Focal Planes On A Scope - How Do I Tell?

[WoodsmanJim 160]

Apologies if this is a bit of a dumb question, but how do I tell what focal plane my reticule is on in my scope?

 

I assume that taking shots from a fixed range at the same POA but at different zoom levels will tell me? i.e. if the POI changes the it must be 2nd focal plane mounted reticule. if the POI stays the same it's 1 focal plane?

 

it's a Nikko Stirling Mountmaster 3-9 x 40 AO scope if that helps?

 

Thanks all,

Jim

[Acuspell 329]

Looking through, when you zoom the scope, does the reticle AND target increase in size, or just the target?

 

1st Focal Plane scope the reticle increases in size along withg the target, so the relationship between the two remains constant at all magnifications.

 

2nd focal plane the target increases in size, but the reticle stays the same size - and your aim points alter as a result.

[WoodsmanJim 160]

awesome, thanks for the quick response. Just had a quick check and my reticule stays the same so it's a 2nd focal plane job then.

 

Looks like I'll need to do some experiments for aim points at different mags then, although I only ever really use it at full 9x mag which is what it's zero'd at too.

 

Thanks for the help, this forum is a useful place to be!

 

Cheers Acuspell

 

Jim

[Craig Fosse 286]

Remember changing mags doesn't change ur zero, its just the hold over / under that is different