What Makes Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens Stand Out?
The Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens aims to be a compact, durable, and budget-friendly optic. Marketed as a part of Primary Arms’s SLx line, known for balancing innovation, reliability, and value, this red dot is designed to be a versatile option for a wide range of firearms. It boasts features like AUTOLIVE motion activation, a high-powered emitter for daylight brightness, night vision compatibility, and a 50,000-hour battery life, making it a compelling option in a crowded market.
I was looking for a reliable red dot that wouldn’t break the bank for my AR-15 pistol build. I needed something rugged enough for occasional range trips and potentially home defense, with a clear sight picture and decent battery life.
Upon unboxing, my first thought was how surprisingly compact the Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens is. The aggressively styled body felt solid, and the low-profile turrets are a welcome design choice.
I was considering the Sig Sauer Romeo5 and the Holosun HS403B as alternatives. The Romeo5 is a proven performer, and the Holosun offers similar features at a slightly higher price point. Ultimately, I chose the Primary Arms SLx MD-20 because I was intrigued by its combination of features and the reputation of Primary Arms for quality control.
My initial excitement was tempered by a bit of skepticism, given the price point. However, the solid feel and impressive feature list definitely sparked my curiosity.
Real-World Testing: Putting Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was sunny with a slight breeze, providing ideal conditions for evaluating its daylight brightness. I mounted it on my AR-15 pistol and zeroed it at 50 yards.
The red dot was easily visible even under the bright sunlight, and the adjustments were crisp and tactile. The AUTOLIVE feature worked flawlessly, instantly activating the dot with the slightest movement. I experienced no issues with target acquisition.
There were no significant issues, but I did notice a slight learning curve with the push-button controls. They are ambidextrous, which is a plus, but it took a little practice to navigate the brightness settings efficiently.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple range trips and a couple of weekend camping excursions, the Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens has held up remarkably well. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear, and the finish still looks new.
The optic has proven to be quite durable. I’ve subjected it to some minor bumps and scrapes during handling, and it has maintained its zero without any issues. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a microfiber cloth is all it takes.
Compared to other budget red dots I’ve used in the past, the Primary Arms SLx MD-20 outperforms them in terms of brightness, clarity, and overall build quality. It has exceeded my initial expectations, especially considering its price point.
Breaking Down the Features of Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens
Specifications
- Lens Size: 1x20mm. This provides a good balance between field of view and overall size, making it suitable for a wide variety of applications.
- Dot Size: 2 MOA. This offers a precise aiming point without obscuring too much of the target.
- Battery Life: 50,000 Hours. This is a huge selling point, allowing for years of use on a single CR2032 battery.
- Weight: 3.8 oz (with battery). This is incredibly lightweight and won’t add significant bulk to your firearm.
- Mount: Industry Standard Micro Mount. This allows for compatibility with a wide range of aftermarket mounts, increasing its versatility.
- Illumination Settings: 11 (Daylight Bright to Night Vision Compatible). These settings offer excellent versatility for various lighting conditions.
- AUTOLIVE Motion Activation. This feature extends battery life by turning off the optic when not in use and instantly activating it upon movement.
- Waterproof: To 6ft (with turret caps on). Provides adequate protection against rain and other environmental factors.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the user experience. The Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens is designed to be lightweight, durable, and easy to use in a variety of conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens performs its job admirably. The 2 MOA dot is crisp and clear, and the 11 brightness settings allow for optimal visibility in various lighting conditions.
The strengths of the Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens are its brightness, clarity, battery life, and AUTOLIVE feature. A potential weakness might be the push-button controls, which, while functional, could be more intuitive. The lens caps are flimsy and easily lost.
Overall, the Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens meets and even exceeds expectations for a red dot in its price range. It provides excellent value for the money.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens is impressive. The housing feels solid and durable, and the optic is surprisingly lightweight.
The Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens is generally user-friendly, but the push-button controls require some familiarization. The low-profile turrets are a thoughtful design choice, minimizing the risk of snagging.
Durability & Maintenance
The Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens seems built to last. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintaining the Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens is simple; just wipe down the lens and housing with a clean cloth as needed. The battery is easily replaceable.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens comes with a bikini lens cover and a CR2032 battery. Since it uses an industry-standard micro mount, there are numerous aftermarket mounts available, allowing you to customize the height and position of the optic.
The Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens is compatible with a wide variety of micro mounts from brands like American Defense Manufacturing, Scalarworks, and Midwest Industries, expanding its customization potential. This allows users to tailor the setup to their specific needs and preferences.
Pros and Cons of Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens
Pros
- Excellent Battery Life (50,000 hours). This is a huge advantage, minimizing the need for frequent battery changes.
- AUTOLIVE Motion Activation. This extends battery life and ensures the optic is always ready when needed.
- Daylight Bright Illumination. The high-powered emitter ensures the dot is visible even in bright sunlight.
- Durable and Lightweight Design. The solid construction and low weight make it ideal for various firearms.
- Affordable Price. The Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens offers excellent value for the money.
Cons
- Push-Button Controls: The push-button controls could be more intuitive and easier to use, particularly in high-stress situations.
- Lens Caps: The included bikini lens cover feels flimsy and is easily lost, which could compromise lens protection.
Who Should Buy Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens?
The Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens is perfect for: Budget-conscious shooters, AR-15 pistol owners, home defense enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a reliable and durable red dot sight without breaking the bank.
Who should skip this product? Shooters who demand the absolute best in optical clarity and ruggedness, and are willing to pay a premium for it, might want to consider higher-end options.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality aftermarket micro mount to achieve the desired cowitness and a more robust lens cover for added protection.
Conclusion on Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens
The Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens is an impressive optic that delivers exceptional value. It combines a durable design, long battery life, and daylight-bright illumination in a compact and affordable package.
The price is definitely justified given the features and performance of the Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens. It offers comparable performance to more expensive red dots at a fraction of the cost.
I would definitely recommend the Primary Arms SLx Series Red Dot Sight 1x20mm Lens to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable red dot sight. It’s a fantastic option for upgrading your firearm without emptying your wallet. Consider adding this rugged and reliable optic to your setup and experience the difference a quality red dot can make!