what is the differance between 1st and 2 nd focal points witch is better for hunting 50 yd to500 yds — 1 Answer

First Focal Plane scopes have the reticle placed in front of the magnification lens in the scope. This means the reticle will grow and shrink as the magnification increases or decreases. Second Focal Plane scopes have the reticle placed behind the magnification in a scope. This means the reticle stays the same size as magnification increases or decreases. The reticle in a FFP scope is to scale as magnification increases or decreases making the holdovers marks accurate at any magnification. In a SFP scope the reticle is only to scale at the highest magnification making the holdover marks accurate only at the highest magnification. Either could be used for hunting at those distances, and it becomes a personal preference.