Rifle Scopes Kahles Reticle Prefrence? MSR2/Ki or SKMR3?

[Dparker1901]

I live in Oklahoma where the ability to personally inspect a Kahles scope is highly limited, let alone actually observe and manipulate different reticles. A fellow member at Red Castle Gun Club had a K525i with the MOAK reticle. The scope knocked the socks off my Gen 1 Vortex PST (for many of the reasons already stated on other SH threads). However, I prefer mils and I would like a little bit more from my reticle.

That being said, I have decided to move forward with the purchase of the K525i, but because I have not been able to look at these reticles in person, I am completely stuck in making a decision between the MSR2/KI reticle and the SKMR3 reticle. I know reticles are 100% subjective and everyone has their personal opinions, but hey, that’s what forums are for!

Any and all first-hand experience/help would be greatly appreciated! This will be a dual-use hunting/precision scope. Mounting on a GAP 6.5 CM bolt rifle.

 

[spife7980]

I like the SKMR3 reticle a lot, especially for shooting at reasonable distances where you might want quick follow up shots in case of a miss.

If youre going ELR then the msr2 looks like it comes into its own a bit more.

 

[mepaddy]

i looked at them both last week side by side i like the msr2 better

 

[CSTactical]

The MSR2 is a new reticle and I have not seen it yet in person but the SKMR3 reticle has been the most popular reticle option probably 50/1 to the other reticles options. Give us a call at 916-670-1103 and we'd be happy to answer any questions

 

[Statie07]

That’s defiantly a tough choice. I have the MSR2 in my Steiner M7Xi and the EBR7-C in a 4.5-27 razor, wich I think is very similar to the SKMR3. I shot both side by side this week and I like both reticle a lot. I haven’t decided on what one I prefer yet. I need to look at them at greater a distance than 100 yards before I can decide. I have the Steiner on my Sako and the Vortex on a Seekins SP10.

 

[HogsLife]

I run the SKMR3 In mine and really dig it. Very usable for holds much like a Horus type reticles but without the all the clutter.

 

[_Windrider_]

O love the MSR2 but the SMR3 is a great reticle. ITs better than horus. good deals in the PX on these right now. Mostly SMR3. If you want my opinion, if you have never used an MSR, stick with the SMR3. it will feel more familiar.

 

[Dparker1901]

Does anyone find that the SMR3 in low light is too busy with the illuminated reticle? It seems that with so much of the reticle lit up that it would be highly distracting and take away from observation.

The MSR2 only illuminates the vertical and horizontal.

 

[_Windrider_]

Does anyone find that the SMR3 in low light is too busy with the illuminated reticle? It seems that with so much of the reticle lit up that it would be highly distracting and take away from observation.

The MSR2 only illuminates the vertical and horizontal.

Only if you have the illumination too high. Completely subjective of course.

 

[Dthomas3523]

I like skmr3 and it’s very popular in general.

Unsolicited advice: if you’re thinking about buying a k525i new, just spend the little extra cash and get a zcomp. Reticle is basically a perfected skmr3 and the controls/glass are awesome.

 

[AlwineArcher]

Just sold my K624 with SKMR3... really liked the reticle though!

 

[shields shtr]

Unsolicited advice: if you’re thinking about buying a k525i new, just spend the little extra cash and get a zcomp. Reticle is basically a perfected skmr3 and the controls/glass are awesome.

From the looks of the Optics PX lately it sure looks like a lot of folks are taking your advice. Lots of used K525i out there right now. And I've seen a few "selling to get a Zcomp" comments.

 

[Dthomas3523]

From the looks of the Optics PX lately it sure looks like a lot of folks are taking your advice. Lots of used K525i out there right now. And I've seen a few "selling to get a Zcomp" comments.

I really like the k525i. At the time, I felt like it was the best “all around” optic for me. Did everything really well. Maybe not the best at anything, but was up there enough that collectively, it was badass.

Then zcomp released and changed that. It does everything (except ambi parallax and left windage option) better than the kahles.

Reticle - zco
Glass - zco
Turrets - zco because they lock (feel is subjective)
Parallax setting - zco
Ergonomics- zco
FOV- zco

Pricing for new best deal you will find if you’re lucky k525i = $2800, zco is $3600 no matter where you buy it.

So, at the very MOST it’s only $800 more when you’re already spending 3k or so. In my opinion, that’s a no brainer.

Now, if you find a k525i for 2500 or less used, or you’re considering buying two gen 2 razors, or a gen 2 razor and a week long class somewhere like RO........then the conversation changes as far as what the best bang for your buck is.

New vs new though zco over k525i everyday all day.