I was wondering if anyone has experience with both models. I can’t decide between the two. It will be going on a Tac Ops Delta 51 with a Tango 51 action. I like the smaller footprint of the K318 but the K525 has a little more top end. Obviously the K525 is a lil overkill for a 308 but I also don’t what rifles I may own in the future that the 525 could go on. Any help would be great. Also, Kahles is the only brand I’m looking at as I have a discount certificate for any Kahles.
Rifle Scopes Kahles K318i vs K525i
- Thread starter skip9693
- Start date
Hi skip9693,
Short answer: Unless you absolutely need the short setup of the 318i, go with the 525i. Not even a close contest in my opinion.
The 525i is the same price (or very close), 2 oz heavier (negligible), relatively short for a 5-25 (will not look out of place on that sweet Tac Ops!), 56mm objective and power up to 25 with a more "comfortable" visual all the way. Only giving up 1.5x on the low end which is nothing. No mounting issues as there is plenty of tube.
Frankly I am surprised that Kahles didn't try to make the 318i lighter or less expensive or add something else meaningful to make it more appealing as an alternative to the 525i. As it stands the 318i's only "advantages" are the short physical footprint and some field of view on the low end, both of which are almost never technical issues for civilian shooters (be honest).
Note again that this is all my opinion of course, but I think you should get the 525i with the reticle and turret layout you want and never look back. I looked at both before picking the 525i and it was a very easy choice. Just waiting on mine with RSW.
Up to you in the end and they are both surely excellent scopes, but I just can't see an argument in favor of the 318i unless you absolutely need that short footprint or 3.5x low end (since you are sticking with Kahles).
Hope that helps and I am sure some others will chime in with more nuanced thoughts too (we are lucky to have so many useful opinions/notes here...great forum). Have a good one!
-TSean
P.S. Those Tac Ops rifles are amazing, really great to hear you've got one! That's going to be a sweet combo either way!
P.P.S. You should ask Mike at Tac Ops too if you haven't already, he will definitely have some good thoughts (at least on the different power ranges if not those exact optics).
Short answer: Unless you absolutely need the short setup of the 318i, go with the 525i. Not even a close contest in my opinion.
The 525i is the same price (or very close), 2 oz heavier (negligible), relatively short for a 5-25 (will not look out of place on that sweet Tac Ops!), 56mm objective and power up to 25 with a more "comfortable" visual all the way. Only giving up 1.5x on the low end which is nothing. No mounting issues as there is plenty of tube.
Frankly I am surprised that Kahles didn't try to make the 318i lighter or less expensive or add something else meaningful to make it more appealing as an alternative to the 525i. As it stands the 318i's only "advantages" are the short physical footprint and some field of view on the low end, both of which are almost never technical issues for civilian shooters (be honest).
Note again that this is all my opinion of course, but I think you should get the 525i with the reticle and turret layout you want and never look back. I looked at both before picking the 525i and it was a very easy choice. Just waiting on mine with RSW.
Up to you in the end and they are both surely excellent scopes, but I just can't see an argument in favor of the 318i unless you absolutely need that short footprint or 3.5x low end (since you are sticking with Kahles).
Hope that helps and I am sure some others will chime in with more nuanced thoughts too (we are lucky to have so many useful opinions/notes here...great forum). Have a good one!
-TSean
P.S. Those Tac Ops rifles are amazing, really great to hear you've got one! That's going to be a sweet combo either way!
P.P.S. You should ask Mike at Tac Ops too if you haven't already, he will definitely have some good thoughts (at least on the different power ranges if not those exact optics).
The k525i is also on 18x when it comes to scope length..i dont think there is better 25 power that as short as k525i
Since length is the only thing the 18x got over 25x model
Since length is the only thing the 18x got over 25x model
Thanks a lot for the advice. I really appreciate it. I actually don’t have the Tac Ops yet. On order. Just wanting to round it out with the right scope. Definitely leaning more towards the 5-25 now.
I think the k318 is great on an AR-15/10 platform for its size and mag range. for a bolt gun no reason not to get the k525. I mean, how many times are you on 3-4x? if you do use that mag range, you probably don't need the 20-25x
My k318 arrives tomorrow and it will go on one of my gas guns behind the pvs-30. I needed longer arms or a shorter scope to allow reaching the focus ring. Seeing as how I’m not growing gorilla arms that makes the decision pretty easy. My k624’s will stay on bolt guns...
Will post some pics and initial feedback on the k318 this week...
Will post some pics and initial feedback on the k318 this week...
I think it depends upon the weapon, and range and real estate on the rifle available. The 318 is one great scope. 525 is great as well. They are about the same price, so most will advise to the 525, but that is not always the right answer, but the logic is tough to argue with.
Thanks for the insights. I was looking at the 318i but except for being shorter, and only slightly heavier, will grab the 525i. ( or a sb scope) I like the skmr reticle.
Just got my Kahles K525i 5-25x56i CCW - SKMR - Right Windage Turret the other day. Now just need to find the time to get out with it
I guess I look at things backwards compared to most people... When I am choosing a scope for a new rifle, I look at what is the realistic range of the cartridge and rifle and choose my maximum magnification range based on that. Size, weight, and field of view matter a lot to me, so I tend to go lower on magnification if I can get away with it. I have a 10x on a 16" 308 gas gun, a 12x on an 18" 223 gas gun, and a 25x on a 260 bolt action. The only reason I went with 25x is because it makes seeing hits on fresh painted steel easier at 1000+. What I have found is the conditions are rarely good for shooting on 25x. Most people I talk to shoot on 12x-18x most of the time, so it doesn't really matter. It all comes down to what you are going to use it for. Strictly prs/nrl competition shooting might as well go 25x. Think you might hunt or use it on a gas gun one day go 18x. From what I have heard from people that have one, the other, or both, you're going to be very happy with either one.
I have two k525i’s. One skmr and one Skmr3.
Unless the length of the optic is of very large importance to you, just go with the 525. It’s only a 2oz or so weight difference, so that’s basically a wash.
“Might as well have more power” isn’t always the right answer, but in this case, it kinda is.
If the low end 3x is a major deal for you, and you only have the budget for one optic, maybe the 318 is a good idea. But I don’t think you’ll be doing much in the low end of the magnification.
For what it’s worth, I typically leave my 525 set at 18x. But 25 is nice to have when you need it.
Unless the length of the optic is of very large importance to you, just go with the 525. It’s only a 2oz or so weight difference, so that’s basically a wash.
“Might as well have more power” isn’t always the right answer, but in this case, it kinda is.
If the low end 3x is a major deal for you, and you only have the budget for one optic, maybe the 318 is a good idea. But I don’t think you’ll be doing much in the low end of the magnification.
For what it’s worth, I typically leave my 525 set at 18x. But 25 is nice to have when you need it.
Quick question, tunneling on the 5x25 or 3x16?
It's for a battle rifle. I prefer some more precise shots. (I have a bolt for even more precise) thanks
It's for a battle rifle. I prefer some more precise shots. (I have a bolt for even more precise) thanks
sorry.. duplex? I was trained on iron sights (Marine) lol.. thanks for all the info and knowledge here!!!!
The low end on the 318i is actually 3.5. The way they named the scope is a bit misleading. This makes the difference even less on the low end and if prices are similar my vote would also be for the 5x25.
There are a lot of benefits to an ultra short for reasons previously identified. Here's a quick spec comparison.
Was holding onto my K318i until the ZCO ZC420 arrived, but I am doubtful the ZCO's will be coming in anytime soon, the K318i was meant for a AR-6.5CM build but I think I'm going to sell that once I get it all together and verify it's a shooter, not really interested in a trade but if you find a buyer for the K525i let me know, mine is brand new and has not been shot yet, mounted and tested, etc. but like I said the rifle it is meant for is yet to be built so it's just sat here. I can't speak to it mechanically, but optically it is the best Ultra Short I've seen to date and bested my S&B Ultra Short 3-20 when both were compared at the upper end (hence why I sold the Schmidt).
PM sent.
I keep hearing awesome things about the k318i.
I love both of my k525i (especially the skmr), but I rarely use them above 18, and the image at 25 is average to above average at best for this tier level of optic. 18x on them is amazing though.
I thought about taking you up on it David but i just can't part from the little thing. I also got an insane offer for an AMG that has me contemplating selling my USO SN-3, putting the AMG on the hunting rifle, moving the k318i to the SPR, and keeping the 525 right where it is.
I honestly don’t know why I want one (it’s a sickness). As my 525 does everything I need. Just keep hearing good things and I like the way it looks.
I went k318i due to FOV on a crossover rifle, I’ve popped moving coyotes at <25y when calling so I’m very aware of that stat. Very important in my opinion on a hunting rifle. That’s totally worth the cost of a little extra on the top end to me that I doubt I’d use anyways.
It’s not apples to apples (6x erector obviously) but FOV and length as compared to my M5xi 3-15 H59:
K318i FOV 27.8ft; 12.3in long
M5xi 3-15 H59 FOV 36ft; 13.1in long
Waiting on a blank base that needs to be drilled before I can go shoot. I’m a bit of a skeptic right now, but that may change once I get it mounted and the diopter set up. Initial impression is that CA is worse than M5 but resolution is better, but we’ll see once it’s mounted.
Anyone else have a parallax ring that’s stiff?
It’s not apples to apples (6x erector obviously) but FOV and length as compared to my M5xi 3-15 H59:
K318i FOV 27.8ft; 12.3in long
M5xi 3-15 H59 FOV 36ft; 13.1in long
Waiting on a blank base that needs to be drilled before I can go shoot. I’m a bit of a skeptic right now, but that may change once I get it mounted and the diopter set up. Initial impression is that CA is worse than M5 but resolution is better, but we’ll see once it’s mounted.
Anyone else have a parallax ring that’s stiff?
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I know you have history with your USO (kind of like your first car) but that setup sounds really good and may be worth letting the old tank, er, I mean USO go
Will, you might have done this already, but curious how the K525i and K318i perform when both are set at 18x, we know the K525i has some issues at the upper extreme, but 18x should be in the "sweet spot" range for this optic, but I'm so impressed with how well the K318i performs even at 18x I'd be curious how the two compare to one another.
I know you have history with your USO (kind of like your first car) but that setup sounds really good and may be worth letting the old tank, er, I mean USO go
Will, you might have done this already, but curious how the K525i and K318i perform when both are set at 18x, we know the K525i has some issues at the upper extreme, but 18x should be in the "sweet spot" range for this optic, but I'm so impressed with how well the K318i performs even at 18x I'd be curious how the two compare to one another.
If i told you the price you'd think i was crazy for not putting the SN-3 up. Though idk it has a spec in the optic that can be seen at 3x though it's never affected function/clarity and past 3x it's not noticeable.
I haven't actually, funny enough my brother's 308 is done and i took my tempest barreled action and k525i out of his MPA waiting on the PRS2 which comes in today. Though i'm back at the med center for the last three weeks of class. I've had very limited time with the k525i as of now. I'm about to be using it all winter though comp rifle is about to be back up for good. I just parted out the hunting rifle or am in the midst of doing so switching to a 737r so the k318i wont be on a rifle less i put it on my SPR, which i could do just need a 34mm mount.
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^^^ Decisions, decisions If you decide to pass up on the AMG, you can always let me know and maybe I'll buy it and give you a finders commission
If you decide to pass up on the AMG, you can always let me know and maybe I'll buy it and give you a finders commission 
