I‘ve been reading up on scope recommendations for field target. I see a lot of folks recommending high power scopes (50x) for the purpose of better range finding. This would only be applicable in a WFTF match, right? Other matches are limited to 16x.
Noob Question
- Thread starter Jspool
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16X only applied the Hunter Class, WFTF and Open Class scope power is unlimited.
Let me clarify the 16X is the mag the scope is set to in Hunter class. The scopes mag capability can be more. You just need to have it set back to 16X in Hunter class.
Let me clarify the 16X is the mag the scope is set to in Hunter class. The scopes mag capability can be more. You just need to have it set back to 16X in Hunter class.
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So in Hunter class you can not use the higher magnification focus and limit your shooting at 16
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Correct. ....your scope may be able to go higher, but you can not exceed 16x for either range focusing or shooting in Hunter Division.
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NOTE: If a higher than 16x scope is used in Hunter class you need to use one that is marked at the 16x point. If you use one that has 10x then 20x markings you will have to use the 10X. You are not allowed to set it in between 10x and 20x where 16x would be.
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If I’m allowed to ask yet anothr noob question……..
Why would Hunter class FT participants use a SP scope rather than a FFP scope if you are not allowed to adjust the turrets?
Why would Hunter class FT participants use a SP scope rather than a FFP scope if you are not allowed to adjust the turrets?
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I think I read somewhere that larger objective scopes can also make range finding easier due to the more shallow depth of field.. Hopefully someone who knows more than I do will chime in.
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But it also creates a situation where you can lower the magnification and get different bracketing results. For example, at 55 yards a cinder block may be 2.3 mildots wide at 16x, but it may be exactly 2 mils wide at 14x. With a FFP scope, it will always be 2.3 mil dots wide regardless of the magnification.
So, yes, for hold over purposes you would always want to be at the same magnification, but for ranging purposes there are advantages to a SFP scope. You would need to remember to put the scope back to 16x for shooting so that your holdovers are correct. And if you are using a scope that goes above 16x, you would have to be very careful not to exceed 16x when adjusting the magnification.
For Hunter Division, I usually use a FFP scope and don't change the magnification (and don't really bracket), but this is one of the reasons why a SFP scope is popular for Hunter shooters.
So, yes, for hold over purposes you would always want to be at the same magnification, but for ranging purposes there are advantages to a SFP scope. You would need to remember to put the scope back to 16x for shooting so that your holdovers are correct. And if you are using a scope that goes above 16x, you would have to be very careful not to exceed 16x when adjusting the magnification.
For Hunter Division, I usually use a FFP scope and don't change the magnification (and don't really bracket), but this is one of the reasons why a SFP scope is popular for Hunter shooters.
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I shoot SFP on a scope that maxes at 16x. I shoot the entire match at 16x power. Since this is the max power, I can expect I can return to the correct setting if I care to change the power at any other time.
I have found FFP scopes have a reticle that either works good at high magnification or good at low magnification, and that's something you need to consider if intending to use an FFP scope. If you have fine lines in the reticle at higher power, they will be barely visible at low power. And, if you can see the reticle at low power, when on high power it will look like tree trunks. At least with SFP if you want to shoot on a lower power, you do not need to make a compromise with the look of the reticle, but you may need to do some math to translate your hold overs.
I have found FFP scopes have a reticle that either works good at high magnification or good at low magnification, and that's something you need to consider if intending to use an FFP scope. If you have fine lines in the reticle at higher power, they will be barely visible at low power. And, if you can see the reticle at low power, when on high power it will look like tree trunks. At least with SFP if you want to shoot on a lower power, you do not need to make a compromise with the look of the reticle, but you may need to do some math to translate your hold overs.
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The only reason to reduce your power from say 16 to 12 is possibly in the standing position. Otherwise I keep it at 16x.
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Thanks everyone for some really good, and thought out answers. Gives me a lot to think about!
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I also shoot SFP optics ...
If and when you need lower X for typically a forced position shot ( Kneeling / Offhand ) taking scope from 16X, I go to 1/2 that at 8X and cut the hold over D.O.P.E. in half as well.
Going to 1/2 the X power your field of view doubles is size, so you use 1/2 the correction in hold to land a pellet at intended POI.
JUST REMEMBER if you do this SET IT BACK TO 16X ... Or you will be missing targets until such time as you realize your fupaw !
If and when you need lower X for typically a forced position shot ( Kneeling / Offhand ) taking scope from 16X, I go to 1/2 that at 8X and cut the hold over D.O.P.E. in half as well.
Going to 1/2 the X power your field of view doubles is size, so you use 1/2 the correction in hold to land a pellet at intended POI.
JUST REMEMBER if you do this SET IT BACK TO 16X ... Or you will be missing targets until such time as you realize your fupaw !
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