Carlos Hathcock
.450/400 Nitro Ex
Have been buying Vortex exclusively for years now. They've always fit the bil for my needs. Only had one small issue with one. As expected, service was spot on.
Was in the market a year or so ago and almost tried something new. Think it was an Athlon. Decided to stick with Vortex and bought a Venom (2 actually).
Don't remember how this Arken got on my radar but short story long, they have a "package" deal going and I needed a scope mount too anyway.....and who doesn't need an extra tee shirt, stickers, and patches?
The EP5 was developed to compete against scopes exactly like the Venom. Same magnification range, objective diameter, and their reticles are almost identical. EP5 does come with illumination, but their version lights only the center dot / cross hairs.
Ordered about 1 - ¹/² weeks ago and just came in. I'll hit some highlights and expand with post usage reactions.
◆ Weight: if you're looking to save ounces, look elsewhere. Feels like a cast sewer pipe in the hand.
◆ Reticle: As I mentioned, almost identical to the EBR7C. The center dot does have a set of mini crosshairs around it and that area is the only illumination. I don't use illumination often but on scopes that I have it on, illuminating the whole reticle can be overpowering.
◆ TURRETS: ALL in caps because they are fucking HUGE...in size and legibility. Like a couple sausages ends cut off and stuck on there. All the reviews I watched reported they were large, and the feel was excellent. I agree. You're going to hear them too. If you're a sniper at 2 miles, don't adjust. Your target will hear you.
All the reviews noted tracking was spot on. Thus far, i like them.
◆ Magnification and parallax: Resistance seems lighter than the Vortex. Not much effort to turn, even when it was ice cold. Sometimes changing magnification feels like opening a pickle jar. Not these.
◆ Accessories: I like what's included. I would've had to buy caps anyway. Until I mount / use the base, I can't say too much. Bubble level and throw lever are also appreciated. Always like a free tee. The little sac appears to be a rear bag for the bench. Not really big enough to be anything else.
◆ Glass: Nothing to report just yet. Will try to get outside tomorrow. Supposedly this model was marketed with Japanese glass.
All in all, I like what I see so far. When I get more time and info I'll update. It's slated to rest atop something a little more.......deliberate.....but it's not ready just yet. I like the Venom and have no issues with the ones I have.
Was in the market a year or so ago and almost tried something new. Think it was an Athlon. Decided to stick with Vortex and bought a Venom (2 actually).
Don't remember how this Arken got on my radar but short story long, they have a "package" deal going and I needed a scope mount too anyway.....and who doesn't need an extra tee shirt, stickers, and patches?
The EP5 was developed to compete against scopes exactly like the Venom. Same magnification range, objective diameter, and their reticles are almost identical. EP5 does come with illumination, but their version lights only the center dot / cross hairs.
Ordered about 1 - ¹/² weeks ago and just came in. I'll hit some highlights and expand with post usage reactions.
◆ Weight: if you're looking to save ounces, look elsewhere. Feels like a cast sewer pipe in the hand.
◆ Reticle: As I mentioned, almost identical to the EBR7C. The center dot does have a set of mini crosshairs around it and that area is the only illumination. I don't use illumination often but on scopes that I have it on, illuminating the whole reticle can be overpowering.
◆ TURRETS: ALL in caps because they are fucking HUGE...in size and legibility. Like a couple sausages ends cut off and stuck on there. All the reviews I watched reported they were large, and the feel was excellent. I agree. You're going to hear them too. If you're a sniper at 2 miles, don't adjust. Your target will hear you.
All the reviews noted tracking was spot on. Thus far, i like them.
◆ Magnification and parallax: Resistance seems lighter than the Vortex. Not much effort to turn, even when it was ice cold. Sometimes changing magnification feels like opening a pickle jar. Not these.
◆ Accessories: I like what's included. I would've had to buy caps anyway. Until I mount / use the base, I can't say too much. Bubble level and throw lever are also appreciated. Always like a free tee. The little sac appears to be a rear bag for the bench. Not really big enough to be anything else.
◆ Glass: Nothing to report just yet. Will try to get outside tomorrow. Supposedly this model was marketed with Japanese glass.
All in all, I like what I see so far. When I get more time and info I'll update. It's slated to rest atop something a little more.......deliberate.....but it's not ready just yet. I like the Venom and have no issues with the ones I have.
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