New Primary Arms 1x Micro Prism Review

[3MTA3]

Rex Tibor of Sniper 101 fame reviews PA's micro prism. This scope is the same size as a micro dot, but has all the advantages of a prism and PA's ACSS reticle. I have the larger previous generation version and like it a lot. The smaller size and weight as well as improved eye relief should make this a solid choice for CQB to medium ranges.

Primary Arms SLx 1X MicroPrism™ Scope - Red Illuminated ACSS Cyclops Reticle - Gen II

DetailsAfter rigorous field testing, this optic has been given a Silver-tier rating by the National Tactical Officers Association. This Primary Arms MicroPrism is part of the SLx optics line. SLx optics have built a reputation for innovation, reliability, and value. All SLx optics undergo...

www.primaryarms.com

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[Member 34319]

I've got the GLX on a few, which I think has slightly better glass. They are very nice options. Side by side with an older Acog, very comparable. I wouldn't mind getting my hands on one of these SLX models to compare the two.

 

[2Wheels4Ever]

Am I right in thinking the advantage that the 1x prism has over a traditional reflex/red dot is the ability to employ more advanced reticles?

Is a lens still prismatic if it's not magnified? (1x is not magnified, correct?)

 

[3MTA3]

Am I right in thinking the advantage that the 1x prism has over a traditional reflex/red dot is the ability to employ more advanced reticles?

Is a lens still prismatic if it's not magnified? (1x is not magnified, correct?)

1X is not magnified, but you can get prismatics in 2x, 2.5x, 3x, 5x and I;m certain other magnifications.

Advantages of a prismatic over a red dot are:

• They have an etched reticle so if the battery fails you still have a usable sight
  
  
• The etched reticle also allows it to be something other than a simple dot. ACSS allows for a very fast target acquisition but also gives bullet drop and lateral speed (walking/running compensation) and ranging.
  
  In my Vortex prisms there are concentric circle around the center dot that puts my eye on target MUCH faster than a single got.
  
  
• People with astigmatism can see through them without blurring.

The main advantages of a red dot over a prism are:

• The dot is always on target even if your eye is way off center
• Red dots are very forgiving on eye relief
• Red dots are lighter since they don't have a prism.

Vortex Spitfire


Cyclops ACSS - can be used quickly in CQB, but at distance has the tools for an accurate shot



Ranging is based on a typical shoulder width

 

[3MTA3]

I've got the GLX on a few, which I think has slightly better glass. They are very nice options. Side by side with an older Acog, very comparable. I wouldn't mind getting my hands on one of these SLX models to compare the two.

GLX is a tier above SLX for glass quality. The 1x Cyclops scopes I bought last summer are SLX and to me are as clear as though there was no glass. Might be difference in harsh or low light for these?

 

[Bam]

Advantages of a prismatic over a red dot are:

• The etched reticle also allows it to be something other than a simple dot. ACSS allows for a very fast target acquisition but also gives bullet drop and lateral speed (walking/running compensation) and ranging.

No longer true, you can have complex reticles in red dots and not only etched prismatics.

PA's MD-25 is a red dot with the ACSS-QCB reticle https://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-slx-rotary-knob-25mm-microdot-with-acss-5.56-reticle

I have both the Slx 1x Micro Prism and the MD-25 ACSS, and I only prefer the Slx Micro Prism because of my astigmatism. Highly recommend both, the 1x Micro Prism has surprisingly clear glass and great eye relief for a prism optic.

 

[Member 34319]

Per primary arms, the 3x micro should be available for preorder in December. Kind of holding out for one of those over the 1x.

 

[3MTA3]

No longer true, you can have complex reticles in red dots and not only etched prismatics.

PA's MD-25 is a red dot with the ACSS-QCB reticle https://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-slx-rotary-knob-25mm-microdot-with-acss-5.56-reticle

I have both Slx 1x Micro Prism and the MD-25 ACSS, and I only prefer the Slx Micro Prism because of my astigmatism. Highly recommend both, the 1x Micro Prism has surprisingly clear glass and great eye relief for a prism optic.

Seriously makes me wish I didn't have astigmatism because of the excellent eye relief latitude that red dots have. Unfortunately for me all I've ever seen through a red dot was a large red blur.

 

[Cardinal]

I received mine a week or so ago and it is good. Similar to earlier 1x PA prism that I like, but very compact.

I do think that the chevron reticle is quite small, such that there is no practical use of top point of chevron versus base of chevron, but I am using it on a PCC at 50 yds or so, so not an issue. Also kind of surprised that it doesn't have turret caps.

I am pleased with it, as it effectively offers a micro-sized alternative to red dots for folks with astigmatism.

 

[Snip]

I have a 5x, but it just doesn't do much for me. I wanted it for the AR, but the 5x just doesn't seem like a 5x magnification rate. I'll give it a couple more tries, but most likely sell it and move on to something different.

 

[Aero Denezol]

I have the older PA ACSS 1x Cyclops and love it. I'm waiting for the green reticle on the new one. PA told me it's coming out next Spring.