Quigley-Ford Patented Dual Focal Plane 5-20X Hunting Scope

Long Range Scope for Hunters — Quigley-Ford Dual Focal Plane

By James Mock
I recently tested a 5-20x50mm Quigley-Ford Dual Focal Plane Scope. This unique $3049.00 optic essentially offers DUAL focal reticles. The primary reticle is in the First Focal Plane while there is a SECOND reticle in the Second Focal plane. How is that possible? The scope is basically a First Focal Plane one, but there is an secondary Second Focal Plane reticle that does not change size (or thickness) when the magnification level changes. Quigley-Ford states: “The ONLY long range scope that is built with dual focal plane capability (without electronics or batteries) to make it effective for both long range shots AND close up.” The design holds U.S. Patent #D943050. This scope is assembled in Canada with German-crafted HD multi-coated lenses and a main tube from China.

The manufacturer explains: “The patented Dual Focal Plane scope provides a super bold Second Focal Plane etched aiming point … on all power settings PLUS a First Focal Plane reticle to provide the ability to shoot at any distance on any power. With this innovative combination a hunter in near darkness, using the lowest power setting can still pick up an aiming point on an animal with ease.” See how it works:

As seen in the photo, the two dark horizontal lines are in the second focal plane and are there to aid the “hunter” when the power is turned down and the fine cross hairs are difficult to see. This is an ingenious arrangement that allows one to use low power settings in dim light without losing sight of the reticle. NOTE: When ordering one of these scopes, one must give Randy Ford the particulars of the load to be shot. The required data includes caliber, bullet weight, bullet BC, and velocity. My load data sent to Randy was: 32.2 grains Varget, CCI 400 SR primer, 108gr Berger BT at 2910 FPS.

Randy emphasized that there are other factors to consider such as altitude, but his reticle is seldom off on distant targets more than 2 inches. He repeated that his system is designed for the hunter to quickly find an aiming point. They recommend a default altitude of 5000 feet. That way the reticle will still be very effective from sea level to 10,000 ft.

To set up the FFP system, one zeroes the rifle at 200 yards. The center crosshair will be for 200 yards with hash marks to 1000 yards with smaller marks between the longer 100-yard marks.

In the photos below, I first shot over the chronograph to check my velocity. It is very important to match the velocity for which the reticle was designed. The velocity was within a few FPS of the velocity I provided to Randy. His system utilizes marks for hold-over rather than having to dial the scope. It is a very ingenious system. Although I am 79 years old, I still enjoy shooting. I wish I could have had a scope like this one when shooting at a mule deer in Colorado back in 1980. After checking velocity, one must obtain a 200-yard zero. I did this at my friend Kent Bennett’s 200-yard range…on which I have shot for many years. My rifle is a Stolle Panda with 28″, 1:7.5″-twist Krieger barrel chambered in 6mm Dasher.

Speaking of Kent, he was impressed with his initial contact with this scope. He stated that the optics were very sharp and clear. I will add that the adjustments were spot on and the parallax was easily removed. My next trip to the range was to another friend’s 600-yard range.

With the preparations completed, I took my Dasher with the Quigley-Ford scope to a friend’s range. He had targets set up at 200, 300, 400, and 600 yards. The morning was foggy with light drizzle, but the rain held off until I finished the test.

I started by checking my 200-yard zero and it was close, although not perfect. Next, I shot 300 yards, 400 yards, and at a 600-yard steel gong. The 300-yard shot (shown at right) was perfect except for being a tad right. I was very satisfied with the results so far. I skipped 500 yards temporarily, but went to the gong at 600 yards. There was a very satisfying “bong!” when the 108gr bullet arrived. This showed that the scope can provide precise elevations for distances from 200 to 600 yards.

I then set up a plywood dummy deer (crafted by my son years ago) at 500 yards and shot it twice. One shot was with the 108gr Berger BT and the other was with a 105gr, Bart’s VLD. Both were about 2910 FPS and have a BC that is very close. When I went to the target, I was pleasantly surprised in that the bullets were close to center and less than 1 inch apart. Both were 10s and one was an “X”.

Conclusion: I will continue more testing of this Dual Focal Plane scope. So far, I find that it is a very worthwhile addition to a long-range hunter’s rifle. I was amazed at how precise the reticle was from 200 to 600 yards. The Dual Focal Plane functionality is unique and very useful — offering the “best of both worlds” for hunting — you have a highly visible horizontal bar, combined with a FFP reticle which allows precise holds at multiple ranges. Stay tuned, James Mock.