Main Arms has not stopped of their quest to cowl the entire optical bases, after which some. I jumped on the alternative to check out their latest addition of their GLx 3-18x44mm scope since I’ve a private affinity in direction of rifle scopes that begin their magnification vary on the decrease finish. That method the rifle I’ve connected it to is usually a do-it-all gun in comparison with these mounted with no magnification optics and optics that begin on the 5th or 6th energy. Main Arms’ new GLx 3-18x appears to tick a variety of packing containers in the case of options, so let’s dive in.
Main Arms @ AO & TFB
PRIMARY ARMS GLX 3-18X44MM SCOPE REVIEW
I’ve mounted numerous Main Arms’ rifle scopes over time, so I wasn’t shocked to search out that the GLx 3-18x44mm was simply as solidly constructed as I had come to anticipate. This mannequin is sort of sturdy although, because it contains a 34mm predominant tube, which signifies that it ought to have extra elevation adjustment vary. The elevation and windage turrets add to the sturdy development as they’re fairly pronounced in measurement and with the aggressive knurling. Additionally they function locking turrets that may be launched by miserable the button on the turret cap for fast changes. Extra on zeroing in a bit.
The reticle illumination dial has 10 brightness settings with “off” breaks between every quantity. I at all times like that function to be able to go away the dial within the off place close to your mostly used brightness setting, or go away it off between 1 and 10 to have the extremes coated. The parallax adjustment knob is to the within of the brightness dial and adjusts from 10 to 1000 yards, then to Infinity.
I discovered the selection of the 44mm goal lens fascinating in comparison with the extra widespread 50mm, so I requested Main Arms about it. They mentioned that they designed it that method for some further weight financial savings, and to have the ability to mount it nearer to the bore (for bolt actions). The one piece PLx 34mm mount is solidly engineered and retains the normal top over bore for semi-auto rifles. For this overview, I paired the PA GLx 3-18x44mm scope to a Bear Creek Arsenal BC-15 Aspect Charger higher AR-15 receiver with a 20 inch, chilly hammer cast barrel, which is a brand new providing for them. Examine TheFirearmBlog.com for my overview on that.
Options:
- 3-18x Magnification
- 44mm goal
- 3.5″ of eye reduction
- 34mm predominant tube
- 180 MOA Elevation adjustment
- Excessive energy one-piece 6061-T6 aluminum physique
- Compact design is 13.66″ lengthy and weighs simply 29.6 Oz
- Premium grade glass
- Patented turret mechanisms
- Metal-on-Metal precision changes
- Tactile and audible 1/10 MIL click on worth
- Locking turrets defend your zero
- Built-in return-to-zero
- AutoLive illuminated reticle
- Elevation Rotation Indicators
- Dovetail Magnification Levers (UML appropriate)
- First Focal Airplane ACSS Athena BPR MIL reticle
Battery Kind CR2032 3V Lithium Coin
Model Main Arms
Click on Worth 0.1 Mil
Shade Black
Exit Pupil Diameter Low: 9.3 mm / Excessive: 2.4 mm
Eye Reduction 3.50 in
Discipline View 100 Low: 36.70 ft / Excessive: 6.10 ft
Focal Airplane First Focal Airplane
Illuminated Illuminated
Size 13.66 in
Magnification 3X – 18X
Mount Compatibility 34mm
Goal Diameter 44mm
Optic Collection GLx
Reticle ACSS ATHENA BPR MIL
Reticle Shade Purple
Reticle Kind MRAD
Complete Elevation Adjustment 180 MOA
Complete Windage Adjustment 120 MOA
Tube Diameter 34mm
Turret Options Uncovered Turrets, Tactical / Goal Profile, Finger Adjustable, Locking, Zero Reset
Weight 29.6 Oz
ZEROING PROCESS
The GLx 3-18x44mm rifle scope is about to the optical zero by the manufacturing facility, however after all, you’ll want to discover the zero to that of your rifle’s level of influence (POI). As a result of the GLx 3-18x makes use of elevation and windage turrets that lock at every rotation, there’s a bit extra happening contained in the turret than most rifle scopes. There are detailed directions within the supplied guide, however in a nutshell, there’s an opportunity you could have to take the turret caps off and loosen the locking ring to make the complete adjustment to get your zero set. I used to be inside a click on or two of getting to go that far myself.
This actually shouldn’t be a deal breaker, however simply know that there could also be an additional step or two in comparison with different scopes’ zeroing course of. Should you can comply with directions and switch an allen wrench, you’ll be nice. Should you’re a shooter that has your gunsmith zero your rifle for you, simply convey the instruction booklet for them to comply with.
RETICLE & RANGING
The ACSS Athena BPR Mil reticle constructed into the Main Arms GLx 3-18x44mm scope includes the usual crosshair, in addition to a MRAD and Christmas tree model aiming factors beneath the crosshair. I personally choose this model, however I do know it’s not everybody’s cup of tea. A chief grievance I hear from those that don’t just like the Christmas tree reticles is that they’re distracting. Whereas I can’t argue what is or isn’t distracting to others, this model of aiming references isn’t simply there for wanting cool… or tacticool. It’s merely an help for eyeing fast photographs utilizing your recognized knowledge, slightly than utilizing each turrets by dialing to your ballistic knowledge.
The Ranging Ladder within the higher proper quadrant of the ACSS Athena BPR reticle is about for ranging 5 foot, 10 inch tall targets, and every step of the ladder represents 18 inch widths on the indicated ranges. The guide states to put the bottom of the goal on the correct crosshair line, after which estimate the scale by lining up the highest of the goal to the closest corresponding ranging line. The closest ranging line begins with “4” for 400 yards, going as much as 1000 yards in increments of 100.
Because the Christmas tree is designed with MIL radians, you too can vary your targets utilizing the decrease half of the reticle as nicely through the use of a components to transform the measurement to the variety of yards.
- INCHES x 27.8 ÷ MILS = RANGE IN YARDS
- CM x 10 ÷ MILS = RANGE IN METERS
I discovered that illuminated reticle of the GLx 3-18x was fairly useful towards darkish or extremely shadowed backdrops. Usually, the unlit reticle works nice on paper targets, however earlier than I mounted it the rifle, I glassed varied woodland and concrete scenes, and the illumination helped deal in differentiating the reticle from my “targets” even throughout the day.
RANGE TIME
The Main Arms GLx 3-18x44mm rifle scope carried out nice throughout my time with it. As is typical with most scopes, the 18 energy setting had a fairly tiny eyebox, but it surely nonetheless appeared extra usable than different fashions I’ve reviewed. I used to be typically taking pictures 1 to 1.5 MOA teams, which I attribute extra to the rifle, and me doing my half, however the scope helped me get there. Only for enjoyable, I performed a brief sport of Battleship at 100 yards and practically sunk a cruiser and an plane provider with my final teams on a few vary journeys.
Within the photograph above, you too can see my turret monitoring check on the quantity 3 pool ball. I had shot a 3 spherical group to examine my zero, made some changes as seen on the 6 ball, then dialed in for my 500 yard goal. Afterward, I dialed again down however didn’t make it far sufficient which led to the high-left hit above the three ball. I corrected to my precise prior zero and shot simply outdoors the inside circle.
Under, you’ll be able to see my outcomes at 500 yards. The photographs highlighted in blue was my first 5 spherical group, whereas the photographs highlighted in pink was my group after correcting my knowledge. I should have miscounted throughout my final 5 although since I solely had 4 photographs current after I checked my goal. I may even say that it appeared hilariously cartoonish to have all of my rounds simply lacking throughout the pinnacle.
Throughout one vary session, I occurred to be zoned into the scope on my goal at 200 yards, when a deer walked proper in entrance of my goal. My finger was on the set off prepping for my subsequent shot. Nonetheless, I instantly let off the set off, which meant that he acquired to dwell, and I didn’t should make an ungainly name to the native DNR officer. The next photograph was taken after I cleared the gun.
Main Arms’ GLx throw lever made altering magnifications fast and straightforward. The magnification ring is a bit stiff, so it helped to have a little bit of leverage on it. The lever can be detachable although if you happen to choose sleeker optics.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The GLx 3-18x44mm FFP with the illuminated MIL reticle was a deal with to shoot with. My solely grievance is that the turrets could should be fiddled with greater than different scopes throughout zeroing, however each different facet labored nice, internally and externally. The glass was crisp and the reticle and ranging choices provides loads of redundancy within the area. I actually just like the practicality of the 3-18x magnification from close to to mid-range goal taking pictures, looking, competitors, and designated marksman factors of view, which covers fairly a bunch of sensible taking pictures. The GLx 3-18x44mm scope is listed at $749.99, which you could find HERE for more information or ordering. You can even go to PrimaryArms.com to see the wide range of different scopes and merchandise they provide.
I requested Main Arms about why they went with the 44mm goal lens over the extra widespread 50mm lens. They mentioned that it was to maintain the load of the optic down, and to provide bolt motion shooters the power to mount the scope decrease to the bore. The mount I examined didn’t set decrease on my AR-15, however that definitely dind’t hinder my potential with it. What do you concentrate on the Main Arms GLx 3-18x44mm rifle scope? Should you’ve already been utilizing one, how has your expertise been?
