New Product Highlight: Primary Arms CLx Optics
Primary Arms just released four new optics, with options in 1x and 3x magnification. Here’s what we know so far.
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If you have astigmatism or just prefer sturdy, compact optics, you already know how useful prism scopes are. Now, there are two new budget-friendly options on the table.
The new Primary Arms CLx line of optics includes two prism optics and two red dots, and they’re priced to sell.
Let’s get a closer look, paying special attention to a particularly compelling carbine optic.
Primary Arms CLx 3x Prism Scope Specs & Features
Specs
- Magnification: 3x
- Objective Lens: 30mm
- Reticle: Cross Dot 5.56
- Illumination: 8 daylight, 2 night vision
- Battery: CR2032
- Weight: 7 oz
- MSRP: $219.99
Features
- Illuminated Cross Dot reticle
- Ambidextrous, top-mounted brightness controls
- Aimpoint Micro footprint, Picatinny riser
First up is the Primary Arms CLx 3x Prism Scope. It’s sized like a red dot, affordable enough for the average shooter, and set up with what might be the most versatile magnification for a do-it-all budget AR-15 build.
The new CLx 3x Prism Scope undercuts its predecessor, the SLx 3x Miro Prism, by $130.
One of the main differences is the reticle; the CLx has a Cross Dot 5.56 reticle that’s simpler than the ACSS Raptor reticle in the more expensive SLx. You still get holds for multiple distances, daylight-bright illumination, and two brightness settings for use with night vision.
I appreciate that Primary Arms put the brightness buttons up top, where they’re easy to reach with either hand.
The new CLx prism also comes with a new mounting system. Instead of the user-configurable system on the SLx, it has the kind of simple Picatinny riser that most of us are used to. If you want something different, help yourself to any aftermarket riser that uses the Aimpoint Micro footprint.
Primary Arms lists an MSRP of $219.99 for the CLx 3x Prism Scope.
If you’d rather have an unmagnified optic, but don’t want a red dot, the new lineup includes the CLx 1x Prism Scope. It’s largely the same as its 3x counterpart, but with a Circle Dot reticle that’s better suited to close engagements.
This prism is perfect for a PCC build, and it’s incredibly affordable – right in line with a lot of entry-level red dots.
Primary Arms lists an MSRP of $199.99 for the CLx 1x Prism Scope.
Moving on, we have the most affordable carbine optic of the bunch: the Primary Arms CLx RD-23 red dot.
This time, the reticle is a simple 3-MOA red dot, and the brightness controls are on the left side. It still uses the Aimpoint Micro footprint and comes with a Picatinny riser.
The big news, though, is a solar failsafe that preserves battery life. That’s exciting on any optic, let alone one that’s this inexpensive.
Primary Arms lists an MSRP of $149.99 for the RD-23.
This new family of optics also has an enclosed micro red dot for pistols or ultralight PDW builds.
The Primary Arms CLx RS-E features a 3-MOA dot reticle, 10 brightness settings (10 daylight, 2 night vision), and the RMSc mounting footprint.
It’s intended for slimline concealed carry pistols, but I also like this style of micro red dot as an offset or top-mount backup on AR-15s with a magnified optic.
Primary Arms lists an MSRP of $179.99 for the RS-E.
What do you think of the new Primary Arms CLx family of optics? Let us know below. Want to see what else is out there? Check out our guide to the Best AR-15 Scopes & Optics – red dots, holographic sights, LPVOs, and more!