Range Estimating with a Mil-dot scope

hammer58 · August 10, 2012, 04:50 PM

Hey guys, I have a question. I am just learning about how to use a mil-dot scope. I have a 3-9 X 42 Sightmark scope. My question is what magnification do you use to estimate range?

This is the formula listed in the owners manual for the scope.

Target size (in yds) x 1000/Mils
read = yds to target

Doesn't the "Mils read" change with changes in magnification?

Thanks for your help!

impalacustom · August 11, 2012, 02:05 AM

On an FFP you can do it at any magnification, on an SFP it is usually at the max power. It should say in the manual.

kraigwy · August 11, 2012, 09:59 AM

First you need to check with the manafactor to see if your scope has its reticle on the first or second focal plane.

Or look through the scope while changing magnification.

A first focal plane reticle will zoom in size with the image when changing magnification.

A second focal plane redicle remains a constant size when changing magnification.

If you scope has its reticle at the first focal plane, the calibration is valid at any magnificatin. If your scope is calibrated an the second focal plane, then its calibrated at the highest magnification.

hammer58 · August 11, 2012, 05:44 PM

Thanks guys, that answers my question! The reticle doesn't change when I change magnification so it must be a SFP. I bought it used at a pawn shop so I didn't get any info with it. I got the users manual online but it didn't explain this detail.

Anyway, thanks for your help!

1Hobie · August 11, 2012, 08:08 PM

http://www.mil-dot.com/articles/the-mildot-reticle

Mil-dots save time.

Hobie

August 10, 2012, 04:50 PM	#1
hammer58 Member Join Date: July 29, 2012 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 45	Range Estimating with a Mil-dot scope Hey guys, I have a question. I am just learning about how to use a mil-dot scope. I have a 3-9 X 42 Sightmark scope. My question is what magnification do you use to estimate range? This is the formula listed in the owners manual for the scope. Target size (in yds) x 1000/Mils read = yds to target Doesn't the "Mils read" change with changes in magnification? Thanks for your help!

August 11, 2012, 09:59 AM	#3
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	First you need to check with the manafactor to see if your scope has its reticle on the first or second focal plane. Or look through the scope while changing magnification. A first focal plane reticle will zoom in size with the image when changing magnification. A second focal plane redicle remains a constant size when changing magnification. If you scope has its reticle at the first focal plane, the calibration is valid at any magnificatin. If your scope is calibrated an the second focal plane, then its calibrated at the highest magnification. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

August 11, 2012, 05:44 PM	#4
hammer58 Member Join Date: July 29, 2012 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 45	Thanks Thanks guys, that answers my question! The reticle doesn't change when I change magnification so it must be a SFP. I bought it used at a pawn shop so I didn't get any info with it. I got the users manual online but it didn't explain this detail. Anyway, thanks for your help!

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August 11, 2012, 02:05 AM	#2
impalacustom Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2009 Posts: 492	On an FFP you can do it at any magnification, on an SFP it is usually at the max power. It should say in the manual.

August 11, 2012, 08:08 PM	#5
1Hobie Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2010 Location: west central Illinois Posts: 277	http://www.mil-dot.com/articles/the-mildot-reticle Mil-dots save time. Hobie