Hunting First Look: Primary Arms SLx HUNTER Scopes David Lane July 5, 2022 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More NEW INEXPENSIVE HUNTING OPTICS FROM PRIMARY ARMS, ARE THERE ANY INNOVATIONS?Primary Arms has carved out a niche for itself with well-priced optics for the tactical and competitive market with great feature sets.From innovative reticles to shockingly low prices and incredible glass quality, Primary Arms is often one of the first recommendations given to new shooters.Looking for more ways to make money, Primary Arms is launching an SLx HUNTER line of optics! All models feature a 1” main tube, second focal plane, MOA turrets, and illuminated duplex reticles. Magnification ranges are 3-9x available now and 4-12x coming soon. Both magnification ranges are available with 40mm or 50mm objective lenses.The 40mm models are slightly lighter weight, but with slightly smaller exit pupils and less light gathering.Weights range from 15.3 ounces to 18.5 ounces, perfect for long hikes and stalks. MSRP is between $200 for the 3-9x40mm and $260 for the 4-12x50mm.The big question on our minds is: how are these different from other options on the market? Right now, it’s hard to see anything that stands out.Leupold, Bushnell, Vortex, and SIG Sauer all have scopes that are basically identical in specs to the SLx HUNTER line and are basically the same in MSRP also. For a brand known for taking big swings at improving functionality, it doesn’t look like Primary Arms has done that with this new hunting line of scopes. The only thing different in the spec sheets that stood out to me is that the Primary Arms SLx HUNTER series all come with 80 MOA of adjustment in both elevation and windage, this is significantly higher than normal but ultimately unlikely to make a difference.3-9x40mm and 3-9x50mm SLx HUNTER scopes are available now and the 4-12x40mm and 4-12x50mm models are open for pre-order with delivery expected in late July. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.