Arken Optics SH4 4-16x50 Gen II

I run two SH-4 Gen2 4-16x50 w/ mil reticles on 6.5 PRC bolt guns. The glass quality is outstanding (lens manufactured in Japan by JOL), particularly for the price. Adjustments are crisp, and the zero-stop reset is extremely useful for when adjusting between close and long range applications. I also find that 4-16x is an extremely versatile mag. range. At 4-9x for shots under 100m, such as in brushy or wooded areas; 10-16x shines when hunting open range, and while I would be reluctant to take more than a 200m shot at game, at 14-16x you can still ring steel out to 600m.

My only complaint is weight: it's undeniably heavy (which I chose to interpret as a sign of quality manufacturing). That said, weight doesn't necessarily pose a problem as long as it's paired with the right rifle. With the SH-4, my 24" heavy barrel 6.5 weighs in just under 12 lbs. empty, which is hefty but just fine for a bench gun or blind. On my mountain rifle in the same caliber, its under 9 lbs.--plenty light for stalking over long distance and lugging up hills.