The existence of the Primary Arms SLx 5X MicroPrism can only be explained by black magic; Somehow, the engineers at Primary Arms shrunk a crystal-clear, feature-laden five-power scope into something smaller than a reflex sight. But even more impressive is how despite this, the SLx 5x is vastly more affordable than its competition.
But there’s no such thing as a free lunch, so is the Primary Arms Slx 5x MicroPrism all it’s cracked up to be? Does it really live up to the hype?
Let’s find out.
Primary Arms SLx 5X Micro Prism
The Primary Arms SLx series of optics are super-compact, prismatic fix-power rifle optics that are designed for use on basically anything shoulder-fired. They utilize the same interface and mounting screws as a Trijicon ACOG. They include a Picatinny rail mount with multiple height options in the box – including a rearward swept raiser that pushes the optic further toward the shooter’s eye. This is important given the optic’s relatively short 2.7-inch eye relief.
Keep in mind that the ACOG’s eye relief is even shorter at 2.4 inches.
Additionally, the SLx 5x features 50 MOA of windage and elevation adjustment in quarter-MOA increments allowing the shooter to zero the gun on virtually any firearm. The knobs are recessed but still easily accessible and only need either a penny or a cartridge rim to adjust. Inside the optic, the SLx 5x MicroPrism features an ACSS Aurora reticle with either a 5.56 or .308 BDC. Regardless of which one a shooter chooses, they are incredibly useful for engaging targets out to 1,000 meters. Though, doing so with a 16-inch 5.56mm carbine will be challenging for any shooter whose last name isn’t Miculek.
Another outstanding feature of the reticle is how it even has holdovers for engaging moving targets in case a shooter wants to harvest moving game at a distance. Lastly, the chevron at the top of the reticle is illuminated by a single CR2032 battery with a lifespan of 50,000 hours. It features several brightness settings, including multiple night-vision-compatible ones.
New for the SLx 5x is an optional aluminum hood that allows shooters to mount a micro red dot above the optic with a Glock MOS mounting shoe. The setup looks very space-age but works fantastically. The hood even fits the previous SLx 3x MicroPrism, should shooters want to add it to that.
SLx 5x MicroPrism Testing
For the review, I mounted the MicroPrism on half a dozen firearms, including an Arsenal SLR-106CR, a Palmetto State Armory AK-101, a BCM M16A4 clone, a Remington 12-gauge Tac-14, a DSA Voyager FAL, and an SBR’d eight-inch-barreled AR with a CMMG Bravo .22lr conversion kit installed, and it never lost zero nor did the reticle flicker/shut off.
The first thing I personally noticed when I installed the new MicroPrism is the clarity of the glass; It makes positive identification of targets out to 500 yards a breeze. And after firing around 500 rounds of various ammo through these guns with the SLx 5x MicroPrism attached, I found that the optic pairs best with a 20-inch barreled AR, where the 5.56mm’s increased velocity paired with the higher magnification and clarity, made for satisfyingly easy plinking of man-sized targets at 500 yards – as long as the wind cooperates.
Overall with a pre-purchase MSRP of $399, the Primary Arms SLx 5X MicroPrism Scope represents the best option for shooters looking to stretch the legs of their favorite rifle or carbine without breaking the bank. In fact, the only thing the MicroPrism sacrifices when compared to military prismatic scopes like the Elcan is resistance to extraordinarily hard use. But provided that you aren’t looking to lob your rifle from a C130 or run it over with a Humvee, this isn’t really an issue.
Primary Arms SLx 5X MicroPrism Scope Specifications
- Brand: Primary Arms
- Model: Primary Arms SLx 5X MicroPrism Scope
- SKU:PA-SLX-5XMP-AUR-MIL
- MPN: 710046
- MSRP: $399
- Battery Life 25,001 – 50,000 Hours
- Battery Type CR2032 3V Lithium Coin
- Click Value 1/4 MOA
- Color Black
- Eye Relief 2.70 in
- Field View 10021.00 ft
- Focal Plane Prism Scope
- IlluminatedIlluminated
- Magnification5X
- Manufacturer. Primary Arms
- Night Vision Compatible
- Optic SeriesSLx
- ReticleACSS Aurora
- Reticle ColorRed
- Total Elevation Adjustment50 MOA
- Total Windage Adjustment50 MOA
- Turret FeaturesExposed Turrets, Low Profile, Tool Adjustable
- Weight8.5 Oz.
Primary Arms SLx 5X MicroPrism Scope Limited Lifetime Warranty Information
About Jim Grant
Jim is a freelance writer, editor, and videographer for dozens of publications who loves anything and everything guns. While partial to modern military firearms and their civilian counterparts, he holds a special place in his heart for the greatest battle implement ever devised and other WW2 rifles. When he’s not reviewing guns or shooting for fun and competition, Jim can be found hiking and hunting with his wife Kimberly and their dog Peanut in the South Carolina low country.
