Rifle Scopes Experiences and Reliability with the Kahles K540i?

[Sean.Mitchell]

Hi everyone,

I’m considering the Kahles K540i. From what I’ve read, it has top-tier optical performance and a massive field of view, but I’ve also heard multiple reports about it failing.

For those of you who have purchased and used this scope, could you share:

• What caliber you are running it on
• How long you’ve had it
• Whether it’s still holding up well, or if you’ve experienced any issues

I’d really appreciate hearing your real-world feedback before I make a decision.

Thanks in advance!

 

[kthomas]

You'll find reports of every scope brand failing. I wouldn't let that in itself deter you from buying a K540, I don't think failure rates are high or anything to be concerned about.

However, when a Khales does fail it will likely have to go to Austria through Swarovski USA, which is a process that will leave you without a scope for a few months. I had to send a Khales back recently (older model), and I was without it for approximately 3 months.

In the unlikely event your scope fails, Khales will take care of it. But you will be out of a scope for a few months. That's definitely a point worth considering.

 

[beetroot]

I know of 3 people who have bought these and all of then had to send them back for elevation turret issues.

One was broken before even got mounted on a rifle, the other was on a 22lr, so it's not a recoil thing.

I'm hoping they get it sorted out and the design modified as I really want to buy one of these.

 

[inertia]

Don't ask don't tell...and don't assume the rumors are rumors.

 

[Sean.Mitchell]

You'll find reports of every scope brand failing. I wouldn't let that in itself deter you from buying a K540, I don't think failure rates are high or anything to be concerned about.

However, when a Khales does fail it will likely have to go to Austria through Swarovski USA, which is a process that will leave you without a scope for a few months. I had to send a Khales back recently (older model), and I was without it for approximately 3 months.

In the unlikely event your scope fails, Khales will take care of it. But you will be out of a scope for a few months. That's definitely a point worth considering.

Thanks for your reply. Yes, that every brand can have failures, and I fully trust that Kahles would take care of it under warranty. But the few-month turnaround is indeed a big concern, especially if you’re left without a scope during that time.

In my case, the reports I’ve heard came directly from people I personally know, and I even witnessed a K540 failure firsthand at a match. So if the failure rate is higher than average, that makes me hesitate.

 

[Sean.Mitchell]

I know of 3 people who have bought these and all of then had to send them back for elevation turret issues.

One was broken before even got mounted on a rifle, the other was on a 22lr, so it's not a recoil thing.

I'm hoping they get it sorted out and the design modified as I really want to buy one of these.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Do you know specifically what the issue was with the elevation turret — for example, was it that the reticle wasn’t tracking with the turret movement, or something else?

I also really want to buy this scope, but the uncertainty is worrying. Just don't know how long it might be before Kahles addresses and fixes this issue in the design..

 

[kthomas]

Sounds like you would be better served by a different scope brand then.

 

[Edsel]

My present scopes are of the K624i variety, without the newer knurled knobs..

Sequential serial numbers, bought maybe half a year to a year apart

I'll probably get the K540i next, once the model's ripe.

In the meantime, SWFA SS scopes fill my needs with no frills whatsoever

 

[beetroot]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Do you know specifically what the issue was with the elevation turret — for example, was it that the reticle wasn’t tracking with the turret movement, or something else?

I also really want to buy this scope, but the uncertainty is worrying. Just don't know how long it might be before Kahles addresses and fixes this issue in the design..

It seems like a range of things, from the whole turret being loose to it not holding zero.

Most of the scopes I know of have been away for repair and come back again, will have to wait and see how they hold up.

One of the scopes I know of is a guy who is sponsored by Kahles and had it fail during a major match.
Kahles sure as heck knows about the problems, hopefully they get a permanent fix ASAP.

Like you, I want one of these for my next scope (the FOV is insane) but will be waiting a little while to sew how they hold up.

 

[Chopping Broccoli]

22LR
1 month
Flawless

I had a ZCO 527 shit the bed under the same use mode.

I’ve written opinions of the Z527 vs the K540 but since I only shoot 22 competitively, I’ve been told my opinions are worthless.

 

[YotaEer]

I’ve had one on a 25 creed since April.

First one I ordered had a dented ocular, so it was quicker to return that and find another one.

This second one has been flawless. Hiked many miles varminting this summer. Haven’t had to rezero it since April.

I liked it more than the ZCO 840, for my uses.

 

[carbonbased]

Hiked many miles varminting this summer.

FOV is real nice when varminting, for sure. It’s irritating trying to find an animal when looking through a paper towel tube.

But Kahles/Swaro…karma’s a bitch #FOVgate