I tend to spend more time researching the quality of things than I actually do enjoying the thing itself. So naturally when I purchased my first rifle, terminology and preferences started getting thrown around in front of me exposing me to questions I hadn’t explored, let alone even formed an opinion. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t believe some preferences define you as worse or better, especially when it's based purely on choice. But when it comes to understanding the basics, especially as a new rifle or gun owner, doing the research will only set you up for success, even if it’s just for an educated purchase.

I was recently talking to a friend about the difference between First and Second Focal Planes. The terminology can seem almost intimidating. But as I researched the topic I found how simple the concept really is. Here are a few things that I found that I hope help you as you begin building, and buying your rifles.

First, the Focal Plane, plain and simple, is based on where you place your reticle in the scope tube. First Focal Plane is placed in front of the magnification lens causing whatever you look at to be magnified. Self-explanatory enough.

The Second Focal Plane is when the reticle is placed behind the magnification lens and closer to your actual eye. This causes nothing to change in the reticle appearance as you adjust magnification because it’s already been magnified.

What are the pros and cons as we are looking at each Plane?

With First Plane Scopes, the reticle grows with magnification, so power level doesn’t matter, your holdover applies regardless. This doesn’t affect ranging since your target grows in size with your magnification. This causes your measurements to be more precise.

With a Second Plane Scope, long range shooting is affected because as power is increased the reticle does not adjust with the magnification of the target. In a sense, you lose height. Ranging is affected as well, as power is adjusted the size of the target changes, so your measurements can be off.

So which to choose?

First Plane Scopes are most beneficial at the highest power levels. As magnification is decreased finer hash marks for more precise ranging will be harder for you to see.

Second Plane Scopes have more fine design that can be used at really any magnification level. However, ranging really works only at maximum power.

As you are looking through all of your options, remember the basics. And really at the end of the day the scope is based on your personal preference. Shop around and make sure to try different settings to find what really fits your style best.