Rifle Scopes New for 2025, the Kahles K540i

[GBMaryland]

Probably… But that also might apply given how stiff and a pain in the ass it was to adjust.

 

[Secant]

Footage of GBM posting about how turrets are hard for him to adjust

Boom roasted

 

[GBMaryland]

Wrong appendage.

 

[CSTactical]

How do you believe it compares to the ZCO 8–40?

Also, are the turrets stiff and difficult to adjust or are they smooth? (Unlike the 624i I originally purchased back in the day….)

Give me a call at 916-628-3490 and I can discuss the pros and cons of each with you

- Richard

 

[Kiba]

Notice how they don’t have Schmidt in there…. The proper big boy review would have been a 6–36X56 Schmidt.

Maybe they'll update the review after June 2026 when the Swarovski patent expires and they can compare a full FOV S&B 6-36... That would be a much more fair comparison than using the current FOV limited US market version.

I'm going to try my best not to buy any more scopes until after June of 2026 to see what comes to market after the patent expiration.

 

[The Knuckle]

Maybe they'll update the review after June 2026 when the Swarovski patent expires and they can compare a full FOV S&B 6-36... That would be a much more fair comparison than using the current FOV limited US market version.

I'm going to try my best not to buy any more scopes until after June of 2026 to see what comes to market after the patent expiration.

Where did you get a date of June 2026?

 

[GBMaryland]

Good point!

 

[Kiba]

Where did you get a date of June 2026?

Ilya posted it recently in another thread. Look at the bottom for adjusted expiration date. He believes it to be correct as some of the later stacked patents were abandoned.

Post in thread 'New Schmidt Bender?'

New Schmidt Bender?

Any info on this: https://www.schmidtundbender.de/en/6-36x56-CM-II-High-Performance-LPI-GR2ID-1cm-cw-DT-II-MTC-LT-ST-II-ZC-LT/16A-911-422-M3-I6

www.snipershide.com

US10620422B2 - Far-optical device - Google Patents

A far-optical device comprising a reversal system and an adjustable optical magnification means with more than fourfold magnification, wherein the far-optical device has an optical beam deflection means which at all magnifications ensures a subjective field of view of the far-optical device of...

patents.google.com

 

[inertia]

I did pull the trigger and now personally own both a ZC527 (and a 420) and a K540. Shot the 540 this weekend and compared both side by side. Overall, I think it's a bit of a wash. Each has strengths and weaknesses. I think the FOV is a measurable advantage for fast-paced positional PRS competition, period. I shot a match where I have had trouble finding targets, and I was faster in transition on the Kahles. I didn't necessarily hit more targets, but I used significantly less time finding them on the usual five positions, two widely spaced target stages. I still prefer the glass, fit, and finish, as well as the reticles on the ZCOs. I like the LSW and FOV on the Kahles. I dislike the janky non-locking windage and the magnification that goes the wrong way on the Kahles. The DRL turret is on par with the 10 mil ZCO turret but superior to the 15 mil. Lots of shooting in the next couple of months, so more to learn, but at this point, for the pride of owning nice stuff and shooting from a bench, the ZCOs are still an incredible achievement. For maximum speed on short par, precision rifle competition, the Kahles is likely to produce higher scores. Although I subjectively prefer it less, the ZCOs remain more physically appealing.