ARKEN EP5 (HONEST REVIEW)

[@50hptiller]

The mushy feel on the zero stop is from tightening the zero stop set screw too much and it is dragging before it hits the stop. Or the inner ring ( under the turret, has three tiny Allen screws) is not set perfectly and requires adjustment. Once everything is adjust right the zero stop is very crisp.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

Yeah i had to play with it a bit but got it pretty decent. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@bretkoesser]

I'm running the EP-5 on a CZ 457 MTR to stay in production class for PRS Rimfire. I agree that the glass is in the "okay" range but has been just fine for competitions where I usually don't dial up to the highest magnification when the reduced image quality becomes more apparent. I have heard about the eye box, but I can't say that I've noticed it while shooting...then again I'm not really that good and might just assume I'm not in a good position. I'm very happy with my scope and it does great for that production/base class rig.

[@brentrasmussen2440]

Great review. Having owned and used the EP5 for about 8 months now, I can say you hit the 2 key issues! The eye box is super tight and the reticle is very fine so basically unusable at the lower magnification range. Still a good value if you can live with those 2 short comings.

[@brentrasmussen2440]

Well those were my initial thoughts, until I found that my EP5 has a wandering zero. Not a mounting issue as the rail is integrated in the receiver and the Arken rings were double checked using a different torque driver. Now I am 2 for 2 on Arkens having warranty exchanges, SH4 went back 2 months ago and the EP5 is going back this week. No value in cheap optics if you are sending them back this frequently!

[@commonsense5709]

@@brentrasmussen2440 Bummer man it sure sounds like Vortex.

[@commonsense5709]

@@brentrasmussen2440 At least Arken eats the return shipping by sending you prepaid return shipping labels so you aren't out of money whenever you ship them back for warranty. Just like how Vortex does.

[@tonymo4138]

@@brentrasmussen2440 I had this problem before. Have you tried lapping or swapping your rings? This fixed my problem in the past.

[@tonymo4138]

@@commonsense5709 Every company out there has some issues. It really boils down to their customer service at that point.

[@possumpopper89]

I just got an EP5. Mounted it on a 20” Colt HBAR target. Only 1 range outing so far. Sight in, tall target test and had 1 round left over and got it on steel at 500 meters. So far I like it for the money. The glass is decent for the money. If I were accustomed to using 2K dollar glass I might notice the flaws more but this isn’t losing any ground to the Leupold Mark 4 I have that’s 15 years old. The tracking and turrets are a lot better than the old Leupold in my opinion. I was on a budget and it does what I needed it to do.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

Dedinitely works well for what you pay for it

[@commonsense5709]

Viridian Xactus 5-30x56 34mm 28.6oz is better especially image quality on high magnification and on sale for $569.99 (it's a $1299.00 scope introductory price to spread word of mouth about their new presence in the market by a US based company) free shipping and free returns within 30 days if you aren't 100% happy with it from Optics Planet. Glass used is German Schott. Lifetime warranty.

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

Great video Man . I love the wise words about realistic expectations

[@thomasdison9818]

I was waiting for him to say "nipple twister" but I guess I'll have to stick with your channel for that kind of humor

[@dan_5319]

Appreciate your honesty. There are lots of different reviews about the scopes. I had one that had horrible glass quality and the parallax was so comically off. It made me laugh. I’d be shooting at 50 and the scope would read 175…. To the company’s credit, they took the scope back without any questions and sent me a new one. The new one is much better than the first one and to be completely honest with you I wasn’t even in the original owner, the warranty is transferable. So at least they have good CS in my experience.

[@commonsense5709]

To what end? With all the warranty swaps constantly going on how many warranty swaps can they actually honor while staying in business? I heard they send prepaid return shipping labels for warranty and pay your roundtrip shipping too.

[@thomasdison9818]

I'm really glad you touched on the eye box. The Arken SH4 6x24 is the only scope I own so I didn't know whether that was normal or not and I'm glad it wasn't just me that was having that problem. I will say it's not as bad at lower magnification. The reason I went with the Arken SH4 and I think the biggest plus for this scope is because I am running a CZ 457 MTR (MSRP $850) and the Arken SH4 (MRSP $340) which puts me at $1190 and that is just shy of the $1200 limit for NRL22 base class division.

[@born2beashooterjosh397]

I have no problem spotting hits n misses out to about 350yds but after that it gets hard out at 500yds usually need a spotter for me with my ep5 and 22lr but I haven’t tried it with centerfire yet

[@czechnolike]

That's the exact setup I'm thinking about

[@wowguy3562]

I shoot with a Leica 5-30x56 prs prb on my Vudoo. I own a Arken ep5, it is a good scope for the money for sure. I only own the one higher end scope, the glass is noticeably sharper vs my Arken and Athlon scopes. All the scopes do a good job. In the bang for the buck category, I have no regrets with the more value oriented scopes.

[@chainsaw5524]

"Good scope for the money". That is not saying anything. Either it is a good scope or it is not. A scope is all about the glass. More money... better glass. If you go to the range and your eyes hurt after an hour, It does not matter how much you saved, it is not a good scope.

[@nerdsunscripted624]

@@chainsaw5524True only to an extent. A scope that always makes a hit where you tell it to, is better than no scope at all. Not everyone has the money to spend 3-5 grand for a scope that has the same features as the Arlen’s with better glass. Competitions are a lot easier than hunting, you can see the target with less than perfect glass. In hunting you need the best glass you can get your hands on as often the animals blend in well with their surroundings. I’m not saying I wouldn’t always just buy the higher end glass if I had the budget, but given my current budget is low, I’d take something that works but doesn’t have the best glass, over not being able to shoot at all.

[@j.t.867]

Got the same scope. Took it out to 300 yards with a tikka t3x 6.5 creedmoor. Was quite happy with the combo. Less than .5 moa at that range. I could see the impacts on a splatter target at that distance with this scope, which surprised me. I dont have experience with any other scopes, so cant compare

[@karlsailor]

Good review, and I agree. I now have 4. First one had a defective turret. CS was great. They had a new one in my hand in under two weeks from me initially contacting them. The replacement and the others have been good out of the box. I'd rather go with something of higher quality and not made in China, but I can't justify it for four rifles (CZ457 VPC, two custom Tikkas and a heavy barreled AR). This scope does everything I need it to for what I use them for, which is just playing around.

[@commonsense5709]

New 2023 Primary Arms GLX 4.5-27x56 34mm Athena BPR MIL made in the Philippines not China can be purchased as low as $714 before tax and free shipping and free returns within 30 days price negotiable down to $714. It's a much cheaper alternative to the Burris XTR III also made in the Philippines and has a true 6x magnification ratio and 120MOA total elevation travel vs 90MOA on the more expensive Burris and also comes with a lifetime warranty. Chances are you probably won't even need to use the Primary Arms warranty. EDIT Don't waste you money buying the Primary Arms GLx the glass pretty much sucks. The Athlon Ares BTR Gen 2 4.5-27x50 literally smokes it for under $600 at it's current sale price. It's also superior to the Arken EP5 and Bushnell Match Pro ED. It also beats several more expensive Japanese made scopes such as Trijicon Tenmile and Zeiss V4 and Sightron SIII in the 6-24x50s and Tract Toric 4-20x50s and Element Optics Nexus 5-20x50.

[@danielblack4406]

That was a nice and fair review. Ive been running on EP4 on a 10/22 for rimfire matches and just got an EP5. My expectations for the price weren't much. it does what I needed and works well. I agree that the biggest issue is the eye box. Strong side with a consistant mount on the gun not an issue, weak side... well that a challenge when you're on the clock.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

Yeah for sure. Thanks for watching

[@fire360dude]

The first honest review on this scope, Thanks!

[@ethompson777]

Maybe I got a good one because the only real difference I noticed between my Chronus and the EP5 was the eyebox was just a little bit tighter. Glass/colors were great. I even bought a second one to throw on another rifle

[@commonsense5709]

Sure sounds like your Athlon Cronus BTR Gen 2 is most definitely defective if the glass as you state was about the same as the Arken EP5. There's absolutely no way they are even close and I own an Athlon Cronus too. Nothing made in China can match it's glass quality.

[@hoffmandarren]

Thank you for the review. I also have the EP5. I purchased it to use for NRL22 and PRS Rimfire. I have been spending so much lately on shooting gear, I just needed something cheap for now. As someone with glasses and progressive lenses, the eye box issues has been difficult. If I had it to do again, I would not. The only good part is you are forced to practice getting on the gun the same way, because of that tight eye box. If I was only shooting off the bench, not going past 300 yards, it would be an amazing deal. My glass is fairly clear. Because of the scope I don’t splay my body anymore, I totally square up to the rifle, even with my nice scopes now. As much as I don’t really like the way if feels, the squaring up has help, strong and week side, getting my face to the same place on the rifle. So maybe thank you Arken for that.

[@commonsense5709]

Viridian Xactus 5-30x56 34mm on sale at Optics Planet for $569.99 regularly $1299.00 free shipping and free returns within 30 days if you aren't 100% happy with it. It has an extremely forgiving super wide angle FOV eyebox you simply won't believe it. It also has German Schott glass. Lifetime warranty from US based company. It's a new improved version of the $899 Vector Optics Continental 34mm and reticle is like the EP5 MIL. Sell that Arken you deserve better. Arkens give me headache and eye fatigue.

[@anonymous_friend]

@@commonsense5709 I see you making a lot of comments, but I don't think you understand why they are using cheap chinese optics. It's because to compete in these competitions, their scope msrp and gun msrp has to be under $1200 and $1500 dollars for different divisions. It doesnt matter if you get a deal on any of it. They go off of msrp.

[@briancraft2160]

"The only good part is you are forced to practice getting on the gun the same way, because of that tight eye box." I agree it is a good thing. It forces discipline, which makes a better marksman.

[@markmtbrider]

You never said what you would put on a $500 gun to stay in the production class....what is an alternative?

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

Maybe a athlon helos?? They keep changing the price rules and its different between the nrl and prs

[@mattturner568]

Thanks for trying to be honest. I love your videos and have learned alot from you in the 22lr world but knowing that you are an Athlon fan and tract fan i wasn't expecting this to turn out good. I have 3 of these scopes, 1 on my 22lr precision rifle that im shooting out to 500 yards with, 1 on a hunting rifle and 1 on my 6.5 creedmooor shootng 1600 yards with. The glass on all 3 of mine is perfect. Yes the eye box is tight but that doesnt bother me. I still love your videos. Keep up the great content.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

I have nothing against arken and think for the money its a great scope. Its not a knock on them but some people are saying its the same quality as $1500-2500 optics, which is just not true. Appreciate ya watching

[@jwoodshed1108]

I love the reticle. I dont want 200 hash marks to look at. Just need half marks. And love the small dot in the center. Some scopes have massive cross hairs that cover alot of the target.I was going to use a Nightforce but hated the size of the reticle. Glass is better on the NF but i can buy 4-5 arkens for that same cost. There may be a reticle on a expensive scope i would like, but have not found it. I have lots of benchrest scopes. The Ep5 is a great scope. And great budget. I have never had any issues finding the image in the scope. I use a cheek piece so my head goes back to the same place. Works for the left side of my face also. Seeing this video would have definitely scared me away from it. Buy one, you will not be disappointed. You may like the glass better in a NF but wont be disappointed at all with an EP5.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

Thats a big jump. There are probably 20 scopes between the nf and the arken that offer various reticles and features. You dont have to live with a scope that doesnt fit your needs, to many options out there

[@chrispickens7569]

The eye box is a bit tight and the eye relief feels a little short for the recoil on large calibers. I have ony run mine on the 22lr but it's something to consider on larger calibers in my book. Scope bite is zero fun.

[@chriscurtis7723]

in your opinion , the Bushnell Match Pro or the Arken EP 5

[@gavinbowman8234]

Given a choice between the Arken and Athlon better to just save a little more and get a better grade Athlon…thoughts?

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

If your ok with more than the 500 for the arken I honestly would step up to a midas tac or cronus for athlons. Past them id be looking at the Tract torics

[@gavinbowman8234]

@@PursuitofAccuracy thanks!

[@commonsense5709]

Ares BTR Gen 2 4.5-27x50 currently on sale for under $600 delivered better than Midas Tac and very close to the Cronus BTR Gen 2 and I own all of these and have more Ares BTR than Cronus prefer the much lighter weight of the Ares BTR G2. Also the Cronus isn't worth triple the price IMHO. MEOPTA Optika 6 5-30x56 currently on sale for $699.99 also worth buying if you don't mind the weight. It's almost Athlon Cronus BTR Gen 2 quality for a lot less money. I wouldn't buy another Tract Toric ELR and owned 3 of them already and their are too heavy for me and I prefer the lighter weight Athlons specifically the Ares BTR Gen 2 4.5-27x50. Try one risk free with free returns within 90 days too.

[@BY-dq3mt]

Really enjoying your videos, thank you. To someone building a rig for nrl22 type events what would you recommend if the budget is 1,000 and also 1,500? I understand the limits of a $500 scope from your videos, so wondering what to expect if doubling or tripling the $500 budget. Thank you!

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

For 1000 you gonna need to be in a low end 457 and ep5. 1500 id go mtr and the match pro ed optic

[@BY-dq3mt]

Thank you!

[@BY-dq3mt]

I was guessing you might say tract topic 4-25

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

@@BY-dq3mt ah misunderstood, thought we were talking gun and optic lol. 1000 id say an athlon midas tac or the match pro ed. 1500 i would recommend the 4-25 toric or the athlon cronus

[@BY-dq3mt]

Many thanks!!

[@richardfisher3656]

I'm new to the .22 sport and bought one for my cz457 and shoot well with it off the bench,I agree crosshairs are tough to see on low power. Probably going back to my hawke sidewinder,like the glass much better. Thanks josh

[@mlone7]

I use the EPL4 6x24x50 with the MIL/VPR reticle. I dont know if it was your camera or maybe having the power down but that looked like the MIL/VHR reticle for hunting. If that is so, I dont like that reticle for precision. Also at distance I run it up to 24 but that might be because of my old eyes. I can see the bullets through that scope. I have Athlon, Vortex, and Arken. All in the same configuration. I will take the Arken hands down. Also, were you adjusting parallax when you went down range? I notice when I go down range if I forget to adjust the parallax its a little blurry. I agree 100% on the eye box. I have had total blackout a couple times but once I lock on it never happens after that.

[@charliesiempelkamp511]

Very good video. I bought the EP5 to put on my DPG 457 build. I do like the scope. I really like the feel of the turrets, absolutely love having 10 mils per revolution. I put Arken's 20 moa scope base on. Coupled with the 30 moa 419 base that Kenney puts on the action, I have 50moa of can't on this scope, and the turret is bottomed out at 50 yards. It's dead nuts at around 50 degrees F. I might slip a shim under the front of the scope base if it starts hitting too high when the weather warms up, I figure I would just try to hold under if I need to. We'll see. But I have the total mechanical travel of the erector for elevation, not just half or two thirds. I was also disappointed with how much chromatic aberration there is at 25 power. But it's almost non-existent at 20 power and below. I need to shoot at lower power to find the targets, And this scope looks great at 16X. My previous scope is a Vortex Diamondback 6-24x, and it was ok, but the more I shot with it, the less I liked it. I like the Arken EP5 MUCH better. Someday, I get some really nice glass. But now I have 2 cz 457's set up and ready to shoot, so I'm pretty happy about that.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

Awesome! Yeah ive affectionality named that scope the "Diamondcrap" 😆😆

[@commonsense5709]

The EP5 is decent when used as a 5-20x scope if you get one if their reliable ones that didn't need to keep on sending it back for warranty like Vortex.

[@commonsense5709]

I bought 2 of the newest EP5's received earlier this month December 2023 and it's crystal clear all the way to 25x maximum magnification no noticeable chromatic aberration and eyebox is really forgiving compared to the last year's EP5s. It sure appears as though they use much better quality glass in their newest EP5's.

[@wyliefuhriman9986]

Awesome channel. Glad there are companies like Arken out there for all of us poors😂... I have enjoyed mine, and it allowed me to save money for a chassis.... As my gun gets better, so will my optic.

[@scottluther6699]

Know you love your tract. Thinking of getting the new one, but having second thoughts. It’s hard to see the reticle in your videos. One review had that as a fault. Said it was hard to see until about 15x. Is that accurate? What power are you shooting at in your back yard because it’s still hard to see it at that x.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

The camera is always gonna degrade and or make things look weird. I shoot them at 12-15 power at most matches. Max magnification at the bench. A ffp scope reticle is going to be small under 12x because it cant be massive at max magnification.

[@lesalbjerg5648]

Josh thanks for the good review. I realize this isn't the scope I want. I'm just a serious recreational 22lr shooter. I enjoyed a great day yesterday at the range. Following your bag instructions on that video, I really tightened my groups. I'm so thankful for your channel. You are a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

Thanks a lot! Im glad your watching and thats awesome you got some useful info!

[@ryanmckee2089]

What’s your opinion on the EP5 on a CZ 457 Varmint MTR w/Area419 50MOA base? Likely won’t shoot past 1-200, but want the option to go further if/when I decide to do comps. Would the SH4J and 30MOA base make more sense?

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

30 or 50 would work fine. I prefer the sh4j eye box over the ep5

[@ryanmckee2089]

I went with the ep5 & 30moa rail. Being able to shoot under 50yds might come in handy. I’ve only tried the ep5 and sh4 and preferred the ep5. Don’t know anyone with the SH4J. Thx for replying. I hope to be shooting the coming weekend. Hope it performs as well as I hope.

[@DaMadMardigan]

I’m running the SH4 on a Tikka T1X in a KRG Bravo. I’ve had some good ragged hole groups so far, but my CZ 457 Pro Varmint with an Athlon Argos is shooting better. Though the factory trigger with the Tikka is the best out of the box I’ve ever had. Timney is on the way for the CZ.

[@mariogaudiomonte5866]

I have one on my CZ and I purchased a Sightron 10 x 50 x 56 on a 1710HB. For the price the Arken I find excellent but I now have a preference for FFP glass.

[@e7tegt503]

Thank you for you honesty. I bought one because of the hype. Returned it because of the tight eye-box especially above 16X. Mine had A LOT of chromatic aberration too. Both were deal breakers for me.

[@commonsense5709]

Buy at least a non Chinese scope if you want better quality. The new Primary Arms GLX 4.5-27x56 34mm for $755 with 10% Optics Planet discount code can't be beat and made in Philippines. EDIT on second thought don't buy the Primary Arms GLx's their glass is sub par and the Athlon Ares BTR Gen 2 4.5-27x50 is way better for under $600 delivered at it's current sale price and no chromatic aberration even at their maximum 27x magnification.

[@dartshinigami]

Could you tell me how do you mount a pso-1 rubber on to the scope????

[@Moondog2A]

Glad to watch your PRS review on this scope because I couldn't go out pats 100yrds at my range.

[@MrCard031584]

Im new to long range. Been shooting since i was about 10 years old. Just never owned anything that i could take out to distance. Proficient at about 3-500yds with my ar15 with a 1-8 lpvo. Got a db10 ar10 that id like to stretch out to 1-2000 yds. Thinking the ep5 is a great value and within my price range. Would the 5x25 gen 1 be sufficient or do you think the 7x35 gen 2 would be worth the extra $150? If the ar10 isnt good to 1-2000yds i am considering getting a bolt gun to get me there. Always been fascinated by long range. Just getting to a point in life i can afford it. Though i am always on a tight budget for extra ammo.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

I'd want the 7-35 for a longer engagement optic. I've got one on the way for a review in the next week or so

[@erichputter6634]

To be more Honest!!! Your view is based on your own view. I own night-force and Swarovski scopes and the Arken is right there with them. Your opinion should be based on your opinion to be honest. I appreciate you doing this review but saying that the scope is only worth $500 I really don’t agree, I own $5000 scopes that only has few things better than the Arken.

[@LK-851]

What other scopes would you say is comparable to the Arken Glass?

[@davidaguiar1387]

Excellent and honest review as usual, Josh. I tried a EP5 for a bit. I ran it side by side with a ( also $500) Vortex Venom 5-25 at the range one day. Everybody on the line agreed that the Venom had the better glass. Too bad on the glass because as you mention, the mechanics and controls were really nice. I sold off the EP5 shortly after. I see now they have a Gen II with reportedly upgraded Japanese glass. I wonder how that one will stand up .

[@MrDan1509]

I want a front and rear stock made like that to fit my Rem 740..

[@Boomerfootball1]

Very nice review! If you had to choose ep5 or Athlon Midas tac 6-24?

[@karlmullinax3621]

Between those two the Midas

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

Midas tac 5-25

[@commonsense5709]

Midas Tac 6-24 is plenty good enough.

[@commonsense5709]

I'd choose the Ares BTR Gen 2 4.5-27x50 over the Midas Tac since they're on sale now for under $600 delivered and they're much better than the Midas Tac.

[@theburg2014]

I have one on a CZ-457 in an KRG Bravo stock. For my use it’s fantastic. Longest shots at our rimfire range is 225 yards. I find the glass to be better than the Strike Eagle that I recently sold. I do have a friend that has one & his glass isn’t as clear as mine. At 25x his clarity is nowhere near mine. My parallax is spot on while his isn’t. All I can say is that is the most scope that you can by @ $500 price point. For my next build I’m going to try an Athlon scope in the same price range. Thanks for the great, honest review.

[@commonsense5709]

Get at least a Midas Tac 6-24x50 levey and up for the nicer HD glass.

[@MikeBarrientos-eo4or]

What length barrel you have on that

[@jgsnipe1]

Love my EP5’s, tracking isn’t what I have in my PMII’s or high dollar scopes but it’s damn good. Overall quality it beats some of my 1,000$ scopes. But you’re right about the glass.

[@dennisholle1005]

Josh, Great review! Thanks it seems to be a very purpose driven scope. It would definitely not be a scope suited for hunting at all.

[@jeffsmth46]

Tell me best scope on a budget production class? Please Thanks Very Much..

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

Chances are for production you will end up in an arken

[@jimjones5633]

I asked Cyclops Joe already and he had no ideas for me I have an Argon sp4 16 power put it on my rifle a couple of weeks ago and I still have not been able to get it to where it lines up with what I need in other words I can't turn it the windage left for enough to get it zeroed on paper it stops before I can get there the zero stop is not set it just seems like it hits a wall and I can't go any further do you have any ideas for me please I respect your knowledge and I love your channel and I'm hoping you can help thank you so much

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

Check your scope base and rings. Its not seated right if its off that far left to right

[@commonsense5709]

Buy Burris Signature XTR rings to fix any problems.

[@tippy123867]

How would you compare it to the Athlon Helos BTR Gen2 6-24x56 Thanks.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

The helos has a better eye box to me so id take it

[@FishOn1]

I’ve put an EP-5 on my CV457PV as my base class gun. It works really well for that purpose. Concur with the tight eyebox at higher power. IT does seem to have really good glass for the money. It doesn’t compare to my Cronus, but it cost a LOT less. For a starter/base class scope, it is hard to beat. I also have an EL-5 on a BXR that I’m very pleased with.

[@bassfan71]

Very cool man! Thanks for making this pragmatic video. No BS is refreshing from a reviewer! I own a EP-5 and I have to agree the eye box can be a real pain. I still don't have enough range time to make a conclusive opinion of it. I do wish the reticle was a bit more "pronounced".

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

Thanks brother, appreciate ya watching and commenting

[@thewiseman6866]

Awesome video You put a $500 rifle in a $1200 stock... love it I thought I crazy.... cause I did the same 🎉

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

Haha, cant take it with us right.

[@jasonkim7812]

very much appreciat your honest reviews. not easy to find these days

[@p47rr]

I would contact Kenny from Eagle Eye shooting. He maybe able to do his magic. On your Tikka. I own two EP5 scopes. Great scopes for the money. I use to own four SH4 scopes. Sold three. Didn’t like the glass. But great resale.

[@j.p.4541]

Great review brother, do you believe this scope can reliably handle the recoil from an AR15?

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

@@j.p.4541 yeah for sure

[@davidbundesen5867]

Where do you find the lens hood for this scope? I like the scope for a newbie PRS or NRL gun.

[@MichaelScholz]

It's included.

[@sgtlt]

Great review, Just bought one to go with my 457 mtr to try prs production class

[@tonymo4138]

Is there a better scope at a similar price point?

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

Not at that direct price point. A little more $$ the match pro ed is a beast

[@roseybut]

Good review Josh. You get what you pay for.

[@antipplpews]

Unpopular option, and preface I don't shoot NRL/PRS because I'm really just learning, but I run a primary slx 5-25x56 on mine and it's actually been really solid. Eye box is decent even for a beginner that doesn't have the fundamentals down 😅. I also have a cheaper Athlon Argos BTR that does okay but I actually like the primary a little better between the two budget options.

[@jimbuxton2436]

Excellent and straight forward review! I may have missed it, but what magnification were you using in this video? Thanks much😊

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

12-16x in the scopecam

[@kentdavis7438]

Fair review. I use this scope for ARA and out to 200 from a bench with good luck. Thanks for the review.

[@krajus83]

What are you using to film through the scope. Super cool.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

Its a sideshot scopecam

[@krajus83]

@@PursuitofAccuracy thanks, do you like it?

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

@@krajus83 its ultimately still a gopro so its not all that and a bag of chips 🤣

[@alfredhughes8765]

I'm just curious. I asked you about the cz 457 varmint mtr, and I am definitely going to get one when I can find one in stock at a reasonable price. Scopes. Which would you recommend between the Arken ep5, Arken sh-4, and Bushnell match pro? I am setting up for both NRL22 and PRS. I know you seemed pretty firm on the EP5, but my brother-in-law suggested sh4. Another channel I watched was recommending the Bushnell match pro. So far I am getting hooked on your no nonsense reviews and honesty! Lastly, if you had to pick between NRL22 & PRS, which one? Thanks.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

I havent got to look at the match pro but guys i trust are telling me it kills the ep5

[@alfredhughes8765]

@@PursuitofAccuracy Thanks for the follow-up. If I get one, I'll give you my two cents about what I think of it. I don't know how long and how much you shoot, but you sure can group 5 shots like it's no bodies business. I saw the video about your bikes. I was really bummed for you. It just sucks the state of affairs we are in these days. I hope that you can find them. Thanks again.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

@@alfredhughes8765 im trying to get one in for review so maybe soon we will get one in. I typically shoot out to 400 yards in matches and practice a lot between 100 and 200 yards. Most if not all my 50 yard shooting is done for the channel. Id tell you how many rounds i shoot a month but my wife is watching 🤣🤣🤣

[@alfredhughes8765]

@Pursuit of Accuracy Understand! I am building my kinda on the hush hush. The only good thing is that I still have a ton .22 lr from my Bullseye days. Take care and keep up the good shooting and the channel. I really enjoy it.

[@commonsense5709]

Careful when even thinking about Bushnell brand. It may not be a very wise choice especially come warranty time. They in fact have an F rating according the BBB due to a lot of pissed off customers who were denied warranty with a lot of real BS from Bushnell customer service and their scopes only have a one year warranty on their Illuminated reticles.

[@dustinwatkins-vj1sx]

I hope they have a left hand option when they release their Ruger American line of stocks

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

Its possible

[@ericdincauze3984]

Hey Josh, great video. I appreciate the well thought out and candid comments! Thank you!

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

Thanks Eric!

[@kurtjensen7930]

I use the 4 on a Varmint rifle. Works ok, eye box is tight.

[@russwiebe529]

Great honest review... Next up one for the tract?

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

I did a tract toric review a while back but will be doing one again shortly

[@russwiebe529]

@@PursuitofAccuracy can't wait! Had my heart set on a Zeiss s3 but starting to lean toward the tract for the price point

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

@@russwiebe529 spoiler alert but i think the toric elr is the best in its pricepoint, even above it.

[@karlmullinax3621]

@@PursuitofAccuracy I second and third that recommendation (I have 3 tracts) I was seriously considering a Zero Comp but absolutely couldn’t justify the additional 2k in cost when you view them side by side. And I am by no means saying that the zero comp is not absolute boss of a scope because it is.

[@commonsense5709]

@@russwiebe529 Buy a Burris XTR PRO for $1800 it literally blows the Tract Toric ELR out of the water thank me later.

[@conunpocodefe]

Paramount Tactical did a very detailed comparison of Arken EP5 5-25X56 vs Nightforce ATACR 5-25X56. This video decided things for me. I bought the Arken to put on my new custom shop Ruger Precision Rifle. So far so good.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

I havent seen that video but from my experience the arken is good for the money but in no way, shape, or form compares to the atacr even remotely

[@conunpocodefe]

@@PursuitofAccuracy I just mentioned because it is there. And an interesting video. Shooting long range is new to me. I wanted a more dedicated rifle. My trusty 30/06 and Bushnell scope served me for many a year from a deer stand. I decided on the Ruger from their custom shop. But couldn't justify adding another 2 to 3 thousand on a scope. This scope will help me understand the methods used in long range precision shooting. There probably will be another scope for me in the future but for now this scope and a whole lot of shooting are all I need.

[@commonsense5709]

@@conunpocodefeArken's new SH4J for under $300 is the best bang for the buck and I would recommend it over the EP5.

[@dustinmclean7899]

Thank you for the honesty on this. Was debating between this and the MPED, will be going with the MPED strictly due to this video.

[@commonsense5709]

How clear of your MPED at 30x glassing past 800+ yards?

[@dustinmclean7899]

@@commonsense5709 just barely worse, debatable not noticable if the lighting is good compared to my PST gen 2, but that's with 5x more magnification.

[@commonsense5709]

@@dustinmclean7899 Are you saying the Bushnell Match Pro ED is barely worse optically than the Arken EP5 or the Vortex Viper PST Gen 2?

[@dustinmclean7899]

@@commonsense5709 than the PST G2. I decided against getting a Arken EP-5. What I can say is the SH-4 G2 that I bought about a year ago was VERY bad. I compared it to a diamondback tactical and it wasn't even close.

[@commonsense5709]

@@dustinmclean7899 I'd contact Arken and let them know about your personal displeasure regarding the SH4 regarding poor image quality and maybe they could offer to swap it out with the new improved SH4J which has better glass even if they charge you a small difference in price of maybe $50 for the upgrade I'd say it's worth it. I have already seen a recent SH4J and it's night and day clearer with a better eyebox than the older SH4 Gen 2 6-24x50 which I would consider as a real turd. I'd rate the new SH4J about equal to an Athlon Helos or Vortex Strike Eagle or Element Optics Titan or Bushnell Match Pro in image quality but not as clear as the Midas Tac. Maybe even offer to pay $100 extra to upgrade to the EP5 at least your equity isn't down the trash. At least it's an excellent scope when used as a 5-20x and maybe a little higher magnification may be clear if you get one of their better than average ones.

[@commonsense5709]

Update to my previous comment. I recently bought a Burris XTR3i 5.5-30x56 and my new EP5s have noticeably less chromatic aberration and comparable image quality its rather disappointing for Burris that cost more than triple the price.

[@austinbarnard-anderson379]

Soooooo many shills. Thanks for being honest about the pros and cons.

[@briansupermag3918]

Josh thanks for the honest review. Some people have reviews that are absolutely bonkers. Check paramount tactical who tries to claim its on par with the NF ATACR. Lol. I called him out on it but still thinks it's an alpha optics. Great job Josh atleast your honest.

[@6creeder688]

I use them in PRS .22 usually in the top 10 every match shooting Norma tac lol and I basically have one of the cheapest guns there #arken optics # Bergara b14r # ibi barrels #MPA chassis

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

Yeah what I love about prs style shooting. More about the shooter than the equipment

[@6creeder688]

@@PursuitofAccuracy absolutely

[@karlmullinax3621]

But, with only 11 shooters competing, kidding aside. Those B14r’ are shooters. I have two and they shoot almost identical on paper with the same ammo.

[@YotaDaryl]

I have a Tikka T1X in a KRG Bravo chassis and it shoots lights out. I mainly shoot CCI Standard and Norma match. Insane accuracy to 200yds.

[@gxcoupe7044]

Hi your opinion element titan or arken ep5 5 25 56

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

I believe the arken has more elevation travel so id go with it

[@bumpiermoth7674]

What sunshade is that

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

@@bumpiermoth7674 it comes with a sunshade

[@BattleshipSailorBB63]

LOL! Love that you and Joe like to razz each other. Keep that up! Thanks for the honest review. I'm a newbie and a Po' Boy. Trying to outfit several rifles means multiple $1K+ scopes are out. Purchased several of these and one 4X16. Despite the shortfalls you mentioned.....yeah, I'm very satisfied I got my money's worth and then some.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

Lol yeah Joes a good guy. We do like to mess with each other 🤣🤣

[@russellholding1877]

I Just got the ep5 for $449.99 you cannot go wrong with it. I took it to the range and wow 4 shots at 300 yds , 3/4 in group, I am sold on ARKEN

[@russellholding1877]

P.S. I have it on my PSA AR10 308.

[@cacinaz8802]

Josh I look forward to your excellent videos and this one is no different. I really like how the camera shows the holdovers at various ranges, and what the reticle looks like. This is the 5-25 so what power were you at? BTW I recently bought an Athlon Helos 4-20x50mm based mainly on your use of that scope on the 457 MTR. The Athlon is another Chinese glass scope but I think better than the EP5 - the reticle is easier to see and the scope weighs a lot less. One of Arken's sales points for the E series is Japanese glass, so in real world terms that glass does not seem to be any better than what other scopes of similar price point offer. Lastly, I bought my Helos for under $500. I think I got a better deal IMHO. The new Arken EPL4 series looks interesting.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

The helos is great for the $$. The scopecam was filmed at 12-16x which is where i usually shoot at for prs. Thanks for the comment!

[@gutshotgriz3936]

It would be nice if you started out by telling us what distance and magnification you are shooting at. Hard to put anything in context without knowing that.

[@brunodrakenas9575]

Everything is so cheap in the states! This scope and almost everything is double the price, 925$ for this scope! Cz 457 varmint is about 834-1020$ and a Cz 457 AT ONE is about 1670$ It’s not easy to get into this sport if you want some good equipment!

[@mmiller73]

Thanks for this honest review. I am debating getting the EP5. I purchased the SH4 6-24 and the 4-16 about a year ago but I ended up selling the 6-24 because the image quality was so poor at higher magnification. It was fine at 12x but became noticeably cloudy and affected by chromatic aberration above 12x. I kept the 4-16 because it doesn’t go much higher than 12x and the reticle (which I really like) is perfect at 12x on the 4-16. It’s not very usable at 12x on the 6-24.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

At the price point some will be better than others for sure.

[@commonsense5709]

Feel free to go and read my other replies for superior quality scope suggestions that won't break the bank if you really need perfect glass and the sharpest image quality on maximum magnification in the sub $600 and sub $700 price points currently on sale that normally retails for $1000+ and $1259.

[@NBKmediaPRS]

My fiance shoots the EP5 on her PRS rifle. Eye box is a little unforgiving, and not the greatest glass past 800 yards.....BUT....IMO, there is not many scopes out that have all the features for the same price. I will keep it on my loaner PRS rifle.

[@BattleshipSailorBB63]

Put an EP5 on a Bergara B14R Carbon, just want to warn people that the LOW Arken rings (on 30MOA rail), while it looks killer as a package......the scope is SO low that I can't now get the bikini cover completely on. Not sure if I'd have better luck with 20MOA rail instead, but think I'd go with MEDIUM Arken rings to solve my current problem.

[@ericf4779]

I will stick with Athlon Argos for a budget scope. The eye box and reticle are very important to me.

[@davidsalsedo]

Shouldn’t this be mounted on a PRS rifle for legitimate testing?

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

Its been on my prs22 rig but im curious to what the difference would be for testing the scope

[@Ineedcoffee-n4j]

I have one on my fx impact m3 and its been great for squirrel hunting

[@takedeadaim8671]

In my experience you can’t hit what you can’t see, you can live without illumination and a sunshade. Buy a scope with the best glass and a retinal that is useable at varying power and light/background conditions Athlon has some offerings in that price range that are a better value. I nearly choked on some jerky when I heard a review stating EP5 compares with a Midas Tac. $500 scope has comparable or better quality to $1000 to $1500 scopes.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

Very true

[@commonsense5709]

Midas Tac is great and Ares BTR Gen 2 is fantastic. They supposedly use the same glass but the Ares BTR is clearer on high magnification and I have 3 of each of them. They're currently on sale for under $600 delivered. Well worth buying instead of the Midas Tac IMHO.

[@takedeadaim8671]

What’s on sale for $600 the Arlen? They always on sale. If you think a $500 scope is going to have the glass that an $800 or $1000 scope has your drinking some reviewers Kool-Aid My wife shoots a Midas Tac and I shoot an Ares ETR UHD and one of the new Ares ETR UHD 15-60 on my bench rifle. I put these scopes against lots of popular $1500 scopes and 9 of 10 people buy the Athlon

[@hb2sami]

So …? Go with Athlon over Arken?

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

Depends what your looking for

[@gt1601]

Having a 5x25x56 night force and the Arken 5x25x56 both Japanese glass I believe I see better on the Arken. Ima.

[@sniper2000airsoft]

what scope camera is that?

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

Sideshot scope camera with gopro7

[@joostprins3381]

Budget? That thing costs about 925 Euros here in the Netherlands.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

Its 500 usd.....Its obviously going to vary where you are in the world, I cant control that lol

[@joostprins3381]

@@PursuitofAccuracy it wasn’t critic other then to our government with their outrageous taxes..😂🤣

[@bettinanstevens9259]

I can't say because I have little experience (0) behind a 1000-3000 + optic. But after watching several reviews done by people who have lots of experience behind the highest end optics. I am hearing that these Arkens well underpriced and do hang with 3000dollar optics and even excell in some areas like tracking. What is important to know is that if you are considering buying one at the current price point, your window is closing fast. Arken is said to be increasing their prices after black Friday '23. It might be interesting to see how people feel about the optic if costs them 3 to 6 times the cost of an average optic. People tend to apreciate the nicer aspects of things more when they have to pay dearly for it.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

For the money they are good. They do not compare to 2-3k optics at all, if someone is telling you that they likely are making affiliate $$

[@bettinanstevens9259]

@@PursuitofAccuracy I'm pretty sure some are and nor do they hide the fact. If it's half as good as some boast it to be, (SH4J 6-24×50 $300 right now) it's worth at least three times the price they have it for right now. I hope cause I ordered one.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

@@bettinanstevens9259 im actually gonna review that scope this week

[@bettinanstevens9259]

@@PursuitofAccuracy I hope these things are worth at least the sale price after all the hype I've heard about them in last few days from videos spanning a few years. I had never heard of them a few days ago. I have held of on trying to buy a 1,000yrd rifle because I know how expensive good glass is. I've passed on great rifles that I could have had for around $600 because I knew that 600 was just the beginning of what I needed. I actually bought the EPL 4 6--24x50 mil VPR reticle for $330 from arken. It's the lightweight version. And I found a used one like the one you are about to review for $250. I figure if they don't meet my expectations I'm hoping to at least be able to hunt the lighter one.

[@callapygian]

what is “PRS”?

[@Ace_Golf29]

Precision rifle scope

[@jmanting]

Love my EP5. Yes, it’s not an expensive scope, but it does the job.

[@stevecotton7599]

i have one on my fx impact m3. best scope ive ever owned! downside..... damn thing is heavy (2lbs), but its built like a tank.

[@wadepolly1798]

Pressure on a trigger is what causes wind.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

?

[@commonsense5709]

I thunk you should order a brand new EP5 something must have recently changed. The two I looked through were unbelievably clear even at their maximum 25x magnification night and day difference cinoared to the EP5 I checked out two years ago and another last year. Either that ir I just looked through the 2 lottery winning EP5s that are as clear as my Athlon Midas Tacs and Ares BTR Gen 2s glassing them at 100 yards and 500 yarda side by side all at their maximum magnification. I just simply couldn't believe it.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

I have the sh4j2 arken now for review. Video should be out in a week or so

[@ARAVance]

The minimum I would ever go on a benchrest scope for 22lr is 36x power. I know guys swear by these but it’s a $500 scope at best. I shoot ARA and if you have less then 36x power….good luck because you’ll need it. Invest in a sightron or something better than this.

[@trevorhawkins8757]

Everyone complaining about the tight eye box has obviously never used a NF ATACR, now that’s a tight eye box.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

I have used an atacr and the ep5 is tighter lol

[@trevorhawkins8757]

@@PursuitofAccuracy weird, I find it to be the opposite. XTR iii and Steiner T6Xi have really nice eye boxes compared to both. Only four scopes I own, though.

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

@@trevorhawkins8757 possibly my ep5 is tighter eye box than yours

[@D70340]

I bought the EP-5, it went right back to Arken for a full refund, but not without a huge hassle dealing with their customer service trying to deny me the 30 day return policy. They didn`t even send the correct combo pack with it, for starters. The glass sucked, Chromatic issues bigtime, unbelievable horrible eye box, the mag ring would lock up stiff on lower power, the illuminated reticle couldn`t be seen during daytime. And the reticle itself, was nothing to brag about, couldn`t even see it on lower power settings. Then there was the turret issue... mine would skip terrible. You had to go real slow with it, or it would jump over the clicks. As Jason said in the video, buy the Athlon brand, the Athlon glass is definitely better, as well as, Athlon has more reticle choices, better glass, and a far better eye box.

[@commonsense5709]

Consider at least their Midas HD line and up and current best bang for the buck is their Ares BTR Gen 2 4.5-27x50 on sale for under $600 delivered. You would need a real Japan made scope that cost more than double their current sale price or a Burris XTR3 in order to beat it. The Meopta Optika 6 5-30x56 currently on sale for $699.99 delivered is another scope really worth buying.

[@DerekEvan]

I’m waiting to receive my Arken EP5 now. Took advantage of the 25% off Black Friday deal so it came in at sub $400 purchase for the scope which I think is an amazing deal for the features and quality I’ll be getting for this price range. I was close to getting the vortex venom but didn’t think it was worth $100+ more than this Arken EP5. All of the other reviews I’ve seen on this scope have been 95% positive ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@commonsense5709]

The new ones are fantastic way better than the older ones and clear all the way to 25x maximum magnification I was blown away and simply couldn't believe how clear the two new EP5's I looked through today. I previously looked through one 2 years ago and another last year and they weren't that clear and good up until 20x magnification but the new ones are a lot clearer I'd put them on par with the Athlon Midas Tac and Ares BTR Gen 2 but with a night and day wider field of view. Holey HELL the new ones are UNBELIEVABLY CLEAR. They're not as clear as any of my Athlon Cronus BTR UHD's or Tract Toric ELR but they are pretty close. At least the new EP5s and the two I specifically looked through and the Arkens have a noticeably wider field of view compared to the Athlon Cronus BTR UHD and Tract Toric ELR. Makes me really wonder about the massive price difference between these.

[@jobysessions8887]

I have a sh4 4-16. And an Element helix. The helix glass is so much better. I don’t even use my SH4 anymore

[@joshuagross8158]

So what you’re saying is: it’s a 509$ scope?

[@PursuitofAccuracy]

🤣 yeah i guess so