Hey guys looking for some realistic input on the Primary Arms 3-18x50 Silver series with the Athena-bpr-mil reticle. I realize this is not a $1K scope. My question is for the price point and the reticle option.. is it decent for its price point? I really like the christmas tree style. as far as quality, how is the clarity of the glass and any distortion at the x18 magnification? would I be better off saving a little more and going after a Athlon Midas Tac 6-24x50 or a vortex viper pst gen 2 used? I can get the PA for $450.. I'll be punching paper and ringing steel with a .308 out to 300 yards.. possible 500 depending on how i set up on a buddy's farm. I'm not doing any competition shooting but would like to eventually. my though is for right now buy the PA and use the difference in ammo... get better at shooting and then upgrade to a better scope... thoughts? am I crazy looking at the PA scopes?
Rifle Scopes opinions on the Primary Arms 3-18x50 Silver series of scopes
- Thread starter CCRBUM
- Start date
No, you're not crazy. The lower tier PA scopes aren't the greatest optics but they seem to give decent performance for the price. I've never handled or looked through their 3-18 so I can't give you an opinion based on first-hand knowledge. However, reading the specs the big thing that jumps out to me is the 14.5 mils of total elevation adjustment. Assuming a 100 yard zero and a zero MOA cant in your base, you will only have @ 7 mils of elevation remaining. A 20 MOA base will give you around 13 mils elevation, but put you at @ 15 clicks (give or take) from bottoming out with a 100 yard zero. None of that is a problem really if you simply intend to hold using the reticle grid instead of dialing, but it will limit your options somewhat.
If you can stretch your budget for it, the PST II 3-15x44 should be a much nicer scope that you can grow with as your skill develops. I've handled a couple of them and came away very impressed with their overall quality and feel. They've been on sale recently in the neighborhood of $750.00 from a few vendors and used examples turn up in the exchange here for similar prices.
If you can stretch your budget for it, the PST II 3-15x44 should be a much nicer scope that you can grow with as your skill develops. I've handled a couple of them and came away very impressed with their overall quality and feel. They've been on sale recently in the neighborhood of $750.00 from a few vendors and used examples turn up in the exchange here for similar prices.
The FFP SWFA 3-15x42’s are on sale at sample list (demos) in the $520 range, is definitely do that before the PA.
I gotcha. Well you can also get a Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44 or 6-24x50 for under $300 new. I have a 6-24x50 and can’t say anything bad about it.
They are FFP. The clarity is good for a scope in that price range; it’s not an ATACR or AMG though. Here’s a review from @koshkin :
The PA scopes I have had have been a good bang for the buck. I like their reticles for hunting and might get one of the 3-18’s or 2.5-10’s for a hunting 308. They have one reticle that’s fast up close and decent at mid ranges for fast shots. Have no idea how they dial.
If you could swing it the 3-15 vortex pst I would be better
I have had the Diamondback Tactical FFP 6-24x50 for a couple of months, and is a great scope for the price. There is one major flaw I have had that makes me not recommend it. When magnified between 20-24 the chromatic aberration in the scope makes it almost unusable. I don't know if I have a dud, but in the field it makes for a terrible experience. It looks fine in stores, but with brush, mirage and outdoor use it seems like the distortion is magnified in the scope (which is probably the case). Other then that it tracks very well and the reticle is very accurate. Also, some people complain about the turrets being mushy and off, but that has not been my experience. Maybe the 4-16x44 option would be better, but it is kinda annoying paying a little extra for the magnification and not getting your money's worth. Maybe you can learn from my mistakes. lol
I took the PA 3-18X Athena BPR MIL scope on a MK12 Mod 0 to a long range class this past weekend and was able to ring steel from 100-800 yards without any issues. The glass is crisp and clear for a $500 optic with a fantastic reticle to back it up.
good to hear the report! any problems with running it an the higher magnification?
but no christmas tree reticle. Scope HAS to be FFP and HAS to have christmas tree style reticle... and good glass lol
Vortex Viper PST GEN II FFP Rifle Scope | Cabela's
Vortex® manufactures the Viper® PST GEN II FFP Rifle Scope with advanced optical technologies, premium components, and state-of-the-art reticles to give you a tactical scope that performs well beyond
www.cabelas.com
not too bad! The viper is on the short list. Looking at different options. Main thing with the PA scope is looking at the budget minded scope and if it's solid enough and good enough glass. Down the road I'd like to upgrade to a Razor gen II 3-18 with the TREMOR3
yea for the price of a razor gen2 id save coin and get S&B and call it end game, cause S&B its really hard to go up from there.
mean time id go gen2 vortex if you NEED the xmas style reticle.. if not fx1000 all day long. for 450$ u cant beat it. FFP is only way to go imo Im not fan of sfp
mean time id go gen2 vortex if you NEED the xmas style reticle.. if not fx1000 all day long. for 450$ u cant beat it. FFP is only way to go imo Im not fan of sfp
