Best optic on a budget.

February 19, 2025•2 min read

Looking for an optic that delivers all of the value of a multi thousand-dollar purchase? Have a look at what we got from Arken Optics. While we were cross training with an individual who received their foundation in long range shooting as a member in a special operations group, He insisted that this $600.00 scope could do anything that a $2000.00 optic could do.

To see for ourselves, we have bought and tested the EP-5 5-25X26. I have to say that this is the most straight forward optic I have ever used. Using a rifle that we had previously gathered data on where we chronoed muzzle velocity and truing matched up and applied previously used D.O.P.E. (Data On Previous Engagement). We were ringing steel on a cold bore shot at 600 yards and maintaining MOA (Minute of Angle) with ease. We were hitting 11 inch (railroad tie plates) alternating targets up and down the range with ease, even with it being 36 degrees and upwards of 20 mph winds.

These optics are available in MIL or MOA/ (Milliradian or Minute of Angle)

NOTE: The MIL/ MOA Subtension scales are referenced in the technical manual depending upon your purchase of the VPR (Variable Precision Reticle) or the VHR model (Variable Hunting Reticle).

This is an example of the VPR.

The "Christmas Tree" reticle makes this so efficient for holds or you can make adjustments in the turrets and return to zero with ease, thanks to the return to zero function. I don't see myself ever spending more than $600 on a scope ever again.

600 Yard Platform View:

600 YARD TARGET: Cold Bore shot in the right side of neck and 2 follow up shots in the chest and a 4th shot to the left bolt in the neck.

Adjustment to 310 Yard shot 5th and 6th shot to the top of square plate:

Adjustment to 150 Yard and placed 2 shots to the center of an 11-inch railroad tie plate:

It is easy to get caught up in the ocean of information when it comes to looking at some of these optics considering magnification, reticles etc. however, gaining this basic fundamental understanding of what these specifications are will help you stay afloat in the journey of long-range shooting.

SPECIFICATIONS LIST:

Magnification: 5-25x26

Objective Diameter: 56 mm

Eye Relief: 3.4 inches

Field of View: 25.3-4.9 ft@ 100 yards

Tube Size: 34mm

Turret Adjustment: 1/10 MIL (1/4 MOA)

Reticle Position: First Focal Plane

Reticle Details: VPR MIL (VPR MOA)

Zero Stop: AZS Zero Stop System

Zero Reset: Yes

Elevation Adj. Range: 32 MIL (110 MOA)