In the world of hunting optics, there are now many scopes available for under 1,000 euros that are completely sufficient for hunting purposes. However, when the Arken SH-4 GenII 4-16x50 was recommended to me, my initial skepticism was high. Until then, I was unfamiliar with the Arken brand, and at that time in spring 2022, there was also no official German importer. Meanwhile, the scope is available in some selected online shops, but back then it was different. A good friend from Sweden, who raved about this model, piqued my curiosity. He praised not only the excellent lenses and the robust construction of the scope, which was available for about 700 euros, but also the high precision, the parallax adjustment, and especially the MRAD reticle in the first focal plane.

Through the contact my friend provided with the official European importer Astro Sweden, I finally had the opportunity to test the scope extensively – not only during hunting but also during my hunting course. The Arken brand, founded by former Navy Seal Michael Reilly and his partners Josh Greer and Michael Benedict, aims to offer high-quality scopes at an affordable price. The quality of the lenses produced in Japan speaks for itself.

Mounting the SH-4 Gen II on a training weapon was surprisingly straightforward, thanks in no small part to the high-quality mounting rings that came with precise specifications for the required torque of the screws – a detail that shows how much Arken considers the needs of users.

At the shooting range, the click adjustment of the scope impressed with its tangible and audible precision, which I have missed in much more expensive models. The optics offer a zero stop – a mechanism that allows you to turn back to the zero position only after making an elevation adjustment. This is particularly important for long-range shooting. A series of tests I conducted showed that the scope reliably returns to the starting point even after extensive adjustments, underscoring its repeatability.

The scope has also proven itself in practical hunting use, especially when it was necessary to make elevation adjustments beyond 100 meters. The clarity of the lenses remains even in twilight, which is essential for hunting. The eye box is generously sized, and the reticle remains discreet even when illuminated, so it does not overpower the view.

Despite many positive aspects, there is also one criticism: the adjustment turrets of the scope are not lockable. I would wish for this feature in future models, as it could prevent unintentional adjustments, especially when hunting under poor light conditions or with accidental contact.

In summary, the Arken SH-4 GenII 4-16x50 has completely dispelled my initial skepticism. It offers excellent performance at a price that more than justifies its quality. Whether I will ultimately buy it is still undecided, but it is at the top of my list.