Tag Archives: primary arms

Why You Need a 3-18 Power Riflescope

April 13, 2026blog, Optics, Product review3-18, 3-18x44, 3-18x50, 6x rifle scope, kahles, primary arms, rifle scope, us optics, vector opticscoldboremiracle

Thirst for Power

When I first started down this rifleman’s path, like many others I found myself lusting over the high power long-range rifle scopes. It never fails, whether in media or our daydreaming that we think of a big powerful sniper scope filled with all the bells and whistles you can imagine. But is all that necessary? I’ve been down that road a few times now, and I can tell you about it.

Large Magnification

Many long-range optics are higher magnification, like 6-24, 5-25, or even beyond 5-30 power. While there is nothing wrong with these scopes, and I have quite a few of them, some folks seem to think that these scopes are going to make them more accurate at long-range shooting. While not wholly untrue, it certainly is problematic for those who think a big scope will make all the difference.

3-18 power scopes offer excellent diverse settings for hunting rifles like this **AR15**

I have done a significant amount of long-range shooting using what many would consider low magnification scopes. Keep in mind that barely a generation ago, a straight 10X scope was used by many military and law enforcment snipers. I myself have shot many targets at as far away as a thousand yards with as little as 6 or 8 power scopes.

Another thing I have noticed about all scopes, is the dimming effect when they are at maximum magnification. The image looses some of its sharpness and detail.

You’d be very surprised just how much you can get done with less magnification, but why would you want to? Lets get into that…

Why a 3-18 You Ask?

Larger scopes like the ones I mentioned above are often bigger, heavier, and have 50-plus millimeter objective lenses. This means they have to be mounted higher above the bore. It also makes the overall profile of the rifle larger.

One of my favorite scope sizes is the 3-18 range of scopes. They are usually shorter in length than bigger scopes, and they can also be mounted closer to the bore. And often they will have 50mm or smaller objectives.

3-18X offers both wide angle viewing for close encounters or locating targets, while also offering enough power to articulate precise shots on even distant targets

Also, as I am mainly a hunter, I like having the low power option. If I am sneaking through a forest looking for targets, its nice to back off the power to as low as 3X. Making it much faster to acquire a moving target, especially at closer ranges. And should I need to shoot an animal that is way out there, 18X is still plenty of magnification to cleanly see and take a shot. I often find that regardless of what magnification scope I have, I most frequently shoot no more than 14-16X anyways.

Suggestions

I have several 3-18 power scopes, all of which I can strongly recommend. Which one simply depends on your taste and budget. All of them are FFP, which is certainly my preference. There are many other features worth looking at too.

Primary Arms GLX/SLX 3-18

Sadly, I dont find the GLX available many places anymore. They still sell the SLX but it is a 50mm objective. One of the reasons I love the GLX is because of its 44mm objective that allows me to keep the scope low, and the overall rifle compact. It is built on a 34mm tube which gives a lot of erector movement within the scope.

remington 700, 260 remington, custom rifle, primary arms, glx, 3-18x44, suppressed rifle sitting on rocks with snowy mountain background — This little custom .260 Remington has taken deer and elk as far away as 500 yards using only a 6X scope. But it was time to upgrade to a 3-18 like this PA GLx, read the review about it here

The locking 10-MIL turrets and zero-stop on this scope make it great for hunting. Sadly, it only locks secure in the zero position. The reticle might be a touch busy for some, and I have other preferences myself, but its still very useful. Its throw lever makes it quick to adjust, and its parallax and illumination make it adaptable to various purposes. At just under $500 these are a great affordable option.

the GLx has done extremely well on every rifle I’ve put it on. This custom 10/22 you see on my **Two Vets Tripod** is just one of many

Vector Continental 3-18X50

For just a little bit more, you can also get the Vector Optics Continental 3-18X50. This 34mm tubed scope has a slightly larger objective, but also gathers more light. It also has locking 10-MIL turrets, with a zero-stop. It also has a rotation indicator pin to help you keep track of what revolution of the turret you are one. The turrets on these scopes are among my favorites.

bergara, premier canyon, vector optics, continental, 3-18x50, suppressed, suppressed rifle sitting on a shooting bench with accessories, — the **Continental 3-18** mounted on my **Bergara Premier Canyon** is a compact and venerable long-range hunting rifle

Optically the Continentals are also very good for the price, giving a very sharp and bright image. The reticle of the Continental is also very useful for various tasks, and it is illuminated too. It also has added values like included sunshade and rings.

bergara, premier canyon, vector optics, continental, 3-18x50, suppressed, shooting a suppressed rifle across a wide canyon filled with snowy pine trees, — at home in big country, and suppressed by the **YHM R9 suppressor**

US Optics TXH 3-18X50

Moving up in price a little more, is the US Optics TXH 3-18X50. This one retails for just under $750, but if you use my discount code you can save 15%. The TXH is also built on a 34mm tube, and has the larger 50mm objective. Like the previous mentioned scopes, this one is also pretty short by comparison to other long-range optics. Making it a good candidate for a small precision rifle. This scope has been used on a dozen or more rifles in my collection, jumping from gun to gun. Its definitely durable and can stand up to heavy use.

the TXH is often at home on my **Desert Tech WLVRN,** which is also constantly changing calibers

Again I am a big fan of the turrets on this scope, the outer ring of the turret locks up and down to prevent unwanted movement. And you get 10-MIL per revolution of the scope, with sharp audible clicks. An easily set zero-stop is also a nice addition. You can read the complete review of the TXH here.

Various reticle options give you a little bit of choice with the US Optics TXH, which you don’t get with the previous two scopes. And the reticle can be sharply focused with the parallax adjustment, all the way down to 10 yards. It can also be illuminated for low light conditions.

the TXH has proven very useful at long-range, making a perfect shot on this mule deer at 500 yards. Read all about the hunt here

Leupold Mark 5 3.6-18×44

Starting at around $1999, the Mark 5 3.6-18X44 from Leupold is a significant step up in price. That should be expected as big names draw big prices. I love the size of this scope, it is likely the most compact of all the scopes mentioned today. A must have if you are going for the smallest footprint. This scope is built on a 35mm tube, just enough different from the norm to be irritating. And requiring some different mounting options.

But like the others, the Mark 5 uses 10-MIL turrets that lock on zero. It does feature an indicating pin on top of the turret to let you know which rotation you are on, which is very handy. It also has a variety of reticle options, some of which greatly increase the price. There are both illuminated and non-illuminated reticle options, and again the price change is significant.

Other things like included throw-lever and capped windage turret make it stand out a little bit. I understand this scope is popular with law enforcement as a compact sniper rifle scope. To read all my thoughts on this scope you can read the review here.

Kahles 318i

Starting around $2600, the Kahles 318i is at the top of my list. It brings the highest quality out of those mentioned, with a long history of quality service. Like most of the others it is built on a 34mm tube, and they opted for a 50mm objective. Despite it not having the 44mm size, it is still very compact, only a fraction of an inch longer than the Leupold.

The turret design on the Kahles uses 16-MIL per rotation, needing only two turns. On top of the elevation turret is the indicator pin that lets you know which rotation the turret is on. The windage turret is on the left side of the scope, which makes it easier to operate with your non-shooting hand while targeting.

The parallax adjustement ring is right under the elevation turret, and adjustable down to 25 yards. The new Kahles turrets feature a spinning outer ring, to avoid inadvertent movement of the turret, a nice feature that works well. The various reticle options can be illuminated by a variable brightness knob on the right side of the housing.

the Kahles 318i mounted on a **Tikka T1 MTR**

Exceptional clarity and brighness can be expected from these scopes. As well as sharp tracking and durability. For my whole opinion about this scope, read the review here.

Honorable Mention

Perhaps becaus of its cost, the Kahles would likely be the last one of these scopes to leave my collection. But I do love the scope, so its not just about the price. It gives outstanding views and rock solid performance.

Besides that, I think the Vector might be the overall best buy. I think it gives the best optical performance of the cheaper priced options mentioned (albeit a small margin). And it brings excellent mechanical performance and features. Though its Chinese origin is a deterrent for many. Of course if you use my discount code at checkout, the TXH is pretty close in cost, and you get a more reputable name from a US manufacturer.

Last Thoughts

There is nothing wrong with the higher magnification scopes, I use them almost daily. Just keep in mind that lower power scopes can be just as useful, and perhaps even better depending on the application. Its not lost on me that there is some cost involved, and if you are going to spend a significant amount of money, you might want to go for the max. I get that, and have done it myself.

Perhaps it is with some affluence in ones gun collection that he can afford to diversify both guns and scopes in such a way. If so, I recommend you aim for that. Lets get out of here before I start in on 4-16X’s….

-CBM

Primary Arms SLx 3X Microprism Sight

January 10, 2026Optics, Product review3x, acss, microprism, primary arms, rap[tor reticle, SLXcoldboremiracle

Introduction

I have been very happy with the direction Primary Arms has taken since I picked up on their brand. The folks at Primary seem to keep their finger on the pulse of what the American shooting public want. Using this information they either source or make their own products to fit what shooters want. Today I am taking a look at one of their own branded products that seems to have a very close following; the Primary Arms SLx 3X Microprism sight.

Primary Arms, SLx, Prism, micro Prism, 3x, primary arms SLx, Desert Tech, Quattro 15,

I was first turned onto microprism sights by a friend. The reticles within them offer more options than a red dot by comparison. One of the advantages of this product is its 3X magnification, which can give you an edge when shooting certain distances. But does this advantage outweigh the benefits of the 1X version of the SLx?

Unboxing the SLx Microprism

I had ordered the SLx together with the SLx Anti Reflexion device. I like these not necessarily because I’m afraid of being picked out by a sniper, but mainly because they prevent fingers and other things from touching my lens.

primary arms, slx, 3x, microprism, prism, acss raptor reticle,

In the box with the Microprism came various mounting options. Like other PA Microprisms it came with the Trijicon ACOG compatible footprint. This would come in handy for those looking for that kind of interface. I was surprised to find that Primary also threw various cantilever options in the box. This allows you to select your mounting location by having shorter or longer cantilever distances.

Additionally it came with a battery and all the tools needed to mount and adjust the optic. All this in a handsome box padded with foam to keep it all intact. I wasted no time in lifting it from the foam to see the image through the three-power magnification, and inspect the ACss raptor reticle.

primary arms, slx, 3x, microprism, prism, acss raptor reticle, honeycomb, lens shade, 10/22, bro-22, back rain ordnance, — Here you can see the honeycomb lens shade threaded onto the front of the SLx 3X

Specifications

Battery Type CR2032 3V Lithium Coin

Click Value 1/4 MOA

Color Black

Exit Pupil Diameter 7.4mm

Eye Relief 2.70 in

Field View 100 38.00 ft

Focal Plane Prism Scope (fixed magnification)

Illuminated Illuminated

Magnification 3X

Mount Compatibility Trijicon Mini-ACOG, Primary Arms MicroPrism

Night Vision Compatible Night Vision Compatible

Reticle ACSS Raptor

Reticle Color Red

Total Elevation Adjustment 80 MOA

Total Windage Adjustment 80 MOA

Turret Features Exposed Turrets, Low Profile, Tool Adjustable

Weight 7.95 Oz.

Mounting Options

The Primary Arms SLx prizm came with three different mounting stems. This allows the user to adjust the cantilever effect of the mount, as well as the sight height over the picatinny rail. There are also other mounting options you can use, but I found this one to be perfectly adequate. The picatinny foot is attached by three robust screws, offering a very stout connection. The foot itself also uses large fasteners with good gripping power.

Shooting the SLx 3X Microprism

The 3x SLx does give a nice clean image of your target, and the ACSS reticle gives you a few tools for holding and measuring on targets. I do think I might prefer the 1X microprism after using the 3x for a while. This is because its a very small aperture you are looking through, and when you magnify it three times it can be a little harder to pick up in a hurry.

it was hard to get a good picture of the reticle, it is clearer and sharper than it appears here

That said, it’s a great image, and allows accurate placement of shots. Making more precise shots at somewhat further distances is definitely better with 3X vs. 1x. The reticle of the SLx gives several different hold-over options, as well as wind holds. This comes in very handy when shooting beyond your zero distance. Having a low profile sight like this with three-power magnification and the ability to use it to accurately engage targets as far away as six hundred yards is very handy.

primary arms, slx, 3x, microprism, prism, acss raptor reticle, honeycomb, lens shade, desert tech, quattro 15, cmmg, dissent,

The Raptor BDC reticle gives you hold points for every hundred yards out to six-hundred. As well as windage holds for the four, five and six-hundred distances. These of course can be used as needed for other purposes as well. The model I tested here has the 7.62×39 BDC reticle, but obviously can be used for other calibers with slightly different results.

We used the SLx on various firearms, but mostly .223 carbines. But it was also very useful on .22Lr and other short to medium range firearms. My SLx also came with a honeycomb style lens shade, which slightly conceals the lens from everything like fingers to sticks and brush when hiking. These types of shades often darken the image slightly, but I found it to be barely noticeable.

primary arms, slx, 3x, microprism, prism, acss raptor reticle, honeycomb, 10/22, 22lr,

Pros and Cons

First off, this thing is very compact. Other than a red dot, you’d be hard pressed to find a more compact optical sight. And the SLx has 3X power, allowing much better definition of the target and target area. Also, the image is very bright and clean. I suppose it’s easier to make clear optics when they are fixed power, and low magnification as well. And the Raptor reticle is very handy for making on the fly adjustments while you are shooting. The various mounting solutions included with the SLx are also very convenient.

On the down side, I did mention the 3X magnification can occasionally be a little much at close range. I will admit that after more use, it bothers me very little, to the point that indoors it is quite useful. This might sound a bit petty but the rheostat control for the reticle feels a touch squishy, but perfectly functional. I’d also say I’d like off settings between brightness settings. But because the SLx has the AutoLive feature that shuts it off when motionless for 3 minutes, it is not really a concern. The only other thing I would say, and it’s purely subjective to my taste; I don’t like how far back on the gun these need to be mounted. I just think it looks weird, there isn’t any functional problem with it, but I can’t unsee it. It might seem like 335-dollars is a touch steep for something so small, but I think the SLx is well worth it. I am not aware of many other compact comparable sights with magnification and reticle options like this.

Conclusion

As it turns out, the Primary Arms SLx 3x Micro Prism is an outstanding little weapon sight. For a small carbine or similar firearm I think its fantastic. It gives a great deal of dexterity in shooting, allowing you excellent aiming abilities at both close and medium ranges. It does so with excellent clarity as well as with illumination should you need it. All this in a very professional package, that won’t clutter up your rifle. I expect to use this little sight for years to come.

-CBM

Seekins Precision NX15

July 22, 2025Product review, Shooting hardware, Uncategorized223, 5.56, ar15, nx15, plxc, primary arms, seekins, seekins precisioncoldboremiracle

Introduction

Seekins Precision is a very well known firearm manufacturer in the precision rifle world. Aside from their very nice precision rifles, they also make some fine autoloading rifles. Today we are taking a look at one of them, the Seekins Precision NX15.

seekins, seekins precision, nx15, ar15, primary arms, plxc, banish speed k, — the M-Lok handguard is ready for all your accessories

Seekins sets their products apart by manufacturing their own custom receiver sets and parts that accompany them. The results are high quality firearms that stand out with a unique look and performance.

The Seekins NX15

Based on a foundation of 7075 T6 aluminum billets, the NX15 is machined and skeletonized for a perfect match. The sixteen-inch 416R stainless barrel sits inside an M-Lok compatible handguard so you can add all your favorite accessories.

seekins, seekins precision, nx15, ar15, primary arms, plxc, — top notch parts with an excellent fit

In addition to high quality components, the NX15 also incorporates some great control features. The Seekins DNA charging handle comes with an enhanced charging handle, with relief cuts to help keep friction low. The safety is a forty-five degree ambidextrous type, which I like.

As the AR platform has matured, Seekins was one of the early manufacturers to add enhanced additional controls. There is a push-button bolt-release you can easily actuate with your trigger finger. This is a very welcome feature and only surpassed by the release/lock-back type of control I enjoy on my other similar rifles.

Superb quality parts and fit come standard with this rifle. The controls feel very smooth and responsive, and the fit and finish are also top notch. The test rifle we are shooting today has a custom paint job, something that feels like it fell out of a comic book. But I would let that interfere with what matters.

Seekins NX15 Specifications

Seekins Precision NX15
Caliber	.223/5.56 (tested) 22ARC, 6ARC, 338ARC
Barrel	Stainless 16-inch
Barrel Twist	1 in 8 inches
Weight	7 pounds
Gas Block	Adjustable low-profile
Muzzle	Seekins Nest enclosed flash-hider
Finish	Black Oxide coating
Muzzle thread	½-28
Stock	Adjustable six-position MFT (tested)

NX15 Testing Setup

Before shooting the NX15, I wanted to add a couple accessories. First up of course it would need some kind of sighting system. For that I chose the Primary Arms PLx Compact, a 1-8 LPVO with exceptional clarity and definition. Using the PLx cantilever mount I attached it to the upper receiver.

For ammunition to feed the NX15, I grabbed several boxes of PMC X-Tac 55 grain as well as some PMC Match 77 grain ammo. Both of these have performed well for me in other firearms. Lastly because I hate noise, I also grabbed a suppressor for the rifle. The Banish Speed K suppressor from Silencer Central, this is a bulletproof little suppressor and it has really become one of my favorites. With everything in place, I headed to the range.

On the Range with the Seekins NX15

Once on the firing line, I loaded the Amend 2 magazine with some of the 55-grain ammo to get the rifle zeroed. I did a quick boresighting job, that got me on paper before making a few adjustments. One of the reasons I love the PLx scope is because it is so clear I can see bullet holes in paper much better than other 8X scopes. After zeroing the scope to the rifle supported on a bench, I fired a few shots to see how accurate the rifle shot with inexpensive ammo. Then I switched to the 77-grain match ammo to see how it shot as well.

After seeing how the rifle performed accurately, I decided to switch it up a bit by shooting the rifle from a standing position. The smooth action of the rifle felt very polished, reloading the rifle and going through magazines helped appreciate the precise controls and their feel. The trigger feels excellent in this rifle, very crisp and clean.

I noticed while handling and shooting the rifle that the NX15 has nice balance. Little things like the oversized trigger-guard and textured surfaces where you need them made it feel above average performance.

Even though I wasn’t a big fan of the paint job, it was hard to dislike the feel of this rifle. The minimized handguard was easy to hold onto. And it wasn’t just thin where you wanted it thin, it was also thick where it should be. A flared magwell skirt made stabbing magazines easy, and thick trigger pin-bosses would make for long-term durability.

The Results

Handling

The shootability of this rifle is fantastic. I love the big purchase of the charging handle that even a blind shooter with one finger couldn’t miss. The Magpul and Mission First Tactical furniture were nice and made easy manipulation of the rifle.

With nothing on the handguard it was easy to grip the rifle in any style you choose, and the magwell has some texture if you’re one of those guys. Adding M-Lok accessories like a downgrip could also be easily added to enhance the handling.

Reliability

As expected with the Seekins name, the NX15 ran flawlessly during all my shooting. Both suppressed and in loud configuration the rifle ate everything and never complained. I could feel a slight increase in operating pressure when shooting suppressed, but it wasn’t enough I felt like adjusting the gas block. Though that would have been easy to do using a couple Allen wrenches through the handguard.

Accuracy

Once again with a name like Seekins, I was expecting this rifle to shoot sharply. I don’t typically like using an 8X scope for shooting groups at 100 yards. I’d much rather use something like a 12X or more. Even so, I was surprised at how easily I was able to shoot MOA five-shot groups with cheap ammo.

Continue Reading Here

Primary Arms PLxC 1-8 SFP Riflescope

May 14, 2025Optics, Product review1-8, ACSS NOVA 556, compact, lpvo, nova 556, plx, plxc, primary arms, sfpcoldboremiracle

Preface

If you haven’t noticed, it seems there is a large trend of red dots and low power variable optics LPVO’s going on. And despite my defiance to trends I have stepped right into the deepest part of this one. Today I am excited to share with you another fantastic LPVO, this one came from out of left field for me. The Primary Arms PLxC 1-8 S FP riflescope is the subject of our scrutiny today, a compact model from the good folks at Primary Arms. Since I already have a variety of great similar optics, I was curious if this one had what it takes to become my favorite.

primary arms, plx, plxc, lpvo, 1-8x24, low power variable optic, compact, riflescope, scope, quattro-15, desert tech, — my Quattro-15 made a fun host for the PA PLxC

I am no stranger to Primary Arms, and I’ve had the good fortune to use several of their products you can read about here. So as I opened up the box for this PLxC, my curiosity was high.

Unboxing the PLxC 1-8

Presentation has come a long way, and Primary Arms does a fine job. The PLxC came in a magnetically sealed box, with a variety of accessories you can see below. A factory added throw-lever is nice, as was the rubber bikini lens cover. I wasn’t expecting a sun shade on this scope so that was an added bonus. For some reason I haven’t figured out yet, the windage turret was uncapped and the cap fit in a pocket in the box foam. Of course there was also the typical lens cloth, owner manual and warranty information.

primary arms, plx, plxc, lpvo, 1-8x24, low power variable optic, compact, riflescope, scope,

The Primary Arms cantilever mount you see in my pictures is a perfect fit for this scope. And though I included it in the pictures it is not included with the scope. It is available separately in either a 30 or 34 millimeter option with either zero or twenty MOA cant built into it.

As I said, it is a very nice quality presentation. But as I lifted the scope from the box my interest grew even more. The PLxC is quite compact, more so than I had expected. It wasn’t what I would call heavy, but it does have that quality thick feel to it. I was particularly impressed when I put the scope up to my eye, the image was outstanding. The optical performance of this scope and its compact size are likely what demands its asking price of $1499. After some additional inspection, it was time to get this scope mounted.

Features

Primary Arms Compact PLxC 1-8X24 SFP Rifle Scope Features
Battery	CR2032
Click Value	.1 MRAD per click
Color	Black
Exit Pupil Diameter	Low: 8mm / High: 3mm
Eye Relief	Low: 3.2 in / High: 3.7 in
Field of view @100 yards	Low: 121 ft / High: 15 ft
Focal Plane	Second
Reticle / Illumination	ACSS NOVA-556 / Red
Length	9.2 Inches
Magnification	1X – 8X
Tube Diameter	30MM
Objective Diameter	24mm
Reticle	ACSS NOVA 5.56 BDC
Total Elevation Adjustment	100 MOA
Total Windage Adjustment	100 MOA
Turret Type	Capped Turrets, Low Profile, Tool Adjustable
Weight	16.8 Ounces
Warranty	Lifetime

With the PLxC mounted to a rifle, it was much easier to evaluate its features. The throw lever is a nice touch, particularly for these kind of optics. The turrets are easily adjusted by hand, and you can cap them to protect them from moving while shooting. Though to be fair, they are very lo profile and have good resistance so they are unlikely to be inadvertently moved. Even the turret caps are nice, with a rubber gasket to keep them from rattling loose and coming off.

The illumination is also very high quality. Its extremely bright red center of the reticle can be used as a red dot, and made visible even in bright daylight. This feature is bolstered by Primary’s AutoLive® battery cap, which has an auto-shutoff after a specified time of inactivity. To my surprise, the AutoLive® cap can also be used on scopes manufactured by other optics companies as well.

The bright glass, sharp reticle, tough turrets, clean illumination and the whole finish of this scope gave a great impression of quality. I hadn’t even fired a shot yet, and I was already excited about it.

Steyr, AUG, AUG A3 M2, AUG A3 M2 NATO, bullpup, steyr aug, primary arms, PLXC, LPVO — the **Steyr AUG A3 M2** with the **Anechoic Anechox 35 suppressor** was a great host for the PLxC

On the Range

A proper range outing was in order to see how the PLx stood up to other optics I’ve used. Among the many LPVO’s I’ve used I figured I would bring along one of my favorites for comparison. An obvious difference was how much more compact the PLx was compared to my Eotech Vudu 1-8. Once the scope shade was added to the PLx it was more comparable to the size of most other LPVO’s, but obviously that is optional. I like sunshades for keeping the sun out of the scope, but almost equally as much for keeping fingers away from the lenses.

the PA PLxC next to a **Eotech Vudu 1-8**, note how much smaller the PLx is

Shooting on the range out to two-hundred yards seemed like a great way to test out the capabilities and virtues of the PLx. With targets set at 50, 75, 100 and 200 yards, I’d be able to take full advantage the PLx features.

I would shoot with the PLx on two different rifles, first was my Desert Tech Quattro 15 AR. It is one of my favorite AR’s, it shoots well and it’s predictable accuracy is ideal for comparing scope performance. The other rifle was a brand new to me Steyr AUG A3 M2, which also turned out to be very handy and fun to shoot using the Primary Arms PLx.

Optical Performance

My very first impressions of the PLx were how fantastic the image is, bright and sharp. I love it when scopes seem to disappear in front of your eye, almost like the image is a bubble floating above your rifle. Instead of a thick black ring with an image within it. Surely this is due to the extra low-dispersion lenses.

iphone camera does no justice to how good this scope looks

The illuminated center dot of the reticle is particularly bright and intense. On all but the lowest of power settings, the dot is very easy to see and use as an aimpoint. In fact at lower magnification settings, it feels more like a red dot than a scope.

The NOVA 556 reticle is also crisp and particularly easy to position over targets, the parallax is fixed apparently at 100 yards based on my experience. Shooting groups at 100 yards was much easier than I’ve experienced in the past with low powered optics like this, I was even able to pick out 5.56 holes in the paper.

athlon Rangecraft velocity pro chronograph, Garmin Xero C1 chronograph, chronograph, comparison, review, garmin, athlon, steyr AUG A3 M2, primary arms PLXC, — testing velocity with the Athlon Rangecraft Chronograph

I’m not a huge fan of BDC reticles, but the NOVA reticle seemed simple enough. And the hold points were close enough to my ammunition that I had no problem hitting 1 MOA targets within the range of reasonable engagement with 5.56 ammunition.

Control Features

The turrets were very nice, and made zeroing the scope to each rifle quite easy. I don’t usually use LPVO’s for long range shooting so I wasn’t going to dial many corrections with these turrets. Adjusting the brightness of the center dot is simple using the Autolive turret, there are off settings between each brightness setting. In today’s market I think that should be a requirement.

I always appreciate throw levers on scopes, and this one is quite handy. And the 180 degree rotation gave full spectrum of the PLx magnification. Its big enough to get a hold of, without being obtrusive.

Accuracy

Turret values were accurate, allowing for exact adjustments when zeroing the scope. The steel on steel internals of the scope are likely responsible for the sharp tracking.

Pros and Cons

The only thing I could find with this optic that I didn’t like was the price. And that’s not to say it isn’t worth it, just that $1500 isn’t a small pill. However, when compared to others like the Nightforce NX8 its a more affordable option. And much cheaper than something like the Trijicon VCOG 1-8, and a better choice in my opinion. The PLx is definitely a significantly better option than the sub $1200 LPVO’s I’ve used.

On the positive side, this is a beautiful little scope to behold. Everything from the machine textured surfaces to the image all feel extremely high quality. The resistance on the controls and the feel of the clicks are all what I expect for a scope at this price point.

The day visible dot is fantastic for rapid target engagement, and the bright optics are fantastic for looking into shadowy interiors from the bright and sunny outside. A perfect option for a short or medium-range carbine in my opinion.

Conclusion

I guess you’ve figured out by this point that I really like the Primary Arms PLxC. Don’t be surprised, I am a bit of an optics nerd. I’ve played with quite a few of them, and this one was an impressive unit I plan to keep close on one of my favorite rifles. If you ever see me on the street, hit me up and I’ll let you have a peak through it.

-CBM

First Year review: After having used this scope for a year now, it has been swapped across a dozen different firearms. I still love the scope, mainly for its crystal clear image, and easy and reliable turrets. The only negative I’ve come up with after all this time is that despite the auto-shutoff battery, it still has turned up dead unexpectedly. Other than that, I am still very much diggin’ the Primary Arms PLxC.

Check out more LPVO reviews here

Primary Arms GLx 3-18×44 Precision Rifle Scope

September 7, 2023Optics, Product reviewathena, glx, PA optics, primary arms, riflescopecoldboremiracle

INTRODUCTION

Primary Arms (PA) has been a huge name in the shooting scene for many years. Part of what makes Primary Arms so relevant is its ability to cater to shooters’ needs with excellent products that don’t require taking out a second mortgage. Primary Arms has recently released a new scope in its GLx line of scopes, and today we will be taking a look at it; the Primary Arms GLx 3-18X44mm FFP precision rifle scope.

jeff wood hands on with the primary arms glx 3-18x44m review mounted on desert tech srs m2 — It’s hard to beat the view through the scope.

The GLx line of scopes seems to be the mid-series, but don’t tell the kids that. A few GLx scopes have been out for some time, but the 3-18x is a new development.

The 6x magnification of the 3-18x model gives a nice spectrum of usable capabilities, but this little scope has far more features that will earn its keep in your collection.

I’ve used a few PA optics before, but this would be the first one of my own. My previous experiences had been great, so I had no reason to expect this one to be different. I’d also heard good stories from many other shooting professionals I trust.

PRIMARY ARMS GLX 3-18X44 REVIEW

When I opened up the black and orange box, I was struck again by that old familiar feeling. I had a good feeling that this scope and I were going to make some serious hits.

The scope is built on a 34MM tube, which is fast becoming the mainstay for tactical scopes over the more traditional 30mm. Its 44mm objective soaks up as much light as possible to give you the best image of your target.

Locking turrets and a hard zero-stop are great tactical features, as is the ACSS Athena reticle, which can be used for measuring and hold-overs on target.

primary arms glx 3-18x44m review mounted on desert tech srs m2 — I also tried the GLx 3-18X44 on a **Stag Arms 308**

And yet even for those who are accustomed to high-tier optics, the GLx 3-18 will feel very familiar and comfortable. It provides most of the features professional shooters would be accustomed to, making it ideal for activities like PRS shooting, hunting, long-range, or any other precision rifle application.

It may be a little much if you are hunting bean fields in Ohio, but I prefer to have more scope than I need for many hunting purposes.

Shop Primary Arms products Here

SPECIFICATIONS

Attribute	Description
Battery Type	CR2032 3V Lithium Coin
Brand	Primary Arms
Click Value	0.1 Mil
Color	Black
Exit Pupil Diameter	Low: 9.3 mm / High: 2.4 mm
Eye Relief	3.50 in
Field View 100	Low: 36.70 ft / High: 6.10 ft
Focal Plane	First Focal Plane
Illuminated	Illuminated
Length	13.66 in
Magnification	3X – 18X
Objective Diameter	44mm
Optic Series	GLx
Reticle	ACSS ATHENA BPR MIL
Reticle Color	Red
Reticle Type	MRAD
Total Elevation	180 MOA
Total Windage	120 MOA
Tube Diameter	34mm

PROS & CONS

PROS

Great value for the price
Excellent warranty
Great optical clarity
Locking Turrets
Zero-stop
Included throw-lever
180 MOA elevation
Front focal Plane
Illuminated reticle
ACSS Athena reticle

CONS

Slight fish-eye effect
Reticle might be a little busy for some

HOW WE TESTED

I figured there was no better way to test the GLx than to mount it to my primary rifle and take it on one of my high country Marmot hunts. This would give me a great opportunity to truly test the PA GLx. Shots can frequently be very long and require quick identification of often tiny targets and perfect shot placement.

Several days of shooting high country Marmots was an excellent test of the function of the scope. Aside from that, I also shot the rifle through a training session on a rifle range, shooting out to 1,200 yards.

I used the scope to find and engage target after target and moved back and forth from different target zones. The GLx was quick to adjust and right on with the measurements.

primary arms glx 3-18x44m review mounted on desert tech srs m2 in mountains — Not many things escaped us while shooting with the PA GLx

FIELD TESTING THE GLX 3-18X44

First, I would need to mount the scope up to my Desert Tech SRS M2; for that, I used a ZroDelta 34mm scope mount. With the scope settled in and level, I torqued down the ring caps.

The next step was to zero the rifle and set the zero-stop under the elevation turret. After that, I did a quick bore-sight job to align the crosshairs with my bore’s centerline.

primary arms glx 3-18x44m review close up — All mounted up on the **Desert Tech SRS M2**.

Zeroing the scope

I’d brought a .223 Remington barrel and a 6GT barrel for the SRS, but since I’d planned on shooting mainly the GT, I figured I’d zero it for that. I loaded a single round, centered the Athena reticle on my target, and pressed the trigger.

The impact was easily noted a few inches from the target’s center bull. With the reticle again held center on the bullseye, I measured the elevation and windage distance from the crosshair to the hole in the paper. I dialed 1.3 up and .4 left based on the estimates I could get on the reticle subtensions.

After loading another round, I aimed this time for the black hole in the paper and pressed the trigger again. The second 112-grain Barnes Match Burner ripped through the paper, leaving an egg-shaped single hole in the paper.

With zeroing out of the way, it was time to get serious about shooting the rifle and putting the GLx to work finding furry little targets scattered across the beautiful landscape.

primary arms glx 3-18x44m reticle clarity and review — A view thru the GLx 3-18X44

Shooting for Days

We spent the whole day chasing after Marmots using the SRS and other rifles with comparable scopes mounted. Over and over, I saw the action through the Primary GLx, watching both my impacts and the other’s shots.

Switching back and forth from one rifle to another gave me a great appreciation for the features of the GLx. The built-in throw-lever made it quick to find different targets and quickly zoom in on them without taking your eye off them.

primary arms glx 3-18x44m review by jeff wood — At 3X, the GLx quickly transitioned between various close targets

Adjusting for different distances was straightforward using the turrets; I could count the clicks without losing track of small moving targets. Or I could hold over or under using the reticle. And the zero-stop made it easy to blindly dial back to my hundred-yard zero without even thinking about it.

The parallax adjustment was easy to keep in line with targets, mainly since we would only move incredible distances a few times. The image was always clear and detailed, and only the hiding skills of our quarry made identifying them a challenge.

Optical Issues

The one “not so good” thing I noticed was a bit of a fish-eye phenomenon. It was mostly visible when I panned the rifle from one side to the other. A slight optical aberration around the edge of the lens makes the image feel slightly convex.

It was just enough to grab my attention. I took the time to look for it in the other scopes I was shooting that day, and to my surprise, they also had a little bit of the same phenomenon. But I never noticed it until I looked for it.

I don’t consider it a huge problem, as it didn’t affect my ability to shoot the rifle well. And considering the price point, I wouldn’t consider it a dealbreaker.

primary arms glx 3-18x44m close up with dials — The throw lever adjusted the magnification ring quickly

RELIABILITY & ACCURACY

As far as scopes can be reliable, this scope was. All mechanical components of the scope are built very robust and feel like they’ll stand the test of time.

The turret values are reliable and match up with the reticle values inside. Cranking up and down on the turrets through several days of hunting show that the erector inside was consistent in its movement.

The accurate movement of the scopes internals translates into reliable corrections. This is extremely important for accuracy.

OVERALL FEEL

The Primary Arms GLx feels excellent in the hands, and the controls have all the right feels. The clicks are clean and audible, and the tension on all the controls have a nice level of stiffness.

The built-in throw lever is nice, but there is also a flip-up version of the throw lever, which can be folded down when not needed. The turrets have great texturing for a good grip and are also a good height. This makes them more snag-proof.

primary arms glx 3-18x44m long range test — The GLx mounted to my **Desert Tech SRS M2**

Primary Arms GLx 3-18×44 Precision Rifle Scope Features

FIRST FOCAL PLANE

The GLx is a first focal plane scope, meaning that the reticle is magnified with the scope’s power setting. This means the reticle and its details will be smaller at low power and fill the whole scope at maximum power. This is done so that the reticle values remain constant regardless of the magnification setting, which is very valuable to shooters who frequently switch magnification settings with time constraints.

In the past, FFP scopes have commanded much higher prices, sometimes prohibitively expensive. But modern market competition has made them more and more affordable, which is where we find the Primary Arms GLx 3-18X44.

Primary arms

ATHENA BPR-MIL RETICLE

The ACSS Athena BPR-MIL reticle incorporates a great deal of technology. If you haven’t taken the time to learn weaponized math, I recommend it.

The Athena reticle has several valuable tools built right into it, like a chevron center, a target-ranging ladder, and a MIL grid for rapid measuring and engagement. With subtensions as small as .1 MIL, you can measure just about anything you need to.

The Athena reticle does a good job of walking the line of being detailed but not overly detailed. It has an incredible amount of details and subtensions, but it is also fine enough not to overwhelm the eye. It may be too much for some shooters, though. The reticle is far more pronounced at the very high end of magnification.

ZERO-STOP

The zero-stop on the GLx scope is a fantastic design but one I needed to familiarize myself with. After zeroing the rifle, setting the zero-stop wound up being quite simple to engage.

With the scope zeroed, you loosen the turret screws around the top until the turret can be lifted. Underneath, you will find a red anodized stop, with three screws holding it in place from three raised bosses on the erector housing. Once loosened, you can raise the red zero-stop until it contacts the bottom of the internal turret hub.

After retorquing the screws to support the stop, you can reinstall the turret by lining up the zero with the centerline and retorquing the turret screws. It is pretty simple, and as soon as I had it back together, the elevation turret lock button engaged as designed.

primary arms glx 3-18x44m turret review — A closer look at the zero-stop internal parts

34MM TUBE

The large 34mm tube of the GLx allows for its broad elevation adjustment. The larger tube gives more space for erector movement, translating into more elevation potential.

The turrets are 10 MIL per rotation, which is better than most scopes that fall in the economically priced category. For me, 10 MIL turrets are great; even better if they have more like 12 or 15 MILs. With the rifle zeroed and the zero-stop set, my GLx had 38.5 MIL of travel, which is pretty significant.

Shop all optics at Scopelist.com

SCORE CARD

RELIABILITY (10/10)

I experienced no reliability issues or problems with the Primary Arms GLx scope. The nature of mechanical things means they can suddenly break, but time will certainly show if that happens. As it stands now, there is no evidence or experience I’ve had that would suggest any impending issues.

ERGONOMICS (9/10)

All the controls of the GLx were easy to handle and adjust. The tension set on each turret and ring was adequate to prevent accidental movements but still be easily adjusted when needed. Added benefits like the locking turrets and throw-lever only added to the easy operation. I was initially worried about whether I’d like the turret lock, but the fact that it only engages on zero makes it just right in my book.

CUSTOMIZATION (8/10)

While scopes aren’t exactly customizable, there are many different options to select that will customize the scope to your purpose. Selecting MOA vs. MIL is a handy option for those shopping for scopes, and other little things like included scope caps and interchangeable throw levers give the user options.

APPEARANCE (8/10)

The GLx 3-18 is a sharp-looking scope. It has all the right curves right where I want them and all the right textures in the right places too.

VALUE (9/10)

I recommend this scope to someone looking for a good precision rifle scope under $800. I remember it wasn’t that long ago that I would have expected to pay twice that much for a scope with similar features.

ACCESSORIES

ZRODELTA SCOPE MOUNT

Any good 34mm scope mount would be a solid match for this scope. I used a ZroDelta mount and didn’t regret it for a second. A good mount like this allows for rapid transition from one rifle to another or simply to take the scope on and off for cleaning the rifle.

SCOPE CHAPS

A good set of Scope Chaps will help protect your scope from scratches or other damage when moving around or transporting it. The chaps velcro to the bell of the scope and give a layer of protection. They also provide a place to put your favorite PVC patches.

Continue Reading Here

CONCLUSION

After shooting the Primary Arms GLxover the last few months, it has given me plenty of experience to judge the little scope.

As a lower-cost precision rifle optic, the GLx stands out against its competition and offers its users some refined features and benefits for a surprising price. The scope gives a superb optical performance and robust mechanical function for those that shoot on the move. It’s light enough to not be eliminated from a hunting rifle project too.

If you find yourself looking for an affordable optic that won’t leave you squinting into the distance, consider pulling the trigger on the Primary Arms GLx 3-18×44 Precision Rifle Scope.

-CBM