Rifle Scopes Getting lost in reticle kahles SM1

[Emtothedee]

I tend to get lost in the reticle when using my kahles 1-6 SM1 at distance. For example, I’ll need a 4.5 mil hold over and in between breaths will find myself at 5.5 on accident. I have to do a lot of starting at the top and count my way down to the line I need, just to sometimes lose my reference. Any tips anyone has for me would he greatly appreciated!

 

[Burdy]

Man, I wish I could help. This is exactly why I chose the 3GR even though the SM1 is a better option for CQB and/or 1x work. If I hadn't chosen the 3GR, I would have picked the SL1 to reduce the clutter as the different shapes would have made it easier to reference my holds.

 

[Emtothedee]

It’s almost too simple where every line looks exactly the same!

 

[Burdy]

It’s almost too simple where every line looks exactly the same!

In a static/sterile environment, it's good but it's hard on the brain under stress. Sell it and get the 3GR.

 

[Steel head]

I can see why.
It would be nice if if they indicated the fifth and tenth mil with extended lines.

 

[wade2big]

Vortex does it right on their 1-6 reticles. Full mil markers only. No half mil marks. Simple clean and effective. Bracket the target and make hits. I do not like 1/2 mil marks on these types of scopes.

 

[Emtothedee]

Even just numbers next the mil holder over would be awesome

 

[Burdy]

Vortex does it right on their 1-6 reticles. Full mil markers only. No half mil marks. Simple clean and effective. Bracket the target and make hits. I do not like 1/2 mil marks on these types of scopes.

I definitely want .5 mil, I just don't want anymore than that on a LPVO and I want something to break it up visually for easy reference. I prefer this to the JM1 for sure, although I would take the simplicity of the JM1 over the SM1.

 

[Emtothedee]

Seems like performance at 1x is highly dependent on illumination though as a trade off. How is it with illumination?

 

[Burdy]

Seems like performance at 1x is highly dependent on illumination though as a trade off. How is it with illumination?

Its not as visible with illumination as the SM1 is, mainly because so much of the SM1 is illuminated. For me, I rarely remember to turn the illumination on, but that's likely not how most people run the optic. I have astigmatism, so even illumination in etched reticles can appear fuzzy and I don't have an issue finding the center of a crosshair reticle at cqb distances. It may not pop like a donut would, but I am definitely not searching for it.

I am very happy with the 1x performance, but I take it for what it is. No LPVO will ever be an Aimpoint or an EOTech when it comes to speed regardless of what anyone would have you believe. Its performance at midrange and distance is very impressive. I have had mine to 800y with a 13.7" 5.56 carbine with no issues whatsoever.

 

[Catahoula]

I agree with Burdy on the 3GR, great reticle. Simple and very effective, I zero at 170 yards and
Almost puts me dead on at 300 and 400 yards. I would sell the SM1 and purchase 3GR, with the resale value that these scopes have it should not be a big difference. Under pressure of a match this reticle will be much easier to determine your yardage. Good luck.

 

[koshkin]

Its not as visible with illumination as the SM1 is, mainly because so much of the SM1 is illuminated. For me, I rarely remember to turn the illumination on, but that's likely not how most people run the optic. I have astigmatism, so even illumination in etched reticles can appear fuzzy and I don't have an issue finding the center of a crosshair reticle at cqb distances. It may not pop like a donut would, but I am definitely not searching for it.

I am very happy with the 1x performance, but I take it for what it is. No LPVO will ever be an Aimpoint or an EOTech when it comes to speed regardless of what anyone would have you believe. Its performance at midrange and distance is very impressive. I have had mine to 800y with a 13.7" 5.56 carbine with no issues whatsoever.

I'll be very curious how the Optika6 reticle I designed for the 1-6x will work for you.

ILya

 

[Burdy]

I'll be very curious how the Optika6 reticle I designed for the 1-6x will work for you.

ILya

I had a different reticle on order for the Optika6 1-6 then saw your MRAD2 and immediately called in to make the change. On paper, I absolutely love it. Can't wait to get it in.

 

[goatboy]

The NXS 1-8 has numbered stadia which makes the reticle easier to orient within. Numbering the vertical stadia in the SM1 would be a major improvement. I also have a 3GR and agree that it is far better with the exception that the red horseshoe is great in a close dynamic setting on a carbine or SBR.

 

[Emtothedee]

Does the 3GR allow you to range or is it just easier to use the holdovers than the SM1?

 

[goatboy]

The 3gr is basically a mil dot tree but without mil sub tensions, it’s not going to be very accurate at ranging IMO. But at the same time, it tops out at 6x, so I doubt that it will be used at any long distances.

 

[Burdy]

The subtensions are 1 mil apart so some rough ranging can be done. As mentioned I have had the the scope to 800y fairly easily so it's capabilities is certainly surprising given its magnification range.