Primary Arms Micro Prisms: Quick Take

Join me at www.darklordofoptics.com for further discussion.
I have been messing with the 1x and 3x SLx Microprisms from Primary Arms for quite a while now. Long enough to comfortably add both to my list of recommendations.
I have talked about these tiny prismatics here and there for quite a bit, but it is time to be offering some parting thoughts. There will be a couple more installments of these, but here is the first one.
Something to clarify: if I were to buy only one of PA's small prismatics, it would be the slightly bigger GLx 2x (bit.ly/3vWrUks). It kicks ass.
As I will talk about in the next video, the tiny 3x Micro prism (bit.ly/3KuU7oL), while a very nice sight on its own is also a perfect back up scope for ARs.
For any rifle I use a good bit, I also have backup optics setup. Just so that you understand the overall levels of my paranoia. For rifles, I tend to have a primary scope with secondary offset or piggy-backed sights on the gun and I ALSO have a pre-sighted in backup sight of some sort. For boltguns, I use the SWFA SS Ultralight for this. For ARs, I usually have a backup red dot sight of some sort, but I like having a small amount of magnification. The tiny SLx 3x Microprism is easy to keep available just in case without weighing anything down or spending a fortune.
To be fair, there are other microprisms out there, most notably from Burris and Vortex, although I happen to prefer the reticle arrangement of the PA SLx. They all work pretty well and I have the Burris one here as well, set up in exactly the same way: as a backup scope for a larger LPVO or larger prismatic.
That's one of the big things that I got out of this: to get a nice LPVO, there is going to be a weight penalty and, most importantly, you'll spend some money. In the meantime, with this new generation of small prisms, I can get a pretty mature and well thought out scope product for not a lot of money. It is a great first time user magnified optic and if you later decide to upgrade to something bigger (LPVO, etc), you already have your backup optic squared away.

[@grantsdad177]

Very interested in seeing the full length review of the 3x

[@swolag]

to add a red dot to an compact ''both eyes open usable'' 3x prism makes no sense budy, at least not for me.

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

We definitely disagree in this one. There are several notable benefits. I'll have a detailed discussion of that in a future video.

[@lucusallen42]

Forget the optics. Who makes that awesome hat?🤠

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

Finally, someone with appreciation for my unique sense of style.... I bought the hat years ago in Melbourne. It is allegedly made out of kangaroo skin. It has been keeping my bald head from getting burned for years.

[@seanoneil277]

I completely understand the 3x primary 1x offset test protocol. Weight wise it'd be odd for practical use, rifle would want to tip to offset side. But eyebox usefulness, great idea. People instinctively are going to see the 3x as a possible "budget ACOG", as they already have with PA's other prisms. I have the 1x that I'm trying currently on PCC. I think it's pretty nice for the $$. My eyes are old enough that 3x, while a useful multiple, is not as good for me as 4x or 6x -- so I haven't seriously thought about the 3x model.

[@tedhodge4830]

Thanks for posting

[@airwolf...]

I will be interested to see if they ever offer a PLx 1x version of these optics with Japanese glass. I played with my friend's SLx 1x and was pretty happy with it. I agree with DLO's comment about not liking BDC's. They are kind of useless here in Colorado. I try and avoid them if I can.

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

I am more curious is they will offer more prismatic options in the GLx line.

[@joquin4618]

Glad to see DLO show some love to PA… pretty decent for the $$$ spent!!

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

Their new stuff is quite good. I am not big on SLx variables, to be honest, but SLx prisms are good. New line of GLx variable should be interesting.

[@stephenedwards5063]

I use this as an offset Reddit and it works perfect

[@rdsmith334]

Very interesting idea, in using the 1x prism for an offset. Would it fit alongside a traditional scope, given some playing with the placement?

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

You can probably make it work. To re-iterate, I do not think that's the best use for the 1x prismatic. I prefer something smaller and lighter in that role. However, it is impressive that it can be used that way at all.

[@viciouscb]

Any chance of a review on the Micro 6x magnifier?

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

I have a Vortex 6x magnifier that I am reviewing and the Aimpoint 6x. I do not have any other 6x magnifiers on hand.

[@ar15tac]

@@DarkLordOfOptics very excited to see the 6x magnifier. Really looking into a HOLOSUN aems with one, sig 4h,or this Slx 1x with one.

[@tedhodge4830]

Question - how accurate is the BDC on the 3x for 5.56?

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

I live at somewhat high altitude, so none of them are accurate here. That's one of the reasons I do not like BDCs: they are are really only accurate at one specific set of conditions. However, if you pay attention and are willing to put in some work, you can sorta true any BDC to where you shoot.

[@tedhodge4830]

Great feedback, thank you. Quick follow-up, were you using 62 gr? It seems like the majority of BDC are calibrated for this load.

[@DarkLordOfOptics]

@@tedhodge4830 BDC calibrations are evenly split between 55gr and 62gr. At closer distances, there isn't a ton of differences between them, but altitude definitely plays a role.

[@richfortin08]

It is it isn’t wtf you talking about Willis ? Worst review I’ve seen for anything lol