What does a first focal plane (FFP) scope allow a shooter to do?

A first focal plane (FFP) scope is designed so that the reticle (crosshairs) scales in proportion to the target as you adjust the magnification. This means that the subtension values, which represent the space between the reticle lines, remain consistent at any magnification level. For shooters, this is extremely advantageous because they can effectively use the reticle for range estimation and holdovers regardless of the zoom level they are utilizing. Thus, a shooter can maintain accurate measurements for windage and elevation or aim at moving targets without needing to adjust their interpretation based on magnification changes.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately capture the primary benefits of an FFP scope. While parallax management is important, FFP scopes do not inherently remove parallax issues. The weight of a scope is determined by its materials and design, and this can vary widely regardless of the reticle placement. Lastly, while magnification can influence field of view, an FFP scope does not change this characteristic in a fundamental manner. The defining feature of an FFP scope is its ability to keep reticle measurements true across different magnifications.