What does it mean to have the reticle in the first or second plane?  What are the pros and cons of each?

TIA

FFP grows or shrinks with magnification.

SFP stays the same size as the view zooms in our out.

FFP stays the same realtive to the background.  SFP is changing size relative to background.

FFP allows drop marks, mils etc to be able to be used at any magnification.  It makes change in POI due to changing magnification impossible.  SFP has the smallest aiming point when zoomed in.

Zak_Smith did an awesome write up about this a while back.  I used to have it saved but can't find it now.  Maybe he will come along and link it.  Anyway, if you can get a FFP in the model scope you want that's what I would get.

Anyone know whether a leupy vx-II 2x7 has a FFP or SFP reticle? thanks,
Ryan

Quoted: Anyone know whether a leupy vx-II 2x7 has a FFP or SFP reticle? thanks, Ryan

SFP.

Usually only high end scopes will have the FFP and be more expensive.

US Optics website has a good tutorial.  

2nd plane reticules still allow ranging, but any ranging reticule is calibrated at a single power within the power range, so you typically can't zoom in at max power and range -- normally they are calibrated at a mid-power setting.  

If varmint hunting or going after very samm targets, 2nd plane reticules have advantages since the cross hairs don't cover as much of the target.  

For human sized targets out to reasonable distances, 1st plane reticules have advantages, but they tend to be costlier.  I'm not sure if it costs any more to mfg them, but typically they are offered in only European or high-end US manufactured tactical scope lines, and you'll pay along the way (but you also get better glass, better shock protection, etc., so it's not a given that the cost delta is driven by only the reticule/magnifier design).

Quoted: so you typically can't zoom in at max power and range -- normally they are calibrated at a mid-power setting.

Actually a lot of scopes are calibrated to range at the max power.  At least Loopy's and NF are.

Premier Reticles in Virginia modifies variable Leupold scopes to have the Gen 2 Mildot FFP...

I have a Leupy 6.5x20 LR M1 with the Premier Gen II mil dot (FFP).  I find it great at 20x as the reticle is not overly large.  However, heat perturbance sometimes doesn't allow me to run at 20X.  I actually find the reticle gets a little too fine at anything below 10X.  Would I get another FFP scope... sure.  But, it's just something to consider.

Quoted: What does it mean to have the reticle in the first or second plane?

www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=18&t=239890

Quoted: What does it mean to have the reticle in the first or second plane?  What are the pros and cons of each? TIA

Here is a real simple one.

in an FFP scope the retical is placed in front of the magnifying lenses in the scope. In a SFP the retical is behind the magnifying lenses, the results are as pretty much everyone else said.