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OMNA International Newsletter |
March 2012 |
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| Shooting Tip of the Month |
Focal Plane
There are many factors to consider when shopping for a new variable-power riflescope, from the magnification range to the price range. A potentially important factor that is frequently overlooked is the location of the reticle within the scope. With reticles, as with real estate, location matters.
In a variable-power riflescope with the reticle in the first image plane, changing magnification enlarges or reduces the reticle image along with the target image. The reticle always covers the same percentage of the target area.
The reticle of a variable-power riflescope may be located in the first focal plane, associated with the objective lens (Closest to the enemy); or it may be in the second focal plane, associated with the ocular lens (Closest to your face). The practical consequences of the design choice are immediately evident when using the scope. A first-image-plane reticle changes size in lock-step with the target image as you change the magnification setting. Increase the power, and the target and reticle grow simultaneously. Decrease the power, and they both shrink. Either way, the reticle always covers, or subtends, the same amount of the target.
When the reticle is in the second focal plane, changing power setting increases or decreases the size of the target image, but the reticle remains a constant size to your eye. As the target image is enlarged, the reticle covers less of the target. As the target image is reduced, the reticle subtends more of it, possibly obscuring areas you might prefer to keep in view.
For most shooters seeking a general-purpose riflescope, the reticle location isn't really critical. The choice boils down to individual preference. If you would rather look at a reticle that maintains size consistency with the target, go with a first-plane model. If you want to see a constant-size reticle that looks the same regardless of target magnification, choose a riflescope with a second-plane reticle. Reticle location does become critical if you're in the market for a variable-power riflescope with range-estimating capability.
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Shooting tips every month!
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Greetings!
Thank you for your interest in OMNA International. Our monthly newsletter provides an update on our latest adventures in leadership development and other related efforts aimed at building a culture of watchfulness and preparedness. We'll also provide some ideas on a variety of topics which we hope you find useful as you lead those entrusted to your care.
In March we had a great time hiking the Appalachian Trail and also preparing for our L-580 at Gettysburg (May). We were also contacted by XVIII Airborne Corps looking for a Fredericksburg-Chancellorsville staff ride, and the Advanced Infantry Training Battalion at Camp Geiger who want a staff ride developed too. Also working on South Canyon in May for Redding Hot Shots, a 19-20 July Gettysburg for USNA, and support for the Cherokee Hotshots.
See what other expanded experiential learning opportunities we offer!
Semper Fidelis,
OMNA International
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Thought of the Month:
"Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me." He added, after a pause, looking me full in the face: "That is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave"
Thomas J. Jackson
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Leadership in the Valley
A total of 19 hikers from the U.S. Naval Academy (Midshipmen, Faculty, and Staff) hiked along the Blue RIdge on the Appalachian Trail from 12-16 March guided by OMNA. We studied the 1862 Valley Campaign, with stands at Kernstown, Front ROyal, Cross Keys, and Port Republic. Waiting for a Washington Post article on this adventure!
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| Leadership and Generalship
As part of our continuing education program, OMNA participated in a recent symposium on Leadership and Generalship in the Civil War at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA. Leading scholars presented on Lee, Grant, Jackson, and Sheridan.
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AITB and XVIII Airborne Corps and Stuff
JD was invited to serve as Guest Speaker this past week at Sniper School graduation at the Advanced Infantry Training Battalion aboard Camp Geiger, North Carolina. We'll be developing a staff ride package for them soon.
Eric spent a day guiding a Captain from XVIII Airborne Corps in planning a staff ride for Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. Got that ride already developed!
Dex is on maneuvers in Florida and Southern California drumming up new opportunities.
Ski season ended in New Mexico, so with all that extra cash he earned over the winter Craig bought a new pistol! (Glock 21)
Jim is getting ready for L-580 and probably trying out his new OMNA Goretex parka on a variety of outdoor adventures!
We're just building trust relationships all over the place! More to follow next month!
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About OMNA International
OMNA International provides support services for leaders with vision and good moral character. If you are such a leader, or would like to become one, we invite you to explore our website to learn what we can offer your organization. We are retired U.S. Marines with a good deal of pragmatic experience in developing leaders for organizations with a bias for action. We thank you for your interest, and hope that we can be of service to you and the organization you lead.
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MORE ON FOCAL PLANE ...
With a variable-power riflescope that has its reticle in the second image plane, changing magnification alters the size of the target image while the reticle image remains constant. At higher magnifications, the reticle covers less of the target area; at lower magnifications, the reticle blocks more of the target area.
Many such systems are based on visual comparison of a target or other object of known size with reticle features such as mil dots, graduated stadia lines, or other designated portions of the reticle. With a first-focal-plane reticle, which expands and contracts in synch with the target image, you will be able to employ the comparator guide marks at any magnification you select as appropriate to making the shot.
If the riflescope has a second-plane reticle, you will be able to use the comparator to estimate range only at a single, specified magnification, which will be indicated in the owner's manual for the scope. That means you will have to discipline yourself to set the power to the proper range-estimating value first, then reset it to the magnification you deem best for executing the shot.
Although this isn't the most onerous procedure, you do have to pay attention to what you're doing. Clearly, any range estimation made at an incorrect power setting will be off the mark, perhaps wildly so. What's the best way to avoid this pitfall? Follow the advice given to the tourist in New York City who asked a New Yorker how to get to Carnegie Hall -- practice, practice, practice.
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GOOD SHOOTING!
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