First focal plane reticle position

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General features of First focal plane riflescopes

First Focal plane reticle position was a predominant riflescope design in the past. Today, such reticle arrangement can only be found in tactical riflescopes and in a few classical European hunting riflescopes.

Reticle in the First - focal plane scope

The main feature of First focal plane reticles is their subtensions do not change with the magnification change. That means reticle subtensions in such riflescope can be used for distance estimations or bullet drop correction at any magnification setting. This is of paramount importance in tactical scenarios; thus, all real tactical scopes have First focal plane reticle placement.

Clicks in First focal plane

Usually, the first focal plane riflescope features the clicks matched with reticle subtensions and are named MIL-MIL scopes. Another benefit of the First focal plane riflescope is the point of impact does not change with magnification change.

Compare to SFP - second focal plane

The majority of new hunting scopes are not produced as First focal plane riflescope; however, these reticles are thick on the highest magnifications and cover more target space than Second focal plane (SFP) reticles. With super-zoom scopes with a zoom ratio of 6 times or more, this feature became even more noticeable, since the First - focal plane reticles in such scopes are thin on low magnifications and thick on high magnifications.

first focal plane VS second focal plane

Reticle position in first focal plane (ffp) riflescope VS second focal plane (sfp) riflescope (Source: Revija Lovec)

Video presentation of First focal plane reticle

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CQB riflescopes are a subcategory of wide-angle riflescopes. They are available with reticle either in first or second focal plane. CQB riflescopes are equipped with tactical reticles which have holdover lines displayed under the center of the reticle. Horseshoe-shaped reticles are very common, especially with first focal plane CQB riflescopes. These are the only wide-angle riflescopes with tactical turrets. They are equipped with 30mm or 34mm tube but cannot be ordered with a rail underneath. Some of the premium class riflescopes, such as Kahles K16i, have the front part that surrounds the objective lens strengthened. Riflescopes from this subcategory usually come with a throw-lever for easier and quicker magnification adjustment. If not, it can be purchased extra in most cases. CQB riflescopes are mainly used by police, military and IPSC shooters. Main Differences between hunting wide-angle riflescopes and CQB scopes are in the reticle and turrets. Also, CQB scopes cannot be ordered with a rail underneath.

1x magnification
CQB reticle
tactical or capped turrets

First focal plane reticle position

VIDEO

General features of First focal plane riflescopes