TESTED: Hunting Scope PERFECTION? Telson ARC 2.5-15x44

Looking for a dedicated hunting scope with a versatile magnification range? The Telson ARC 2.5-15×44 represents a totally different application from the Target Master scopes we’ve used in the past. We put this scope to the test in the field on an ultra-compact Six Creed and in the shop on the Optics Test Rig!

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About the Telson ARC 2.5-15×44 SFP

We have had great results with Telson scopes here on the channel, including using Target Master optics on multiple PRS builds and a Target Master Victory on our 300 Norma ELR gun out to a mile.

(Save 15% on all Telson Optics with code UR15!)

The ARC line, however, is built for a different context.

Telson ARC with Custom Kenton Industries Elevation Turret

The ARC 2.5-15×44 features a magnification range that is particularly useful for close-range deer hunting, comfortably taking you from zero out to 400 or 500 yards. It has a 44mm objective lens, which keeps it compact and lightweight, and a 30mm main tube. It utilizes Japanese ED (extra-low dispersion) glass with UHD fully multi-coated lenses, resulting in an excellent quality image with low chromatic aberration. The optic is also argon-purged, waterproof, and dustproof.

It is available in both MIL and MOA. Side parallax goes from 10 yards to infinity, allowing for very close-focus shooting at just 30 feet.

The turrets feature a locking design with helpful directional arrows on the top and sides for a quick visual reference. It also includes a zero stop so you can easily reset your dial in the field.

What’s in the Box

This scope comes with front and rear flip-up caps, a cleaning cloth, Allen keys, a multi-tool, a CR2032 battery, and a sunshade.

An info card with a QR code linking to the digital manual is also included along with a screw to cover the throw lever hole if you choose to remove it.

Installation and Shooting

I decided to put together a dedicated hunting rifle to pair with this optic, building an ultra-compact 6mm Creedmoor (Six Creed).

We started with a BAT Igniter short action and a BSF barrel blank (1:7.5 twist, 20-inch finished length) topped with a Tank ST brake.

We dropped the barreled action into a WOOX Elegante hybrid stock—which features a full-length rail and fewer M-LOK slots than the sporter model—and it fit perfectly!

I also added a TriggerTech Special trigger alongside a Hawkins Precision Hunter DBM and a flush-fitting Hunter Mag.

Hawkins Precision Hunter DBM and Mag with TriggerTech Trigger

I mounted the scope in Hawkins Precision Ultralight Tactical low rings. I alternated screw torque and height so that the ring caps remained level with the reference bubble.

After getting the bases set, I maxed out the magnification and adjusted the scope along its axis to find a full sight picture from a perfectly natural head position before torquing the ring caps down.

Another incredible addition to this build was a custom yardage cap from Kenton Industries. After figuring out our Six Creed load, I ordered the cap directly through their website. It replaces the standard MIL or MOA markings with exact yardages, where each number represents 100 yards.

We were able to test this out on the ridgeline and at 400 yards, and we could simply dial directly to the yardage. The scope and rifle handled amazingly.

About the Reticle

The ARC 2.5-15×44 utilizes a second focal plane (SFP) reticle with clean lines optimized for hunters. There are several versions in MOA and MIL. I selected a MIL option with an illuminated center section, framing elements to center my focus, and holdover subtensions.

As a second focal plane scope, the scale of the reticle doesn’t change as you zoom in or out. This holds up incredibly well for close-range hunting because it allows for quick aiming and fast target acquisition without the reticle shrinking out of sight on low power.

The illumination uses a motion-wake auto-on feature, saving battery life for those early morning or late dusk hunts.

Ultimate Reloader Optics Test Rig

The Ultimate Reloader Optics Test Rig, designed and built in house, measures actual optics performance using precision targets and camera positioning to sub -0.001”.

To test tracking, we took the scope up, down, left and right 3 MIL, noting where we landed on the target. The results were dead on—absolutely one of the best tracking results we’ve ever seen. You can know your dial is going to be absolutely perfect.

For parallax, we started with the center of the scope and camera collinear. With the scope focused, we moved the camera left and right 0.050” to simulate varying head position (0.1″ total movement).

We saw basically zero point of aim shift, showing the parallax tracked extremely well. To test image distortion, we projected a rectangle inside the view through the scope. We saw a nice clean image without a lot of barrel or pincushion distortion.

Conclusion

The Telson ARC 2.5-15×44 is a quality scope with Japanese glass and a magnification range well-suited to hunting.

The SFP reticle does a splendid job of maintaining usability across the entire 2.5-15x power range. Combined with the locking turrets, top-tier tracking, and included accessories, it is a great baseline lifetime investment that you can depend on.