For SHOT Show 2023, Primary Arms debuted its first American-made optics, both these new scopes are designed and built in Texas. The two new GLx scopes are designed for longer-range shooting with greater magnification and adjustment travel to support reaching out.
The new 3-18x and 4.5-27x are built on 34mm main tubes, an upgrade from the 30mm tubes used on previous GLx models.
The 3-18x has 120 MOA of windage adjustment and 180 MOA of elevation. The 4.5-27x has a bit less at 84 MOA windage and 120 MOA of elevation adjustment. That in combination with the elevation holds built-in the ACSS reticles should allow one to shoot extreme distances.
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Both models come with locking turrets to ensure that the turrets aren’t inadvertently rotated during movements afield or during removal from cases.
The turrets feature steel-on-steel adjustment and are very positive. The turrets are clearly marked for graduations and directions of operation.
Adjustment of magnification is accomplished by rotating the aggressively-surfaced power ring or by use of a throw lever. The throw lever is dovetailed and screwed in, and available in a fixed or folding design.
Both scopes are available in either an Apollo or an Athena reticle. These reticles feature Ballistic Drop Compensation, Target Auto Ranging, Mil sub-tenons, wind holds, and a number of other features.
The new GLx models both feature adjustable parallax. On the 3-18x it can be adjusted down to less than 25 yards, and on the larger scope, it can be adjusted down to 30 yards. This makes them both viable options for the now popular precision .22LR rifle matches.
The left side knob also serves to adjust the brightness of the reticle. There are 10 different levels to choose from. Probably my favorite feature of all on these scopes is the auto-off/-on feature.
If the scope sits without moving for 3 minutes it turns off the illumination of the reticle preserving the battery life. When the scope is moved, even slightly it turns the illumination back on to the level it’s set at.
I can’t count how many batteries I have killed by putting a rifle in a case or the safe without turning off the illumination. Problem solved!
Specifications GLx 3-18×44 GLx 4.5-27×56
Magnification 3 -18x 4.5 – 27x
Focal Plane First First
Objective Lens 44 mm 56 mm
Tube Diameter 34 mm 34 mm
Length 13.66 inches 14.45 inches
Weight 29.6 ounces 33.2 ounces
Reticles Athena & Apollo Athena & Apollo
Illumination 10 settings/ battery 10 settings/ battery
Auto Off/On Yes Yes
Warranty Lifetime Lifetime
Origin Made in USA Made in USA
MSRP ~$800-900 ~$800-900
These new GLx models will be available somewhere around mid-2023. Both have magnification ranges that should support a wide variety of shooting needs, plenty of adjustment range, a much-needed auto-Off/-On feature, excellent reticles, and easy-to-operate locking turrets.
All this at an affordable price. And, as mentioned, they are made in America. When you get the chance, be sure to check them out when they hit your dealer’s shelves.
For more information on Primary Arms Optics and the new GLx models click, HERE.
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