Vortex Viper PST 1-4x24 SFP or FFP?!

[tainted_demon]

I recently found out that in Fall 2012 Vortex is coming out with a FFP version of their 1-4x24 scope and was wondering if I should wait or buy a SFP one now.

Most of what I hear about FFP complaints is that at low magnification the crosshair lines are small and magnified they are too big. With a 1-4 power I don't think this would be a problem due to the fact that at 1x you're using the ring for "CQB" shots and at 4x you're using the crosshairs for accuracy.

Maybe that's just my thinking but I'd like to hear from FFP shooters, an how they think it'll turn up performing.

 

[kombayotch]

They released a capped MOA FFP version, presumably intended for 3 gun, but not well suited to being run uncapped. What they need to do is release their mil version as FFP with no other changes.

I've avoided buying the Vortex 1-4x for a while because it isn't FFP. With a properly designed reticle, with proper features, the reticle changing size isn't an issue, it's an advantage. The S&B 1.1-4x is a perfect example. When you turn it down to 1x, the crosshairs disappear and you essentially have an Aimpoint. SWFA and USO also have 1-4x FFP scopes with features that make the reticle work well across the magnification range.

The reticle Vortex offers is well suited to FFP. When cracked down to 1x, you would still have a nice large dot from those outer circular features and a precise center point. The issue I have with that reticle in SFP is with the center dot. It's 0.3 mil (1MOA) at 4x, which is perfect (same as the center dot on an Eotech). However, it grows to 1.2mil (4.1 MOA) at 1x. That isn't as precise as I like for shooting unsupported positions at 100 and 200, and I prefer shooting these at 1x. Tried it with 2 and 4 MOA Aimpoints and nether was as good as the Eotech's 1MOA center dot. Even at shorter distances, I like the added precision of the Eotech. The outer ring is still available if you want faster with less precision.

SFP: reticle doesn't change in size relative to your eye, but change in size relative to the target.
FFP: reticle changes size relative to your eye, but stay the same size relative to the target.