Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 Review: Best Budget LPVO?

Having spent the last six months putting the Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 through extensive testing, I’ve developed a comprehensive understanding of this popular LPVO’s capabilities. From close-quarter drills to mid-range precision shooting, this scope has proven itself across various applications. While marketed as a budget-friendly option in the crowded LPVO market, its performance characteristics make it worth considering for both newcomers and experienced shooters alike.

This review details my honest experience with what could be your next versatile optic.

Why You Should Trust Me?

With over a decade of experience in competitive shooting and firearms instruction, I’ve had the opportunity to work with optics across all price ranges. My background includes three years of 3-gun competition and extensive training in both civilian and law enforcement contexts. While I primarily focus on practical shooting these days, my experience extends to precision rifle competitions and tactical carbine instruction.

I’ve personally owned and tested dozens of LPVOs, from entry-level options to high-end glass. My approach to reviewing focuses on practical application rather than just technical specifications, helping shooters understand how an optic will perform in real-world conditions.

How I Tested the Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24

I mounted the SLX 1-6×24 on my BCM 16″ AR-15 using the Primary Arms Deluxe mount. The AR-15 platform is ideal for testing LPVOs, as it allows for both rapid close-quarters engagement and precision shooting at extended ranges. Throughout testing, I used Federal American Eagle 55gr and Black Hills 77gr TMK ammunition to evaluate performance across different loads.

Testing included over 1,000 rounds through various drills, including rapid target transitions, precision shooting from 25 to 500 yards, and low-light performance evaluation. I conducted box tests to verify tracking and participated in two local 3-gun matches to assess the scope’s performance under competition stress.

The optic also accompanied me during several training courses, exposing it to diverse weather conditions and shooting positions. This real-world testing revealed practical considerations that might not surface in controlled range conditions.

Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 Review

Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 Specs

Specification	Value
Magnification	1-6x
Objective Lens	24mm
Eye Relief	3.3-3.5 inches
Field of View	110-19.3 ft @ 100 yards
Tube Size	30mm
Click Value	1/2 MOA
Focal Plane	Second Focal Plane
Length	10.3 inches
Weight	16.9 ounces

My Test Results

Field Test	Measurement	Notes
1x Parallax Effect	Minimal	Tested with rapid head position changes
6x Group Size	1.2 MOA	Average of 5 five-shot groups
Tracking Error	0.3 MOA	Over 15 MOA elevation adjustment
Low Light Score	8/10	Clear target ID at 30 min past sunset
1x Clarity	Excellent	Minimal fisheye effect
Zero Retention	Perfect	No shift after 1,000 rounds
Weather Test	Pass	No issues in rain or humidity
Drop Test	Pass	Survived two 3-foot drops

Testing conducted using BCM 16″ AR-15 with Federal American Eagle 55gr and Black Hills 77gr TMK ammunition.

Optical Performance & Reticle

The SLX 1-6×24’s optical performance surprised me, particularly at 1x magnification. The glass clarity exceeds expectations for its price point, with minimal distortion across 90% of the field of view. The ACSS reticle proved intuitive for both close-quarters and distance shooting, though the illumination could be brighter for daylight use.

During twilight testing, I could consistently identify man-sized targets at 300 yards approximately 30 minutes after sunset. The scope handles harsh lighting conditions well, showing minimal glare and maintaining good contrast even when shooting toward the sun. I experienced no internal fogging issues, even during early morning hunting sessions with significant temperature changes.

Magnification Range & Parallax

The 1-6x magnification range hits the sweet spot for a general-purpose LPVO. At 1x, the scope provides true both-eyes-open shooting with minimal parallax effect, making it excellent for close-quarters engagements. The clarity and minimal distortion at 1x particularly impressed me during rapid target transitions.

The fixed parallax is set at 100 yards, which works well for most applications. I noticed minimal parallax effect even when shooting from unconventional positions or during rapid head movements. The magnification ring offers smooth adjustment through the range, though I would appreciate slightly more resistance to prevent unintended changes during dynamic movement.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

The 3.3-3.5 inches of eye relief proved consistently comfortable across the magnification range. At 1x, the eye box is notably forgiving, allowing for quick target acquisition even from awkward positions. This forgiving nature was particularly beneficial during competition stages where perfect cheek weld wasn’t always possible.

At 6x, the eye box becomes more critical, though still manageable for precision shooting. I found the sweet spot to be around 3.4 inches, which provided the best balance of clarity and comfort. The generous eye box at lower magnifications makes this scope particularly well-suited for carbine training and competition use.

Turret System & Tracking

The capped turrets provide positive, tactile clicks at 1/2 MOA intervals. Through multiple tracking tests, I observed only 0.3 MOA of deviation across 15 MOA of adjustment – impressive performance for an optic in this class. The return-to-zero functionality worked flawlessly, though the caps require careful threading to maintain proper seal.

The illumination dial offers 11 brightness settings, with intermediate off positions between each level. While the highest settings aren’t quite daylight bright, they proved adequate for most shooting conditions. Battery life exceeded expectations, with no replacement needed during the six-month testing period.

Build Quality

The 30mm main tube construction demonstrates robust build quality with clean machining and consistent anodizing. Throughout six months of testing, including two dropped rifles during competition, the scope maintained zero and showed no internal issues. The weatherproofing proved effective during several rainy range sessions and a particularly humid training weekend.

The nitrogen-purged tube has remained fog-free throughout testing, even during early morning hunting sessions with significant temperature swings. The anodized finish has held up well to regular use, showing only minor wear marks at the mounting points. All moving parts continue to operate smoothly, with no degradation in turret click feel or magnification ring function.

Mounting & Accessories

From my experience, these items proved essential with this scope:

• Quality 30mm mount (I recommend Primary Arms Deluxe AR mount)
• Anti-cant device for precise leveling
• Throw lever for quick magnification changes
• Butler Creek flip caps for lens protection

Performance Scores

Category	Score	Notes
Optical Quality	23/30	Excellent 1x performance, good glass clarity
Durability	21/25	Solid construction, proven reliability
Usability	17/20	Intuitive reticle, good eye box
Value	13/15	Excellent performance for price
Features	9/10	Well-thought-out feature set
Total Score	83/100	Strong performer in its class

See how I test and rate scopes. Learn more

Advantages:

• Excellent true 1x performance with minimal distortion
• Durable construction with proven track record
• ACSS reticle system is intuitive and practical
• Consistent tracking and reliable zero retention

Drawbacks:

• Illumination could be brighter for daylight use
• Edge clarity degrades at 6x magnification
• Slightly heavier than some competitors
• Limited elevation adjustment range

How It Compares Against Similar Optics

Model Comparison	Magnification	Optical Quality	Build Quality	Tracking	Value	Overall Rating
Primary Arms SLx	1-6×24	Very Good	Very Good	Very Good	Excellent	83/100
Vortex Strike Eagle	1-6×24	Good	Good	Good	Good	75/100
Burris RT-6	1-6×24	Very Good	Very Good	Good	Very Good	80/100
Swampfox Arrowhead	1-6×24	Good	Good	Fair	Good	72/100

The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 offers similar features but falls short in optical clarity, particularly at higher magnifications. While it’s a reliable option with good warranty support, the eye box is more restrictive and the glass quality doesn’t quite match the SLx. The Strike Eagle’s reticle, while functional, lacks the intuitive ranging features of the ACSS system.

The Burris RT-6 comes closest to matching the SLx’s performance, with excellent glass quality and robust construction. Its simple reticle design might appeal to some users, but it lacks the versatility of the ACSS system. The RT-6’s turret system, while reliable, doesn’t track quite as precisely as the SLx in my testing.

The Swampfox Arrowhead represents a newer entry in this category, offering modern features at a competitive price point. However, its optical clarity and tracking consistency don’t quite meet the standards set by the SLx. While it’s a viable option for casual shooters, those seeking better performance should look to the Primary Arms or Burris offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the ACSS reticle perform in low light?

The ACSS reticle remains visible in low light conditions, though the illumination isn’t daylight bright. The etched reticle ensures functionality even without illumination.

Is this scope suitable for competition use?

Yes, it’s particularly well-suited for 3-gun and tactical competitions. The quick 1x performance and reliable tracking make it a solid choice for competition shooters.

How does it compare to more expensive LPVOs?

While premium LPVOs offer better glass quality and brighter illumination, the SLX 1-6×24 delivers 80% of the performance at roughly one-third the price.

What’s the battery life like with the illumination?

Using a CR2032 battery, I’ve experienced approximately 2,500 hours at medium settings. The intermediate off positions help conserve battery life during regular use.

Can it handle the recoil of larger calibers?

While primarily tested on 5.56 NATO, I’ve also mounted it on a .308 Winchester with no issues. The scope maintains zero and tracking consistency even with heavier recoiling cartridges.

Final Words

After six months of intensive testing with the Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24, I’ve found it to be an impressive performer that punches above its weight class. While it may not match the optical clarity of high-end LPVOs costing three times as much, it delivers where it counts – reliability, usability, and practical accuracy.

The scope’s strengths in durability, tracking consistency, and practical features make it a compelling choice for both recreational shooters and competition enthusiasts. While the illumination brightness and edge clarity at 6x could be improved, the scope’s overall performance and value proposition easily overshadow these minor drawbacks.