Arken EP 5 5-25x56

I've shot quite a few. I wouldn't say I've used them extensively, but have at least a few hundred rounds through them on other folks guns.

They're price point optics intended to capitalize on the growing long range shooting sport. They have a nice feature set for tactical style long range competitions and good enough glass. There's a lot of variability in them. Optically some are much worse in similar conditions than others. They're fine for what they are, but they're nothing more than the price would leave you to believe.

In addition to incentivising reviewers financially I would guess they cherry pick their best scopes to give reviewers. I have no evidence to prove that, but it's pretty common to do that in just about every industry with variability in manufacturing.

They're definitely better than a the bottom of the barrel long range optics out there. To someone who's never used a high end scope they probably seem pretty great.

For someone on a tight budget they're not a terrible choice. Most lower mid range scopes, like the 800+ price point, will perform much better. Most $2000 scopes will be head and shoulders above any Arken sope I've seen, especially if you go used.
I am not convinced manufacturers cherry pick product for writers.
I have recieved rifles with broken stocks, rifles where I broke the stock upon firing and rifles that misfired with short stroking firing pins.
 
The Arken is a good scope in the "UNDER" $500 price range. If you're looking "Under $2000" then you're in an entirely different realm of scopes. Look in the Classifieds here for a nice used NF NX8 or NXS. One can be had for $1300-1800 depending on features you want.
 
The Arken is a good scope in the "UNDER" $500 price range. If you're looking "Under $2000" then you're in an entirely different realm of scopes. Look in the Classifieds here for a nice used NF NX8 or NXS. One can be had for $1300-1800 depending on features you want.
With a $2000 budget he can buy 4 of them 😁
 
Has anyone abused and broke one or had one fail because it was defective?

Glass is a little subjective imo. With my current scopes my Leupold VX5 has the best glass. (Compared to Vortex, SWFA, and more Leupolds.) The VX 5 is amazingly better at low light transmission and clarity. Unfortunately it does have almost 3% dialing error, but 100% repeatable. It meets my needs on a long range hunting rifle. My app keeps the scope honest.

My next scope has a different purpose. I was leaning towards the new MK 4, because I want glass that is at least as good as the VX5. Dials as good as the SWFA. As durable as the SWFA. My Vortexs all seem meh. Including a few I sent down the road.
 
Look at the Tract ELR model, glass is incredible, low light is incredible, mine dials spot on. Feature rich too, I love mine. I also have an Arken, Razor HD, Leupolds up to VX5, etc and the Tract is the best glass hands down. It is heavy, but find a scope with a 34-35mm tube and that much elevation capability that isn't heavy.
 
Here is a good review by a guy that knows scopes if you haven't seen it.


The Arkens share a Design from the low end SH series to the EP I own two SH scopes and have seen and shot a number of EP5s. They are great scopes for the price. The SH has HD type Chinese glass except the SHj has Japanese ED. The EP6s have Japanese ED glass. The glass in my SH is as good as my Gen 1 Vortex PST. The EP5 is better in my mind but is isn't as good as most current $1500-$2500 scopes in my opinion.
 
The Bigjimfish review seemed detailed and pretty objective. Thanks

The Tract scopes seems to have a loyal following. That may be an option.

Thanks
 
If I had 2k extra to spend on a scope i would buy something besides the arken. Probably something used.
But If I only had the 2k in gun buget i would buy arken and spend the rest on ammo. Always odd to me to see people spend their whole buget on a $4500 rifle and optics and only have enough left for one or two boxes of ammo
 

Recent Posts

Top