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PRIMARY ARMS Review thread (Page 2 of 3)
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Originally Posted By Jlara123:
Hello Marsh1 maybe in the wrong thread but I've been reading the reviews on the 1-4x scope so I decided to get one last night, but now I'm getting some buyers remorse cause I shouldve ask more before I finalized my purchase. Anyhow hope it works I'm planning on using the scope on a SLR95 AK using the Dogleg rail from TWS. One of my Q: is what does the warranty covers, if it looses the zero after I mounted on the rifle will you cover it? Thanks It won;t loose zero but of course we will cover any problems. Marshall |
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I ordered mine on a Sunday, and had it in hand on a Wednesday all the way out in Connecticut!
I picked the M3 clone, with with Tan Rubber cover to match my build. The overall packaging and quality of the optic out of the box are both very impressive. I was confident ordering with the amount of positive feedback I have seen posted, but I was still surprised by how much bang I got for my buck. Glass is very clear, dot is crisp and visible even on a sunny day at noon, and the laser emitter was not in the field of view (it annoys me if they are). The mount is very solid, and cowitnesses well with my Troy Dioptic BUIS. I am headed to the range on Friday, and will post a detailed review Saturday morning. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––- OK - review continued. Two trips to the range. I zeroed at 50 yards. My first group was low 5 inches, and an inch and a half to the left. I adjusted the scope utilizing the instructions found in the Aimpoint M3 manual. Elevation and windage adjustments are the same as the Aimpoint. Tactile individual "clicks" for each 1/4 inch at 50 yards. I found the clicks over-adjusted the scope from where I wanted to be. No big deal, just under-adjusted with my final set of three rounds to bring it in dead center with a group that could hit a dime. I am VERY pleased with the scope and the mount. None of the mounting screws came loose (unlike the screw for my Troy BUIS, which I have since hit with some locktite like the instructions told me to), and the scope stayed zeroed after a hundred and twenty more rounds at the next range trip. Can I hard land a jump out of a plane with it, or scuba dive into an area and expect it to function? No. Nor do I expect it to. Great scope. Great price. It was a terrific trial run of an Aimpoint style red dot to see if I would want to invest hundreds of dollars for a true Aimpoint sight. And the truth is, now that I have tried one, I am sold. The Primary Arms red dot puts rounds dead on target, looks awesome on my rifle now, and will be perfect for my Ruger 10/22 when I finally save up for the real deal. https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_CG1IRuJH0AA/TbLh_TusoOI/AAAAAAAAACU/Uk_0skiApXI/s640/Ipod%20Photos%20065.jpg |
| <This is a review thread only - Z> |
| <This is a review thread only - Z> |
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PRIMARY ARMS AR-15 EXTENDED DELUXE SCOPE MOUNT REVIEW I have the Primary Arms Deluxe Scope Mount for the AR15 (single base, 2 rings, 30mm, extended). This is mounted to my Vortex Viper PST 1-4 scope. Made sure the scope was mounted to the rings properly and level, and loctited the screws. 1000 rounds later, with some rapid fire sequences, and the scope has not lost zero at all. It's also been dropped from 4' onto gravel twice (not intentionally) without losing zero. I had to remove my scope to fix up my rifle, and so I took a paint pen and marked how far torqued my lock nuts were and took note about where my scope base was attached in terms of rail position. Took the rail off, did my rifle work and put the scope/scope-mount back onto my A3 upper. Made sure to put it in the same rail position and pushed mount forwards into the rail. Screwed on the nuts and torqued it until my hash marks aligned. Took it to the range, and was surprised to see that my scope's zero only changed by 1/4 MOA at 100Y (shifted left). Fit and finish were really good on the scope mount too; feels solid, and the extended position afforded me a good cheek weld. My only complaint are the lock nuts that screw the base onto the rails; they protrude a bit and will dig into me if I wear my rifle on my back; I wish it were a bit lower profile. All in all, this is a great scope mount if you don't need absolutely fast QD. Not to say I can't take it off very fast; with a nickle or other coin, I can take the mount off within 20 seconds. So yes, if you're worried about your primary optics failing and need to switch to the BUIS ASAP, the ADM/Larue/Bobro mounts will be better. For me, the PA Mount is good to go. |
"Freedom is the freedom to say two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows." -George Orwell
| <This is a review thread only - Z> |
| <This is a review thread only - Z> |
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Guys - I edited out a few posts by people who had asked relevant questions and some of Marshall's answers with pics and good info. Sorry for being overzealous. |
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Originally Posted By PAEBR332: Congratulations. This post has a created a stupidity event horizon from which no logic, reason or science will ever escape.
Originally Posted By PAEBR332: Congratulations. This post has a created a stupidity event horizon from which no logic, reason or science will ever escape.
Hell, these are Marines. Men like them held Guadalcanal and took Iwo Jima. Bagdad ain't sh*t.
Marine Major General John F. Kelly
Marine Major General John F. Kelly
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I recently purchased one of the new 3x scopes that Primary Arms has been working to bring to market for some time. This scope seems just about right to me for a do all optic. The magnification is not too much to keep me from using it up close when I combine it with the “circle dot” reticule and it has enough power to be used at a distance too. I have not had the opportunity to use it at long distances yet, but I have shot it at targets 15 feet away and out to 50 yards and found it capable of transitioning between both well. I will take it to the range for some longer shots this weekend if the weather allows. It has rails for mounting another optic to it for short range work, but I don't see any need for it since this one can do about everything. The front sight is not a problem with the 3X magnification. The scope is attractive and seems well constructed. As with most PA products, this scope gives the user a great amount of bang for the buck.
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I purchased a mibro-dot sight with the QD mount for my girlfriends AR. She loves it, so do I. I will be getting another one for my next build. I did a video review on it on YouTube.
You Tube Love the sight, love the quality and love the price too! |
Honey Badger don't care. Honey Badger don't give a shit.
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Originally Posted By Blkt6:
On a micro, what are the elevavation and windage adjustments, 1/2" or 1/4" ? thanks 1/2MOA |
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Here is a short review of the Primary Arms 3x compact prism sight.
Sorry for no pictures but this will have to do for now Well I received my PA 3x on the Friday before Thanksgiving so I could give it a whirl the next week with my brother. Initial thoughts – I will try to keep them as objective as possible 1.Heavy, I forgot how heavy my buddies Burris 3x is and this is just the same – short – compact and heavy for its size. Granted it is lighter than many variable scopes (e.g. NF 3.5-15 etc…) but being so compact it feels heavier in the hand 2.Illumination dial is tough (or I am a wuss). I had to use a screw driver to loosen it to get it to turn 3.Illumination Intensity – Although initially I thought the illumination was bright enough for daylight yesterday while hunting with it on a sunny day proved that the not to be the case. For indoor use and low light use this works very well but on bright days you are just using the etched reticle (note: if the illumination is left on and you cross a dark background like a tree, or animal the illuminated reticle is noticeable even on a bright day but still not aimpoint bright) 4.Reticle – This is probably the best part of the scope. I am enjoying this reticle the more I use it (have taken it out 3 times in 2 weeks). Sighting it in at 25 yards was easy as soon as I figured out my suppressor mount and suppressor were screwing things up. At 25 yards the large circle fit around the 200 meter nation match target for 100 yards (has a blue circle and is in the “zeroing” link under the Primary Arms forum in the industry section). The reticle is well thought out and the center dot and BDC is much more to my preference than the Burris 3x dot and BDC. While out hunting yesterday I took one shot on a Jack rabbit @ ~ 125 yards and the circle with the dot helped get on target fast and tracking was easier for me than with a standard cross hairs. 5.Clarity – The clarity seems to be equal to the Burris FFII 3-9, and better than the Redfield 4-12, and PA 1-4 scopes. I haven’t compared it to the Burris 3x or Tac30 yet. Edge to edge seems about on par for a $100-250 scope, not the best but it didn’t seem to hinder me in the daylight. I haven’t had a chance to use it at dawn or dusk other than out the window so I will reserve judgment until then. 6.Durability – Seems decent but I haven’t even dropped it to see. I do see some gaps where the gasket is between the two halves of the body. I don’t know if that will affect the performance or not so we shall see this winter when the temperature gets below 0*F. 7.Tracking – I am not a big fan of the 1/3 MOA but it seems to work once I took off my suppressor. 8.Eye relief – Probably about 2” for my eyes. I shoot NTCH or very close to NTCH and the scope is as far back as possible without any BUIS. 9.Eye box – seems ok to kind of small for my eyes but this may just be from my inconsistency in cheek weld. Now for the subjective part – Overall I think this scope is a winner for the cost to benefit for budget shooters. I think you get a lot of performance for the buck. I think the reticle really helps this scope shine compared to the Burris. The Burris probably has a higher intensity as well as green illumination but has for me the poorer reticle. The illumination nob is still tough to turn but I don’t plan on moving it much and would rather it be more resistant than loose. I don’t think the low light performance will be the best but it should be fine for what I am doing. I am pleased with this scope and can’t wait to really push it throughout the winter! I think this scope is worth every penny and is better for my eyes than the PA 1-4. I think PA needs this reticle in their 1-4 scope but if Vortex would put this reticle and daylight illumination in their 1-4 scope I think you would have the best sub $500.00 scope out there and possibly sub $900.00 JMHO though If you are on the fence on this scope or the Burris I would get this scope and use the rest of the money saved for ammo!
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Posted something totally unrelated so I have to edit it to a moer review-ish post:
Bought one of the M4 style red dot a few months ago. I was very happy with it when I took it out to test it up in the moutain. It was very bright, easy to sight in. The whole thing is very solid except mine has a problem with the connection between the base mount and the scope itself. After about 20-30 rounds of 223/5.56 it would come lose. The scope would slide around on the base. I have talked to marshals about it and was suggested to put loctite on the 2 screws that hold the scope and the base together however the problem still exist only after more rounds (around 40 rounds + to see the scope coming lose). Marshals said I could send it back and they will get it sort out for me which is very great customer service but I didn't want the hassle of sending it back and sold it o a friend to put on his 10/22 which I think should hold tight. Now one thing i want to mention is that even after all that ordeal the scope hold ZERO perfectly after i tighten the screws and put it back on the same spot on my ar15. Going to buy the Compact 3x this time from PA as well. Hopefully I don't get a bad one out of millions again =( PS: I like to mention that this isn't PA fault at all. It was my fault for not taking the return offer when Marshals offered it to me awhile ago. PA did attempt to correct the issue for me I just didn't want to do it. |
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Hmmm. That 3X looks nice! After transfering my PA micro to my 15-22 to use for Steel Challenge, my Noveske is naked. I've never really considered a scope because of the size, but that 3X is pretty compact. Definitely worth considering.
Can the rails be removed from the sides? Better yet, can the be flipped over so that it is angled down which would get a micro reflex in the "3-gun tilt" position? |
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Originally Posted By luan87us:
Posted something totally unrelated so I have to edit it to a moer review-ish post: Bought one of the M4 style red dot a few months ago. I was very happy with it when I took it out to test it up in the moutain. It was very bright, easy to sight in. The whole thing is very solid except mine has a problem with the connection between the base mount and the scope itself. After about 20-30 rounds of 223/5.56 it would come lose. The scope would slide around on the base. I have talked to marshals about it and was suggested to put loctite on the 2 screws that hold the scope and the base together however the problem still exist only after more rounds (around 40 rounds + to see the scope coming lose). Marshals said I could send it back and they will get it sort out for me which is very great customer service but I didn't want the hassle of sending it back and sold it o a friend to put on his 10/22 which I think should hold tight. Now one thing i want to mention is that even after all that ordeal the scope hold ZERO perfectly after i tighten the screws and put it back on the same spot on my ar15. Going to buy the Compact 3x this time from PA as well. Hopefully I don't get a bad one out of millions again =( Let me send you a return label and get the one with the striped base screws in here for repair or replacement. Be glad to apply the credit toward a 3X also. Marshall |
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My review of the 1-4x
The Microdot - Gen2 M3 Multi Short version, I've been using PA optics for three years now without any problems. They're much better quality than the equivalent products from other brands. Generally speaking, double the price of the PA to compare to a similar product. This isn't always the case, but it's a good starting point. They're not going to survive serious abuse like an Aimpoint or ACOG, they're just not built that tough, but I don't baby mine and all I've had to do is replace batteries. I'm buying an Aimpoint H1 to replace my microdot on an AR, but the microdot will just go on the 10/22 and keep getting used regularly. A friend went through a number of well respected green lasers on his AR, they just wouldn't hold up or they were almost impossible to zero and keep zeroed. His GF asked me for a suggestion since she wanted to get him one that worked for a gift and I suggested that Primary Arms had one and that all my stuff from them had been well built and worked well without being too expensive. Since she wasn't interested in buying a high end unit, just one that actually worked and lasted, she got that one. It was right after they came out and it's still kicking. He's gone through a couple sets of batteries now, and god only knows how much goofing around with it, but it still works and it's still pointing where it was set. It lives in a Larue duel mount along with a Surefire and is right at home. They're great to do business with, first class all the way. I have yet to be disappointed by Primary Arms in any respect. When they have a problem they are upfront and efficient about making it right for the consumer, well beyond any legal obligations. |
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http://blogs.wolfweb.us/ - Social and Political Blog
"Knives by Remy" on Facebook
BigEasySnow - "Speak for yourself, girlfriend. I'm here for the gang bang."
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Originally Posted By mongoose71:
I'm looking to buy a PA Micro Dot for a Ruger 10-22 that already has a heavy duty Picatinny rail on it. What model and base should I order, and where would be the cheapest place to order it from. Thanks. Standard mount, the low one. It's perfect. That was my original setup and I'll be going back to it shortly. I'd get the one with removable base in case you decide to mount it on something else later, you can just get a different mount. For $10 it's worth having the option. I suggest buying direct from Primary Arms. |
http://blog.wolftactical.us/ - Shooting Blog
http://blogs.wolfweb.us/ - Social and Political Blog
"Knives by Remy" on Facebook
BigEasySnow - "Speak for yourself, girlfriend. I'm here for the gang bang."
http://blogs.wolfweb.us/ - Social and Political Blog
"Knives by Remy" on Facebook
BigEasySnow - "Speak for yourself, girlfriend. I'm here for the gang bang."
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Were there any hardware revisions done to the green dot? I noticed that my RMA replacement green dot seemed rather better constructed than my first one, but maybe that was just my imagination.
Anyways, here are my general reviews on the PA dots I own. Red Micro Dot w/ riser and PA QD mount (forget the gen, pretty recent): The Micro is pretty damn good. No issues with zero, nice dot, and good glass, but not a big fan of the tint on the glass. The riser let it co-witness with my Sub-2000. I was less impressed with the QD mount - the springs on it have an unfortunate tendency to escape. I don't know if this is a problem in general with such mounts, I don't own a LaRue or AD mount to compare it against. Multi-reticle 30mm red dot w/ high mount: The big problem with this sight is that it doesn't keep a zero when switching reticles. That may be a bit much to expect at this price point, but it does mean that you're not going to do on-the-fly switches like you could do with a PFI Action-4. If I were doing things again, I'd just buy the non-multi 30mm dot. Otherwise, the sight and mount are quite good. I've probably put a thousand rounds down the pipe of my AR-15 by now with this sight. No problems at all. Green Dot: It's a bit tricky to find the dot, but it's reasonably sharp otherwise. Adjustments are a PITA, and require the included screw driver. You will need to keep replacing batteries, as I don't think the dot ever fully turns off. One of these dots died on me, which isn't good. I have some concerns about the long-term survivability of this optic, as even the replacement seems to have some shock issues (the dot turns off for a few seconds after triple-tapping). This was on my .22LR Beretta Neos pistol, so the mount wasn't even moving with the slide. This is the only PA product I've ever had any regrets about buying, but I hope they improve it and put out a better Gen 2 or Deluxe product that fixes these issues, because there's a lot to love otherwise. 1st gen 5x Magnifier w/ PA FTS mount: Glass is clear and it works well the 30mm red dot mentioned above. Mount is not super-smooth to operate, but seems to get better over time. Word of warning: magnifier+dot setups are heavier than you might expect, and shift weight considerably towards the center-back of the rifle. As others have noted, you don't need to baby these optics... just don't smash them against walls. They're entirely fine for range use, and probably even hunting. |
| My dad has the new 3x compact scope, its pretty nice and well worth the money. The only thing I dont like, but not really hate, is the bdc. The dots are pretty small and seem kind of pointless with how small the dots are and how close they are together it can get really hard to consider using them. |
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i have the Primary Arms 3X Compact Scope. i've shot some AR's using a few friends' Eotechs and two different variable power Leupolds, as well as getting some limited time with an ACOG (don't remember the model). I can't claim this scope is comparable to an Eotech since they're different types of optics nor does it have the astonishing performance of a Leupold or ACOG, but then again it doesn't have the price tag to match any of them. I feel for what I paid I got way more than what I could have asked of a similarly priced product. This thing is extremely well made, has a decent battery life, has been bumped a few times and still held zero. there's been mention of the light adjustment knob being tight and that is true, but it's not impossible to turn and I honestly prefer the reticle in black during the day unless I have poor lighting. the reticle is fairly small, but it's meant to be the size it is for a reason in relation to the scope so it's not like there's much to be done there. overall though the scope has served me well. i generally use it at 25-100yds though it's worked fine for me at 150yds. anything past that and i generally prefer a scope with more magnification anyway due to my poor eyesight
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Beginning of feb i ordered a blem'd M4 from PA, i received it quickly, i think 3 days, standard kick ass PA shipping from everything else ive read. I mounted it up and co witnessed with my irons on my rifle. Felt well built and the dot intensity was good, for sure daylight visible on the highest setting. The mount was ok too, PA seems to keep thier QC on the mounts to a fairly high standard, id like a more robust mount than this honestly, but its simple and so far functional (more on that later). I had a match this past weekend (last weekend of FEB2012), a 2 gun rifle/pistol match that is geared toward testing drills and exercises you learn from a fighting carbine class or similar training, great first test for the optic. Sunday morning, day of the match, safety brief was held at 9:45 in a steady overcast downpour. I turned on the sight at the beginning of the day and buttoned up the flip caps that came with it once i took it out of my car. I had my doubts about how well a 60 dollar sight was going to perform this day but it would be a bomber test regardless. During the safety brief and courses walkthrough i kept the sight buttoned up and would check to see if the dot was staying on through the rain. It was a good steady rain which pretty much covered everything with water. Sight stayed on and gtg, i didnt have any fogging of lenses or other issuses the whole day of shooting. We shot anywhere from 3 to 110 yards for the days courses and the sight worked well for all the shooting. I kept the sight on setting 5 during the morning while it was still overcast and hazy, but turned it up to 7 around noon and left it there rest of the day. So the sight performed well for the match and stayed on, held zero through a rainy morning and some decent courses of fire. First impressions are good, and i like everything about it so far. My plan is to just leave the sight turned on and changing out the AA bat once a month. Replacing an AA is an easy thing and my rifle is always ready to bust on some scumbag. Great sight and i would recommend anyone who is on the fence to try it out, nothing to lose really, with the known PA customer service too your not gonna get left hanging if you dont like it. I do want to put one of the M4 aimpoint spacers to cant the optic forward, i remember seeing someone (marsh1?) posting a pic of the PA AA sight set up like this during the holidays during thier sales. Always upgrades and tuning...haha -Bust |
| I ordered one of the new long eye relief magnifiers on Tuesday and got it today. I took it out and shot it with my EOtech. I have used magnifiers before, including the Aimpoint and EOtech. I couldn't handle the limited eye relief. This one has a good 3 inches plus. Really good glass too. If this magnifier was $300 I would still think it was a great deal. Unbelievable! I would recommend this to anyone who shoots with a red dot. |
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Marshall I'm sure this has been answered before and I've added my name to the email list when they DO arrive, but what's your best guess on the x3 magnifiers with long eye relief being available?
I'd love to pick one up with your flip to side mount vs the similar Vortex setup. |
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Originally Posted By Camaroecko:
Marshall I'm sure this has been answered before and I've added my name to the email list when they DO arrive, but what's your best guess on the x3 magnifiers with long eye relief being available? I'd love to pick one up with your flip to side mount vs the similar Vortex setup. The magnifiers are due this Friday. Our flips are still not variable but we will have a bundle with the ADM mount. |
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I am also waiting on the long eye relief magnifier, but I need the PA flip to side mount. I've tried the ADM mount and it hits my iron sites.
I'm afraid if I wait for the flip mount to get back in to stock then the magnifiers will sell out :( Should I get the magnifier now and then get the mount later? |
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Originally Posted By XSentinel:
I am also waiting on the long eye relief magnifier, but I need the PA flip to side mount. I've tried the ADM mount and it hits my iron sites. I'm afraid if I wait for the flip mount to get back in to stock then the magnifiers will sell out :( Should I get the magnifier now and then get the mount later? Let's move to PM or our industry forum. Let's keep this a review thread. Thanks Marshall |
PRIMARY ARMS Review thread (Page 2 of 3)
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