Kahles has long enjoyed an excellent reputation among competitive shooters. That reputation rests not only on the technical and optical quality of its riflescopes. The Austrian company also listens closely to customers, allowing it to identify trends and practical requirements quickly and incorporate them into its optics.
Many long-range shooters will remember the K624i. The model has been on the market for more than 15 years and offers a generous elevation adjustment range, high maximum magnification, and a selection of tactical reticles that can be used to estimate target size or distance. In March 2018, the K525i followed as a further development of the K624i. Its technical improvements included an elevation adjustment range increased by 40 cm to 290 cm at 100 m — equivalent to 29 mrad — a wider field of view, and a greater zoom ratio, all in a smaller package.
At the end of 2024, the K328i arrived as the next development of the K525i. At first glance, the lower model number may suggest less capability, but the opposite is true. The K328i is shorter and offers higher maximum magnification, a wider field of view, more adjustment travel, and a higher zoom ratio than the K525i. Like its predecessor, it was developed and tuned for competitive long-range shooting, particularly dynamic disciplines such as PRS competition. Its 3.5-28x magnification range allows shooters to detect and identify small targets beyond 1,000 m (1,094 yd), while the broad field of view at lower magnification makes it easier to locate and acquire small targets quickly at close range.
Kahles standardizes the K-series design and controls with the Refined models
Kahles introduced the K540i at SHOT Show 2025, specifically targeting long-range and ultra-long-range shooters. The company then evaluated extensive field feedback from professional long-range shooters and its involvement in numerous dynamic PRS competitions, applying those findings to its existing products. Under the “Refined” designation, the K318i, K525i, K328i and high-magnification K540i have now been optimized in line with user requirements.
According to Kahles, all Refined riflescopes share a common design language. This makes the models immediately recognizable while also providing consistent functions, controls and handling throughout the series.
What distinguishes the four Kahles Refined riflescopes from the original models
Kahles equips these competition-oriented riflescopes with first-focal-plane reticles. Because the reticle sits in the first focal plane, it changes size together with the target image as magnification is adjusted. Its subtensions therefore remain constant at every magnification, allowing shooters to estimate target size or range with the reticle regardless of the selected power. With a second-focal-plane reticle, these calculations are accurate only at one specified magnification.
The K328i Refined uses mil-based adjustments in 0.1-mil increments. Both the elevation and windage turrets provide 10 mils per revolution—equivalent to 100 clicks or 100 cm at 100 m (109 yd). This increases the spacing between individual clicks, improves scale readability and makes adjustments easier. The original K328i elevation turret provided 16 mils per revolution; on the Refined version, windage and elevation are standardized at 10 mils per revolution, matching the rest of the series.
A second update concerns the parallax adjustment. The wheel now has a larger diameter and more pronounced contouring, improving grip and making it easier to operate with wet hands or gloves. Kahles has also revised the reticle designs to make them faster to read and easier to use when aiming. The SKMR+, SKMR4+ and MSR2/Ki reticles are now standardized across the Refined series.
Field of view was adjusted separately for each model. The K318i gains four percent and the K525i seven percent, helping shooters locate scattered targets more quickly.
Range testing the Kahles K328i Refined
Naturally, we also wanted to test the new riflescope under real-world conditions. We mounted it on a Voere LBW-M2 rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, using an EraTac mount with adjustable inclination. Over the course of the test, we fired around 100 rounds at frequently changing distances of 25, 50, 100, 200 and 300 m (approximately 27, 55, 109, 219 and 328 yd), making repeated use of both the elevation turret and the parallax adjustment.
We conducted the box test at 100 m (109 yd). After zeroing the rifle at that distance, we fired a series of three-shot groups. We first adjusted elevation in 2-mil increments, then windage in 2-mil increments, and finally elevation and windage
together. The mean point of impact of each group matched the expected adjustment within 8 mm (0.31 in). The small remaining deviation can be blamed probably to the ammunition’s dispersion. Both turrets provided crisp, clearly perceptible clicks and indexed precisely.
As is typical for Kahles, the parallax adjustment is located at the base of the elevation turret. Even at just 25 m (27 yd), the riflescope could be adjusted to eliminate parallax. The target image remained completely sharp, and moving the aiming eye vertically or laterally behind the eyepiece did not cause the reticle to shift relative to the point of aim.
Kahles K328i Refined: specifications and price
Model: | Kahle’s K328i Refined |
| Magnification: | 3.5x to 28x |
Objective lens diameter: | 50 mm |
| Eye relief: | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
Diopter adjustment: | -3 dpt to +2 dpt |
Main tube diameter: | 36 mm (1.42 in) |
| Field of view: | 14.3-1.8 m at 100 m (42.9-5.4 ft at 100 yd) |
Focal plane: | First focal plane |
| Available reticles: | SKMR4+, SKMR+, MSR2 / Ki |
Illuminated reticle: | Yes |
Click adjustment: | 0.1 mrad per click — 1 cm at 100 m (0.36 in at 100 yd) |
Elevation adjustment range: | 35 mrad — 350 cm at 100 m |
Windage adjustment range: | 13 mrad — 130 cm at 100 m |
Parallax adjustment: | 20 m (21.9 yd) to infinity |
| Length: | 360 mm (14.2 in) |
Weight: | 1,050 g (37 oz) |
MSRP: | $4,749 |
Our verdict on the Kahles K328i Refined long-range riflescope
The original Kahles K328i was already exceptionally well suited to both static and dynamic long-range shooting. With the new Refined version, Kahles has made the controls even more intuitive and faster to operate—a clear advantage in dynamic PRS competition.
With a U.S. MSRP of $4,749, however, the K328i Refined sits firmly in the premium segment. In return, shooters get a very compact, exceptionally well-built and capable riflescope. Its true 8x zoom ratio, 35-mil elevation adjustment range and three reticles designed for long-range shooting leave little to be desired. The ocular diopter and magnification controls, windage and elevation turrets, parallax adjustment and reticle illumination control are all easy to reach and operate smoothly throughout their adjustment ranges.
For shooters able to make the investment, the K328i Refined is a first-class optic for targets at both close and extended ranges.
