SLx

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Primary Arms SLx 3-18x50 Gen 2

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  Quality optics have become affordable for most shooters in the last few years. One no longer needs to spend $1000, or more, to get a clear quality optic. Primary Arms has been aiding us shooters with these types of optics. Their new Gen 2 SLx 3-18x50 FFP is one of those. This optic has features that should make it cost twice the price. 

  The Gen 2 SLx 3-18 is packed with features. Coming in first is its First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle. Yes, this $500 optic has a FFP Christmas tree style reticle. So when you zoom in, all the reticle’s MIL marks stay the same. This allows you to hold over for bullet drops, or wind, at any reticle setting. This particular optic uses Primary Arms’ ACSS Athena BPR Mil reticle. I won’t go much into the reticle’s design as it uses MIL’s in a very useful pattern. But, the reticle is illuminated to help one see better in low light. It’s pretty bright for this size of optic. This ACSS reticle also uses a small center chevron, think triangle, for aiming. Most optics like this just use a small dot. The top point of the chevron can be used for very precise shots, more so than if one were to use an optic with a small center dot. The other nice aspect to this reticle is its built in ranging ladder. The ladder is in the upper right hand portion of the optic. This puts it out in the part of the reticle that is seldom used. I really like how Primary Arms designed the ACSS Athena reticle. It is easy to use, even for someone like me that is used to using a MOA reticle. I even mentioned to Primary Arms that they were starting to convert me to MIL reticle scopes. Part of that comment was due to the SLx 3-18x50.

At 18x, Tower Light is approximately 350 yds away. Light is also 15” wide for ranging purposes.

  Since I was talking about the reticle, let's go into the optics themselves. This SLx 3-18 gen 2 is exceptionally clear. This is why I say it far exceeds its class. I had zero problems with the clarity, even at its full magnification of 18x. I could easily make out 17 HMR holes in targets at 100yds. The crispness of the glass is also really good, though I did find it to drop off a little at longer ranges and at higher magnification, but it never caused any problems. I did find the parallax adjustment to be a little touchy. At least when focusing the parallax adjustment on targets between 200-400 yards. They were the hardest to get focused. Other ranges didn’t seem to be as touchy, even the lower ranges like 15-100 yds. I will give the SLx credit for having a parallax adjustment that goes from 10 yds to infinity. Other than those minor issues, the SLx 3-18 gen 2 has great glass for the money.

  The function of the SLx 3-18x50 gen 2 has some outstanding features also. My absolute favorite is that this optic has a true zero stop on the elevation turret. Once you find out where your zero is, just set the stop and you will never have problems finding your zero again. No matter where you adjust to, just turn the back down until it stops, you are now at your zero setting. The turrets have been upgraded over the first gen SLx 3-18. They are larger so you can get a better feel on them. This also makes them easier to turn. These turrets also have fairly good clicks to them. You can feel and hear them. The elevation turret is a target style and not capped. The windage turret is capped….unless you want it to be a target style turret. Primary Arms includes a target style turret that you can replace the capped one with. So essentially you have the best of both worlds. I typically don’t dial for windage, so I left the turret in the capped version. One other feature, that Primary Arms added to the SLx 3-18 gen 2, is their changeable throw lever for the magnification ring. Instead of being stuck with whatever the optic company gives you, Primary Arms gives you options. The throw lever, that comes installed, is fairly tall and makes it easy to adjust magnification. But, if it’s not your thing, just take it off, or get one of the other throw lever options.

  I installed the SLx 3-18x50 gen 2 on my semi-precision 243. Being that the 243 is not your standard 1000 yd cartridge, more of a 800 yd one, I thought this magnification range would be a perfect fit for it. All I can say is that it worked out great on this rifle. Don’t get me wrong, the SLx 3-18 gen 2 is perfectly capable of going out to 1000 yds clearly. My eyes are old and like a little more magnification when reaching out farther. A while back, 10x was adequate for 1000 yds. I view a 3-18 as more of a mid to long range optic. If I was looking for something in the longer range category, I’d look into the Primary Arms 5-25x56.

  Primary Arms did a great job designing the SLx 3-18x50 FFP gen 2. Basically it reaches above its pay grade and into the realm of optics that cost twice its price. It has good optical clarity and a top notch reticle. The SLx 3-18 gen 2 also functions extremely well with those large turrets and zero stop. It is a little on the heavy side, but for $500 you can’t go wrong. So if you think you might need a top notch, value priced optic, in the 3-18 power range, do yourself a favor and check out the SLx 3-18x50 gen 2 from Primary Arms

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

First Focal Plane mid-power optic with a great feature set

Target Market:

Precision shooters and hunters

Features & Benefits of this product:

  • CR2032 3V Lithium Battery

  • Eye Relief: Low: 3.5in. / High: 3.9in.

  • Field View at 100: Low: 35ft. / High: 5.9ft.

  • First Focal Plane

  • Red Illuminated Reticle with 6 brightness levels

  • Length: 13.6 in.

  • Magnification: 3X - 18X

  • ACSS ATHENA BPR MIL Reticle

  • 0.1 Mil Click Adjustment Value

  • Total Elevation Adjustment: 100 MOA

  • Total Windage Adjustment: 64 MOA

  • 30mm Tube Diameter

  • Weight: 32.04 oz

  • Zero Stop Elevation Adjustment

  • Lifetime Warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Apollo 6.5cr/224v and 308/6.5g reticles     

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

Hunt Fish Shoot on YouTube  

Price point:

MSRP = $499.99

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Clear Glass

  • Price

  • Zero Stop

  • Larger Turrets

  • Extra Dial Turret for Windage

Cons:

  • Parallax adjustment is touchy

  • Heavy

Score:  8.00 Great

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Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24 ACSS NOVA

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  Primary Arms has come out with a new Low Power Variable Optic in their SLx line, it’s the 1-6x24mm SFP Gen IV with the Illuminated ACSS Nova Fiber Wire Reticle. The difference between this new 1-6x24 LPVO, and others, is its new fiber wire reticle. The fiber wire produces an actual daylight bright center red dot. The SLx 1-6x24 Nova reticle also has a bunch of other upgraded features when compared to the SLx gen 3's. Let’s go check it out. 

  This new SLx 1-6x24 comes packed with features. Of course it has 1 power magnification so you can use it like a red dot. Or you can crank it up to 6 power to identify and engage targets at longer distances. To change the magnification, Primary Arms has upgraded the throw lever to their new dovetail style. This new throw lever can be taken out and swapped for different heights, including a fold down style. The magnification ring moves about 180 degrees between 1x and 6 x, which is nice. The SLx 1-6 is still a second focal plane optic, but now has different reticle options, including the Nova Fiber Wire reticle. To zero in the reticle, the SLx 1-6 uses capped turrets that adjust in 0.1 MIL increments. The turrets have a good audible clicks to them. There are also 3 tiny set screws to loosen and set those turrets to a known zero position. The scope weighs in at 17.9 ounces and is 10.4 inches long, which is a good balance for this style of optic.

  It’s time to talk about the SLx 1-6’s Nova fiber wire reticle. This Nova reticle is one of the reasons the Gen 4 SLx shines. Using a fiber optic wire allows the Nova reticle to have a center illuminated red dot. I used to complain when companies would say “daylight bright”, not anymore. The red dot inside the SLx 1-6 is BRIGHT. Not only can you see it in direct bright sunlight, but I'm pretty sure it can be seen while aiming it at the sun, but I wouldn’t recommend trying that. The dot is bright enough that it also doesn’t wash out when using a weapon light, a big plus in my book. Because the SLx is an etched reticle, the red dot does not starburst out for those of us that have an astigmatism, something I can’t say for normal red dots. The illuminated dot size measures 0.6 MOA at 1x and 3.6 MOA at 6x. Brightness for the center dot is adjusted on the left side of the scope. It has 11 levels of brightness with only one off position. It is not night vision compatible, the dot is just too bright at level 1 for that. Also included in the reticle are MIL hash marks. The vertical crosshair’s marks are at 1 MIL intervals. There are narrower 0.5 MIL subtension marks between the large 1 MIL ones. These 1 MIL marks decrease in width as you move down the crosshair. This is to estimate a 18” target’s width to help determine what range the target is at. Being a SFP optic, these stadia marks only are accurate at 6x. The horizontal crosshair has marks for wind or travel speed. These are 3,6, and 9 MPH as you move out away from the center dot. The Nova reticle is a great multi-purpose reticle that can range targets or be used as a red dot.

  Since the Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24 is now on the fourth generation of upgrades, this means the user gets upgraded glass. This upgraded glass gives the SLx fantastic clarity. To my eye, it compares to the clarity of my GLx 1-6, which is the next higher level of optics in the Primary Arms optics line. Eye relief on the SLx is stated at 4 inches, but it is very forgiving. The eye box is also pretty good for a scope in this class range. These two specs actually make it very easy to find the optic when shouldering the rifle.  

  I mounted up the SLx 1-6x24 Nova fiber wire on my purple AR15. For this particular rifle, the SLx is great. It is super clear and easy to pick up the reticle. That fiber wire makes the center dot so bright that I can actually use the scope like a red dot at 1x, in bright sunlight. The dot is so bright that I had to turn the brightness way down to get a good picture of the reticle, if that tells you anything. The turret adjustments give me good clicks, so when I turn them, I can tell when they moved. My only complaint about the SLx is the throw lever. It is too stiff for my liking. Even though it’s stiff, the throw lever’s movement is super smooth.

   If you are even remotely looking into getting a LPVO, the Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24 Nova reticle needs a look. The glass clarity is great. The reticle is top notch for a “one optic” rifle. Plus that red center dot has got to be one of the brightest of any LPVO in this price range. I would encourage you to go take a look at the SLx 1-6 Nova from Primary Arms. It might be one of the best LPVO’s in its price range

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Low power variable optic with a super bright red dot

Target Market:

Those wanting a LPVO that is actually daylight bright 

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Integrated Magnification Throw Lever

  • ACSS NOVA Fiber Wire Reticle

  • Battery Life: Up to 500 hours

  • Magnification: 1x – 6x

  • Second Focal Plane (SFP) 

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm

  • Exit Pupil: 10.6mm – 3.8mm

  • Eye Relief: 4 in.

  • Total Windage/Elevation Adjustment: 120 MOA

  • Field Of View @100 Yards: 120 ft. – 20 ft. (Low – High)

  • Illumination: Red, 11 Illumination Settings

  • Click Value: 0.1 MIL

  • Length w/o Lens Covers: 10.4 in.

  • Weight w/ Included Battery w/o Lens Covers: 17.9 oz.

  • Lifetime Warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Different Reticles

What others are saying?:

5/5 Stars at PrimaryArms.com

THE NEW STANDARD FOR BUDGET LPVO'S

Absolutely lives up to the hype, punches well above its price point. Yeah, it's going to get compared a lot to the PST Gen 2, and I can honestly say the overall glass quality and image/FOV/Reticle, and illumination are frankly better than the Vortex. Still doesn't quite match the Vortex in build quality or external controls, and the eyebox is a tad less forgiving, but this Nova scope is hands down the best LPVO on the market under $500.

Link to other reviews:

Lynx Defense

Price point:

MSRP = $339.99

Retail = Same, but Primary Arms runs sales often

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

Our Rating: 

Pros:

  • Super brightly lit dot in center of reticle

  • Removable and changeable throw lever

  •  Lightweight 

  • Mil style reticle

Cons:

  • Second focal plane

  • Stiff throw lever

Score: 8.50 Great

Favorite Link:  Timber Creek Enforcer Review

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Primary Arms SLx MD-25 gen 2 red dot

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  Primary Arms has updated their SLx MD-25 red dot optic to a Gen 2. The Gen 2 gives you all the great stuff as the first generation, but it now includes Primary Arms’ AutoLIve. With the added AutoLive function, this makes a great red dot for either a rifle or carbine. There are two versions available, one with just a red dot, or one with an ACSS reticle. I received the ACSS version, so everything here will be on the MD-25 Gen 2 with the ACSS CQB reticle. Most of the specifications, except the reticle, apply to the dot only version of the MD-25 Gen 2 also.

  Let’s start this out with an AutoLive explanation. The AutoLive function, of the MD-25 Gen 2, automatically turns the red dot “On” when you pick up or move the optic. It also turns the optic into a sleep, or “Off” mode, after a few minutes of no movement. A big advantage to an auto-on reticle/dot is that it is ready when you need it to be. The AutoLive also extends the battery life, since your optic isn’t “on” all the time. Whatever setting the brightness dial is set to, is the brightness that it turns on at. No readjusting necessary. I absolutely love the AutoLive function. Speaking of brightness, the MD-25 Gen 2 has 11 adjustments on a dial. From night vision compatible all the way up to super bright. The 2032 battery is also housed in the brightness dial. Primary Arms specs the battery life at 12000 hours on the medium setting, so 5 or 6 on the dial. Battery life might seem a little low to some people, but there is more information in the ACSS reticle. For comparison, the MD-25 Gen 2 dot only version has a 50000 hour battery life.

  This particular MD-25 Gen 2 has the ACSS CQB reticle. If you don’t know anything about the Primary Arms ACSS reticles, they are usually a horseshoe line around some sort of chevron (think triangle). The horseshoe on the Gen 2 measures 65 MOA. The chevron triangle sits inside the horseshoe and is used as your main aiming spot. For close up work, just cover the target with the chevron. For more precise work, use the top point of the chevron. The ACSS CQB then has three dots below the chevron. These dot’s are for ranging, as is the bottom of the chevron. The reticle can work with a few different common caliber options as seen in the photo. I like the ACSS CQB reticle, but it is pretty small, so it can be difficult to make out the aiming points for different ranges. The MD-25 Gen 2 is still a red dot style optic. So this means that the image is projected onto the viewing surface. It is not an etched reticle like a scope. This really only affects you if you have an astigmatism, which I do. So for me, the chevron “starbursts” out and looks more like a dot. This is just something to take into consideration. If you have decent vision, the reticle will be very clear. For my use, the MD-25 Gen 2 is not a long range optic, so this doesn’t bother me at all. When shooting real close targets, an advantage to the ACSS CQB reticle is that you can figure out how far above a target you need to aim, to compensate for mechanical offset. Those dots below the chevron, as well as the 65 MOA horseshoe, also help for aiming at those close targets. You don’t have this option with a standard dot only reticle, which is why I feel the ACSS CQB is a better reticle option for an AR rifle.

  The Gen 2 MD-25 is not one of those super tiny red dot optics. I’d say it is medium size. Not so small that it’s hard to see through, and not so large that it’s a tank sitting on your picatinny rail. It only measures 3” long, so almost half the length of those expensive “red dots”. The MD-25 uses 25 mm lenses, but the field of view is really good. Primary Arms says it rivals 30 mm red dots, and I believe it after looking through the MD-25. Even though the MD-25 isn’t a small red dot, it still only tips the scales at 6.5 ounces. It also comes with different mounting height options. So no matter what you put it on, you can get the sight right up to your eye level. If for some reason you don’t like the supplied mount, the MD-25 can be mounted on standard T1 And T2 micro mounts. 

  I’ve been really impressed with the MD-25 Gen 2. It is built super strong. I’m not sure I could break it if I tried. Even if I was to, it’s covered by Primary Arms’ lifetime warranty. The little capped turrets even have raised nubs to keep them protected. These protection nubs will also keep stuff from snagging on the turrets, or at least help. The little turret caps also are aggressively textured with an adjustment built into them for making sight adjustments. The mount is also super strong. Once clamped down, the MD-25 isn’t going anywhere. I wouldn’t hesitate to put this on a rifle that gets beat around some.

  If you are looking for a rugged red dot, that’s not a dot, look into the Primary Arms MD-25 Gen 2 ACSS. This thing is a great size for almost any rifle. It has a ranging type ACSS reticle that even works with a .22 lr. The AutoLive gives you plenty of battery life, over a years worth, and it makes the optic “always ready”. Go check out the SLx MD-25 Gen 2 over at Primary Arms, It’s a good red dot style sight with a unique reticle. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Larger window red dot 

Target Market:

Those wanting an auto on/off red dot with a ranging reticle

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • AutoLive functionality

  • Wide field of view

  • ACSS CQB reticle

  • Up to 12,000 hour battery life at medium setting

  • Uses one CR2032 battery (included)

  • Next generation ruggedized mounting system

  • Includes risers and spacers for mounting to 0.96”, 1.41”, 1.54”, or 1.64” central height

  • Compatible with standard micro mounts

  • Fully multi-coated anti-reflective lenses

  • 12 Illumination settings, night vision compatible

  • 3" long

  • Weight - 6.5 Oz.

  • Fog resistant

  • 0.5 MOA adjustments

  • Lifetime Warranty 

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Dot Only version

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars on Primaryarms.com

This is my 5th or 6th scope purchase from PA. I've never been disappointed yet, so when this one was announced I quickly put it on pre-order to replace a Vortex SPARC that I've never been happy with. I bought this to go on a home defense bullpup shotgun. It is fantastic for this purpose. The big outer circle, with the small aiming dot in the middle, is perfect for fast sight acquisition, and the shake-awake feature gives you one less thing to think about in a crisis situation. The included height adjustment plates let you tailor the height of the sight to your own weapon and preferences. Just another area where PA beats the competition in quality, value, and price. With eleven brightness settings on this reticle, you see it outside in the brightest sun, all the way down to night vision compatibility. I usually prefer green illumination over red, but this sight is extremely clear and my old eyes have no problems with it. - Highly recommended.

Link to other reviews:

Lynx Defense   

Price point:

MSRP = $199.99

Retail = Same, but Primary Arms runs sales quite often

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Clear

  • Bright, well lit, reticle

  • Autolive

  • Mounting options

  • Field of view due to larger physical size

  • 65 MOA circle of ACSS reticle

Cons:

  • Hard to see bullet drop compensation marks

  • Battery life compared to Red Dot version

Score:  8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Walker Defense

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Primary Arms SLx RS-10 red dot

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  When I first learned about the new Primary Arms SLx RS-10 mini reflex sight, I was very interested. Then I received one, and was even more excited. This little, open reflex, pistol mounted red dot is everything they said it would be. Including a great price of $199.99.

Autolive in action

  The SLx RS-10 is packed with features. It runs a 3 MOA red dot that is easily picked up. It has 11 brightness settings. Of which include night vision compatibility and daylight bright. I couldn’t try out the night vision setting, but the daylight bright setting is really bright, even in direct sunlight. You should have zero problems seeing the dot in any light. The RS-10 also has easy to use controls on the left side. These buttons are only raised slightly above the RS-10’s surface. Of course they control brightness as well as actual on/off. I say “actual” because the RS-10 features Primary Arms’ “Autolive”. The Autolive is an automatic on/off function that works fantastic. Just barely move the sight and the dot turns on. After about 3 minutes of zero sight movement, the sight turns off. Any teeny movement will keep the RS-10 on. Back to the “actual” on/off. To turn the sight off, as if you are going to store it for a long time, just hold the up and down buttons simultaneously for a few seconds and the sight will permanently turn off. Then to turn it back on, and into the Autolive feature, just hold either the up or down button a few seconds until the dot turns on. Primary Arms specs the battery life at 40,000 hours with a CR2032 battery. So if you change the battery out once a year, you should be good to go and never have the dreaded dead dot. If you couldn’t tell, I really like the Autolive feature.

  Primary Arms also stuck some other features into the RS-10. For strength, they manufacture the housing out of 7075 aluminum. This is the same grade aluminum that quality AR receivers are made from, so it should be good to go. I really like the shape they chose for the housing and window. The rounded, almost square shape seems to draw my eye to the dot. I seem to find the dot much faster than other pistol mounted red dots. Primary Arms says the window size is 23mm and even if it is a smaller window than some brands, see the above comments. I mentioned battery life earlier, but the RS-10 does have a side loading battery tray. That means you can change the battery without having to remove the sight from your desired mounting platform, keeping your zero intact. Coming in at just over an ounce, the RS-10 shouldn’t weigh you down either.

  Anymore, the mounting method for a reflex sight is very important. Mainly because one needs to know if it will fit on their handgun. The SLx RS-10 uses the fairly common Docter/Noblex footprint to directly mount to stuff. Primary Arms also includes a picatinny rail mount and a Glock MOS plate. That way if you aren’t mounting it directly to a pistol, you have some options. For instance, it would make a great 45 degree offset red dot for a rifle. I ended up mounting it on a Strike Industries Liteslide for a G19, as it has a multi optic mounting platform. The SLX RS-10 mounted in perfectly. Primary Arms decided to go with the Docter mounting footprint so they could use that CR2032 battery and have it side mounted. Since the battery is physically larger than other options, you end up getting more battery life out of it. For the small size of the RS-10, a different mounting footprint just wouldn’t work. 

  The SLx RS-10 is a great little red dot. This doesn’t come without a few tiny gripes. If you hold the RS-10 on target, and start shaking it a tiny bit, in a circle, the dot will galaxy out. So it literally looks kind of like a little galaxy inside the window. Does it bother anything? Nope, when shooting the pistol I didn’t even notice it. Even on moving and circling targets. Most people probably wouldn’t even notice it. I also would have liked to see it on a RMR footprint, but Primary Arms didn’t do this because of those “battery” reasons. I can understand this. Now, on a good note. Even for me, with my astigmatism, the dot is fairly clear. So those with normal eyes will see a nice crisp dot. 

  I am going to say this, the Primary Arms SLx RS-10 is currently my go to red dot pistol sight. This red dot impressed me more than I expected. I can find the dot easily. I haven’t destroyed it yet. Even if I did, it has a lifetime warranty. The size doesn’t get in the way. I’d say it is somewhere between one of the super small mini reflex versions and a Holosun 507. The RS-10 is always ready to go because of the “Autolive” feature. The click adjustments for windage and elevation make it easy to make adjustments, unlike other mini reflex sights that have no clicks. I ran this thing fairly hard and have had zero problems. 

  If you are looking for a mini reflex red dot, the SLx RS-10 from Primary Arms might be it. It is priced under $200. At that price, it’s a great deal for this feature packed red dot. With the Autolive function, you won’t have to worry about if the dot is on or off, because it will always be on. I don’t think you can go wrong selecting the Primary Arms SLx RS-10 mini reflex sight. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Quality Mini Reflex red dot sight for a great value

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a decent priced pistol mounted red dot

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 7075 aluminum body

  • Side-loading CR2032 battery compartment

  • Convenient push-button controls

  • 11 Brightness settings

  • Daylight bright and night vision compatible brightness levels

  • 3 MOA dot

  • Picatinny Rail Mount and Low Profile Adaptor Plate for Glock® MOS Slides Included

  • Autolive motion activation

  • 40,000 hour battery life

  • Weighs just 1.07 Oz

  • 23mm window

  • Lifetime warranty

  • Docter/Noblex footprint

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

5 out of 5 stars on Amazon 

Another great option from PA

Mounted on my Canik Rival with no issues. Great product for the price. Will highly consider getting another in the future.

Link to other reviews:

Lynx Defense  

Price point:

MSRP = $199.99

Retail = $199.99 but Primary Arms is constantly running sales

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Autolive motion activation

  • Price

  • Dot is easily picked up

  • Side loading battery

  • Actual “click” windage and elevation adjustments 

Cons:

  • Doctor / Noblex footprint

  • Galaxies when circling a target fast

Score:  8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Walker Defense Research

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Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24 ACSS 22lr

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  Primary Arms may have come out with the perfect 22lr scope. It’s their SLx 1-6x24 with a second focal plane ACSS 22lr reticle. Since there are so many 10/22’s and AR22’s around, the 1-6 seemed like a great all around optic for these platforms. 

  The SLx 1-6 has a lot of features packed into a $290 scope. First up is the 1-6x power. The 1x lets you use the scope like it was a red dot or pism, more like a circle dot style because of the ACSS reticle. Is it a true 1x like a red dot? Not really, It’s pretty darn close. Anything closer than 10 yards is ever so slightly magnified. Not enough to cause any weird problems, just a little noticeable at close ranges. The 1x didn’t cause any problems for me shooting with both eyes open. The 6x will let you see targets farther away. The 6x is fine for certain targets and gives a good magnification, especially if you aren’t looking for precision shooting. In typical 1-6x fashion, the SLx uses a 30mm tube and a 24mm objective lens. It also uses ½ MOA click adjustments for windage and elevation. The clicks are nice and audible with decent detents stopping them.

  Where the SLx 1-6 really shines, is the ACSS 22lr reticle. This reticle is a horse shoe style with a center aiming dot. At 6x, the reticle has a 1 MOA dot and the outer part of the horseshoe is 8.6 MOA. The reticle also has ranging and a Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC). The BDC is calculated to work at 6x, since the SLx is a Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle. The reticle therefore stays the same size throughout the magnification range. Just zero your 22lr at 25 or 50 yards using the center dot. Then the BDC has marks at 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200yds. It also has 5 MPH wind, or moving target, holds at the respective ranges. These holds are just an estimation and really depend on the ammunition used. I found they were a little off, even with some pretty fast 22lr ammunition. Just try them out first, so you know about where they shoot with your ammo. One can also “true” the scope to the ammo you use, which I haven’t done yet, but will be. Primary Arms can help you with this if you can’t figure it out, they have great tech support. The reticle and BDC can also be illuminated red. There is a brightness knob on the left side of the scope. This knob also houses the CR2032 battery. There are eleven brightness settings, including ones that can be seen in bright sunny daylight. The clicks on the brightness knob are pretty good, you can definitely feel each brightness setting as you turn to them. Off to the right of the reticle, is a ranging bar, which is also calibrated to the 6x magnification setting. It, however, does not illuminate, but It does let you range objects like cans, bottles, clay pigeons, and even small varmints. 

  I’ve found a few things I really like about the SLx 1-6, and a couple I don’t care for. The optic is really clear and bright, especially for the price. But, it also has very unforgiving eye relief. Yes the eye relief at 1x isn’t bad, but at 6x, it really gets limiting. At 6x, it can get fuzzy around the edge if you are not in the perfect eye relief spot. I like the size of the power adjustment knob. It even has a little bump to help aid in turning. But, the knob is pretty stiff, which makes it hard to use. I would like to see a larger bump, or maybe a removable lever that goes on the adjustment knob, to make turning it easier and quicker. The SLx 1-6 also weighs in at a little over a pound, which isn’t bad, but since it’s a dedicated 22lr scope, I’d like it a little lighter. One of the coolest features, in this Primary Arms optic line, is the extra battery storage in the windage adjustment cap. It even comes with an extra 2032 already in the cap!

  For a plinking or fast hunting scope, the Primary Arms SLx 1-6x 22lr is great. Yes, it has a few slight downfalls, but nothing that can’t be overlooked for the price. I really liked the clarity and the ACSS 22lr reticle. The center dot and horse shoe make using the SLx 1-6 extremely fast. Also, the BDC reticle can be useful for quick target changes. The Primary Arms SLX 1-6 is a decent scope that fits my criteria for a fast 22lr optic. Go check out the SLx line of optics at Primary Arms, they are good little optic for the price.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

1-6 optic with .22lr ACSS reticle

Target Market:

Those wanting a low power variable optic, with BDC drops, for a 22lr

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Second focal plane ACSS reticle designed for .22LR

  • Red illumination with 11 brightness settings

  • BDC accurate at 6x magnification

  • 1-6x total magnification

  • Uses one CR2032 battery

  • Single piece 6063 aluminum construction

  • Hardcoat anodized matte black finish

  • Fully multi coated lenses

  • 1/2 MOA adjustments

  • Extra battery holder in windage cap

  • Eye Relief: Low: 3.50 in / High: 3.30

  • Field View - Low: 110.00 ft / High: 19.30 ft

  • Objective Diameter: 24mm

  • Tube Diameter: 30mm

  • Weight: 16.9 Oz

  • Comes with Flip-up lens covers

  • Lifetime warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

5 out of 5 stars @PrimaryArms 

MY NEW FAVORITE 22LR SCOPE

This is by far the best 22LR Scope I've put on my S&W M&P 15-22 and I've played around with some very nice Optics on my rifle including night vision. Primary Arms makes the only scope that I know of with this much Ballistic Data for a 22LR Rifle and once you have it sighted in all the hold over dots are right on the money. It really makes shooting different size targets out to 200 yards so easy. The glass in this scope is so crystal clear and it's something you normally only find in optics at a much higher price point. The # 10 - 11 power settings are very bright and it's easy to see that red reticle in the heaviest of sunlight but you really don't even need it as everything is etched in the glass when the power is off and it's just as easy to see. To put it simply, if you're like me and bought a .22lr Rifle just to have fun with and you don't have the Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope Gen III - Illuminated ACSS-22LR then you're really missing out.

Link to other reviews:

As of writing, nothing was found on the Gen III

Price point:

MSRP = $289.99

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

Our Rating: 

Pros:

  • Full illuminated reticle

  • Daylight bright

  • Clear, especially for $290

  • Hold over marks

  • Extra battery holder in elevation cap

Cons:

  • Battery Life, yes I left it on and it doesn’t have “AutoLive”

  • Second Focal Plane

  • Eye relief is a little limiting

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  Walker Defense

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Primary Arms SLx 1x Prism

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  I was looking around for a prism sight to replace one of my red dots on an AR rifle. I was tired of the flared out dot due to my astigmatism. So when the chance came along to get behind the Primary Arms SLx 1x prism, I was literally a kid in a candy store. The Primary arms SLx worked great as the red dot replacement.

  The SLx 1x prism had all the features I wanted in a true 1 power optic. For one, it was a prism sight. Therefore it has an etched reticle, like most magnified optics. I really like this as a feature, it takes away the burst that red dots have for me, and it gives an actual reticle, even when not illuminated by the battery. I’ll get to the actual reticle later. The SLx’s reticle illumination is red, but green is also an option. Another feature that I wanted was good eye relief. Since it’s not a red dot style optic, eye relief is important. The SLx has a stated 2-6” of eye relief. But it really feels like more. I can get right up on the optic or back off even more than the 6”s and still get a good sight picture, so much so that it feels very much like looking through a red dot optic.

  Primary Arms gave the SLx 1x prism their ACSS Cyclops gen II reticle. The ACSS (Advanced Combined Sighting System) Cyclops is a horseshoe style etched reticle with a chevron, think triangle, in the middle. The round horseshoe part gives extremely fast target acquisition, especially for close up targets. It is also about the size of a 00 buck pattern at 25 yds. The chevron then takes over for precise aiming. You can also use the chevron like you would a red dot, if up close. The top point of the chevron is where you would zero your rifle. This point is also where you get pretty precise aiming by just putting the point on the target. The zero depends on what barrel length and caliber you are using (see picture). With a 16” 5.56 barrel, it would be 100 yds. The inner point of the chevron is now a bullet drop compensator. So with the same 16” barrel, this would be for 300 yds. Then the bottom part of the chevron would be 400 yds. The BDC is just a close estimation, since it also depends on ammunition type and the height at which the SLx is mounted. There is also range estimation built into the SLx. It uses a 5’10” tall or 18” wide object for range estimation. When sighting in, the SLx has 1 MOA clicks for both the windage and elevation adjustments. The clicks are very positive. The adjusting dial is recessed into the SLx’s housing so that the adjustments won’t be hit and knocked out of zero. It also makes for a smoother look. Even though the 1 MOA adjustments worked fine, since the SLx has the precise chevron aiming point, I would have liked to see more accurate adjustments, maybe more like ¼ MOA, or even ½ MOA.  

  Illumination comes from a CR2032 battery that rides inside the brightness knob. The SLx has 13 brightness settings. The highest are “daylight bright”, and the lowest 3 are for night vision. Yes, the “daylight bright” does illuminate the reticle in bright sunlight. It’s not quite as bright as a quality red dot, but you can still see that it is a brighter red. My biggest complaint about the SLx is it’s mushy and hard to turn brightness knob. The click between levels just suck, plus it’s hard to get the dial to turn to them. If it had better “clicks” I wouldn’t complain as much about the stiffness. But, on the other side of that is the awesome “Autolive” function. This is a motion activated auto on function. After a certain time of no motion, the illumination will turn off. Then, when it gets moved, even just a little, the reticle turns back on to the last brightness setting it was on. The Autolive works fantastic, see this as to how well it works: YouTube Video. Because of the Autolive function, battery life is greatly extended. In fact, Primary Arms states the battery life to be 29,000 hours on the medium setting! Remember, if the battery dies, you still get the advantage of having an etched reticle, it’s just no longer illuminated. 

  The SLx gives a very clear window in which to look through. I found this prism sight to be way clearer than I expected from a $250 optic. It has a pretty good Field of View at 76.5 ft @ 100yds. It has a very forgiving eyebox and even has a diopter to focus in the reticle for your eyes. Even when looking through the SLx at odd angles, I was still able to get a good sight picture. 

  The Primary Arms SLx 1x prism comes with a variety of mounting options, all of which are included in the package. The SLx comes with 4 spacers and a picatinny rail mounting base. 3 of these spacers are cantilevered, the other 1 is straight. This lets the SLx mount right above the rail, with no spacers, or up super high off the rail with the straight spacer plus the high cantilever one, and anything in between (see picture). Of course all mounting screws and wrenches are included to swap the heights around. Oddly enough, the SLx can also be mounted to a carry handle of an AR. All these height options let you tune the height, so if you are using a magnifier or back up iron sights, you can get it just how you like it. Yes, the SLx prism will work with those too.

This is not on full brightness, more like around setting 7 of 13, in full sun

  Primary Arms did a fantastic job with the SLx 1x prism. It does almost everything I wanted it to do, okay, it does everything I need it to do. The clarity is great, it’s bright, has auto on/off, good battery life, and even works without the illumination. The 1x appears to be a true 1 power to me. Everything close up and far away is clear and size appropriate. Shooting with both eyes open is just like shooting with a non magnified red dot, plus no starburst. Having the ability to mount the SLx at various heights is also nice. I like this optic so much that I might even mount it on my “go to” rifle. Go check out the SLx 1x prism at Primary Arms.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Etched reticle micro prism sight

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a solid 1x optic 

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • ACSS Cyclops Gen II reticle

  • 13 Illumination settings including Daylight Bright

  • 3 Night Vision Settings:  Low, Med & Flood 

  • AutoLive motion-sensing on/off battery saving technology 

  • 29,000 Hour battery life at medium setting

  • Includes 8 Mounting Height Options (incl. Absolute Co-witness & Lower 1/3 heights)

  • Length: 2.48”  

  • Weight: 7.6 oz with height riser (only 5.5 oz without riser)

  • Etched Reticle

  • Diopter for precision reticle clarity

  • Eye Relief Range:  2” to 6” with 3.6” for optimum Field of View

  • Field of View: 76.5 ft @ 100 yds

  • 120 MOA total Adjustments

  • 1 click = 1 MOA

  • Fully Multi-Coated optics

  • IP67 Waterproof, nitrogen purged for fog resistance, and dust proof

  • Uses (1) CR2032 Battery (Included)

  • Lens Covers included

  • Backed by Primary Arms Lifetime Warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Green reticle or FDE housing

What others are saying?:

4 out 5 stars @PrimaryArms 

MAY BE MY NEW FAVORITE OPTIC!

Put this on an AR15 in 5.56 and the performance was fantastic. The included mounting system is excellent, the reticle is outstanding and the field of view for such a small optic is surprising. I like the etched reticle and the brightness settings are perfect for all lighting conditions. Up until now my favorite optic was the Trijicon MRO but at half the price red dot is hard to beat. Seems just as if not more so rugged that much more expensive options. The only drawback and it's a small one is the 1 MOA adjustment increments which could make it difficult to really dial it in at range but out to 50 yards on my rifle it was dead on.

Link to other reviews:

The Firearm Blog

Price point:

MSRP = $249.99

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • AutoLive

  • Super Clear

  • Etched ACSS Cyclops reticle

  • Daylight bright

  • A lot of mounting height options

  • Forgiving eye relief

Cons:

  • 1 MOA click adjustments

  • Mushy brightness clicks

  • Tight brightness knob

Score: 8.50 Great

Favorite Link:  Walker Defense

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