Kahles's New K624i MOA Rifle Scope
By Nicholas Gebhardt
If this is the first time you have heard of Kahles, you may be amazed at what you read here. For all others that at least have some knowledge of the Kahles brand, you will likely learn a lot within this article. Kahles is the world's oldest rifle scope manufacturer, having been in business since 1898 and they have been making huge strides in the American market in recent years. The year of 2012 was an extremely busy year as Kahles introduced their competition oriented optics, which are given the "K" designation, and also completed construction of a brand new state of the art optics manufacturing facility, located in Guntramsdorf Austria. This facility is where they manufacture all of their products in-house under this single roof, and is the most up to date and comprehensive optical manufacturing and testing facility in the industry. When the world's oldest rifle scope manufacturer builds a brand new state of the art facility from the ground up and simultaneously sets its sights (no pun intended) on competing heavily in the competition scope market in the United States with a completely new line of optics, exceptional results materialize. New for 2015 is the K624i with Minute of Angle (MOA) reticle and MOA click turrets to complement the already highly popular mils based version, which is receiving new reticles designed by a top level precision rifle competitor and instructor, Shannon Kay.
The new Kahles K624i MOA rifle scope mounted on custom .308 Winchester with Kinetic Research Group W3 Chassis.
MOAK Reticle at 24X looking at a barn about 1500 yards distant. Image view not representative of optical quality. For all other reticle options, please visit the product page on www.kahlesusa.com for details.
The K624i is Kahles' flagship optic, and is also the best-selling Kahles product in the United States. The appearance is sleek and seductive while still exuding a rugged presence. This scope has quickly established a colossal following throughout the long range hunting/shooting industry as well as the tactical/military markets due to its numerous highly desirable attributes. Given a high magnification scope that boasts light transmission of 95.2% and resolution numbers that smash the competition, people that rely on their optics rapidly hear about it and ask for more information. What they find out is that this scope also has the most refined, repeatable, reliable, and consistent internal mechanisms in the world and is a scope that can be counted on when the shot matters the most. This article will detail the engineering superiority built into the K624i and explain why these are important to the end user.
The Kahles K624i is built on a single, solid, one piece scope body. In fact, the scope bodies of every Kahles scope, including their hunting style scopes, are machined from a single solid piece of bar stock aluminum billet. While nearly every other scope manufacturer starts with a forged or extruded scope body, Kahles goes the extra mile to ensure a higher quality product through their method of scope body machining from a solid piece of bar stock. The competitors' forged or extruded method has the possibility of inducing metallurgical flaws which are eliminated with the machining processes utilized by Kahles.
During the scope body machining, the ever forming Kahles scope is stress relieved three separate times throughout the entire process, from start to finish. This results in an exceedingly high thermal stability for every Kahles scope body. This is an important aspect of engineering, and one that shouldn't be overlooked. Take for instance a rifle barrel which is also a tube of metal. As the barrel is heated from repeated firing, if the barrel hasn't been properly stress relieved or has "memory" in the steel, an impact shift will result. Scope bodies can react in a similar fashion from direct sunlight temperatures causing the scope body to react to the uneven heat, and will produce an apparent shift in the reticle, thereby causing an impact shift on target. Kahles has recognized this aspect and therefore ensures that every scope body be as thermally stable as possible. This is accomplished by multiple and proper stress relieving. The Kahles process of using an inherently superior method of scope body formation (machining from solid bar stock aluminum billet) and multiple stress relieving is the beginning of product excellence!
A 56mm objective lens is utilized up front and the scope body gracefully tapers down to a 34mm main tube. Ample mounting surface is available in front of the adjustment housing for optimal positioning of the front scope ring. The adjustment housing is where Kahles has set another industry first, with a top mounted parallax adjustment instead of a turret on the side of the scope. Kahles is the first company to place the parallax adjustment in this position, immediately below the elevation turret, and Kahles holds the patent on this method. Ergonomically speaking, this is the ideal position for the parallax, and the location that makes the most sense as it is in view from either side of the rifle while in shooting position. Kahles is known as the "rifle scope pioneer" for their industry leading inventions such as this.
Parallax adjustment is fingertip adjustable with just enough pressure.
By Nicholas Gebhardt
If this is the first time you have heard of Kahles, you may be amazed at what you read here. For all others that at least have some knowledge of the Kahles brand, you will likely learn a lot within this article. Kahles is the world's oldest rifle scope manufacturer, having been in business since 1898 and they have been making huge strides in the American market in recent years. The year of 2012 was an extremely busy year as Kahles introduced their competition oriented optics, which are given the "K" designation, and also completed construction of a brand new state of the art optics manufacturing facility, located in Guntramsdorf Austria. This facility is where they manufacture all of their products in-house under this single roof, and is the most up to date and comprehensive optical manufacturing and testing facility in the industry. When the world's oldest rifle scope manufacturer builds a brand new state of the art facility from the ground up and simultaneously sets its sights (no pun intended) on competing heavily in the competition scope market in the United States with a completely new line of optics, exceptional results materialize. New for 2015 is the K624i with Minute of Angle (MOA) reticle and MOA click turrets to complement the already highly popular mils based version, which is receiving new reticles designed by a top level precision rifle competitor and instructor, Shannon Kay.
The new Kahles K624i MOA rifle scope mounted on custom .308 Winchester with Kinetic Research Group W3 Chassis.
MOAK Reticle at 24X looking at a barn about 1500 yards distant. Image view not representative of optical quality. For all other reticle options, please visit the product page on www.kahlesusa.com for details.
The K624i is Kahles' flagship optic, and is also the best-selling Kahles product in the United States. The appearance is sleek and seductive while still exuding a rugged presence. This scope has quickly established a colossal following throughout the long range hunting/shooting industry as well as the tactical/military markets due to its numerous highly desirable attributes. Given a high magnification scope that boasts light transmission of 95.2% and resolution numbers that smash the competition, people that rely on their optics rapidly hear about it and ask for more information. What they find out is that this scope also has the most refined, repeatable, reliable, and consistent internal mechanisms in the world and is a scope that can be counted on when the shot matters the most. This article will detail the engineering superiority built into the K624i and explain why these are important to the end user.
The Kahles K624i is built on a single, solid, one piece scope body. In fact, the scope bodies of every Kahles scope, including their hunting style scopes, are machined from a single solid piece of bar stock aluminum billet. While nearly every other scope manufacturer starts with a forged or extruded scope body, Kahles goes the extra mile to ensure a higher quality product through their method of scope body machining from a solid piece of bar stock. The competitors' forged or extruded method has the possibility of inducing metallurgical flaws which are eliminated with the machining processes utilized by Kahles.
During the scope body machining, the ever forming Kahles scope is stress relieved three separate times throughout the entire process, from start to finish. This results in an exceedingly high thermal stability for every Kahles scope body. This is an important aspect of engineering, and one that shouldn't be overlooked. Take for instance a rifle barrel which is also a tube of metal. As the barrel is heated from repeated firing, if the barrel hasn't been properly stress relieved or has "memory" in the steel, an impact shift will result. Scope bodies can react in a similar fashion from direct sunlight temperatures causing the scope body to react to the uneven heat, and will produce an apparent shift in the reticle, thereby causing an impact shift on target. Kahles has recognized this aspect and therefore ensures that every scope body be as thermally stable as possible. This is accomplished by multiple and proper stress relieving. The Kahles process of using an inherently superior method of scope body formation (machining from solid bar stock aluminum billet) and multiple stress relieving is the beginning of product excellence!
The writer, Nicholas Gebhardt, is employed by the US distributor of Kahles Optics.
Parallax adjustment is fingertip adjustable with just enough pressure.
Kahles's New K624i MOA Rifle Scope
Fine adjustments to the parallax are able to be made with just fingertips. The adjustment has the perfect amount of tension to hold the setting, but is just light enough to be able to use fingertip pressure due to the updated knurling Kahles has introduced for 2015. Kahles now has the capability to produce an extremely ergonomic scope by locating the windage turret on the left side of the scope, as with their new K312i rifle scope which debuted in the United States at SHOT Show 2015.
Elevation and windage corrections are ¼ MOA or 0.1 mil clicks, which are stringently inspected to deliver precise zeroing and adjustment value. The elevation turret provides 2.5 revolutions for a total of 88 MOA or 25 Mils of internal adjustment and it utilizes a revolution indicator to display which turn the elevation is on.
Elevation on "zero" and parallax adjustment set to 600 meters.
Elevation on 2nd revolution as indicated by red anodized button on top of turret, 35 MOA in one turn.
Elevation on 3rd revolution as indicated by white band around button on top of turret.
The revolution indicator is a red anodized button that automatically pops up from the top of the turret when the turret goes around to the second turn, and higher for the third on the MOA version of this scope. This feature is a visual as well as tactile indication for the user to determine the revolution and thereby eliminate confusion. The numbering around the elevation turret is easy to see in low light conditions and is a direct read of the elevation setting after confirming the rotation with the indicator button. Math is not required to add up the total amount of travel based on a revolution hash mark beneath the turret. Kahles has made their turret extremely simple to read, without having to do a math problem, and has provided an easy to see and feel indication for the revolution.
Elevation dial reset is easily accomplished after a zero is established by loosening two set screws in the outer perimeter of the turret, turning the turret back to "zero," and retightening the set screws. The zero set mechanism is built into the turret and allows 1 MOA or 0.3 Mils below "zero" of adjustment. This provides sufficient travel below zero should the user have the need or desire. The Kahles dial reset is the easiest to accomplish in the rifle scope industry as the user has no need to remove the turret and risk dirt or debris contaminating the inner portion.
For the windage, a rotation stop is built in to the windage turret as well which limits travel at 18 MOA or 6.5 Mils in either direction. The windage stop feature is very handy to have as it eliminates the possibility of misperception of which rotation the windage is actually on. Gone are the days of rotation indication marks beneath the turrets.
Windage zeroed, ¼ MOA adjustments.
Windage at ½ turn around with rotation limiter stop built in.
Internally, the click mechanisms are manufactured from hardened steel, which is the preferred material to ensure consistent click feel, wear resistance, and longevity. This ensures product reliability and consistency. Utilizing hardened steel components in key areas instead of an inferior material, such as brass, that is softer and cheaper to machine, is only one aspect of their unrelenting dedication to excellence. In fact, no inferior material is present in any Kahles scope. Only the absolute highest quality materials are used throughout their products for the given component. Kahles's adjustments are favored for feel, amount of tension to make an input, precision of adjustments, reliability, repeatability, and return to zero. Kahles spares no expense to ensure the end user is purchasing a superior product, on every product!
Elevation and windage corrections are ¼ MOA or 0.1 mil clicks, which are stringently inspected to deliver precise zeroing and adjustment value. The elevation turret provides 2.5 revolutions for a total of 88 MOA or 25 Mils of internal adjustment and it utilizes a revolution indicator to display which turn the elevation is on.
Elevation on "zero" and parallax adjustment set to 600 meters.
Elevation on 2nd revolution as indicated by red anodized button on top of turret, 35 MOA in one turn.
Elevation on 3rd revolution as indicated by white band around button on top of turret.
The revolution indicator is a red anodized button that automatically pops up from the top of the turret when the turret goes around to the second turn, and higher for the third on the MOA version of this scope. This feature is a visual as well as tactile indication for the user to determine the revolution and thereby eliminate confusion. The numbering around the elevation turret is easy to see in low light conditions and is a direct read of the elevation setting after confirming the rotation with the indicator button. Math is not required to add up the total amount of travel based on a revolution hash mark beneath the turret. Kahles has made their turret extremely simple to read, without having to do a math problem, and has provided an easy to see and feel indication for the revolution.
Elevation dial reset is easily accomplished after a zero is established by loosening two set screws in the outer perimeter of the turret, turning the turret back to "zero," and retightening the set screws. The zero set mechanism is built into the turret and allows 1 MOA or 0.3 Mils below "zero" of adjustment. This provides sufficient travel below zero should the user have the need or desire. The Kahles dial reset is the easiest to accomplish in the rifle scope industry as the user has no need to remove the turret and risk dirt or debris contaminating the inner portion.
For the windage, a rotation stop is built in to the windage turret as well which limits travel at 18 MOA or 6.5 Mils in either direction. The windage stop feature is very handy to have as it eliminates the possibility of misperception of which rotation the windage is actually on. Gone are the days of rotation indication marks beneath the turrets.
Windage zeroed, ¼ MOA adjustments.
Windage at ½ turn around with rotation limiter stop built in.
Internally, the click mechanisms are manufactured from hardened steel, which is the preferred material to ensure consistent click feel, wear resistance, and longevity. This ensures product reliability and consistency. Utilizing hardened steel components in key areas instead of an inferior material, such as brass, that is softer and cheaper to machine, is only one aspect of their unrelenting dedication to excellence. In fact, no inferior material is present in any Kahles scope. Only the absolute highest quality materials are used throughout their products for the given component. Kahles's adjustments are favored for feel, amount of tension to make an input, precision of adjustments, reliability, repeatability, and return to zero. Kahles spares no expense to ensure the end user is purchasing a superior product, on every product!
Kahles's New K624i MOA Rifle Scope
Reticle illumination is handled through a variable rate rheostat. Turning the illumination on begins at the lowest intensity level and increases until full intensity is reached. Battery life is what would be expected from a CR 2032 battery, which would cover several days of constant use at the highest intensity level. The illumination has an auto off feature, however, that activates after four hours and turns the illumination off. Different reticles have either the entire usable portion of the reticle illuminated, or just the very center portion, like the MSRK reticle in the mils based version of this optic. The reticle contained in the MOA version is called the MOAK, and is fully illuminated as are the new SKMR and SKMR2 reticles in the mils based scope. Having the entire reticle illuminated is especially beneficial for those shooters that use holdovers and windage holds for the majority of their shooting, and that have the potential for target engagement in less than ideal lighting conditions. All K624i rifle scopes have the reticle in the First Focal Plane which guarantees the reticle subtensions remain exact no matter what magnification setting the scope is on.
Reticle illumination in the "OFF" position.
Reticle illumination at maximum intensity.
From the adjustment housing going rearward, the main tube provides ample length for the rear scope ring. Given the availability of scope ring real estate on the main tube fore and aft, the K624i can be situated to suit any individual to achieve proper eye relief no matter the action type of the firearm. A magnification range of 6 to 24 delivers a generous bottom end with plentiful magnification for everything up to and including extreme long range shooting. The magnification ring is particularly smooth throughout the entire range with a perfect amount of resistance. Once a magnification is set, it will not move without deliberate input, but is also easy to turn when desired. A fast focus eye piece is integrated with the eye piece for reticle focus and has an indication arrow so a user knows where their preferred setting is at, should it get inadvertently moved, and is also smooth throughout the complete range of adjustment. It's no surprise the world's oldest rifle scope company has the best feeling adjustments in the industry. They have been working on perfecting their designs for 116 years!
Magnification ring and fast focus eye piece for reticle focus.
Kahles uses nitrogen gas along with top of the line waterproofing techniques and materials to seal up the K624i which meet or exceed military specification requirements. This scope, as well as all Kahles products, exceed all military specifications for being waterproof and shockproof. This is yet another reason these optics are trusted by the most demanding hunters, shooters, and military personnel in the world.
A flat black anodizing, which produces a faint shine in bright sunlight and is exceptionally durable, covers the scope body. Kahles uses an extremely hard anodizing that resists significant amounts of abrasion. Independent testing has shown the Kahles anodizing to exceed other competitors' anodizing formula for scratch resistance. Scope ring marks aren't a concern unless poor quality or misaligned rings are used. The anodizing resists normal usage with ease and hard use with little concern. Again, nothing but the best.
Very little shine in bright sunlight.
Optically, the K624i has no equal! This scope boasts light transmission of 95.2%, which is accomplished by the best optical design engineers in the world. The Kahles optical engineers have perfected the design by using fewer internal lens elements, which leads to higher light transmission, and also reduced weight of the scope. It is no secret that light transmission is lost for every air to glass lens surface, so using fewer lenses results in higher light transmission, with all else being equal. The Kahles proprietary lens coatings are their own secret recipe that ensures ultimate optical performance and color rendition. Resolution has been tested against the top rifle scopes in the business and the K624i has no equal in its class. Color correction is kept natural and is pleasing to the eye with a balanced amount of contrast. The entire optical prescription is absolutely phenomenal and provides the utmost comfort in extended viewing. Total weight of the scope is kept to a minimum as well at only 33.5 ounces, making it an extremely lightweight optic within this magnification range.
Optical performance is further enhanced not by light transmission or resolution, but with an expansive field of view. This scope provides yet another industry leading feature, the largest FOV at any magnification. Even fixed power rifle scopes don't match the FOV that Kahles is able to achieve in a high magnification, variable power optic while maintaining a comfortable 3.5 inches of eye relief. All rifle shooters appreciate a large field of view for target location and target reacquisition immediately after taking a shot, and this scope delivers that vital aspect. In a world where numbers mean something, Kahles can back up performance with meaningful numbers.
Every Kahles scope goes through a multitude of testing and quality control procedures throughout the entire build process. From scope body machining, erector assembly, lens inspection and installation, to final quality control which also tests every aspect of the complete scope, Kahles goes to the ultimate length to ensure the highest quality product is packaged up for the customer. If you are looking for the best rifle scope on the market, Kahles is the definitive choice in the quest for rifle scope excellence, and the K624i is the leader of the pack.
Testing the new K624i MOA rifle scope. HPS Optic is your point of contact for Kahles Optics in the United States and may be reached at 866-606-8779, [email protected], or visit www.kahlesusa.com.
Nicholas Gebhardt has been an active hunter primarily pursuing mule deer, antelope, coyotes and prairie dogs since he was old enough to legally hunt. Nicholas is a precision rifle competitor and uses the knowledge he gains from competition shooting to aid in his ethical taking of game in the field under most any condition. He enjoys custom rifles and is usually in some form or another of either planning or building the next one. Nicholas earned his B.S. in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana and is a Captain in the Montana National Guard. The writer, Nicholas Gebhardt, is employed by t
Reticle illumination in the "OFF" position.
Reticle illumination at maximum intensity.
From the adjustment housing going rearward, the main tube provides ample length for the rear scope ring. Given the availability of scope ring real estate on the main tube fore and aft, the K624i can be situated to suit any individual to achieve proper eye relief no matter the action type of the firearm. A magnification range of 6 to 24 delivers a generous bottom end with plentiful magnification for everything up to and including extreme long range shooting. The magnification ring is particularly smooth throughout the entire range with a perfect amount of resistance. Once a magnification is set, it will not move without deliberate input, but is also easy to turn when desired. A fast focus eye piece is integrated with the eye piece for reticle focus and has an indication arrow so a user knows where their preferred setting is at, should it get inadvertently moved, and is also smooth throughout the complete range of adjustment. It's no surprise the world's oldest rifle scope company has the best feeling adjustments in the industry. They have been working on perfecting their designs for 116 years!
Magnification ring and fast focus eye piece for reticle focus.
Kahles uses nitrogen gas along with top of the line waterproofing techniques and materials to seal up the K624i which meet or exceed military specification requirements. This scope, as well as all Kahles products, exceed all military specifications for being waterproof and shockproof. This is yet another reason these optics are trusted by the most demanding hunters, shooters, and military personnel in the world.
A flat black anodizing, which produces a faint shine in bright sunlight and is exceptionally durable, covers the scope body. Kahles uses an extremely hard anodizing that resists significant amounts of abrasion. Independent testing has shown the Kahles anodizing to exceed other competitors' anodizing formula for scratch resistance. Scope ring marks aren't a concern unless poor quality or misaligned rings are used. The anodizing resists normal usage with ease and hard use with little concern. Again, nothing but the best.
Very little shine in bright sunlight.
Optically, the K624i has no equal! This scope boasts light transmission of 95.2%, which is accomplished by the best optical design engineers in the world. The Kahles optical engineers have perfected the design by using fewer internal lens elements, which leads to higher light transmission, and also reduced weight of the scope. It is no secret that light transmission is lost for every air to glass lens surface, so using fewer lenses results in higher light transmission, with all else being equal. The Kahles proprietary lens coatings are their own secret recipe that ensures ultimate optical performance and color rendition. Resolution has been tested against the top rifle scopes in the business and the K624i has no equal in its class. Color correction is kept natural and is pleasing to the eye with a balanced amount of contrast. The entire optical prescription is absolutely phenomenal and provides the utmost comfort in extended viewing. Total weight of the scope is kept to a minimum as well at only 33.5 ounces, making it an extremely lightweight optic within this magnification range.
Optical performance is further enhanced not by light transmission or resolution, but with an expansive field of view. This scope provides yet another industry leading feature, the largest FOV at any magnification. Even fixed power rifle scopes don't match the FOV that Kahles is able to achieve in a high magnification, variable power optic while maintaining a comfortable 3.5 inches of eye relief. All rifle shooters appreciate a large field of view for target location and target reacquisition immediately after taking a shot, and this scope delivers that vital aspect. In a world where numbers mean something, Kahles can back up performance with meaningful numbers.
Every Kahles scope goes through a multitude of testing and quality control procedures throughout the entire build process. From scope body machining, erector assembly, lens inspection and installation, to final quality control which also tests every aspect of the complete scope, Kahles goes to the ultimate length to ensure the highest quality product is packaged up for the customer. If you are looking for the best rifle scope on the market, Kahles is the definitive choice in the quest for rifle scope excellence, and the K624i is the leader of the pack.
Testing the new K624i MOA rifle scope. HPS Optic is your point of contact for Kahles Optics in the United States and may be reached at 866-606-8779, [email protected], or visit www.kahlesusa.com.
Nicholas Gebhardt has been an active hunter primarily pursuing mule deer, antelope, coyotes and prairie dogs since he was old enough to legally hunt. Nicholas is a precision rifle competitor and uses the knowledge he gains from competition shooting to aid in his ethical taking of game in the field under most any condition. He enjoys custom rifles and is usually in some form or another of either planning or building the next one. Nicholas earned his B.S. in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana and is a Captain in the Montana National Guard. The writer, Nicholas Gebhardt, is employed by t
