questioning FFP scopes

Jump to latest Follow Reply
G

glr59

Member
Sep 23, 2019
182
71
Midlothian, VA USA
I'm questioning the wisdom of a FFP scope in my applications of using the scope for HFT. I have an Athlon Midas tac 6-24x50 model number 213075 with the APRS2 reticle. The glass is very clear and it ranges well. But the reticle is too small at 16x and I lose the markings on the reticle in lower light conditions. I have a nightforce 6-32 FFP and at 16x it's ok but the reticle is on the small side as well.
Anyone have good experience with any of the other reticles for the Midas Tac that are clear at 16X?
I also have a Sightron S-TAC 4-20 SFP that works really well withMOA-2 reticle. Wondering if buying an S-TAC 4-20 FFP set at 16x would give me a better reticle view since its at the higher magnification of the scope range?

Just some random thoughts trying to think through.

Jerry L
 
  • Like
Reactions: cavedweller
I use the exact scope you're talking about for field target. Same reticle too.

Two sides to this coin....
When the reticle/stadia is bigger/thicker, it can block what you're trying to see to shoot. Back in my early days of field target I used a mil dot scope for a bit where the dots were sometimes bigger than the smallest kill zones....not a good scenario.

The other side isn't good either, and that's when your eyesight simple doesn't allow for seeing the reticle.

-----
For dark kill zones I've found that finding the reticle with the gun held on a lighter background and then swinging over into the kill zone while maintaining where the hold over is, is doable. But everyone's eyes are different and that simple fix may not work for yours.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Back_Roads, Ezana4CE and Ranchibi
Upvote 0
Smok3y said:
You are going to get a thicker reticle when the power you are using is closer to the top end. I like a thick reticle, and the Athlon Helos 4-20 was excellent at 16x. Full reticle is illuminated too.
Click to expand...
Same with the Helos G2 6-24. The reticle line thickness is .05 mil.

The MT 6-24 has a .03 mil line thickness.

The MT series has a little better IQ than the HG2 series but I prefer the HG2's more because I get illume, a thicker reticle, and locking turrets.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cavedweller, Ezana4CE and Smok3y
Upvote 0
steve123 said:
Same with the Helos G2 6-24. The reticle line thickness is .05 mil.

The MT 6-24 has a .03 mil line thickness.

The MT series has a little better IQ than the HG2 series but I prefer the HG2's more because I get illume, a thicker reticle, and locking turrets.
Click to expand...
Good info! I really liked the MT for the price but the reticle was a little finer than I like. This will be helpful if I look for another 6-24. I always like looking at the reticle thickness specs when researching scopes, usually more-so with SFP scopes though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: steve123
Upvote 0
I never did like FFP scopes and as the years went on and eyesight has decreased, SFP is the only way to go. As a matter of fact, without AO or side focus, I am lost. I prefer the fine reticle for target and for any hunting that isn't in low light or require fast target acquisition. I don't really go very high end on my scopes as long as glass is clear and non-fogging, parallax that is accurate and adjusts low, and has good solid adjustable turrets. I started buying Bushnell Engage and really like them for a low budget scope. The only drawback is their very thin reticle, but they have not given me any problem. Especially the 6-18x50 and 4-16x44. If these had a small center dot that could be illuminated in low light (similar to Leupold Firedot), I would look no further. BTW, the hashmarks on their Deploy MOA reticle align the same on several of my PCPs.
 
Upvote 0
I don't/haven't done HFT, but this Nightforce NX8 2.5-20×50 FFP looks like the reticle size and adjustable parallax focus from blurry to clarity at lower yardages will serve the HFT requirements well. The reticle size appears about the thickness of a dime at 16 power (marked there) at 10 yards, and there's quite a bit of movement in the dial (degrees, not slop) to focus at lower yardages (possibky making ranging predictably accurate).
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0
glr59 said:
I'm questioning the wisdom of a FFP scope in my applications of using the scope for HFT. I have an Athlon Midas tac 6-24x50 model number 213075 with the APRS2 reticle. The glass is very clear and it ranges well. But the reticle is too small at 16x and I lose the markings on the reticle in lower light conditions. I have a nightforce 6-32 FFP and at 16x it's ok but the reticle is on the small side as well.
Anyone have good experience with any of the other reticles for the Midas Tac that are clear at 16X?
I also have a Sightron S-TAC 4-20 SFP that works really well withMOA-2 reticle. Wondering if buying an S-TAC 4-20 FFP set at 16x would give me a better reticle view since its at the higher magnification of the scope range?

Just some random thoughts trying to think through.

Jerry L
Click to expand...


Hey Jerry,

● without having shot HFT — it seems there are quite a few FFP scopes that have 16x as their maximum magnification, thus giving you the largest reticle. (I also include the scopes with 18x and 20x — there is a total of 16 of them.)

● And your other option is an SFP scope that has the reticle calibrated at 16x (not may around, found 3 that qualify, most of them are calibrated at 10x or 20x).

Price range I limit from $300 to $500 (with a few above that).


➠ In any case, find attached your personalized Scope Specs Table. 😃

Matthias


❌ Attachment:
Personalized Scope Specs Table

View attachment Scopes. With 4-16x Magnification for HFT -- for glr59 aka Jerry. 109. 2025-01. 01.pdf
 
  • Like
Reactions: glr59, baranjhn and MongooseV8
Upvote 0
MongooseV8 said:
I am planning to try the Athlon 2-12x for FT soon. I would say maybe the issue isnt necessarily FFP vs SFP, but scope/reticle choice. If you pick a scope with a huge zoom range like a 6-24x it would probably be best to get a SFP. But a 4-16x? FFP is fine since you will be at max zoom anyway. The thing to watchout for is the eyebox at max zooms.
Click to expand...

Are you referring to Hunter Pistol FT which the 2-12 Helos G2 is great for? Or perhaps in Unlimited non AAFTA recognized division which it'd also be fine for?

Personally I feel that it's to ones advantage to use a scope that has 15x or 16x marked on the mag ring for Hunter FT. That little bit extra mag does help range better. Whereas using the 2-12 might net you a couple misses per match more especially at the longer distances.

I don't want you to get one and think it wasn't a good idea down the road a bit.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MongooseV8
Upvote 0
steve123 said:
Are you referring to Hunter Pistol FT which the 2-12 Helos G2 is great for? Or perhaps in Unlimited non AAFTA recognized division which it'd also be fine for?

Personally I feel that it's to ones advantage to use a scope that has 15x or 16x marked on the mag ring for Hunter FT. That little bit extra mag does help range better. Whereas using the 2-12 might net you a couple misses per match more especially at the longer distances.

I don't want you to get one and think it wasn't a good idea down the road a bit.
Click to expand...
I have not shot an FT yet, but have a lot of powder burner matches under my belt. I was planning to use the 2-12x for HFT on a Wildcat that will be mainly used to do pest control. I know the 2-12x will be a compromise, as will using a mostly stock Wildcat. But I need this to dual purpose roles and I dont need to be super competitive in FT. If the scope causes me to miss 15-20 points a match thats ok. I really like that it is light weight, has a low 2x zoom, good paralax adjustment, decent reticle, and is illuminated for those close up shots in the brush.

And thanks for your insight and suggestions. I am gathering lots of different info from those of you guys that have some FT experience.
 
  • Like
Reactions: steve123 and Croxton63
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Resources
Menu