Kahles 1050FT

It is a bold manufacturer who starts with an idea and a clean sheet of paper. It is braver still when the results offer something different from the norm; the Kahles 1050FT does just that. Introduced originally back in 2013, it was only last year that the production scopes appeared and I had the chance to spend a few minutes with the very first 1050FT available. I liked it and was keen to spend more time with one.

I am not a great one for bling; I prefer functionality and, seemingly, so do Kahles. The whole scope is finished in a nice quality matt black finish, with all detailing neatly etched and finished in white. The ocular lens does have decals with the name of the maker and model of the scope around it, but that’s about as flash as this particular scope gets… but, at the British Shooting Show I was told that there is a silver finished model and I believe these will also be available in the UK by the time you read this, so that whole Austrian functionality thing flies right out the window.

The dioptre of the scope is adjustable with a ring on the ocular lens. As I appear to have Mr. Average eyes, the reticule was bright and clear when I installed the scope, so I left the adjustment where it was. Next control is the magnification ring, that runs from 10 up to 50 mag and Kahles have stated that these are actual magnification figures, so 50 mag means 50. The operation of the ring is silky smooth and does not need too much effort to move – other manufacturers please take note.

Saddle Up

Next, we come to the innovative part of the 1050FT, the saddle. On the left, where the parallax adjustment usually is, there is an illuminated reticule control, on the right is the windage turret and up on top is the elevation turret, but what is also up on top is the parallax adjustment.

Looking at the turrets first, both are around 35mm in diameter and both are 1/8 MOA. I am not a massive fan of 1/8 MOA, as the elevation turret at least usually requires either some additional diameter or very careful discipline to avoid making a mistake and over rotating it. The diameter of the turrets on the Kahles pretty much remove that risk. In addition, both turrets have an indicator pin in the centre, so you can quickly see just how far in or out the turret is.

The detents on the turrets are very good, they have a nice firm click but are not so fine as to be in danger of accidental operation, nor so coarse they are difficult to use. Both turrets are numbered 1 to 17 and the ‘clicks’ are all very neatly engraved in white.

So, that leaves the parallax ring. In standard form the ring is knurled, located at the base of the elevation turret and marked from eight- to 60-metres (nineto 65-yards.). It is pretty stiff to operate and not in the least bit practical for FT, so Kahles also supply 125mm diameter ‘top wheel’. This is secured onto the adjuster with four tiny screws, tightened up with a supplied tool. The wheel lines up perfectly with a pointer supplied fitted to the scope, allowing the top wheel to be marked up with different ranges in the same way that you would with a side wheel scope. Forward of the saddle the 30mm tube flares out to the 56mm objective lens.

Even at this early stage, it is quite apparent that this scope is a precision piece of highquality optical equipment as the build quality, fit and finish is superb and I am very impressed with it.

RangeTime

The sight picture is bright and clear and contains a lot of detail, without getting cluttered and confused. The MHR reticule is crisp and just floats in the picture, with enough hashes to be useful but not too intrusive.

In use, the top wheel parallax is not really that different, it is well damped and a lighter action would be nice but you really don’t have to think too hard about using the wheel, as it is quite a natural action. The spacing between range marks is good and not at all compressed and I actually think that the Kahles would work perfectly with a slightly smaller diameter wheel. True to specification, it will focus down to nine-yards and beyond 55-yards, so all is good.

The repeatability of rangefinding is excellent and going back and forth from close to far range and back invariably had the pointer back at the same spot or very close to it. The depth of field is around a yard at medium distance, growing a little as I ranged to full distance. The focus also gets a little softer as the range gets longer, with close targets snapping in and out of focus, while those at longer ranges needed a little more concentration. All resolved to a pin sharp image and details like screw heads, frayed reset strings and even cobwebs all came into sharp focus.

The turrets work extremely well and due to its 35mm diameter there is no issue with the closer targets needing the elevation turret to be rotated past zero.

If there is a weakness, then it is rangefinding into a strong light. This tends to cause some flare, which I’m pretty certain could be cured with a sunshade or two and is certainly reduced by backing the magnification off a little. This characteristic is by no means unique to the Kahles, but it is something to be aware of. In the opposite conditions, with dark and well-hidden targets, the Kahles digs out a lot of detail, something not all scopes can do.

Conclusion

I would be more than happy to bolt a Kahles 1050FT on my competition FT rifle, it is an accurate competent scope with fine optics, a really good reticule and turrets that other manufacturers should aspire to. The build quality is excellent with a really solid feel that make others appear a little flimsy by comparison. This is apparent in the weight of 1040g, which is a touch heavier than most of the competition, but lighter than the Nikko Sterling and look how many people use them.

Do I like the top wheel? I don’t dislike it and I don’t find it a disadvantage to use. The focus at longer ranges has to be worked at a little, but the sight picture at all times is clear and bright.

If I could make a suggestion though, it would be to have a magnetic mount for the big wheel, as transportation of the rifle to and from shoots has to be considered.

Overall, this is a quality scope, which as far as I can see fits the brief perfectly, nice one Kahles. My thanks to Mark Swift at RUAG Ammotec, for the loan of the scope.

PRICE: £ 2373.00
DISTRIBUTOR:
RUAG Ammotec UK Ltd
[email protected]
www.ruag.co.uk