The Kahles K16i low powered variable scope. Finally, a review!

[Podmonkey]

First English review I have seen of this optic.
I agree with everything he says.
@Edwardteach72 (cause you like this stuff)
@Willjr75 ( the LPV cynic)
@meketrefe (our resident, near savant level, guru)

 

[Edwardteach72]

Watching now

 

[Edwardteach72]

Ok that's a fucking nice optic.. if I wasnt a poor I'd probably consider that over a Trijicon vcog or it would be a tough choice between the night force and that. With that edging out due to weight savings

 

[Podmonkey]

Ok that's a fucking nice optic.. if I wasnt a poor I'd probably consider that over a Trijicon vcog or it would be a tough choice between the night force and that. With that edging out due to weight savings

I checked out the Nightforce NX8. I had originally targeted it for the DD but when I looked through I didn't like it. Reticle was kind of coarse and busy at 8x, just a dot with squiggles around it at 1x (a pitfall of 1st focal plane, the Vudu does a 1st focal plane right) the eye box was tight and the optical clarity was not as good as many other optics in its price range.
There are good optics at every price point, whatever amount you want to spend you can find a good option. To a point, I wouldn't waste my time with sub $100 scopes.
In terms of overall performance I actually think the Razor HD is very close to the Kahles and the reticle are better even. But they were just too damn heavy for my concept. The new E versions are a good bit lighter but the price is up there near the Kahles too. I bought the Kahles because it has no real compromises for the type. And I got a pretty hefty discount on a floor model.
For a budget optic I think the Vortex Strike Eagle is the standard in the budget category. Lower mid range the Burris offerings and the Viper PST are also good. The Leupold VX-6 is great scope for the mid range money too, very light, very clear. I didn't like the reticles and the brightness wasn't very good either, somewhat deficient for use as an ersatz red dot at 1x.
Also consider the 1-4 optics. Since 1-6 and 1-8 optics have become common the 1-4 scopes are being sold at a substantial discount. The Trijicon 1-4 Accupoint for example is a premium scope that is very light and very tough but can be had new for less than $800.