Rex Reviews The Primary Arms 1-8x24mm FFP Platinum ACSS Griffin
BY Herschel Smith
3 years, 10 months ago
He likes it, and claims he knows a number of active duty folks who do too.
For me, this scope seems expensive compared to some other ones that can be had for less cost (like the Arken Optics models now). Also, while I’m sure this scope is worthy, I find myself more interested in their 5X prism optic. Readers can weigh in on the prism optic if you have any experience with it.
On January 28, 2021 at 12:40 am, Georgiaboy61 said:
The real game-changer in the Primary Arms line-up is the patented ACSS reticle.
Trijicon, which has for years had a virtual lock on mil.gov contracts for small arms optical sights, finally gave in and licensed a version of the ACSS for use in their ACOG line. Why? Because they had nothing in-house or otherwise available to them that worked as well.
Having worked in the retail FA/accessories industry, I know the products pretty well, and it isn’t just Trijicon, but U.S. Optics, Leupold, Nightforce, Swarovski, Zeiss, and a whole host of other high-end companies who have nothing to compare to the ACSS.
Dmitri M. at PA, the designer of the ACSS and many of their optics and scopes, has a You Tube channel (for the time being anyway), and interested readers are directed there. In brief, the ACSS contains features which mitigate the most-common reasons for missing medium-to-long range shots in the 300-800 yard range envelope. Namely, wind and improper range determination.
The budget-priced line of ACSS optics, which retail in the $200-350 range, are mostly second focal plane, meaning that the reticle features are only “true” at the highest magnification. However, in the first focal plane optics such as the one reviewed here by Rex, the reticle remains true across the entire magnification range of the optic.
Perhaps the only drawback of the ACSS series for use as a general purpose optic is that they are designed around specific calibers and cartridges. Typically, either 5.56/.223 and .308/7.62 NATO (and 5.45x39R), or 7.62×39/300 Blackout.
Another selling point in favor of Primary Arms is that Dmitri and his staff have done a great job wringing out every last capability from their optics. Detailed instructions are provided for sighting in different bullet types, weights and calibers, as well as how to account for varying altitude during set-up and use. Primary Arms discloses their reticle drop (elevation) values, unlike some other firms, in case users have specific hand-loads or other needs not covered by the instructions. And time-permitting, Dmitri even does custom work for his clients at no additional charge.
ACSS optics are meant to be used mostly from the reticle, meaning that it is expected that users will use the reticle for elevation/windage adjustments or corrections instead of dialing them in all the time, once initial zeroing-in is done.
If there is a weakness in their budget line of optics, it is that their adjustment values – 0.1 mil or 1/4 moa or whatever – are not always repeatable.
The company has worked on the problem hard, though, and newer products show a great deal of improvement in this area. And their premium and mid-market lines are excellent and compare well with their competition.
Primary Arms has garnered a great deal of market share from competitors caught somewhat flat-footed by their game-breaking ACSS technology, and some have belatedly answered with improved products of their own, such as Vortex Optics improved Strike Eagle line of scopes, with their AR-BDC3 reticle.
Bear in mind that the ACSS is designed as a BDC (bullet-drop compensation) reticle, with all that implies. It’s design goal, one which it fulfills very well, is to remove as much math from medium-long range shooting as possible. However, it is not a dedicated target or other high-precision design suitable for bench-rest competition or the like. That’s not what the ACSS line is designed to do.
Herschel, far as the 5×36 prism optic is concerned, they’re good pieces of kit – very well built – but a bit on the heavy side, so be forewarned if you are expecting something as light as an ACOG.
And in closing, PA stand behind their products 100% and will repair/replace anything defective.
On January 28, 2021 at 7:54 am, George said:
Buy once, cry once is good advice when it comes to optics.
On January 28, 2021 at 8:09 am, ragman said:
Captain: I have the 5X Prism in a LaRue mount. I have never used it because the reticle is a bit too small for my tired old eyes. E-mail me if you want to talk about making a deal for the optic.
On January 28, 2021 at 10:28 pm, Jonah said:
This has my attention.
I have the Vortex Viper 1-6 on my 5.56 and am more than satisfied with it.
The price for the PA is attractive.
Thanks for sharing the video.
On January 29, 2021 at 11:50 am, Brad said:
I just put the 3X on a Blackout gun. I’ve only run about 100 rounds behind it, but I like it better than an ACOG. I’ve got an ACOG on a 556 gun. The Primary Arms product sit a little higher, and the big opening at the rear seems to provide for faster target acquisition. It is heavy. 12 oz. But so far I’m really impressed. Plus it’s about 1/4 the price of an ACOG.
On February 1, 2021 at 10:22 am, Sanders said:
I put their “cheaper” 1-8 ACSS on an FAL with a DSA dust cover scope mount. After zeroing at 100 yards, I was hitting a gong at 775 yards using the reticle holdover for just below 800, standing, using the spare tire on my SUV as a rest.