Arken EPL4 6-24x50 scope review

[@lz3572]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. Appreciate your opinion. Cheers

[@Moondog2A]

Of course. Thanks for subscribing.

[@Bwatts57]

I’ve never seen your channel before this video but I would like to show my appreciation for how well this video was shot and edited. The small details like having the magnification and range constantly on the screen and skipping the unboxing awkwardness are just great details.

[@Moondog2A]

Thanks! I hope you subbed.

[@fredbecvar7463]

I've got this mounted on my CVA Cascade XT in .300 WM I really like it. Great value for the price. This is my second one. Crisp turret. For the shooting I do it's perfect for me.

[@Moondog2A]

300WM. That shows how well an Arken holds zero.

[@tonysmith4392]

Thank you Moondog .... your honesty and fine tuning with scope reviews is unparalleled. I have 4 SH4 6X24 1 SH4 4X16 and 1 EP5 5X25 ... Arken is my go to budget but Quality scope... Next is the EP8 LPVO for my AR ... of course there are better scopes out there but for the price of all my Arken scopes to equal on of one Nightforce i will take my Arken's any day on all my rifles.

[@Moondog2A]

Agreed. This is my new favorite rifle scope for under $350. Hope you subscribed.

[@tonysmith4392]

​@@Moondog2A Yes I'm subscribed with all notifications.

[@paulstakun8249]

To be fair, the weight of the orignal Arken scopes having 34 mm tubes is in the same range as other manufacturers with the same diameter tubes. In fact, the Vortex Razor is 48 oz. That's 12 oz heavier than the Arken SH4.

[@Moondog2A]

Good point. The Razor was a beast. Hope you subscribed.

[@NVPhotography]

The best review on the web. thanks for the in depth review helped a lot and i also subscribed

[@Moondog2A]

Awww shucks. Thanks for the sub!

[@aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-c4q]

I put this scope on my 223 and it is excellent. I liked it so much that I bought a 25x56 and a 35x56

[@Moondog2A]

That's awesome! Glad you like the scope. Hope you subscribed.

[@nos2142]

Great job on the review. I have both the SH4 gen 2 and are very happy with the performance they offer. I'm am looking for a lighter scope for my compact pcp rifle, and I think this would be perfect. Nice job

[@Moondog2A]

I think you'll be pleased. Hope you subscribed.

[@toddodle8688]

Subscribed. Waiting on one of these.

[@Moondog2A]

Welcome aboard! Are they back ordered like the EP8? Hope you subscribed.

[@toddodle8688]

@@Moondog2A I ordered the 6=24 and 1-8. Still processing so I suspect both are backordered......

[@ES44AC-2]

You always do a great job with your reviews 👏 👍. Ole Joe is 😂😂😂. I've got 2 Arken scopes and I'm very happy with them. I'll probably stick with the 34mm line for me, but this one is nice !

[@Moondog2A]

Thanks. I like this for smaller caliber rifles.

[@oldrover3007]

Great review , that’s a good scope for a budget minded person like myself for Casual target practice . Thanks again for posting .

[@Moondog2A]

Thanks. Hope you subscribed.

[@bennonlapworth5026]

Thanks Moondog. I have a EPL 4-16x44 on my franchi elite 308. They go quiet well and still a pretty light and well balanced combo. I have no faults and was given a battery aswell

[@Moondog2A]

Thanks for that information. I hope you subscribed.

[@darrellcrowson8588]

This is an excellent review and satisfies my confirmation bias since I just ordered one a couple days ago 😊

[@Moondog2A]

Glad I could help! Hope you subscribed.

[@darrellcrowson8588]

​@@Moondog2Aabsolutely. Gotta add that your cinematography is level above everyone else's too

[@superdave103harley]

Moondog thanks for the reviews as always please do a comparison to the new discovery series 2

[@Moondog2A]

The new ED scopes? Thanks for the heads up on the series 2. Hope you subscribed.

[@superdave103harley]

@@Moondog2A yes sir,sure did. Ed series 2 looking like a impressive contender

[@HotepSaoirse]

I’ve had my eye on this scope for a while. I know not to judge glass through a camera lens but they could have done a better job with making the reticle more visible on the lower power. So far it it’s a runner up against the Conquest V4, the VX-6, and LHT rifle scopes

[@Moondog2A]

If you can afford a VX-6, get that. The Zeiss is nice but Leupold has a much better US warranty. Hope you subscribed.

[@michaell397]

Of course it is at what, 1 forth the price? would anyone expect anything else? Kinda nonsensical comparison don't ya think? Doesn't match a 4 to 5 grand Kalas or ORI Valdada either. Who woulda guessed it? KnifeMaker

[@lz3572]

Hey just watched your video. I liked it 👍👍 I just ordered a EP5 I read a few reviews that say you can’t get full use of the magnification. On the 5-25. With only up to 20 power being clear . Have you found that to be true. Cheers

[@Moondog2A]

Yes, the image loses sharpness past 16x. But most long range shooters won't set it above 12-16x because they want to see the entire lower Christmas Tree markings. FFP means that at 20x power the reticle grows too large to use the lower part of your reticle. Still, I use the 24x when looking for holes when zeroing my scope.

[@commonsense5709]

I recently bought 2 new EP5s and they must be using better quality glass than their older EP5s had 2 years ago and last year which weren't clear past 20x. The 2 new ones I received early December 2023 are clear all the way to 25x maximum magnification and I would rate then just as clear on maximum magnification compared to my Athlon Midas Tacs and Ares BTR Gen 2 scopes. Either Arken stepped up and just recently changed to using upgraded far superior quality glass in their newest EP5s or I just got a pair of lottery winners with the clearest glass. In fact, they're really close to the clarity compared to my Tract Toric ELR and Athlon Cronus BTR UHD. I'm pretty darned impressed with the newest EP5s I recently bought. The EPL4s aren't as clear as the EP5s. They're more than good enough for the price and better than most of their competition such as clearer with better turrets than the Element Helix and Titan, Vortex Diamondback Tactical/Swampfox Patriot, about the same clarity as the Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44 FFP 34mm but with far superior turrets, Athlon Argos BTR, Helos, Riton 3 and 5, All Chinese Blackhounds, All Chinese Bushnells (the newest EP5 is clearer than the Match Pro ED), and many more short of the Athlon Midas Tacs and Ares BTRs. The EPL4 have an incredible bang for your buck. The newest EP5s are night and day better than the EPL4s with noticeably better glass and better turrets. If weight isn't an issue I'd highly recommend buying the EP5s. It's very difficult for me to even consider buying any more Tract Toric ELRs and Athlon Cronus BTR scopes after these EP5s especially due to the noticeably huge eyebox and wider FOV and massive sight picture. I'd say the newest EP5s are night and day superior in that regards and especially the far superior turrets and glass looks pretty close. I'm still blown away. I'm going to definitely order more EP5s. The EP5 sight picture is also night and day far superior compared to my Athlon Ares BTR Gen 2s, Midas Tacs, and Midas HD scopes.

[@commonsense5709]

If you want to sharpen the image on maximum magnification try using the sunshade and stuffing it with the foam tube protector to restrict the light coming into the scope. I think you will be pleasantly surprised even with the foam tube sticking out past the end of the sunshade. It also helps widen depth of field.

[@lz3572]

@@Moondog2Athanx for the tip I’ll check it out

[@lz3572]

So you like the Arken EP5 👍👍 😃 When you matched it with the Tract Toric I was impressed. Mine just showed up in the mail a week ago 👍. Can’t wait to get it out on the range. Cheers

[@streetbaron]

How long will i be able to shoot with this scope on 22 lr? Because as i see it does not have big elevation travel

[@Moondog2A]

I didn't have a problem with not enough elevation adjustment at 100yrds with a 22LR. How far are you shooting your 22LR? If you're doing ELR 22LR you should either get a 20 MOA rail or an EP5.

[@streetbaron]

@@Moondog2A For example if i get 15 MOA rail or 30 and sometime to shoot at 300-350 yards. Can i do it? I want epl 4 because it is lightweight scope and ep-5 is massive one

[@Moondog2A]

@@streetbaron Adding a 30 MOA rail should be enough. You probably want to get low profile rings with that 30 rail but that will depend on your setup.

[@streetbaron]

@@Moondog2A I am gonna install it on Area 419 reel. I also think that it should be enough. Gun is cz 457 varmint mtr. Already made order of rifle and will get soon. So ordering Arken epl 4 is good idea, right? As i see it's almost same scope as ep5 and i don't need extra weight, because Mtr is already heavy toy

[@Moondog2A]

419 makes the best rails for the 457 @@streetbaron kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXmtcpefnr1gesk

[@mftoutdoors7483]

I have always had vortex. always good luck, never a problem. I own 14 of them. BUT THIS ONE AND THE EP5 ARE A REAL EYE OPENER. thanks

[@Moondog2A]

My Diamondback Tactical is still one of the sharpest and best value I've found. I just wish Vortex wouldn't ghost me when I've tried reaching out to them to review their scopes.

[@sammartinez8084]

Great show 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@Moondog2A]

Thanks. Hope you subscribe.

[@danielmatthews3420]

Thanks

[@Moondog2A]

Welcome

[@HillbillyUp]

Great review

[@Moondog2A]

Thanks

[@bettinanstevens9259]

Great review! My EPL4's came with batteries in the box. The parallax and ilumination knobs were initially really stiff but after a few agressive nipple twisters they smoothed out some. Im now searching for someone who has put butler creek flip up caps on their Arkens and can tell me how they measure up to Arken's Flip caps which most reviewers dont seem to like much.

[@Moondog2A]

I worry that the Arken flips silicone skirt will wear out but otherwise they're ok.

[@commonsense5709]

None of the Arkens EP5s and EPL4s I recently bought had any batteries in their boxes.

[@sambathmao5009]

Great scope; I like it!

[@Moondog2A]

I'm glad. What rifle do you have it on?

[@sambathmao5009]

@ Edgun .30 cal

[@nestorpetriw3340]

Great review. Looking forward to seeing first-hand how this "high-functioning" budget scope performs. 🤞

[@Moondog2A]

Its now the primary optic on my DMR build. Hope you subscribed.

[@porksboy]

Just got my SH-4J 6-24X50, still waiting for my 34mm mount. No cell and I was concerned that the illumination adjust is tight. Will wait and see if it loosens up. I don't expect ill need it much but it is nice to have.

[@Moondog2A]

Cell?

[@porksboy]

@@Moondog2A Cell is industry term for battery when applied to button and coin cells/battery.

[@kevinelliott9679]

I would be interested in more exact comparison with different Vortex and Primary Arms products

[@Moondog2A]

I wanted to get a GLx but Primary Arms has ghosted me since I chatted them up at SHOT last year. I'll try again next month.

[@oaklea4565]

Thanks for the review. I have a Ruger Precision Rimfire like what you used in this review and I'm thinking about getting the EPL4 6-24x50 for a NRL22 base class setup. I am curious what rings do you have on your gun? I am unsure of what height to get because of the 30MOA mount on the Ruger and I would like to order the Halo rings at the same time as the scope.

[@Moondog2A]

I use the Arken rings that came with the scope when they offered a Precision Pack combo. I got the high height which barely cleared by hand guard.

[@Moondog2A]

I got the Precision Pack with high rings. The mid height should also work for your RPR.

[@davepoidvin2364]

I personally would like to see you shoot "the box" with the optics you review. But, the reviews are well done, a lot of useful information and the review has helped me make this scope my next purchase. Thank you. Dave & The Girls

[@Moondog2A]

You and your girls are welcome. Happy Christmas. Hope you subscribed.

[@davepoidvin2364]

@@Moondog2A Definitely.

[@michaell397]

Lots of shooting the Box test on the tube with the Arkens. They excel at precision and repeatability. Hands down! KnifeMaker

[@The360flippy]

I just bought the 6-24x5 EPL4 and I'm sending it back. I have a target 700 yards behind my house and it will not focus. I spent 15 minutes trying to focus the scope, adj parallax, anything to focus on that target. No matter what magnification, all I got was a blurry image. Sorry, I only give optics companies one chance. I compared the clarity to my Leupold VX-2 3-9x50 and my PA SLX 3-18x50 (which does not have great optical quality), and it didn't even come close. I brought out the old Redfield 3-9x50 and it blows the Arken out of the water. I fell for the internet shills. Never again. Buy once, cry once.

[@Moondog2A]

Well they do offer lifetime returns. Sorry to hear that.

[@randall3241]

if you just give one you will run out out of chooses after time for they all get bad scopes to make it out even the 5000 and 6000 grand scopes have bad ones get through lol

[@Moondog2A]

@@randall3241 Tru

[@erickjones6513]

Notice he didn’t say he compared it to a swaro, zeiss , nightforce, or even a vortex razor… really knows his quality optics sounds like.. I run razors and NF nx8 on most of my hunting rifles but I run arkens on a couple and they have been great no complaints including the model in this video.. there’s bad luck with any scope company that’s what a warranty is for.. for what these cost they’re hard to beat

[@rossauce12]

Im having the hardest choice of my life first the gun is a sig cross 6.5 (so its a light weight gun) i kinda want something light and that has illumination and a grid style bdc reticle now that i know what i want..so far ive had a vortex strike eagle 5-25 took it back it was just too big, burris signature hd wasnt quality, leupold mark 5hd litterally perfect except its litterally a 2nd focal crosshair and ud need to pay 2k more to get the features i want. Now i have a primary arms glx 4.5-27x56 athena bpr mil and its pretty nice but kinda too heavy at 32oz ish. I was thinking of trying a trijicon tenmile or vortex razor lht or the pst gen ii all 3 of those are in that $1k price and just over 20oz......do you have any input on those models or would reccomend something else?

[@Moondog2A]

Check out the Eotech Vudu. It's very compact. But it is pricy too.

[@brudamiranda3314]

Good review.

[@Moondog2A]

Glad you enjoyed it. Hope you subscribed.

[@dbeardsley0]

Arken keeps a good price for quality as Vortex and others go up hundreds per model. Great company for all shooters

[@Moondog2A]

And they're good people at that company. Solid veterans who are looking out for average shooters.

[@bassfever4234]

Great video and info thanks

[@Moondog2A]

Glad it was helpful! Hope you sub'd.

[@kstimberghost3283]

My illumination knob was/is extremely stiff! Hopefully it loosens up! Mine came with a battery!

[@Moondog2A]

Thanks for the info on the battery. Arkens tend to have stiffer knobs. It does improve with use. Hope you subscribed.

[@ST-lf8yv]

Double check the torque on you ring screws. If you over tightened the the knobs will be tighter than ships be. Known issue

[@greyghostnw]

Did you notice if under the windage cap if the knob wiggles back n fourth? Like the machining does not allow the turret be 100% stabile with keeper plate installed after set?

[@Moondog2A]

nope. mine had no slop

[@CazadorMich]

Epl4 supports the recoil of 300 wm?

[@Moondog2A]

They tested on .50 BMG so, I'd say yes.

[@pete6199]

Just subscribed. Wish I would have not watched your review. Ordering an EPL-4 right now. Now I have to buy another rifle for it.

[@Moondog2A]

You're welcome. Buy 2.

[@michaell397]

I'm sure you were not disappointed. I wasn't. it replaced a 4.5x14 Zeiss. ;

[@superdave103harley]

For me the sh 4J 6 - 24 is the better scope for long range but I commend them for making a lighter scope for those who needit

[@Moondog2A]

Agreed, the EPL4 doesn't have the Xmas tree in its reticle. I hope you subscribe.

[@Andrew24IV]

@@Moondog2AThey do offer a christmas tree reticle on the epl4. It’s the VPR reticle, you have the VHR version

[@Moondog2A]

@Andrew24IV Did they always offer that or is it recent?

[@JW-wi1nf]

Is the glass the same between SH-4J and EPL-4? The SH-4J has 32 MIL in elevation and a 34mm tube over the EPL-4 20 MIL in elevation and 30mm tube and these are more favorable for long range. I do like the EPL-4 parallax of 10Yds which makes this better for 22LR.

[@commonsense5709]

None of my new Arken EPL4s and EP5s I recently bought and received earlier this month included batteries. Is this normal?

[@Moondog2A]

I did end up finding a battery inside the envelope behind the cleaning cloth?!

[@commonsense5709]

@@Moondog2A I double and triple checked and none of my Arkens I recently bought included any batteries. I brought this up and messaged the dealer I purchased these new Arkens from but no reply.

[@nicholas1740]

@@commonsense5709 I bought one of these scopes for my son last week and it came with a battery. Someone didn't put one in your box. They're not expensive, but if you call or email with your order number they'll probably send you one.

[@sassafrask9]

Do you feel a significant difference in the scope between the EP4 and EP5, not the accessories but the quality of the scope itself to justify the price difference?

[@Moondog2A]

Depends on your use case. If you plan on competing in ELR matches the EPL4 doesn't have a christmas tree reticle. The EP5 is slightly sharper and better brightness than the EPL4. For general target shooting at a range (100-200yrds), EPL4 is my go-to. Hope you subscribe.

[@gunnwild1]

Do you know if this scope will handle the recoil of a 308?

[@Moondog2A]

They test their scopes with .50 BMG so I'd say, and then some.

[@gunnwild1]

@@Moondog2A Good to know, thanks

[@bennonlapworth5026]

I have one on my 308.

[@SorinG2010]

Hi no issues with illumination knob on my scope

[@Moondog2A]

Good. And the guys at Arken are good about fixing problems if they come up.

[@RobTaylor1983]

Can it hold up to 300 win-mag abuse?

[@Moondog2A]

They test these using 50 BMG.... so yeah.

[@terryeades6731]

I sent my first one back could not turn the alumination knob at all.

[@Moondog2A]

How were they with returns did you have trouble? Did it take long?

[@Soli_Deo_Gloria_.]

30 up and 30 down 🤷‍♂️

[@Moondog2A]

More adjustments than I ever use

[@BigBalmerJV]

Anyone ever tell you get that thing on your thumb nail checked out? Could be cancer if I’m not mistaken

[@Moondog2A]

Thumb? Or my left index knuckle?

[@BigBalmerJV]

@@Moondog2A thumb right side the dark running all the way down to the end of the nail

[@Moondog2A]

@@BigBalmerJV It must be a temporary thing or lighting?

[@owenschmidt8889]

Don’t ever buy I just emailed them to have a scope warranty because it would not track left to right. They want me to send pictures and video to show them that is the worst customer service I have ever seen some of us are not that computer savvy do yourself a favor and save your money, and spend it somewhere else I now own a very expensive paperweight

[@Moondog2A]

Can't you take the video with your phone and email directly from your phone. Some other online retailers (not pewpew products mind you) are also requiring this method to save on shipping.

[@benp3885]

Requiring proof of complaint is not bad customer service. I own a Bergera B-14 HMR, it is not a full custom rifle but far from a budget rifle. Anyways I had an issue with the bottom metal, I reached out to Bergara and they requested proof of complaint. I snapped some photos, sent them over email and the next day Bergara had a new bottom metal in the mail on its way to me free of charge or even shipping costs. I would consider this some of the best customer service I’ve ever had. To make a long story short just because you are incapable of taking a photo and emailing it to them does not mean Arken does not want to correct the issue you’re having. Maybe ask a friend or family member for help with the email, and maybe just maybe you will be surprised at how Arken responds in replacing or repairing your “paperweight”

[@owenschmidt8889]

@@benp3885 weird never had that problem with vortex ? Go buy 1 and I wish good luck !

[@owenschmidt8889]

Harbor freight scope

[@benp3885]

If you dislike the scope and feel it is not up to par with other scopes in this price point that is your opinion and 100% valid. The only point I was trying to make is that you not being able to send pictures to the company is not indicative of poor customer service. If you can afford a Razor HD or a Schmidt & Bender then more power to you. Just don’t pay a quarter of the price and expect a Nightforce. They may very well require picture proof of defects as well.