Rifle Scopes Time for a new scope

[stradibarrius]

I currently have 2 rifles, a TRG22-.308 and a Savage 12 LRP 6.5cm. I have just got a ne Tikka T3x TAC A1 and I need a new scope.
My first 2 rifle have Streiner's that I have been very happy with. Today I found a new Vortex Razor 2nd Gen for $1699 and a new Kahles i624 For $2399.

Do you favor the Vortex or Kahles?

 

[lancetkenyon]

For me, Kahles over Vortex Gen II.

 

[flatland1]

ditto - I've been shooting behind Kahles K624i AMRs since 2014, still love 'em!

 

[stradibarrius]

Have either of you had experience with customer service if ever needed?

 

[flatland1]

I had to send a Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 back for something that looks like oil that's visible on the inside of one of the lens elements, only when I back power off to 6x. Got it back with a note saying they'd cleaned inside the scope, but the oil or whatever is still right where it was to begin with.

Never had an issue of any kind with any of the six K624is that I've owned...

 

[Glassaholic]

OP, just curious, if you are happy with the Steiner's why are you looking to switch scopes? Also, a "new" Kahles K624i for $2400 sounds a bit high, you can buy used K525's for that from the buy and sell forum, used K624i's are sometimes dipping below $2000. Both scopes you mention have pros and cons, what exactly are you hoping to accomplish with each? The biggest issue with the Vortex is the weight, the biggest issue with the Kahles is the CA (Chromatic Aberration) but overall resolution will probably be better no the Kahles.

Finally, the reticle rule almost unanimously applies - choose the scope with the reticle you think will help you the most with your style of shooting and choose the scope based on that decision.

 

[CATM15]

I have both a vortex gen ii razor 3-18 and a Kahles K624i new gen. I like them both and they have pros and cons to each. I love the k624i for its glass and the fact that it’s a left hand windage knob model. The razors turrets and clicks are great and glass is nice (almost As nice). Here is the main cons between the two. Vortex is HEAVY !.. but when the scope broke I had it back on my rifle in 4 days after sending into vortex. The kahles is out getting some warranty work done and a reticle swap and the lead time is 6-8 weeks... so tbh I like them both but if I had to pick 1 I would get a 4.5-27 razor gen ii. Having the insurance that whatever happens to the scope I can get it fixed or replaced is worth it to me.

 

[Midwest Optics]

I'm a razor guy but if you have the money khales are amazing. Had one on my scar 17

 

[stradibarrius]

I spoke with Dan at CS Tactical today and for just a little more I can get Minox ZP5 5-25 with the MR4 that I really like. From all that I have read it is has Alpha class glass, great turrets.
It is a little more than I wanted to spend but I am seriously thinking about it...

















zp5

 

[Healy]

I like the kahles better, both good scopes. Save some money and get one in the px for a lot less

 

[7WSMShooter]

I’ve has all the above. The Khales 3-18s the 5-25s, the Gen II Razors, AMGs and the Minox. If you can get the Minox for a decent price, I would do that. I sold all of my Khales scopes and one of my AMGs and all of my Gen II Razors. Building up quite a collection of the Minox ZP5s now. None of those are bad scopes. But I prefer the Minox ZP5s to all of them.

 

[7WSMShooter]

Behind the Minox, of those you listed, I’d also consider an AMG. Brand new or like new ones can be found in the px every week for 1700-1800 ish. That’s a great scope for the price as well.

 

[Glassaholic]

I spoke with Dan at CS Tactical today and for just a little more I can get Minox ZP5 5-25 with the MR4 that I really like. From all that I have read it is has Alpha class glass, great turrets.
It is a little more than I wanted to spend but I am seriously thinking about it...

the ZP5 is well worth it, had the Kahles, had the AMG and the ZP5 is a step up for sure. AMG is lighter, Kahles a little lighter but the ZP5 has superb glass and my favorite reticle - MR4. In the end, you’re not going to be disappointed with any of them, they are all good scopes, choose the reticle you like the most.

 

[charnicus]

I spoke with Dan at CS Tactical today and for just a little more I can get Minox ZP5 5-25 with the MR4 that I really like. From all that I have read it is has Alpha class glass, great turrets.
It is a little more than I wanted to spend but I am seriously thinking about it...

While not a 4.5-27 I am pretty content with the 3-18 that I recently picked up. Glass wise, it is beyond phenomenal for the price. Is it better than a 624i? Mmm that’s tough for me. It handles CA much better and exhibits better contrast in my opinion however I put the clarity edge towards the 624i. The turret feel and overall ergos goes to the Kahles as well. Both offer fantastic illuminated reticle choices. For what a Razor can be had for, if cost is at all concern it’s a no brainer really.

Since you mentioned the ZP5, I will say it is a phenomenal scope. I love it more than any others that I own / have owned. The biggest gripe is you’re likely to see is about the turrets. They’re positive. I mean positive. The trip through the second rev needs some horsepower. That’s one I really think one needs to test out. I find it to be zero issue and love the turrets. Like @wjm308 the MR4 is also my favorite reticle.

At the end of the day all three are fantastic optics. Pick your favorite reticle and narrow down what features are most important to you. All three show up frequently in the PX and I have seen some excellent prices to go with them.

Hope that helps...

 

[stradibarrius]

Thanks!

 

[stradibarrius]

To close out the thread, I got the Kahles k624i. I liked the retical. The glass is equal the Steiner M5Xi and I liked the left hand windage option. The turrets on the Kahles are spaced better to me than the Steiners. After I have had some time with the scope I'll know better.

 

[NorthWesterner]

No question go Kahles! I have had two of the 624i and they are very high quality. Customer service is good too.

 

[calamjn]

To close out the thread, I got the Kahles k624i. I liked the retical. The glass is equal the Steiner M5Xi and I liked the left hand windage option. The turrets on the Kahles are spaced better to me than the Steiners. After I have had some time with the scope I'll know better.

Good choice. To me the Kahles is the superior optic. Some people have talked about the CA in Kahles, but I just haven’t been able to see much. No more than my PMII anyways. But in all fairness my eyes suck hard, and I have a set of thick glasses in front of my scopes, so that may have something to do with it.

 

[richidaho]

Well, my budget never allows me to look at the Kahles, Steiner or the S&B. I have just bought an Ares ETR 4.5x30 https://athlonoptics.com/product/ares-etr-4-5-30x56-aprs1-ffp-ir-mil/ and have enjoyed this scope for the price. It's as good or better than my IOR 3-18 and Leupold mark 5. Don't own the tier one scopes so can't compare.

Rich L

 

[GIXXER2000]

I have 2 Kahles and have used the Vortex Gen 2 withe the price difference get the Gen 2 and a ERA-TAC or Spuhr and never look back.

 

[flatland1]

I don't shoot the three comp rifles with Kahles K624i AMR scopes on them all that often any more; wind up putting in much more time behind Athlon Cronus, ETR, and Midas TAC scopes while practicing/competing with 22RF rifles and/or several other custom bbl'd CF rifles. Still have a few Sightron SIII sfp scopes on upper-end AR15 & AR10 rifles, plus a Bushnell LRH on a hunting 6XC. So when the occasion does arise for me to pull one of the Bighorns out of the safe to go shoot, it's always a pleasant feeling to get behind one of the Kahles scopes again. It's not that they're wildly superior in optical quality, rather more of an overall feeling about them that reminds me of why I bought them in the first place - I like everything about them.