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Rifle Scopes Kahles 3.5-18 SKMR3 initial impressions
- Thread starter 7WSMShooter
- Start date
Clean, large numbers. That's a good thing for older shooters, like me.
So....i uhhhh did it again.. got offered a trade for the k624i with cash for the k318i that i couldn't refuse. It will be here next week
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I've got some SH targets to do a tracking test with it. Should be here Wednesday or so. Wont really get to compare it with the 624i because it will be going off tomorrow. Planning on the TargetsUSA scope tool as well.
^ ditto pat @psinclair any updates?
What?!?!!!! Nice... kid in a candy store eh
Ha i couldn't help myself. Especially after Bennet's high praises for it compared to the 624i and controlling CA much better. I was going to put the 624i up just to see if i could get my money back and if i could i'd jump on a K318i. However when i did a dealer that needed a 624i demo offered me a trade with cash that was pretty much impossible to refuse. It is a demo though hasn't been taken outside just mounted on a rifle. Has a scratch on the underside of the objective bell but it can't be seen when mounted so i'm not too concerned about it.
Here are pics he sent me. Deer are at 692yds
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5RWill,
Do you have any experience with a S&B 5-20 Ultra Short? I’m interested to hear from anyone with experience compared to the K318i.
Do you have any experience with a S&B 5-20 Ultra Short? I’m interested to hear from anyone with experience compared to the K318i.
Nice! That little parallax adapter, is that from Kahles or is that an extra piece made elsewhere? Sounds like you posted at the right time my friend. Seeing all these K318i's showing up makes me anxious all the more for the ZCO to finally make its appearance
I do not. The dealer who is making the trade with me does though. He sent me this pic as well. PM me and i'll give you his info.
Nice! That little parallax adapter, is that from Kahles or is that an extra piece made elsewhere? Sounds like you posted at the right time my friend. Seeing all these K318i's showing up makes me anxious all the more for the ZCO to finally make its appearance
That is actually his invention/adapter he's sending me one to try out as well. I heard rumor the K525 is actually set for July now instead of August which i hope is true. ZCO still set for August?
^ That's actually a Schmidt 3-20 Ultra Short in that image, not the 5-20 Ultra Short. But dirthead, I do have experience with the 5-20 Ultra Short so here is my proposal, since Will doesn't have any rifles to mount his K318i on right now, he should send the scope to me and I can give it a preliminary review as compared to my 5-20 US I used to own
That parallax adapter is sweet.
ZCO is hunkering down right now to focus all their attention on getting the scopes to market, early thoughts were they could start shipping in June, but not sure if that will happen as I'm trying not to pester them with my anxieties. I'm like a crack addict with good glass, if I don't get a new fix, I start to shake, fidget and get all nervous and paranoid.
That parallax adapter is sweet.
ZCO is hunkering down right now to focus all their attention on getting the scopes to market, early thoughts were they could start shipping in June, but not sure if that will happen as I'm trying not to pester them with my anxieties. I'm like a crack addict with good glass, if I don't get a new fix, I start to shake, fidget and get all nervous and paranoid.
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What height rings are you running with that setup? I just got my K318 mounted and dont like how hi it is. Your setup there looks perfect.
Latest fad. Every few years, in every industry (electronics, cars, whatever), a certain attribute becomes "it", and "it" becomes the feature to which everyone else in the industry has to offer as well, because humans are sheep. If you don't make an Ultrashort in 2018, you'll get a lot of finger-wagging as a company. Just the normal game of consumerism.
"I'm Ricky Bobby, and if you don't like Ultra Shorts than F You!"
"I'm Ricky Bobby, and if you don't like Ultra Shorts than F You!"
If you ain't first..... yer last ?
If you own a covert, if you use NV, etc. There are practical applications where having a short scope will help. For some it's just aesthetics, some mfr's make them lighter so you save some weight. I prefer shorter scopes on AR platforms, but it's mostly aesthetics for that application as well.
Got the K318i in today. It feels pretty hefty for it's size, only 33oz but still holding it in hand it's weighty. Didn't get back until nightfall yet again, i'm going to glance through it before work in the morning. So far though i really like it, i imagine i'll be pretty impressed with it. I can comment on the turrets, while the spacing/distance click to click has been reduce slightly (least i believe) i don't find it to be bothersome. In practical situations i've never found myself just moving deliberately click to click looking for the spacing. That said i could see how some would be put off by it but whilst turning to rapidly get to the elevation needed it feels identical to the k624i but with more resistance click to click and louder clicks. Parallax is stiffer than the k624i though mine was used so it could wear with time.
Using ARC Low 34mm rings it barely clears where i have it set. Might have to move it up some. I just mounted to get it on the gun and get behind it. Have the stock pack on dad's 6.5 SAUM at the moment and need to either get another or get it back. Don't mind the bench it's a damn mess.
Using ARC Low 34mm rings it barely clears where i have it set. Might have to move it up some. I just mounted to get it on the gun and get behind it. Have the stock pack on dad's 6.5 SAUM at the moment and need to either get another or get it back. Don't mind the bench it's a damn mess.
I know this is a thread about the K318i, but can I just say that I've always had a REALLY serious thing for the SN3 with ERGO adjustment? I want one sooo bad, but both of my precision rigs are switch barrel and setting the EREK up as a "zero stop" is a hassle. Guess I'll have to buy another rifle and go on the hunt for an ERGO SN3, haha.
Back to the K318i, as I mentioned before, I can't believe just how small that thing is! It looks positively tiny! Part of why the ERGO SN3 appeals to me is that I like the better proportions of a longer scope, but dang if this thing isn't calling my name! Perhaps I need two rifles now, one for the USO and then a gas gun for a K318i. Hmmm...
Thanks for the initial impressions guys, keep them coming!
Back to the K318i, as I mentioned before, I can't believe just how small that thing is! It looks positively tiny! Part of why the ERGO SN3 appeals to me is that I like the better proportions of a longer scope, but dang if this thing isn't calling my name! Perhaps I need two rifles now, one for the USO and then a gas gun for a K318i. Hmmm...
Thanks for the initial impressions guys, keep them coming!
I wish USO would bring back the ERGO parallax as i'm a big fan. Though my EREK zero is set the same as the previous EREK knobs until the B-17 series to my knowledge less they changed something with the LR-17. A bit ashamed to admit i've given though of selling it as of late, being that both my rifles will now wear Kahles, i'm going to put it on my SPR, which is a bit of a long optic for that role but oh well. It has some sentimental value as it was a gift and has been my workhorse going on 10 years now. Other than length, it's just a great optic. Do wish i had gotten a reticle change before USO changed hands or went mainstream. Bit tired of the ole GAP mil. It still holds it's own despite it's age though and up until the MK5 and Kahles i haven't owned a scope that bested it. Admittedly because most of them outside the mark 6 were not $2300-2500 optics.
I started to pull out the 1-6 Gen II Razor and put it beside the K318i. I haven't had many ultra shorts other than the Mark 6 and size wise that's how the Kahles seems. Once you get it in hand you're kind of shocked at how tiny it is. Even more so for the Leupold MK5/6 those scopes are freaking tiny. What's killing me is i haven't done a bit of load development, you can see behind that rifle my main is down at the moment as i sold my T4A and ordered a PRS2, and we're way behind on the farm so i'm not getting back home till 8:30-9ish. So i might get to take it out this weekend. Or if it rains i'll definitely be able to shoot groups.
Can't wait to hear what you think after you get it out for a bit Will. By the way, I'm thankful for your shot of your bench, I thought I was the only one who had a messy bench
Nonsense.
Scopes can be too long for mounting on short actions to achieve comfortable eye relief. I am glad that manufacturers are offering this.
Yeahhhhh. There's like 5 things on that bench and you can see the benchtop surface.Compared to mine, that bench is immaculate.
Someone should start a thread "What does your workbench look like" but the requirement is they have to take a pic immediately and not clean first
We digress.
Speaking of K318i's, we have another shipment of SKMR3's on the way, give us a call if you're looking for one since we have a couple left unsold
Forgive me for the shameless plug fellas....
But if someone mentions seeing this certificate for sale in this section, I'll sell it for $1k. That's pretty good savings. $600 to $650 off retail price for the K318i or new K525i.
https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...ate-on-any-kahles-scope.6885643/#post-7042729
But if someone mentions seeing this certificate for sale in this section, I'll sell it for $1k. That's pretty good savings. $600 to $650 off retail price for the K318i or new K525i.
https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...ate-on-any-kahles-scope.6885643/#post-7042729
Pretty sure i can get the 50mm objective cover at eurooptic. Idk about the eyepiece ill check after work today for sure
I finally got home before dark. Sunshade came in. Took the k318i out to see what the low light performance was like. Edge to edge clarity of the scopes i've owned had time with is second to none. There is no deviation of contrast or resolution from the center. Very impressive in that regard. It doesn't seem to be overly bright like the K624i was and maybe it was the setting i was in. I was looking at a golf ball cleaner 339yds at 10x from sunset 7:57pm CST to 8:30pm when the mosquitos came out in full force and it was unbearable. 8:27 was when both the SN-3 and K318i started fade off. I could still make out the golf ball cleaner with both. More so in the K318i.
Throw in another nod to the parallax which is looking to be extremely accurate. Had a robin that was around 30yds or so, love that feature.
Short video of the clicks.
Throw in another nod to the parallax which is looking to be extremely accurate. Had a robin that was around 30yds or so, love that feature.
Short video of the clicks.
From Mike, "tested the Kahles K318i from 220yds to 550yds. The blue plate is at 425yds and the image was amazing. The reticle we tested was the MSRK."
More SKMR3's on the way and the demo model below is also available Please call us at 916-670-1103
More SKMR3's on the way and the demo model below is also available
Please call us at 916-670-1103
They’re ARC lows. I don’t really know honestly. I just put it on there quickly when it came in. It seems fine but I’m probavly going to move it up just because it barely clears the rail. I also haven’t had my stock pack on there so cheek weld has iffy
Love that short setup Will. Is that the Kahles Sunshade you got, nice to know their accessories are available now too. Sounds like Kahles may have knocked this one out of the park so far, it makes waiting for the ZCO agonizing at this point
Love that short setup Will. Is that the Kahles Sunshade you got, nice to know their accessories are available now too. Sounds like Kahles may have knocked this one out of the park so far, it makes waiting for the ZCO agonizing at this point
This year is a fantastic year for optics
Love that short setup Will. Is that the Kahles Sunshade you got, nice to know their accessories are available now too. Sounds like Kahles may have knocked this one out of the park so far, it makes waiting for the ZCO agonizing at this point
It is. Cost me 60 but i was just glad eurooptic had it in. I found which tenebraex caps go on it but no one has them in stock.
I’m praying we get a rain tomorrow and Thursday so i can load and go to the range.
Thus far it matched my USO in low light conditions. I still need more time behind it but considering it’s size it’s almost a work of art. I’ve been looking for CA and can’t find any.
That's not too bad, I think I paid around $100 for my Schmidt & Bender sunshade on my ultra short! I agree, it is a work of art, Kahles knows how to design a good looking scope and for everything the K318i packs in its small package, it is impressive! Around 2.2oz lighter than the ZC420 and .5" shorter, I'm really curious where the ZCO will come in price wise, I think my biggest deterrent is the 36mm tube.
I guess I’m just used to scopes coming with it. The sunshade i don’t mind so much as covers.
Something that rarely gets mentioned is the benefit of keeping lenses further away from muzzle blast. I've got a 17.5 inch .308 barrel - with a brake on it throws up all kinds of debris - especially shooting in the dusty/dry conditions we have here in Australia - the further away from the muzzle I can keep my objective lens the better.
I would appreciate if you could elaborate on your comment about the new scope not being "overly bright". I am not clear on this concept. I have a K624i and would really like to know what to look for. I am looking to get a new scope for a new rifle and want as much insight as to various factors before I drop $3k+ on a new scope. I don't have the luxury of side by side comparison of this level of glass.
Thanks for your thoughts and time!
