Primary Arms has built a reputation on identifying market gaps and filling them with high-value gear. The original SLx 4-16x was a community staple, but at over 14 inches long and nearly 26 ounces, it was a beast to carry. The new SLx Compact model represents a 30% reduction in footprint, effectively bridging the gap between a traditional LPVO and a full-sized precision optic.
The 4x Zoom Strategy
As we’ve discussed with other 2026 releases from GPO and Sightron, the industry is moving back toward the 4x zoom ratio. By opting for a 4-16x range rather than a more extreme 8x or 10x ratio, Primary Arms is able to maintain superior light transmission and edge-to-edge clarity in a much smaller scope body. This choice ensures a more forgiving eye box and a “true” image that doesn’t suffer from the distortion often found at the extreme ends of high-zoom optics.
Technical Specifications (Verified 2026)
Reticle Selection: Precision vs. Speed
Primary Arms is launching this compact powerhouse with three distinct flavors of their patented ACSS technology:
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ACSS Athena BPR MIL: A refined MIL-grid layout with an infinitely precise chevron tip, designed for those who want to hold for elevation and wind without touching a turret.
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ACSS DEKA G2: A cleaner, more traditional MIL-based crosshair featuring a 0.1 MIL center dot. Ideal for shooters who want a less cluttered view for target shooting.
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ACSS HUD DMR .308: The legendary BDC solution. It provides leads for moving targets and ranging out to 1,000 yards, optimized for .308 Win, 6.5 Grendel, and similar ballistics.
SlavGuns Take: The New Standard for MPVOs?
At just 10.1 inches long and 20.5 ounces, this scope is essentially the same size as many 1-6x LPVOs while offering nearly triple the top-end magnification. It’s a “cheat code” for anyone building a lightweight DMR or an agile hunting rig.
This scope is swinging directly for the “Budget King” crown. At $349.99, you are getting features that were previously locked behind a $700+ price wall—specifically a 10-yard parallax minimum (perfect for rimfire) and a class-leading 4.0 inches of eye relief. The simplicity of the 4x zoom system means the internals should be incredibly robust; we’ve seen high-zoom scopes in this price range struggle with “mushy” turrets, but we expect the SLx Compact to maintain that tactile Primary Arms click.
We’ll be at the Primary Arms booth during SHOT Show 2026 to put this glass through the “Vegas light test.” If the clarity matches their recent GLx and PLx releases, this is likely to become the most recommended “do-it-all” optic of the year.
Is 10.1 inches the perfect length for a mid-range optic? Let us know in the comments!
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