In 2024, Kahles used the SHOT Show to present the K328i/K328i DLR (Dynamic Long Range) 3.5-28x50 riflescope live to the general public for the first time. The K328i set new standards in sport shooting thanks to the sum of its features combined with a gigantic field of view, as this all4shooters report on the K328i and K328i DLR makes clear. The young high-performance optic has already been used at the World Cup by top PRS shooters such as Matthew Caruso and Payton Grimes. With this scope, the company has successfully entered a new era of tactical riflescopes. For the first time in the company's history, a completely new technical platform has been developed that is tailored to the special needs of sport shooters. Kahles is now ready to follow up and once again used the SHOT Show in the USA as the first of the major spring trade fairs to present the new K540i with an 8x zoom, a magnification of 5x to 40x and a 56-mm objective lens diameter to the general public for the first time. The all4shooters.com team has already had the opportunity to get a first hands-on impression of the new Kahles K540i.
Kahles K540i and Kahles 540i DLR in detail
Like the K328i, the new K540i, which weighs 1,110 g and is 408 mm long, has a main tube diameter of 36 mm. It is available in standard and DLR (Dynamic Long Range) versions. The main difference is that the standard version can be adjusted 160 cm/clicks per revolution and the DLR version 100 cm/clicks per revolution on the elevation adjustment turret. With the DLR scope, the easily recognisable lettering on the turret enables quick action and adjustment, which is a clear advantage in dynamic long-range matches under time pressure and with a focus on speed. The adjustment on the K540i is either CW (clockwise) or CCW (anti-clockwise), while the K540i DLR is only available in the CCW version.
The side adjustment is available mounted on the left or right on request and is secured against unintentional adjustment with the patented Twist Guard mechanism. The total elevation adjustment range is 2.9 m/100 m and 1.2 m/100 m for windage adjustment. The easy-to-operate parallax adjustment (20 m to ∞) is located in the usual way as an integral component in the lower section of the height adjustment turret. An Allen key is inserted in the cover cap of the battery compartment as an on-board tool with which the elevation and windage adjustment screws can be loosened and secured after readjustment if necessary. The riflescopes are equipped with diopter compensation from -2 to +3 dpt. A field of view of 10.2 to 1.3 metres at 100 meters at minimum and maximum magnification redefines the performance parameters in this riflescope class.
Reticle variants
The continuously illuminated reticles are arranged in the first focal plane and the AMR, MSR2/Ki and SKMR4+ variants are installed in the standard K540i, while the SKMR+ and SKMR4+ variants are available for the K540i DLR.
Kahles K540i and K540i DLR technical specifications and prices
Model: | K540i | K540i DLR |
Magnification: | 5x to 40x | |
Objective Lens Diameter: | 56 mm | |
Eye Relief: | 92 mm | |
Field of view (at 100 m): | 10.2 m to 1.3 m | |
Diopter Compensation: | -3 to +2 dpt | |
Parallax Adjustment (m): | 20 m to ∞ | |
Correction/Click (at 100 m): | 1 cm (0.1 mrad) | |
Elevation/Windage Adjustment Range (to 100 m): | 2,9 m /1,2 m | |
Main Tube Diameter: | 36 mm | |
Objective Filter Thread: | M58 x 0,75 | |
Length: | 408 mm | |
Weight: | 1,110 g | |
Reticle (1st Focal Plane): | SKMR4+ SKMR+ AMR, MSR2/Ki, SKMR4+ | SKMR4+ SKMR+ SKMR+, SKMR4+ |
Illuminated Reticle: | Yes | |
Battery Type: | CR2032 | |
Adjustment Direction: | CW/CCW | CCW |
Windage Adjustment: | Optionally in the right or left tower | |
Zero Stop: | Yes | |
Twist Guard: | Yes | |
EasyRead Elevation Lettering: | No | Yes |
Price: | 4,500 euro (RRP) | 4,500 euro (RRP) |
The Kahles K540i in a practical test and when it will be available
Like the K328i, the new K540i also promises up to 40% more field of view in a direct in-house comparison with the familiar K525i. The generous eyebox looks like that of a current "Low Power Variable Optic" (LPVO) with low magnification. The large eyebox ensures that the target can be found quickly and can always be kept in view, even in unconventional firing modes/stress situations. This means that every single shot fired can be controlled in an ideal manner, with the target always in view. The optical performance in terms of edge sharpness, detail resolution and color reproduction, as well as the mechanical repeat accuracy of the adjustment turrets, leaves nothing to be desired.
The K540i has been tested in training and competitions in sun and rain at short ranges up to ELR (Extreme Long Range) distances over the entire zoom range and with point of impact corrections by adjusting the turrets and hold-over marks in the reticle: it showed no weaknesses whatsoever. Thanks to the large field of view, the shooter has a decisive overview and can zoom in on the target without losing control. Experienced PRS/long-range shooters only rarely use the very high magnification ranges up to 40x maximum magnification in favour of quickly finding the multiple targets scattered across the terrain and a steady target image. The manufacturer offers a ten-year guarantee on the riflescope and a two-year guarantee on the electronics. There are plenty of optional accessories available, such as bubble level, flip-up covers for eyepiece and objective lenses, sunshade, killflash, parallax spinner and throw lever.
+++ The new Kahles K540i/K540i DLR, designed to meet the requirements of sport shooting, is already available from specialist dealers at a non-binding recommended retail price of 4,500 euros. +++
Text: Markus Buzanich and Stefan Perey
Further information on the new K540i and K540i DLR riflescope models and other optics from this manufacturer can also be found on the Kahles website.
