Wait, didn’t SNW just review the Arken EP-8 like…last month? Why yes, yes we did. So why do it again? Well . . .
Nothing much has really changed. The EP-8 1-8×28 scope is still a hell of a bargain for a first focal plane LPVO with an 8X zoom range. It’s got the same features and Japanese ED glass and still comes factory mounted on one of their Rigid Precision scope mounts. It still comes with front and read flip-up caps as well as a rubber bikini cover.
But shortly after we got our hands on the EP-8, Arken announced a second reticle option. In addition to their unique KLBOX reticle, which seemed to be polarizing (I liked it, but some didn’t), you can now get the EP-8 with a more traditional KLGRID Christmas tree style reticle.
That’s the view of the KLGRID reticle a 8X, looking at targets at 500 yards. Photography through rifle scopes tends to suck, so here’s a better look at the new reticle option . . .
While the KLBOX version of the EP-8 is set up for MOA adjustments, the KLGRID mil-based. And the Christmas tree with .5 mil subtensions lets those of us you who prefer to hold for elevation and wind rather than dial, do that with precision.
Like the KLBOX version, the EP-8’s turrets adjust with positive, crisp, tactile clicks. Like the first one we tested, it passed a box test with flying colors and survived a minute under water (with caps on).
The .2 mil center dot and broken circle have eleven brightness levels including two night vision settings.
Again, this is exactly the same scope as the first version we tested, so if you want the full dope, so to speak, see our earlier write-up.
In short, this version of the Arken EP-8, like the KLBOX model, is a surprisingly high-performing first focal plane LPVO and an incredibly attractive price. It has an MSRP of $479 and is listed at $375 on the Arken site. It’s found in the wild, however, for as low as $299. That makes the EP-8 very hard to beat.