KAHLES

Kahles riflescopes for action shooting, PRS and hunting

Kahles is the world's oldest riflescope manufacturer. The Vienna-based optics company has been making sights since 1898, and today its K Series is a staple on competition ranges in both action shooting and PRS.

The K16i and K18i are our most popular Kahles models: fast scopes that start at 1x for action shooting, combining the speed of a red dot with the precision of a riflescope in one tube. The K318i and K525i are built for long range, where turret repeatability and an accurately measuring reticle make the difference. For hunters, Kahles offers the Helia series, known for its bright image in low light.

Which Kahles suits you?
Since 1898

Over 125 years of sighting optics. Nobody has made riflescopes for longer.

Made in Austria

Designed and made in Guntramsdorf near Vienna. Kahles is part of the Swarovski Optik group.

From the range to the forest

K16i and K18i for action shooting, K318i and K525i for PRS, Helia for hunting.

A world champion's choice

IPSC Rifle World Champion Jarkko Laukia is a Kahles team shooter and shoots the K18i. Read more below

Official IPSC partner

The K18i IPSC reticle was developed together with Finnish top shooters Jarkko Laukia and Raine Peltokoski.

Whole range available to order

We keep several models on the shelf. The rest we order from the manufacturer, typically within 4-6 weeks.

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Kahles 2026 product cataloguePDF, English Open catalogue Kahles reticles: which is whichPDF, English, 2.9 MB Open guide

Kahles K540i The Gamechanger

Which Kahles suits your discipline?

For action shooting choose the K16i or K18i, which start at 1x. For long range choose the K318i or K525i, and for hunting the Helia. Below is a short recommendation by use.

Action shooting and 3-Gun

Recommended: Kahles K16i or K18i (our most popular models)

At 1x you shoot with both eyes open, like with a red dot, and you can add magnification as soon as the target is further away. The K16i (1-6x) is light and fast. The K18i (1-8x) adds reach for long stages, and a reticle developed specifically for IPSC shooting is available for it.

PRS and long range

Recommended: Kahles K318i or K525i

The reticle is in the first focal plane, so the mil values hold true at every magnification and corrections can be read straight off the reticle. The K318i is a compact competition scope, and the K525i gives more magnification for long distances.

Driven hunt

Recommended: Kahles Helia 1-5x24i

The illuminated dot stands out in the shadows of the forest, and the light, short Helia 1-5x24i does not slow the rifle's lift onto a moving target.

Stand hunting and all-round hunting

Recommended: Kahles Helia 2-10x50i or 2.4-12x56i

The Helia 2-10x50i handles both driven hunts and field edges. The 56 mm (2.2 in) objective of the 2.4-12x56i gathers more light in the last minutes of the evening for moose and wild boar stand hunting.

  K16i / K18i K318i / K525i Helia
Main use Action shooting, 3-Gun, dynamic disciplines PRS, precision shooting, long range Hunting
Magnification starts at 1x 3.5x / 5x 1x or 2x depending on the model
Reticle focal plane Mostly second focal plane (SFP) First focal plane (FFP) Second focal plane (SFP)
Strength Speed up close, magnification at distance Turret repeatability, measuring reticle Brightness in low light, light weight

World champion Jarkko Laukia shoots Kahles

Jarkko Laukia is an IPSC Rifle World Champion, a Kahles team shooter and the developer of the K18i IPSC reticle. He is also an Aawee team shooter and one of the most successful Finnish IPSC shooters of all time.

In IPSC Rifle, one stage can have targets from under 10 metres to over 300 metres. There is no time to turn the turret between targets, so every distance is shot on the same elevation setting. The scope has to work close up and far away without compromise.

Jarkko won the 2019 world title with a Swarovski scope, which comes from the same Swarovski Optik group as Kahles. After that he developed, together with fellow Finnish top shooter Raine Peltokoski, the Kahles K18i IPSC reticle, released in 2020. He now shoots the same scope as a Kahles team shooter.

Jarkko Laukia's achievements

  • IPSC Rifle World Champion 2019
  • IPSC Shotgun World Champion 2018 and 2023
  • 7 IPSC team world championship titles
  • Several IPSC World Championship silver and bronze medals in various disciplines
  • Over 100 IPSC President's Medals
  • About 50 Finnish championship titles

The list is not complete, as nobody has kept count of all the medals. Meet the other Aawee team shooters too.

What makes Kahles different?

First or second focal plane?

In the first focal plane (FFP) the reticle grows with the image, so the reticle's mil values are correct at any magnification. That is why the long-range K318i and K525i are FFP scopes: the PRS shooter reads corrections straight off the reticle.

In the second focal plane (SFP) the reticle stays the same size at every magnification. That is why the 1x scopes K16i and K18i are mostly SFP models: at 1x the illuminated dot is clear and fast like in a red dot, and it does not shrink too small. For the same reason the Helia, made for hunting, also uses an SFP reticle.

The IPSC reticle: the handiwork of Finnish top shooters

The Kahles K18i IPSC reticle, released in 2020, is made for fast rifle shooting where targets sit at different distances within one stage. It has an illuminated centre dot, two helper dots above and below it, and horizontal lines on either side. There are no extra markings, so the next target is easy to find and the view stays open.

The reticle supports two ways of aiming:

  • Holding under: the scope is zeroed at the longest target of the stage, and closer targets are aimed slightly lower. The longest target is dead on for elevation, and in wind you only correct sideways.
  • Holding over: the scope is kept at, for example, a 100-metre zero, and the lower helper dot is used for distant targets. You don't need to touch the turrets at all.

Changing magnification does not move the illuminated dot, so the shooter can change magnification freely mid-stage without the aiming point shifting.

Turrets that stay put

The K318i and K525i have clear clicks and a zero stop, so you always return to the same starting point. Kahles also offers a choice of which side the side turret sits on for several K models, so the controls suit your own shooting style.

Optical quality in low light

Kahles draws on the glass and coating expertise of the Swarovski Optik group. For the hunter that means a sharp, natural-colour image even when a cheaper scope's image has already gone grey.

Remember the mounting: a good scope needs sturdy rings or a mount. Ask us for the right height and tube diameter (30 mm / 1.18 in or 34 mm / 1.34 in) for your rifle.

Frequently asked questions about Kahles

Where are Kahles riflescopes made?

Kahles riflescopes are designed and made in Austria, in Guntramsdorf near Vienna. The company was founded in 1898 and is the world's oldest riflescope manufacturer still in operation.

Are Kahles riflescopes in stock, and how quickly can I get one?

We always keep several Kahles models in stock, and the other models are ordered from the manufacturer. Delivery from order is typically 4-6 weeks, even if the model is out of stock at the manufacturer when you order. Check stock levels on the product page or ask us.

Does Kahles belong to Swarovski?

Yes. Kahles has belonged to the Swarovski Optik group since the 1970s, but operates as its own brand with its own product development.

Which Kahles suits action shooting?

For action shooting the best Kahles is the K16i or K18i, because at 1x you shoot quickly with both eyes open and can add magnification for distant targets. Choose the K16i if you value low weight and close-range stages, and the K18i if the range has many long targets.

What is the difference between the Kahles K16i and K18i?

The main difference is the magnification range: the K16i is 1-6x and the K18i is 1-8x. Distant targets appear larger in the K18i, while the K16i is the lighter and more compact package.

What is the Kahles IPSC reticle?

The IPSC reticle is a reticle developed for the Kahles K18i for fast rifle shooting. It has an illuminated centre dot, two helper dots and horizontal lines that keep the view open. The reticle was released in 2020 and was designed together with Finnish IPSC top shooters Jarkko Laukia and Raine Peltokoski.

Which Kahles suits PRS shooting?

For PRS shooting the most popular Kahles is the K318i, because it is compact and light and its FFP reticle is designed for fast corrections. For longer distances the K525i offers more magnification.

Which Kahles suits moose hunting?

For driven moose hunts the best choice is the Kahles Helia 1-5x24i, because 1x magnification and an illuminated dot speed up the shot at a moving target. If you also hunt from a stand or at field edges, the Helia 2-10x50i is more versatile.

Which Finnish world champion shoots Kahles?

IPSC Rifle World Champion Jarkko Laukia is a Kahles team shooter and shoots the Kahles K18i with the IPSC reticle, which he developed together with Raine Peltokoski. The reticle was released in 2020. Jarkko is also a two-time IPSC Shotgun World Champion (2018 and 2023) and an Aawee team shooter.

What does the i in a Kahles model name mean?

The i stands for an illuminated reticle. Illumination helps the reticle stand out against a dark background, for example in low light or in forest shade.

Can I come and see Kahles riflescopes in a store?

Yes, if you are in Finland. Aawee has stores in Jämsä, Jyväskylä, Tampere and Kajaani, where you can compare riflescopes and ask for advice from staff that include competition-level shooters. The selection varies by store, so check availability before visiting.

Need help choosing a Kahles riflescope? Tell us your rifle and what you use it for, and we will help you find the right model and mount. Any Kahles model can be ordered. See contact details and opening hours or email info@aawee.fi.