FFP Scopes and all the hype

[steve123]

I'm not feeling the value. You don't need to so carry on. We're all different.

I understand the reticle stays relative to the target on an FFP and that's simply groovy. I'm not sure I see any other advantages for me. Certainly not enough to run out and buy one. That's fine for you, good, that saves you money.

Most guys don't "compete", shoot long range matches, hunt at extreme distances, worry about precision, do tactical drills or get emotional and combative over a scope on a silly pellet gun. Others do. "Most" guys do what they will but that doesn't devalue what the "unmost" guys enjoy by doing what they will.

Guys love to show off their fancy gear and "specialize" their hobby to the point it's no fun anymore. They want to "compete" with their toys instead of simply enjoying them. Can be true to a large degree, or a to a tiny degree, and believe me when I state that if I wasn't enjoying them they'd be sold off. I'm not a gun collecter.

Their equipment must impress others, and their knowledge of their specialty must be superior to those around them. They need this to feel adequate. They put others beneath them if they feel their superiority is challenged. They get abusive and nasty to compensate for their inadequacy. One shoe doesn't fit all Bob. Some of us learned by actual experiences, that's called "DOING", and by sharing that information hopefully we've helped our community.

A miss once in a while really bothers them. It shakes their perception of self-worth. These guys need FFP scopes for reasons that don't have anything to do with hitting their target. Lol???!!!

That is the very definition of "hype". Many scopes offer as much hype as you can afford. For some guys it's the only thing that keeps their odd chromosome from growing another leg.

Pointing the trigger finger means there's four more pointing straight back at you as well. Look deep inside because there are reasons you come off like you do. You've possibly won the internet today, and not in a good way, by being right up there as the most passive aggressive personality's I've come across.

Yes I do like my fancy gear and it's provided such a high degree of a "fun factor" that it's hard to describe the robust amounts of it in increasing a pleasurable outcome in many ways. It's just how I am and I'm not alone.

I plink nearly every week with friends. Some of the most entertaining times was when we all bought refurb Red Ryders, at $20 each, to shoot shotgun shell hulls off the end of the garage floor as fast as we could. Man on man or teams. Is that humble enough for you? I don't shoot my other cheap guns much but I enjoy them when I do.
One of my friends, who has a funny personality, tends to call our informal matches using our various cheap guns as the "Crappy Gun Nationals", lol.

Have I mocked or made fun of you for shooting springers and SFP scopes, nope. Have I shot springers and SFP scopes "a lot" before, yes very much so. It's not my thing anymore, nothing less, nothing more.

We're all different and like different things for different reasons. As far as guns and gear that doesn't make one thing right or another wrong. BUT at the same time you don't bring a knife to a gunfight as they say. Nor do you use a hammer as a screwdriver.
I'm meaning that in many situations one gun or scope might "turn" the odds in ones favor. Example - no I'm not using a "crappy gun nationals" airgun to shoot a FT match, why would I, it wouldn't be fun at all, that's why?!

 

[Scotty1]

Me, personally have and use both 1st and 2nd focal plane scopes. I feel no peer pressure or embarrassment when I use either. I am not concerned, but I am interested in what others are using. If the guy next to me wants to use a rangefinder, flashing lights and a satellite dish, more power to him, I’m a gadget guy myself. All my scopes are overkill for sure, and I don’t really care, as they work for me.

 

[Motorhead]

If shooting at fixed X, such as hunter class FT at 16X, If using a FFP the retical size is critical and pending the upper X range may have said reticle TOO LARGE or TOO SMALL for shooters preference.
So generally I choose a Reticle style and a size/width preferred using a SFP optic and then figure my D.O.P.E. based on that retical sub-tension corrected for 16X.

Field guns where the used X bounces around a lot and generally used on my more powerful and flatter shooting rigs ... a FFP optic does work well. When one uses a FFP optic in close at lower X, the need for Holdover or very little allows ignoring the reticals unreadable scale and just shoot at the Cross/middle .... Simple
As distances increase and you start raising magnification with a FFP the retical scaling starts to become usable and one can now use holdover data from that X magnification all the way out to maximum magnification using one common D.O.P.E. data sheet.
* Downside for some FFP optics ... At nearing the top magnification the retical becomes VERY THICK and while it is telescope like, the accuracy resolution kinda sucks as retical covers a lot of what you might be trying to hit.

Overall have many more SFP optics in the stable than FFP

 

[Coinwa]

It’s not about what you chose to use Bob….. it’s about your pompous characterization of those who do chose to use them…. and your condescending nature EVEN THOUGH YOU’VE NEVER EVEN USED THE WARES IN QUESTION.

The fact that you continue to defend your uneducated and biased position with projections about the psychological state of those who use FFP scopes speaks volumes about you as a man.

When it’s all said and done by Bob…. far more will be said than done!

 

[Coinwa]

As long as you guys try to justify your choices by diminishing mine I'll keep telling you what I think about it.

That’s the Pot calling the Kettle black if I’ve ever seen it!

 

[L.Leon]

I'm not feeling the value.

I understand the reticle stays relative to the target on an FFP and that's simply groovy. I'm not sure I see any other advantages for me. Certainly not enough to run out and buy one.

Most guys don't "compete", shoot long range matches, hunt at extreme distances, worry about precision, do tactical drills or get emotional and combative over a scope on a silly pellet gun.

Others do.

Guys love to show off their fancy gear and "specialize" their hobby to the point it's no fun anymore. They want to "compete" with their toys instead of simply enjoying them.

Their equipment must impress others, and their knowledge of their specialty must be superior to those around them. They need this to feel adequate. They put others beneath them if they feel their superiority is challenged. They get abusive and nasty to compensate for their inadequacy.

A miss once in a while really bothers them. It shakes their hyper inflated perception of self-worth. These guys need FFP scopes for reasons other than hitting their target.

That is the very definition of "hype". Many scopes offer as much hype as you can afford. For some guys it's the only thing that keeps their odd chromosome from growing another leg.

Dude you made your point, you have zero experience with FFPs. The bulk of your commentary is over generalizations of what ‘other guys’ like… Like in your diatribe above…

”Most guys don’t”… “other do’…, ‘Guys love to show off’… “a miss really bothers them”… You are doing a good job of being a troll on a subject you have again ‘zero personal experience with”…

 

[L.Leon]

I must admit I do get a sick pleasure from seeing you guys worked up into a lather over a pellet gun scope.

I didn't mean any harm. I was just rubbing you guys a little on a topic that triggers you every time. I'll admit I was pushing your buttons. They are so big and red I had to push them.

Go back and read the OP. What exactly did you expect? An FFP echo chamber where guys with complex scopes go to brag about how good they are?

I think this was a refreshing exercise and I learned from it. I hope you all did too.

I sincerely apologize to anyone who feels I may have slighted them for using an FFP scope. I didn't. But if you feel I did then I do apologize.

Except "Cowinwa". You are a real angry piece of work and a huge drag. There is no doubt you know your way around a rifle but that dosent patch up the holes in your attitude. It sucks.

Point made, at the least you admit to being an effing troll…

 

[Coinwa]

Except "Cowinwa". You are a real angry piece of work and a huge drag. There is no doubt you know your way around a rifle but that dosent patch up the holes in your attitude. It sucks.

You’re too cute. I don’t get mad at people with special needs.

What’s funny, is when you asked a legitimate question…. I gladly answered.

I simply do not like your brash generalizations and a willingness to wax eloquently on a subject you admittedly have ZERO experience with.

 

[Bedrock Bob]

Point made, at the least you admit to being an effing troll…

The thread was a troll from the time the OP hit the post button.

Come on man! You guys are all touchy about your scopes and get all freaked out about them. You can't blame people for poking fun at that a little.

 

[L.Leon]

The thread was a troll from the time the OP hit the post button.

Come on man! You guys are all touchy about your scopes and get all freaked out about them. You can't blame people for poking fun at that a little.

Not “touchy” about FFPs or SFP scopes, thats simply a personal preference thing for a shooter. Your consistently negative written tone is what some may be finding unappealing …. Particularly with your lack of first hand experience witn an FFP scope…

 

[Coinwa]

PS… you can’t have an “objective opinion” about something you have Zero experience with… that would be a “speculative opinion”.

 

[Motorhead]

My consistently negative tone is from consistently negative rebuttals of my consistently objective opinion. I posted nothing except responses to disagreements directed at me.

I don't need first hand experience with FFP scopes to have an opinion on whether I think they are of value to me. I know enough about them to know I don't need one.

I know my opinion is a trigger for you guys so I gave it willingly. You are all so hungry to tell me how wrong I am!

A donkey will eat as long as you feed him. I may have gotten carried away with the oats.

THAT RIGHT THERE IS TROLLING ..... Needing to get in the last word and not just apologizing and letting it go ... you pick the scab letting everyone know your picking at it

 

[Pcplovin]

Been running Arken optics ffp 4x16 for several years now. Mine is the lightweight. I’ve gotten so accustomed to ffp I don’t even want to use anything else.

 

[cavedweller]

I am amazed at how many shooters of airguns are going for first focal plane scopes. The reticle gets very small on low magnification and I am guessing most will use the higher magnification rather than look at a small reticle. This may make sense if you are shooting a powder burning rifle at extreme distances but an air rifle at 100 yards or less? Also find it interesting that many want big fat 34mm tube scopes. Large tube diameter indeed gives more cross hair adjustment but do air gunners need that many clicks of adjustment? Then how about magnification? Does it make much sense to have 24x magnification under 100 yards? I shoot prairie dogs at 300 plus yards at about 16x BTW. Lastly, so many seem to want a 50mm or even 56mm objective lens. True you gather more light but from a practical point it matters very little. Also true you get a wider field of view but the best way to get that is to zoom out a little. My take is many shooters are caught up in marketing hype. I am an expert in human vision and practice optometry as well as enjoy shooting. Comments?

Love advice on shooting Airguns with scopes while wearing glasses!

 

[rcarlisle]

I have and use both, but I prefer my FFP scopes and will only be buying FFP scopes in the future. But I like the 30mm tube and not larger than 44mm objective. They work great for all my shooting needs, including hunting in the woods. I only started using scopes when I started shooting PCP airguns. All my firearms and airguns up to that point were fitted with irons. Thus, I never got used to one thing or another. After I tried each type, it was clear to me which I preferred and why. Ease of ranging and I like that the reticle gets very small as I zoom out. For offhand shooting, a reticle that gets out of your way is handy. Anyway, no one can insult me enough to stop me from buying another FFP scope next time I need one.

 

[Motorhead]

Love advice on shooting Airguns with scopes while wearing glasses!

Corrective glasses as well Tinted or Safety glasses, Face hugging / close to face while having a large glass area which allows NOT LOOKING threw them straight on possible.

 

[dan_house]

"Most guys don't "compete",
Every shot is a competition; against the wind, that starling, that buck with the huge rack, soda can, knock down target, steel plate...... if ya miss, you "lose". No, it's not an organized "event" but if your keeping score, its a competition

"worry about precision,"
Precision drives accuracy, so yea, I worry about it. Spoiler alert: airguns are mechanical systems that have many components _besides the scope_ that affect precision

"Guys love to show off their fancy gear and "specialize" their hobby to the point it's no fun anymore."
Dude's obviously never been to a major FT shoot or a 10 meter match..... Almost ALL of it is "fancy gear" and "specialized", IMO thats part of the fun. IVe also seen guys show up with basic setups and do really well

"They want to "compete" with their toys instead of simply enjoying them."
Competing with my "toys" is enjoying them-- one of the biggest reasons I shoot airguns. The crucible of competition will bring out the best and worst in your airgunning system and its setup, especially bring out the best and worst of your skillset. Every match Ive been to-especially this past Worlds- has been a "master class" in every facet of airgunning, personal skill and preparation .

Truly dont understand why this got inflamed as it has

 

[cavedweller]

"Most guys don't "compete",
Every shot is a competition; against the wind, that starling, that buck with the huge rack, soda can, knock down target, steel plate...... if ya miss, you "lose". No, it's not an organized "event" but if your keeping score, its a competition

"worry about precision,"
Precision drives accuracy, so yea, I worry about it. Spoiler alert: airguns are mechanical systems that have many components _besides the scope_ that affect precision

"Guys love to show off their fancy gear and "specialize" their hobby to the point it's no fun anymore."
Dude's obviously never been to a major FT shoot or a 10 meter match..... Almost ALL of it is "fancy gear" and "specialized", IMO thats part of the fun. IVe also seen guys show up with basic setups and do really well

"They want to "compete" with their toys instead of simply enjoying them."
Competing with my "toys" is enjoying them-- one of the biggest reasons I shoot airguns. The crucible of competition will bring out the best and worst in your airgunning system and its setup, especially bring out the best and worst of your skillset. Every match Ive been to-especially this past Worlds- has been a "master class" in every facet of airgunning, personal skill and preparation .

Truly dont understand why this got inflamed as it has

Having spent a bazillion bucks on the best guns and scopes I can say FFP scopes are the best choice provided the reticle is thick enough to see at a given power, for task at hand. As far as the guns go…. You can only buy so much accuracy and at some point only practice will change or improve your accuracy! PERIOD!!!

 

[357cal]

I use an FFP scope because I shoot targets and critters from 65-400 yards with a PCP. This summer, I plan on hitting a 10-inch target at 500. Here are some reasons. Oh, and I am not young anymore, 8-34x56 .308 Texan.

1. Reticle Proportionality: In an FFP scope, the reticle grows and shrinks proportionally with the target as you adjust the magnification. This ensures that your holdover and windage calculations remain accurate at any magnification level2.
2. Consistent Subtension: The subtension (size of the reticle elements) remains consistent across all magnifications, making it easier to make precise adjustments for long-range shots.
3. Enhanced Target Acquisition: With the reticle always proportional to the target, it's easier to quickly acquire and engage targets at varying distances.
4. Clearer Images at High Magnifications: FFP scopes often provide clearer images at higher magnifications, which is crucial for long-range shooting.
5. Versatility: FFP scopes are versatile for both tactical and competitive shooting, allowing for accurate use of reticle hash marks for windage and elevation adjustments.

These features make FFP scopes a popular choice for serious marksmen and hunters who need reliable performance at long distances.