Bushnell 65-2134M Using Instructions page 8

ABOUT RETICLE FOCAL PLANES
Variable power riflescopes may have their reticles located in either the first focal plane (in the section
nearest to the objective lens), or in the second focal plane (nearer to the eyepiece or ocular lens). This
location determines how the reticle will behave relative to the target when you change the scope's power
(magnification).
If your scope's reticle is located in the first focal plane, the size of the reticle will appear to increase or
decrease when you increase or decrease the scope's power (using the zoom ring), just as the target itself
does. If the reticle is in the second focal plane, the reticle always appears at a constant size and does not
follow your changes in power-only the apparent size of the target changes.
This is especially significant in riflescopes with mil dot or other range estimation type reticles. A first focal
plane reticle may be more convenient, as it allows you to use the guide marks at any power you select. A
second focal plane reticle can only be used for range estimation at a single power setting, the one it has
been calibrated for (unless you do a little math, as described later in this manual). You can of course use the
scope crosshairs at any power for accurate shooting-however you will only get accurate distance estimation
by using the ranging marks at the calibrated magnification.
USING MIL DOT RETICLES
Your Bushnell Tactical riflescope contains a mil-dot reticle (1st or 2nd focal plane, depending on the model),
the most accurate means of range estimation using a manual optical device. These mil dots also allow precise
leads for moving targets and exact compensation for shooting in a crosswind.
RETICLE DESCRIPTION
The middle of this reticle contains four evenly spaced mil-dots arrayed outward vertically and horizontally from
the center. Actually, because the very center dot was left out to allow clear aiming, the reticle represents five
mils in any direction – ten vertical mils – as shown in the illustration. Note that the most outward dot is
replaced by the edge of the heavier reticle line.
One mil is the space from center-dot to center-dot. One-half and one-quarter mils are easy to estimate
mentally; with practice, you can measure tenths of mils for the most exact ranging.
Yardage Marks on
Side Focus Knob Scale
Index Line