Q: What is the difference between a first focal plane and a second focal plane scope?
A: A second focal plane reticle will remain the same throughout all magnification ranges. The image will not increase, nor decrease in size as you adjust the zoom. Because of this, reticles will be calibrated to work with measurements between the zero, relative to hold overs at specific magnifications.
For a detailed explanation you can refer to the following video from Vortex Optics:
Q: What exactly is parallax on a rifle scope and how do I properly adjust for it?
ie: Parallax setting within a scope acts as though you are adjusting the distance the reticle is from your rifle. If your scope is set to a 100 yard parallax while on a 500 yard target, pretend your reticle is floating 100 yards in front of your optic. If you then move your head in any direction, you will induce an error looking through the reticle towards your target. This would represent a parallax error. If you adjust your parallax to a proper 500 yards, you’ve effectively placed your reticle directly on the target. Now if you were to move your head, (mount rifle slightly differently than the last shot) it becomes irrelevant as you cannot induce an error onto the reticle.
A common example of parallax error occurs while sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle. If your driver has the cruise control set and you peer over at the odometer, your angle from the passenger seat looking through the dial will induce a parallax error onto the image behind it. This will make it appear from your perspective as though you are travelling slower than the driver has the ability to visually verify. You as a passenger would represent a parallax error, while the driver would represent a properly set parallax.
Field test: With your rifle solid on target, float your head left to right on the comb and watch the reticle in relation to your target. If you notice the reticle moving on your target, while the rifle REMAINS STEADY, parallax is set incorrectly. Adjust the parallax dial (most commonly the left turret) until you can float your head without any visual impact on the reticle in relation to your target. Some parallax dials are indexed for specific yardages, but this isn’t necessarily exact. Keep in mind the further your target, the more forgiving optics are on parallax error.
For a visual representation of Parallax and how to properly adjust for error, watch the following video by Lucky Gunner:
For help in choosing a reticle, refer to the manufacturer specific reticles pages under “Reference Material”. For any further information feel free to contact us at the store: 1-306-672-HUNT
