Primary Arms 1-6x24

Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 Gen IV

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  • Quality
  • Clarity
  • Reticle
  • Versatility
4/5Overall Score
Specs
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm
  • Focal Plane: Second
  • Tube Size: 30mm
  • Weight: 17.9 OZ
Pros
  • Value
  • ACSS NOVA
  • Simplicity
Cons
  • Weight

Primary Arms makes some of the best budget LPVOs on the market and with the latest release of the Gen IV SLx 1-6 they are upping the ante for the LPVO market.

Primary Arms SLx 1

Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm

• Magnification: 1X – 6X
• ACSS NOVA Reticle
Tube Diameter: 30mm
• Weight: 17.9 oz.

Primary Arms SLx 1-6 Specifications

Model NumberPA-SLX-1-6×24 NOVA
Magnification1x-6x (MIN-MAX)
Focal PlaneSecond Focal Plane
Objective Lens Diameter24mm
Exit Pupil 10.6mm-3.8mm
Eye ReliefUp to 4 inches
Windage/Elevation range120 MOA
Field of View @ 100 Yards120 feet to 20 feet (low-hi)
IlluminationRed, 11 settings
Click Value0.1 MIL
Overall Length10.4 inches
Weight17.9 OZ

First impression

Upon receipt of the Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 Gen IV with ACCS NOVA reticle I quickly observed that Primary Arms has come a long way over the years they have been in operation.

That’s not to say their products were cheap, but more of a statement of the high-quality products they continue to turn out on what seems to be a regular basis.

The box, while cardboard, sports nicely done graphics that give the purchaser a quick overview of the contents along with a glimpse of the profile of the optic and the overhead view along with a diagram of the ACSS reticle; this one happens to be the new NOVA from Primary Arms.

The LPVO, or low-power variable optic, feels solid in hand, and with a quick glance through the tube, the glass seemed very clear to my eye.

The branding on the optic, along with marking for use are neat and clearly printed. 

At first glance, this appears to be another quality choice from Primary Arms!

Primary Arms SLx 1

Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm

• Magnification: 1X – 6X
• ACSS NOVA Reticle
Tube Diameter: 30mm
• Weight: 17.9 oz.

What is included

So what do you get in that nicely done box? 

primary arms 1

After pulling the top off, you will immediately see an open cell foam piece taking up the dead space inside the box, keeping the LPVO from bouncing up and down before it arrives at the end user. 

Second I found two Primary Arms Optics Manuals. Both are printed in color. The first details the type of LPVO that is in the package, in this case, a Second Focal Plane 1-6×24. The second details the type of reticle included. The one I received was the new ACSS NOVA. We will dive into the details of the new NOVA reticle in a few.

Third thing I noticed was a microfiber cleaning cloth. Simple, but appreciated.

Fourth would be the PA SLX 1-6×24 LPVO with ACSS NOVA itself.

Of note, the mount is not included, but this is industry standard. This allows the end user to select whatever mounting option works best for them.

Materials

The Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 with ACSS NOVA is constructed out of high-quality T6063 aluminum and is powder coated to protect against corrosion and the elements.

The finish is smooth to the touch and matches well with any military standard upper receiver and mounting hardware. 

I noticed no blemishes or quality issues with the materials used to construct this LPVO. 

Weight

As I’ve mentioned before in other LPVO reviews, the weight of the optic is usually considered a trade-off when compared to red dot or holographic options. 

This Primary Arms 1-6×24 Gen IV comes in at a hefty 17.9 ounces with the battery installed and without the included plastic flip-up protective caps. 

I believe this is within the acceptable weight range for the magnification that this LPVO brings to the proverbial table. 

Primary Arms SLx 1

Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm

• Magnification: 1X – 6X
• ACSS NOVA Reticle
Tube Diameter: 30mm
• Weight: 17.9 oz.

Mounting

As mentioned earlier, Primary Arms does not include a mount with their LPVOs. This is acceptable as it helps keep the overall cost down, and also allows the end user the option of choosing whatever mount their heart desires.

primary arms slx 1 6 mounting

You could opt to hop on Amazon and pick up the cheapest option you can find, or you could choose to place this ACSS NOVA-equipped LPVO in a mount that costs more than its own MSRP. The choice is all up to you. 

I chose to purchase a Primary Arms Deluxe AR15 Scope Mount (30mm)

This mount is solid and will serve well paired with the PA SLX 1-6×24 NOVA.

ACSS NOVA Reticle Design

It’s no secret that Primary Arms is on the forefront of reticle design with their ACSS platform. I have lost count of all the different variations they have put out over the years.

slx 1 6 acss nova

A lot of the ACSS designs are… busy. They can have a lot going on with different shapes and designs.

The ACSS NOVA takes a step back towards simplicity. Don’t mistake that for featureless however.

The ACSS NOVA focuses on a more traditional crosshair pattern with a small single point of illumination in the center.

The crosshairs naturally draw the eye in toward the aiming point and make quick and calculated shots a breeze.

Speaking of calculating, if you look in the provided manuals, you will see that the SLX 1-6×24 has hash marks and stadia.

Below the aiming point there are 4 MIL stadia hash marks. To the left and right of the aiming point there are also moving target holds.

These marks can be used to gauge the distance of a known object.

Primary Arms SLx 1

Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm

• Magnification: 1X – 6X
• ACSS NOVA Reticle
Tube Diameter: 30mm
• Weight: 17.9 oz.

Scope Adjustment

The scope adjustment for the PA SLX 1-6×24 w/ ACSS NOVA is like many other LPVO’s in its class. There are turrets on top of the body of the LPVO and on the right side when looking downrange through the scope.

Both turrets are capped to keep dust, moisture and debris out. 

Primary Arms SLx 1-6 adjustment knob

To adjust either you must first remove the turret cap, then adjust either up/down or left/right according to which turret you are operating. 

This PA LVPO uses adjustments of .1 MIL per click. This is noted on the exterior of the scope body for reference. 

Each click is loud and tactile which helps with adjustment. 

Brightness

Brightness is where a lot of the budget-minded LPVO’s seem to struggle. Having said that, most have large or complicated designs that tend to wash out the view at higher power and also suck battery life. 

The ACSS NOVA has addressed both of these concerns. The simple and small aiming point is akin to a red dot when adjusted to the correct brightness.

pa 1 6 dot

The range of power seen out of the ACSS NOVA is impressive. To my eye, there is little to no change in the first two positions, but as you crank the power selector up, the brightness quickly climbs.

This optic is most definitely “daylight bright” when viewed outside and in the full sun of North Carolina. 

Power Supply

The Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 Gen IV LPVO is powered by the industry standard 2032 button cell battery. This button cell is quite popular and can be found almost anywhere batteries are sold. 

Primary Arms SLx 1

Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm

• Magnification: 1X – 6X
• ACSS NOVA Reticle
Tube Diameter: 30mm
• Weight: 17.9 oz.

Durability

Primary Arms has carved out a solid portion of its market space as a high value option. Like in other areas, the value does not degrade when it comes to durability. The materials used in the construction of this LPVO scream quality. Both quality and durability go hand in hand. As this is a new generation of Primary Arms’ SLX LPVO’s there has not been time for the end user to test the quality of the individual product. 

If history has any bearing, this product will more than exceed the requirements for which it was intended.   

Final Thoughts

I plan on keeping this ACSS NOVA equipped Primary Arms 1-6×24 LPVO on a 16” AR as I love the simplicity that the NOVA reticle brings in conjunction with the single illuminated point for quick up close shots like a red dot. 

Primary Arms SLx 1

Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm

• Magnification: 1X – 6X
• ACSS NOVA Reticle
Tube Diameter: 30mm
• Weight: 17.9 oz.

Its simplicity and versatility is sorely missed in the muddied waters of the LPVO market of today.

If you liked our review we would appreciate a share!
Bradley
Bradley

Brad is a Lynx Defense content creator and heads up our social media engagement. He has fifteen years of experience as a local law enforcement officer and is an active member of both GOA and FPC. As a staunch lifetime supporter of the 2A, he enjoys every aspect of firearm ownership and shooting. Brad enjoys sharing his knowledge with others and educating people about their God-given right to bear arms.

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