Introduction
Primary Arms Optics® is a US-based brand of optical equipment, primarily sports optics. The main products currently manufactured are rifle scopes, red-dot sights, prism scopes, optical mounts, and other accessories related to firearms. The company operates on the principle that the technologically-advanced optical products are made accessible to professional shooters, hunters, and sportsmen at affordable prices without any compromise on quality and functionality. To achieve this target, Primary Arms outsources its rifle scopes from countries in the Asia Pacific, where the costs of production, raw material, and labor are lower compared to North America and Europe.
The main website of Primary Arms Optics lists products from international brands as well as products under its own brand. These include shooting gear for various types of firearms in addition to rifle scopes, micro-prism sights, red-dot sights, optical magnifiers, lights, lasers, ammunition, and apparel.
History
Primary Arms Optics® was founded in 2007 in Houston, Texas in the United States in the form of an online store that offered sport optics products and accessories related to firearms from a list of international brands. The business was highly successful in its early years and the company decided to introduce a new range of high-quality products under its own brand. The main idea was to offer sporting optics of high quality and attractive features to everyone at highly affordable prices.
To achieve this goal, the company opted for the outsourcing business model which had been quite popular among other American brands. The founders behind the company began contacting optics manufacturers from Japan and China. Quite soon, Primary Arms rifle scopes, prism scopes, red-dot sights, and optical mounts were introduced to the North American market.
Production Facilities
All products from Primary Arms Optics® are outsourced from factories in the Asia Pacific. The premium-quality Platinum rifle scopes are sourced from Japan, the entry-level and affordable variants are manufactured in China, while the mid-priced optics are made in the Philippines. Contrary to what many people believe, the products from Primary Arms are unique in all aspects compared to more affordable products manufactured in China.
While the actual production is carried out overseas, the design process is carried out by an elite product development team at the company headquarters in Houston. The company places special emphasis on the quality and performance of its products, and this is achieved by frequent visits by the company officials to the production facilities in China, Japan, and the Philippines. The reason for visits is to ensure that technical design parameters and manufacturing standards are met.
ACSS Reticle System
One of the key features of Primary Arms rifle scopes is the ACSS reticle system. Dubbed as The World’s Most Advanced Reticles™ by the company, the Advanced Combined Sighting System (ACSS) reticles offer unprecedented accuracy and systematic information that eliminates the ambiguity and inaccuracies associated with conventional rifle scope reticles. What makes ACSS reticles unique is the absence of crosshair, which is replaced by a center chevron covered by an outer “horse-shoe” ring. The small chevron does not obscure the target and provides an infinitesimal aiming point, allowing the shooter to view all important details of the target and its surroundings. In addition, depending on the variant, these reticles come with calibrated BDC, standard wind holds, ranging ladders for distance estimation, and moving target leads. Slight variations of these reticles are available with all rifle scopes offered by Primary Arms.
Series Origin
Primary Arms rifle scopes are produced in Japan, China, and the Philippines. Until 2019, all rifle scopes from the company were offered under Primary Arms branding, however, to make it easier for customers to choose between multiple price classes, four variants, i.e., Classic, Silver, Gold, and Platinum were introduced in 2019 which have since become popular.
Made in Japan
The following Primary Arms rifle scopes are produced in Japan:
Primary Arms Platinum Series PLX
The Platinum Series from Primary Arms Optical consists of premium-category rifle scopes that offer multiple high-end features and brilliant optical performance. The series is equipped with the first focal plane reticle and is designed to perform in short-range as well as medium to extreme-long-range tactical shooting on high-caliber firearms without breaking a sweat.
The main features of the series include multi-coated Japanese-glass optics, red-colored reticle illumination, parallax adjustment, elevation/windage adjustment, 34 mm main tube, and Nitrogen-filled waterproofing. The Platinum series comes with a lifetime warranty, which is hard to find in its price range.
The series is available in two optical configurations: 1-8×24 and 6-30×56.
PLX8 Platinum Series 1-8×24 FFP
The PLX8 1-8×24 rifle scope is optimized to rapidly take down targets from close-distance to medium-range targets up to 700 m. The compact scope features a true 1x optical zoom that can double as a red-dot sight when needed, therefore is one less item to carry with your firearm case. The scope is an ideal choice for reconnaissance missions and border control, where a large field of view and exit pupil comes in handy.
Main features of the PLX8 1-8×24 include 8x optical zoom, 1-8x magnification range, 24 mm objective lens, a field of view range of 4 m-32 m at 91 m, elevation/windage adjustment of 100/100 MOA, 0.1 MIL click, partially-illuminated reticle, the exit pupil of 3.0-11.7 mm, an eye relief of 9.9 cm-10 cm, and fixed parallax setting at 100 m. The scope comes in two reticle options: ACSS-GRIFFIN-MIL and ACSS-RAPTOR-M2-5.56.
PLX5 Platinum Series 6-30×56 FFP
The PLX5 6-30×56 from Primary Arms is a long-range rifle scope that is designed for tactical shooting and sports shooting competitions. The combination of 5x zoom and 30x magnification enables shooters to target past the 914 m line without effort. Main features of the PLX8 6-30×56 include 5x optical zoom, 6-30x magnification range, 56 mm objective lens, a field of view range of 1 m-5 m at 91 m, elevation/windage adjustment of 95/45 MOA, 0.1 MIL click, illuminated reticle, the exit pupil of 1.9-8.2 mm, and an eye relief of 8.2 cm-10 cm.
Additional features include exposed tactical turrets, a zero-lock mechanism, and parallax adjustment from 35 m to infinity. The housing comes in a one-piece design that is made of anodized Aluminum AA6061 alloy, which is both robust and ultra-lightweight. The scope comes in three reticle configurations: ACSS APOLLO 6.5CR/.224V, ACSS ATHENA-BPR-MIL, and MIL-DOT.
Made in China
Following are the range of Primary Arms rifle scopes that are outsourced from China:
Primary Arms Classic Series CLx
The Classic series from the company consists of entry-level rifle scopes that are designed with a rudimentary set of features but do not compromise on quality and performance. The series is perfect for individuals who have a limited budget or someone who does not have a lot of experience using complex rifle scope features. All rifle scopes from Primary Arms Optical come with a lifetime warranty regardless of pricing, which says a lot about the quality of raw materials and manufacturing standards.
The main specifications of the Classic series are full optical multi-coating, second focal plane reticle, red-dot illumination with multiple brightness settings, (except 3-9×44 and 6×32 variants), elevation/windage adjustment, and Nitrogen-filled fog and waterproofing.
The series is available in the following configurations: 1-4×24, 3-9×44, 4-16×44, and 6×32.
Classic CLx4 1-4×24 IL
The CLx4 1-4×24 IL is the perfect scope for engaging targets at close quarters. For those looking for a budget scope for driven hunts and stalking, the scope presents an excellent product that is designed to perform in the toughest of situations. The main features of this scope are 4x optical zoom, 1-4x magnification range, 24 mm objective lens, a field of view of 7 m-23 m at 91 m, elevation/windage adjustment of 45/45 MOA, 0.5 MOA click, partial reticle illumination, the exit pupil of 6-24 mm, an eye relief of 3.5-4.9 inches, capped turrets, and 30 mm main tube. The scope comes with the Duplex reticle in the second focal plane.
Classic CLx4 4-16×44 Mil SFP
The 4-16×44 scope in the Classic series from Primary Arms Optical is best-suited for targets located at short to medium-range distances. The large 44 mm objective captures substantial light for distant targets and 16x magnification provides unprecedented information of targets located up to 914 m. Main features of the CLx4 4-16×44 Mil SFP include 4x optical zoom, 4-14x magnification range, 44 mm objective lens, a field of view range of 2 m-8 m at 91 m, elevation/windage adjustment of 30/30 MOA, 0.25 MOA click, partially-illuminated reticle, the exit pupil of 2.75-11 mm, eye relief of 3.3-3.5 inches, and 30 mm main tube. The scope comes with the MIL-DOT reticle on the second focal plane.
Classic CLx6 6×32
Optimized for short-range hunting and sports competitions, the CLx6 6×32 SFP rifle scope features a fixed magnification of 6x and is designed to pair with 1022 or .22 calibre firearms. The scope is equipped with the ACSS 22LR reticle that makes it easier for shooters to estimate bullet drop compensation, range estimation, and wind holds without wasting any time in making unnecessary calculations. Primary features of the Classic CLx6 6×32 include a 32 mm objective lens, a field of view range of 5 m at 91 m, elevation/windage adjustment of 50/50 MOA, 0.25 MOA click, the exit pupil of 5.2 mm, eye relief of 3.1 inches, and 1-inch main tube.
CLx3 Classic 3-9×44 SFP
The CLx3 Classic 3-9×44 SFP from Primary Arms Optical is designed for shooters who are looking for a multi-purpose scope to go with their 0.22 and 5.56 calibre rifles, especially for driven hunts, stalking, high-seat hunting, and tactical shooting. The combination of 9X magnification and 44 mm objective provides clear images of targets that are up to 700 m away. Main features of the scope include 3x optical zoom, 3-9x magnification range, 44 mm objective lens, a field of view range of 4 m-12 m at 91 m, capped turrets, elevation/windage adjustment of 30/30 MOA, 0.25 MOA click, the exit pupil of 3.1-11.1 mm, eye relief of 3.6-3.8 inches, and 30 mm main tube. The scope comes with the Duplex reticle in the second focal plane.
Primary Arms Silver Series SLx
The Silver series from Primary Arms Optical® is a line of mid-range rifle scopes and prism scopes that aim to provide an excellent price-to-performance ratio by striking a balance between the number of premium features and an affordable price point. The Silver range is offered in both first and second focal plane reticle designs, with further variations in objective size, optical zoom, magnification range, and type of reticles, suitable for a range of applications, such as tactical shooting and sports shooting competitions.
Primary features of this series are multi-coated optics, red-colored reticle illumination, parallax adjustment, elevation/windage adjustment, 30 mm main tube, and Nitrogen-filled waterproofing. All rifle scopes in this range come with a lifetime warranty.
The series is available in the following configurations:
SLx6 1-6×24 SFP GEN III
The 1-6×24 SFP Gen III rifle scope is designed to engage targets at close to medium range distances. With a large field of view, this low-power scope is perfect for acquiring shots swiftly with high accuracy. Main features include 6x optical zoom, 1-6x magnification range, 24 mm objective lens, a field of view range of 5.9-33.5 at 91 m, elevation/windage adjustment of 50/50 MOA, 0.5 MOA click, reticle illumination, the exit pupil of 4.0-9.0 mm, an eye relief of 3.3-3.5 inches, and fixed parallax setting at 100 m. The scope comes in multiple reticle options: ACSS-AURORA-5.56-M, ACSS PREDATOR-HUNTING, ACSS-KISS, ACSS-22LR, ACSS-5.56/5.45/.308, AND ACSS-300BO/7.62X39.
SLx8 1-8×24 SFP
This compact scope is equipped with a maximum magnification of 8x along with a true 1x optical zoom. The 1-8×24 SFP is an ideal choice for shooters who are looking for a multi-purpose scope that is lightweight and can work equally for close quarters to medium-range targets. The main specifications of the SLX8 1-8×24 SFP are 8x optical zoom, 1-8x magnification range, 24 mm objective lens, a field of view range of 4.5 m-33.5 m at 91 m, elevation/windage adjustment of 50/50 MOA, 0.5 MOA click, partially-illuminated reticle, the exit pupil of 3.0-9.0 mm, eye relief of 3.3-3.5 inches, and fixed parallax setting at 100 m. The scope comes with the ACSS 5.56/5.45/.308 reticle in the second focal plane.
SLx3.5 4-14×44 FFP
An ideal choice for multiple applications, including hunting and sports competitions, the 4-14×44 FFP rifle scope from Primary Arms features a rugged body made of anodized Aluminum and multi-coated optics that provide a comfortable scoping experience even in low light situations. The main features of the SLx3.5 4-14×44 FFP include 3.5x optical zoom, 4-14x magnification range, 44 mm objective lens, a field of view range of 2.4 m-8.2 m at 91 m, elevation/windage adjustment of 60/60 MOA, 0.1 MIL click, partially-illuminated reticle, the exit pupil of 3.3-11.2 mm, eye relief of 3.1-3.2 inches, and parallax adjustment from 10 m to infinity. The scope comes in two reticle options: ACSS ORION and MIL-DOT.
SLx6 1-6×24 FFP
Equipped with a first focal plane reticle, the 1-6×24 scope is an excellent rifle scope that is perfect for quick target acquisition with high accuracy at close to medium distances. Main features are 6x optical zoom, 1-6x magnification range, 24 mm objective lens, a large field of view range of 6 m-33.5 m at 91 m, elevation/windage adjustment of 50/50 MOA, 0.25 MOA click, fully illuminated reticle, the exit pupil of 4.0-9.0 mm, eye relief of 4.0-4.3 inches, and fixed parallax setting at 100 m. The scope comes in two reticle options: ACSS-RAPTOR-5.56 and ACSS-RAPTOR-7.62.
SLx6 3-18×50 FFP
The 3-18×50 FFP from Primary Arms Optical is the front runner of the Silver series. Equipped with an exciting combination of 18x magnification with a large 50 mm objective, the scope works perfectly for medium to long-distance tactical and hunting targets. In addition, the scope is offered in a number of ACSS reticle options that provide accurate information of targets up to 914 m. Main features of the SLX6 3-18×50 FFP include 6x optical zoom, 3-18x magnification range, 50 mm objective lens, a field of view range of 1.8 m-11 m at 91 m, elevation/windage adjustment of 50/50 MOA, 0.1 MIL click, partially-illuminated reticle, the exit pupil of 2.7-16.2 mm, eye relief of 3.5-3.9 inches, and parallax adjustment from 10 m to infinity. The scope comes in several reticle options: ACSS-HUD-DMR-308, ACSS-HUD-DMR-5.56, ACSS-APOLLO-6.5CR/.224V, ATHENA-BPR-MIL, HERA-BPR-MOA, and ACSS-APOLLO-308/6.5 GRN.
SLx8 1-8×24 FFP GEN III
The 1-8×24 FFP GEN III combines the power and features of the Platinum series with the price range of the Silver series. The scope offers a brilliant field of view at all magnification levels, which is essential for acquiring targets comfortably at close to mid-range distances. Main features of the SLX8 1-8×24 FFP include an 8x optical zoom, 1-8x magnification range, 24 mm objective lens, first focal plane reticle, a field of view range of 4.3 m-32 m at 91 m, elevation/windage adjustment of 130/130 MOA, 0.25 MOA click, full-red illuminated reticle, the exit pupil of 3.0-9.0 mm, an eye relief of 3.2-3.3 inches, and fixed parallax setting at 100 m. The scope comes in two reticle options: ACSS-GRIF-X-MIL and ACSS-RAPTOR-5.56.
Made in the Philippines
Primary Arms Gold Series GLx
The Gold Series from Primary Arms Optical® is considered next to the flagship Platinum series of rifle scopes. The series consists of three rifle scope variants with interesting optical configurations, which are optimized for multiple applications, ranging from hunting, sports shooting competitions, and tactical shooting. The Gold series scopes are perfect for individuals who are looking for high-end features at affordable pricing.
The main specifications of the series include fully multi-coated optics, first focal plane reticle, partial red-colored illumination, elevation/windage adjustment, parallax adjustment, 30 mm main tube, and Nitrogen-filled waterproofing. Another exciting feature of the Primary Arms rifle scopes is their unbeatable lifetime warranty.
The series is available in three optical configurations: 2.5-10×44 FFP, 4-16×50 FFP, and 6-24×50 FFP.
Gold Series GLx4 2.5-10×44 FFP
The GLx4 2.5-10×44 FFP is an excellent scope for acquiring medium to long-range shots in hunting and precision shooting competitions. The FFP scope has been given a silver-tier rating by the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) after performing a series of shots in a demanding environment. The main features of the scope are 4x optical zoom, 2.5-10x magnification range, 44 mm objective lens, first focal plane reticle, a field of view range of 3 m-11 m at 91 m, elevation/windage adjustment of 125/80 MOA, 0.1 MIL click, partially-illuminated reticle, the exit pupil of 4.4-16.7 mm, an eye relief of 2.7-2.8 inches, and side-mounted parallax adjustment. Reticle options include ACSS-RAPTOR-M2-5.56 and ACSS-GRIFFI-MIL.
Gold Series GLx4 4-16×50 FFP
The GLx4 4-16×50 FFP from Primary Arms Optical is a multipurpose rifle scope that is well-suited for tactical shooting, outdoor sporting events, and a range of hunting activities, including stalking, high-seat, mountain, and low-light hunting. The 4x optical zoom and 4-16x magnification range make it more than capable of engaging targets located at medium to long-range distances. 50 mm objective lens, first focal plane reticle, a field of view range of 3 m-11 m at 91 m, elevation/windage adjustment of 125/80 MOA, 0.1 MIL click, partially-illuminated reticle, the exit pupil of 4.4-16.7 mm, an eye relief of 2.7-2.8 inches, and side-mounted parallax adjustment are the main features of the scope. The reticle options for this riflescope are ACSS-HUD-DMR-308, MIL-DOT, and ACSS-APOLLO-6.5CR/.224V.
Gold Series GLx4 6-24×50 FFP
The GLx4 6-24×50 FFP is an excellent rifle scope that is designed for acquiring medium to long-range targets beyond 914 m with high precision and ease. Packed with a 6-24x magnification range and a 50 mm objective, the primary applications for this optic are hunting, target shooting, and bench rest competitions. Main specifications include 4x optical zoom, 6-24x magnification range, 44 mm objective lens, first focal plane reticle, a field of view range of 3 m-11 m at 91 m, elevation/windage adjustment of 125/80 MOA, 0.1 MIL click, partially-illuminated reticle, the exit pupil of 4.4-16.7 mm, an eye relief of 2.7-2.8 inches, and side-mounted parallax adjustment. The 6-24×50 scope comes fitted with the ATHENA-BPR-MIL.
Conclusion
Primary Arms Optics is an emerging rifle scope manufacturer that sources sports optics products from Japan, China, and the Philippines. The company was built on the goal to offer premium riflescopes, prism scopes, and reflex sights with high-end features to everyone, and the outsourcing business model has played a significant role in keeping its products accessible at any budget without any compromise on technical features, quality, and optical performance.
Although the actual production is carried out overseas, all products are designed and subsequently inspected at the company headquarters in Houston, Texas before shipping out to customers. In addition to high optical performance and built quality, all rifle scope variants offered by the company come with a lifetime warranty regardless of the price. This shows how much the company is serious about the quality of its products.
Therefore, if you are looking for high-performing rifle scopes for your hunting, tactical, and target shooting needs on a tight budget, the scopes from Primary Arms Optical are one of the best in the market today.
Primary Arms GLx series are built in the Phillipines.
Thank you, we’ve corrected the mistake.