Primary Arms SLX 1x microprism

[ECVMatt]

I have been having some problems with my astigmatism and decided to give prism sights a go.

I ordered a PA SLX 1X to replace the red dot on my Ruger PC9. When I ordered it, they were on pre-order, but mine shipped in about a week and arrived today.

Overall the scope is small, light, and appears to be rugged. It comes in a well packaged with all of the tools needed for adjustment and mounting as well as several risers to adjust the height.


It uses the ACSS reticle with gives you a 50/200 zero with a 5.56 as well as a ranging feature on the bottom. When I looked at the reticle inside my home I didn't think the chevron was very big, but once outside it works great. I probably should have read the directions closer because they clearly state the horseshoe is for close up and the chevron is for distance.

The reticle was very clear and can be adjusted for focus. The big question probably is, "Is it daylight bright?". Well in the middle of the day I could clearly see the illuminated horseshoe and chevron. What is nice is that you don't need the illumination because the reticle is also etched onto the glass. It is equally usable with no illumination. It does have a shake-awake function that lets you leave the optic on and still have good battery life.





Please forgive my pictures, but it is hard to get the camera to focus on the reticle so these pictures are not a full representation of the reticle, but give you an idea of what it looks like.

I will post some pictures of the actual scope below.

Overall my initial impression is very positive. I'm hopeful this will solve my star cluster red dot problem, give me an optic that doesn't need batteries to function, and is rugged.

 

[ECVMatt]

Here are some pictures of the actual optic:









I will post an update once I get it mounted and sighted in.

I hope that folks with astigmatism find this useful.

 

[Jonesy814]

Nice and great pictures of the view through the sight. I have just been researching different 3x prism scopes for on my AR. Looking at the Primary Arms, Vortex and Swampfox, along with maybe the Burris. I do like the ACSS reticle on yours

 

[ECVMatt]

I believe they are releasing a 3x version of this optic shortly.

I have not had the chance to shoot this one yet, but yes I like it so far.

I do have some time on this one:

https://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-glx-2x-prism-scope-with-acss-cqb-m5-5-56-reticle

The reticle is smaller than on the SLX, but it works are longer ranges. The horseshoe is still great for up close. The glass is very clear and the reticle works as advertised. I like the 2x, but out where I shoot a little more glass would be nice. I am going to look hard at the SLX 3x once it is released.

The more I shoot prism sights and LPVO's the more I think my red dot days are over.

They have some pretty good prism discussions going on over at AR15.com.

 

[chicharrones]

Looks good. I like that the spacer can be removed for usage on non ARs. I do assume the ocular lens has what looks like a focus ring?

 

[ECVMatt]

Yes that is right you can focus using the ocular ring. A bit of adjustment and I had a crystal clear reticle.

 

[ThomasT]

It does have a shake-awake function that lets you leave the optic on and still have good battery life.

Overall my initial impression is very positive. I'm hopeful this will solve my star cluster red dot problem, give me an optic that doesn't need batteries to function, and is rugged.

Ok I am confused. You say it has good battery life but doesn't need batteries. Can you explain please? I really don't know much about these type of sights. I have used red dots when I shot falling plate matches but this must be a different system. Do you mind giving an idea of what the prices are?

 

[ECVMatt]

Ok I am confused. You say it has good battery life but doesn't need batteries. Can you explain please? I really don't know much about these type of sights. I have used red dots when I shot falling plate matches but this must be a different system. Do you mind giving an idea of what the prices are?

This is a prism sight. The reticle is etched on the glass and it visible without illumination just like a traditional rifle scope. If the user wants to illuminate the reticle, then there are 13 brightness settings and 3 night vision settings.

On this scope, if the illumination is on and you don't move it for a short period of time, the illumination will turn off and save the battery. When you pick it up it instantly turns on. Some call it shake awake.

There are a few reasons why I am beginning to like this over a red dot. First and most important to my eyesight is that reticle is able to be focused to the shooters vision. This gives me a crystal clear image. Red dots appear fuzzy to me. Secondly the scope will still work if the batteries die or there is a electrical malfunction.

Prices are all over the place, but Primary Arms and Vortex have quality scopes, with good warranties, for reasonable prices. Trijicon's have a solid reputation, but usually start around 1K and have a dated illumination system.

I hope this helps out,

Matt

 

[ThomasT]

That helps a lot. I would much prefer a sight like this than the red dot Aimpoint the other poster suggested.

 

[IALoder]

Thanks for the review! I have been interested in these new ones since they announced them. I have an AR with a red dot that the dot looks more and more like a lower case "k" for me. I may just have to order one to replace it!

 

[LoonWulf]

Thanks for the post! Ive got a bushnell LilP on my AR, and with my astigmatism the adjustable diopter is a god send.
Ill have to look at one of these as they are a little closer to the size i want for the AR....the LilP is tiny, and while works great looks funny lol.

 

[ThomasT]

I came real close to buying a Burris Fast Fire a couple of years ago to put on my AR or more likely my mini-14. I don't remember now why I didn't. But they came recommended to me by a couple of different posters. IIRC I couldn't make up my mind which one I wanted. I even ordered a couple of picitinny rails that would fit my Marlin lever action and Marlin Camp Carbine. I think it would have been a hoot on the 9mm Camp rifle with the 20 round mags and formally cheap 9mm ammo.

 

[ECVMatt]

I will get some pictures of it mounted on the Ruger PC9 once it is all mounted up. I don't want to change the red dot that is currently on it until I can get it sighted in the next day as we use this rifle for home defense.