Not sure if this should be here or in Optics, but it’s 300blk specific and I do talk a bit about the build that I’m using it on. So MODS feel free to move this if need be.
I recently picked up the latest version (Version 3 I believe) I wanted to do a review of this optic mainly because there are few on it, and even fewer on this revision. I also feel that it is a very viable option that no one should hesitate to purchase if it’s on their radar.
They have made some minor updates to this optic since its original conception. If you Google image this optic you’ll see the physical differences between them for one. The reticle, while always being PA’s proprietary ASCC design, has gone from a horseshoe design, familiar in many similarly designed optics made by Bushnell, Vortex, Millet, etc, with fully illuminated BDC, now having a fully etched ASCC reticle with a 300blk BDC (for both Supers and Subs), replacing the horseshoe center with a chevron similar to Trijicon’s design, and the rest of the reticle is left unlit when turned on. I have grown to prefer the chevron over the horseshoe myself, as well as the chevron being the only part that becomes lit. It gives it a direct point for your eye to go to.
The elevation and windage turrets have a nice solid, crisp, click to them; better than some Vortex optics I’ve used/own. The magnification turret is very nice and smooth, not too loose, not too much resistance. The glass is on the clear side, I’ve seen better, but only on optics that cost 4x or more. No fish eye effect at lower magnifications as many entry level 1-4/6x optics have. The body is a very solid metal with a 1” tube that admittedly errs on the heavy side.
As expected, the optic holds true. No spinning reticle, zero is held through many uncounted rounds and the BDC seems to do what it was designed for. I only have 300y available to me so, past that, I really couldn’t tell you at this point.
I have been given some reputable information, with no further proof than that, that these optics are made in the same factory as the Vortex Crossfire II line and Strike Eagle. While that does not mean that they are the same or use the same parts, because I can tell you first hand they don’t; but if they ARE, that means you can expect around the same quality product. I’ve owned a Strike Eagle, as well more than one Crossfire II. They are great optics for what they’re for, are well represented by their descriptions and well worth they’re price. This Primary Arms optic, however, is, IMHO, even better in every way.
I would qualify this scope as an excellent sub-midrange class (quality not shooting distance) at a VERY budget friendly price. I would even put this optic in league with the Vortex Viper PTS, but that’s me.
I suppose I should put some CONs in there, though as long as you're realistic about what it is you're buying, there really shouldn't be. Because the more you nitpick, the more you should just buy a $1000+ optic. That being said, it's not very pretty. And by that I mean, aesthetically, I would pick most any other 1-?x24 style optic over this one. It just doesn't have the lines and style that has helped make Vortex and Bushnell such major players. It's a bit on the heavy side, as mentioned earlier. It's not a brick, buuuut it's no light weight. However, this does add to it's feel of solidity. It's glass is much better than one would expect for this price, but it's no Zeiss. If you own or have access to any high quality optics, you WILL notice a difference in glass. My biggest beef, again something that is fixed by purchasing a more expensive optic, which would defeat the purpose of trying something like this, is the IR turret. The turret has deep solid clicks, but is rather on the hard side to turn. I was most disappointed with the lack of intermittent off in-between the 11 brightness levels. I like to find my brightness preference and be able to turn it up or down for quick on/off selection and not have to go all the way back to 0 and then find my setting again. But again, this is something that is available on higher end optics (ie Viper VTS). When you spend more money on an optic, the first thing most people think is their getting better glass and the like, when sometimes you're really just getting more bells and whistles.
The rifle this is being used on is a custom build. The parts are as follows:
- Anderson Manufacturing 300 AAC Blackout lower receiver (Just a labeling thing)
- Engage Armament billet upper
- MAS Defense 16” HBAR fluted 1:8 barrel
- Fortis Mfg Switch 12” rail
- Magpul MOE rifle stock
- Magpul MOE grip
- Primary Arms scope mount
- Lantac Dragon MB
- Rise Armament RA-140 drop in trigger 3.5lbs
- Strike Industries gas block
- Strike Industries melonite gas tube
- Strike Industries enhanced bolt catch
- Strike Industries enhanced ejection port cover
- Strike Industries ARCH-L charging handle
- CCT Lo-Pro Anti-Rotational pins
- Defense Package 60 degree short-throw Ambi-safety
- JP Enterprises honed/tuned buffer spring
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