First focal plane scope advice please

[Wapinschaw]

I have had many variable mag scopes over the years, all of which have been Second Focal Plane. My stalking rifle has an 8x56 Schmidt & Bender Klassik with the venerable A7 reticule and has served me well. The years are catching up and I am looking to replace it with a higher magnification. illuminated variable. The Schmidt & Bender 3-12x50 with illuminated reticule is currently favourite, but never having had a First Focal Plane scope I am unsure as to how big and intrusive the reticule, L3, basically an A7 with an illuminated centre dot will become at the higher magnification levels.

My question is: I am familiar with the A7 at 8x, how does the FFP 12x image compare in respect of reticule subtension to that of the A7 at 8x? Will I be looking through a couple of gateposts blocking vision or is it much in proportion to what I am accustomed to with the 8x56?

Most of the Schmidt & Bender variable scopes are FFP, they know what they are doing in regards to scope design so I assume that the scope picture is pretty good but will welcome any input based on experience.

 

[User00040]

A lot of the newer S&B Hunting line are 2nd FP.

Best way to answer is have a look at one in person.

 

[Mick9abf]

A normal stalking ranges it won’t make a noticeable difference. I’ve a PMII in FFP and a Polar in 2FP and to be honest haven’t ever had an issue out to 400m with FFP and if anything I sometimes find it harder to pick up the 2FP reticle as it is so fine.

If you want a look through both over open ground drop me a PM.

 

[Malxwal]

I can let you have a look through a 3-12x50 FD7 ( or a 2.5-13x56), PM me

 

[Mick9abf]

Oh I’ve got a 3-12x50 FD7 Zenith as well you can look through

 

[Steff]

The S&B Zenith scopes feature the FD reticle technology. The posts of an A7 reticle at 12 mag will even finer than those of the same reticle in an 8x56 Klassik.

 

[JabaliHunter]

FD7 in FFP is a very nice combination

 

[3.5mag]

My S&B 2.5 - 10 X 56 PH has a fine FP mil-dot reticule that even on 10 power does not obscure a 1" target dot @ 100yds.
@ 2.5 mag the reticule is very fine but still visible enough even for woodland work.

 

[andyk]

I’ve got a few variable S&Bs and the reticle can be a little annoying when you’re trying to shoot small groups on a range. I think the old Schmidts have a dot that is about 3cm at 100m. The newer ones are slightly smaller, but I can’t remember by how much.

However, I have never noticed when aiming at something other than a small bullseye. At “normal” ranges and under real conditions you just aren’t aiming so carefully that it matters. On the plus side, the dot is easy to pick out which helps concentrating on the shot.

If you’re shooting a long way then it may be an issue. Otherwise, I wouldn’t worry.

I think I checked it once and the dot isn’t much bigger than the thickness of the standard A7 reticle, so if you do alright with that then you should be fine.

As an aside, the Schmidt klassic IR is for low light shooting, it’s not day glow. The intensity is well set for not dazzling you at low light but if you want it to stand out clear in blazing sun, you will be disappointed.

 

[Overlay]

zeiss 2.5 - 15 x 56 or the schmidt polar are phenomenal and for the aged eye such as mine i can clearly see and shoot further than i care to with a fine crosshairs as well really decent scopes