I have an arken scope. I have the EP-4. I do not recommend it for hunting. The cross hairs are so thin when zoomed all the way out. The new models may be different, but they are awesome for long range rifle shooting. My scope is the 6x24 one I believe. It is a pretty heavy scope. The new models may be better though and I know the new models hair illuminated crosshairs. I can video the crosshairs for you so you can see what they are like. Just let me know. They are amazing scopes though just fyi. Probably my most favorite scope.
I understand my original thought was not explained well.
What is your scope budget?
400-450 being the most I really want to spend.
In that price range I would look at a vortex hs-t or hslr 4-16x44. If you look hard you can find them used for $350-$400. I have probably owned close to 20 of those scopes, currently have 2 of them, and i have never had a problem with them. They are relatively lightweight, Track well and have never worried about buying used with the warranty.
What experiences have you had to lead you to this conclusion?
There was nothing wrong with your original post. I was responding to the other dude who seemed to think it was a crazy idea to put a heavy scope on a light rifle.
Does that including mounting hardware you will need to hold that Goliath? Cameralands deal on the 4-20x50 duplex or MOA-2 is $350 with a set of Athlon Precision rings or $310 with a set of cheap Nikon rings. I would not call the Athlon Precision rings top end either but they are upto the task. I would also have reservations about the MOA-2 reticle for a hunting option. Its quite thin.
It's a good point, but also bear in mind it is a 34mm tube so there is more surface area for your hardware to grab onto than most scopes out there. I'm using the rings that came from Arken on mine and I've put about 100 rounds through it and my scope has not moved at all. That said, it's sitting on top of a 6.5 CM. It might be interesting to throw it on top of my 300WM to see how it fairs, but I'm too lazy for that.
I'll be putting a rail on it, ill probably go with nightforce or arken rings if I decide to go that route. Really just wanting a scope that will dial reliably, this rifle I really want for 500 and in. I know the rifle is capable of further ( confirmed threw drop verification ) but I just want something that doesn't weigh 12lbs when I'm more than likely only going to be take shots at max 200-300 yard range but may have to occasionally take something out to 500. The arken is definitely overkill for this particular application but eventually when the funds are there I'll build a 6.5 prc that will replace the heirloom.I also look at:
1) How long has a company been around?...Sightron (Kenko) has been around for ages and they make their scopes. They are not outsourced to child labor camps in China or even Asia Optical (Scopro). While im no fan of Chinese glass the Athlon Midas TAC has been around a fair amount of time. It has a good track record but its also over $600 now. You wont find them for $450 anymore....Really love everything else about that scope though.
2) Eye relief....3.1-3.4 is a little tight but not horrible. Probably ok on most 30-06 rifles?
3) What else is out there that isnt made in China. Well, Natchez has sales on the Veracity in 3-15x50 FFP for around $450 and thats a bargain for that scope. No light weight but a good value for the coin. Those days might be gone but maybe not.
4) Mounting area available. How much room is between the bells and turrets. Do you have enough room to get the relief set comfortably? Thats part of the reason i bought 2 Murphy rails. 2 piece bases were not gunna do it for me. You can surely buy a fairly good rail for less than half of what a Murphy cost but most are 6061 or 7075. EGW and Hankins have some in steel for under $100. Neither offered a rail for my application though except in extruded 6061.
That mostly sums up why i mentioned the STAC line. It covers all the bases but its also not without its flaws. Packing a 3-16x42 or 4-20x50 FFP scope into a sub $500 package not made in China has to cut some corners but you know you got a solid company behind your investment. Ive got a 3-16x42 and 4-20x50 in duplex SFP. Im happy with them for what i paid, especially the 4-20 from Cameraland. I may get another in MOA-2 just for recreational shooting.
My main complaint is the windage cap is pretty stinking big. That might be an issue on some centerfires. Its not a huge issue in my application.
I looked on Natchezss and couldn't find the FPP Veracity for $450....the SFP is at $430....gotta link?I also look at:
1) How long has a company been around?...Sightron (Kenko) has been around for ages and they make their scopes. They are not outsourced to child labor camps in China or even Asia Optical (Scopro). While im no fan of Chinese glass the Athlon Midas TAC has been around a fair amount of time. It has a good track record but its also over $600 now. You wont find them for $450 anymore....Really love everything else about that scope though.
2) Eye relief....3.1-3.4 is a little tight but not horrible. Probably ok on most 30-06 rifles?
3) What else is out there that isnt made in China. Well, Natchez has sales on the Veracity in 3-15x50 FFP for around $450 and thats a bargain for that scope. No light weight but a good value for the coin. Those days might be gone but maybe not.
4) Mounting area available. How much room is between the bells and turrets. Do you have enough room to get the relief set comfortably? Thats part of the reason i bought 2 Murphy rails. 2 piece bases were not gunna do it for me. You can surely buy a fairly good rail for less than half of what a Murphy cost but most are 6061 or 7075. EGW and Hankins have some in steel for under $100. Neither offered a rail for my application though except in extruded 6061.
That mostly sums up why i mentioned the STAC line. It covers all the bases but its also not without its flaws. Packing a 3-16x42 or 4-20x50 FFP scope into a sub $500 package not made in China has to cut some corners but you know you got a solid company behind your investment. Ive got a 3-16x42 and 4-20x50 in duplex SFP. Im happy with them for what i paid, especially the 4-20 from Cameraland. I may get another in MOA-2 just for recreational shooting.
My main complaint is the windage cap is pretty stinking big. That might be an issue on some centerfires. Its not a huge issue in my application.
