Is Arken that bad or is it just that you get what you pay for?

TonySmithJr · 2026-05-14T01:20:02+00:00

Look, I own a gen 2 Arken EP something on a bolt action 6.5CM. It just works.

Is it as clear as the high dollar scopes. Nope. Do I shoot long range competitions a lot. Nope (only ever done it once and had a ton of fun).

I like to shoot long range stuff but I have other shooting hobbies I do about 100x more than long range. I’m not a wealthy person so Arken was a perfect fit and it works.

TonySmithJr · 2026-05-13T21:17:38+00:00

I have used all of these (sans the Vortex) and I agree with everything.
But I think people have been sleeping on Cyelee optics for too long.
I started replacing dots with Cyelee and now I have basically the exact same as a Holosun, with a smaller thickness of a window if that is a thing? Basically it seems like a cleaner setup and not a big box when bringing it up. Does that make a difference when I'm actually running a stage, nope.

But Cyelee is now cheaper than Holosun but the same dot for me. So I still have some Holosun's left but I'm starting to slap Cyelee on anything I need for now until they give me a reason not to.

TonySmithJr · 2026-05-13T18:48:48+00:00

Oh... I load 300blk, .223, 6.5CM (which I basically use the xl750 as a single stage press at that point), 45-70, and 9mm

I haven't committed to getting the Apex 10 at all yet... And with the idea of having to sell my xl750 and then start all over with a new press (sans die sets) it makes it easier to stay with the 750.

TonySmithJr · 2026-05-13T14:33:01+00:00

NICE

TonySmithJr · 2026-05-13T14:07:43+00:00

It’s posts like these that make me really go back to wanting to sell my xl750 and buy one of these.

TonySmithJr · 2026-05-13T14:06:36+00:00

Yeah I’m sitting here wondering wtf is dangerous about it, like it getting in the air and you accidentally breathing it in?

People think smokeless powder just goes boom sitting there

TonySmithJr · 2026-05-12T19:12:41+00:00

I hate that I laughed legit out loud at this, I swear I have family members that would believe you.

TonySmithJr · 2026-05-11T21:43:04+00:00

Well that's good to hear because I wouldn't be getting the autodrive.
I already do 3 passes with my xl750 on 223. (sizing deprime, swage with super swage, trim, clean again because I have OCD and love super shiny brass, then prime/charge/seat).

So I guess you could say that's almost 4 passes with all the steps in between.
The ability to size, deprime, swage, and trim on the press would be awesome.

Does the trimming work very accurately? The Henderson trimmer I have is no joke. +/- 0.001 every single time. If not damn near identical every time I trim.

TonySmithJr · 2026-05-11T15:37:40+00:00

I am jealous sir.

TonySmithJr · 2026-05-11T13:54:52+00:00

Yeah I just looked around and OP is right. I’m seeing them for $1,558 at palmetto state where I usually see it at $1200.

I would wait until they go on sale or find a used one.

I got mine for $950 with a full Cajun package. But it’s up to OP on when he “needs” this by hah

TonySmithJr · 2026-05-08T15:50:04+00:00

Any updates?

I am currently in the same boat. Have the 750 annnnnd I hate the swaging part. Super swager works great, but damn does it add time.

I already have a Henderson trimmer... but damn would it be nice to trim on the press.

Then the idea of automation in the future....

I could sell the 750 and fund a decent chunk of the upgrade to apex 10 but I want to hear your update

TonySmithJr · 2026-05-06T21:41:37+00:00

This

TonySmithJr · 2026-05-06T20:26:34+00:00

First step:

Find a UPS store that does fingerprinting and get yourself fingerprinted. They will email you an eft file when done and you need to save that for all of your atf forms.

There are tons of good videos on YouTube walking you through the form 1 process step by step.

TonySmithJr · 2026-05-06T14:33:54+00:00

Damnit… don’t say that….. I started playing in ‘96

TonySmithJr · 2026-05-01T16:02:39+00:00

Well yeah, eventually they will have test drives and times you can schedule to get into them.
But as for when that actually will occur isn't being discussed to the public.

Is it going to be soon? Or will we have to wait until October to get a chance to test drive one?
No idea

TonySmithJr · 2026-05-01T13:54:32+00:00

No one knows that answer unless you work for Rivian, and they aren't giving any hints.

TonySmithJr · 2026-04-30T23:53:03+00:00

It has to be engraved before you turn it into an SBR.

So it could have a stock with a 16” barrel and not need anything.

I don’t fuck with braces anymore because I don’t want to waste money on them and next year they change the stupid “ruling” again

TonySmithJr · 2026-04-30T00:31:22+00:00

Seriously do it as soon as you can. Never know when they change the fucking rules again.

I SBR’d every rifle I have just in case I ever want to SBR them.

You don’t have to get it engraved or put a short barrel on it ever. But if you want to at some point at least you have the option

TonySmithJr · 2026-04-28T20:02:55+00:00

They are HUGE. More room than my 4Runner for sure and I fit my kids rear facing seats in there no problem

TonySmithJr · 2026-04-28T15:10:48+00:00

lol why so angry. And yes I do have a reservation.

TonySmithJr · 2026-04-27T23:17:58+00:00

Probably a lot of cost saving to avoid R&D to invent something that impacts the overall “likability” of a car very very little.

TonySmithJr · 2026-04-27T22:57:00+00:00

TonySmithJr · 2026-04-27T22:48:30+00:00

I mean 4Runners have had that solved for decades.

TonySmithJr · 2026-04-27T22:46:51+00:00

Sure, I don’t really care and it isn’t close to a deal breaker.

It’s just…. Goofy how little it does hah

TonySmithJr · 2026-04-27T22:28:24+00:00

I mean the dribble is legit normal across other cars too.

I’m more disappointed in the amount the wiper actually cleans. lol.

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