguns and AR’s competitively so I’m sure that bug will make its way to bolt guns. 

Optics Planet has a vortex coupon for 14 percent off right now.  The Diamondback 6-24x50 FFP is regularly priced at 399 so with coupon, its just under 350 shipped.   Worth trying out if you want to give FFP a shot.  

https://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-diamondback-tactical-ffp-6-24x50-moa.html

[walthermitty]

Going to 600 yd, 1-8 would satisfy me.  FFP is great.  Several really good choices in LPVO; seems to be the "new" thing.  Make sure you get a true 1x, if you'll use it in competition.

[tmauto769]

for your stated uses, hunting and occasional range day, I am going against the grain here and saying SFP.

FFP on lower powers at shorter ranges isn't ideal, I personally lose the reticle on my FFP scopes in that situation.

In a hunting situation I would imagine that would be even more less than ideal, imo.