by
pittbulltrader,
Verified Owner
from FL, United States
Written on August 31, 2023
This is my 3rd PA scope,(two 1-8 and one 1-6), so obviously I think that PA makes good value scopes for the $$. I also have 2 Swampfox Arrowhead (one each, 1-8 and 1-6) and 1 Steiner 1-4, so I have several brands and powers to refer to. The PA have very good glass, Swampfox are a very close second, but the big difference is the reticle. PA makes the best ACSS style reticle on the market, bar none. With the accessory throw lever moving the power to your need is quick and smooth, although it is an additional cost where with Swampfox it's included with the initial purchase of the scope, not a deal breaker but something to consider. All of these were under $500 and so far I feel that the PA 1-8 is a great value for the money. To get anything appreciably better you'll need to spend about 3X's the money!
Pros:
- value, clarity of glass, excellent reticle
Would recommend: Yes
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by
Pocono Tactical,
Verified Owner
from PA, United States
Written on August 12, 2022
I have compared a few variable Scopes side by side and I think the primary arms 1 to 8 is the best value and also ranks pretty high overall even against the best scopes.
The thing that makes it stand out is the acss reticle. It is ideal for CQB situations where your battery is dead and you have to just use the etched reticle. The Horseshoe is small enough and thick enough that you can see it without illumination. Some of the other horseshoes that I tried out were too big and too thin to be able to use reliably for aiming with just the etched reticle in CQB and low light conditions.
At distance or with the illumination, they all come in about the same.
I do not like first focal plane because the Horseshoe shrinks to the size of a tiny Dot and you can not use it for fast aiming. The second focal plane of this scope is better for most uses.
Pros:
- SFP thick dark horseshoe for CQB
Cons:
- battery runs out if you forget to turn it off
- no off setting between brightness levels
- does not come with a mount
Best Used for:
- AR-15 with mix of shooting from 50 yards to 600 yd
Would recommend: Yes
1 of 1 found the following review helpful.
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by
me,
Verified Owner
from AZ, United States
Written on November 20, 2020
The ACSS Reticle is my favorite reticle for a rifle sight. The 1-8 illuminates less than in the 1-6. But I don't think you'd be shooting to 600 or 800 yards if you needed to illuminate the reticle. I think I like the 1-8 just a tiny bit more. I do wish they would include a throw lever instead of having to pay another $30. I think there are others that include a throw lever that just screws in, that would be great. A LPVO (Low Power Variable Optic) is on the heavy side when you compare to a red dot and it adds to the already heavy Desert Tech MDRX. With a loaded mag, 12+ lbs! Still love the set up.
Pros:
- easy to use
- Clear
- Awesome reticle
Cons:
- Does not include throw lever
Would recommend: Yes
6 of 6 found the following review helpful.
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by
RayBan,
Verified Owner
from DE, United States
Written on October 11, 2020
Awesome scope for an all around AR15 close and mid range applications. Awesome reticle. That’s the main reason to get this scope for the awesomeness of the reticle. Pretty light if you compare a red dot and a magnifier to it.
Pros:
- Reticle, smooth magnification movements.
Cons:
- 8th level magnification is a little blurry.
Best Used for:
- Close to mid range applications
- Close to mid range engagement awesome scope!
Would recommend: Yes
7 of 7 found the following review helpful.
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Bobby Silva,
Verified Owner
from MA, United States
Written on September 29, 2020
Great scope for the money. The glass is clear and the reticle is by far one of the best reticles you can have when it comes to not putting a lot of thought into you shots. The price for this optic is fair, only down side to this optic is that it is made in China and when you are shooitng in the dark the reticle light can make the inside of the scope turn red but paired with an offset red dot or shooting with reticle brightness turned down it's not a problem.
Would recommend: Yes
2 of 3 found the following review helpful.
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by
J,
from IN, United States
Written on April 15, 2020
1. It is Chinese glass, not Japanese. But decent for a Chinese scope, and price. 2. It was easy to mount. Easy to dial in. And holds zero w/o problem. 3. I love the reticle! Superior to other brands. 4. I do have to send the scope back for replacement as cracking and crazing developed around the chevron and inside of the circle of the reticle. They only disappointing aspect encountered.
Would recommend: Yes
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by
Grégory,
Verified Owner
from ÃŽle de France, France
Written on December 30, 2019
Superb glass, it seems a very well finish riflescope! Good delivery accross the sea. Happy that some items can be deliver in France, because there is too few choices for sporting shooters. I will strongly recommand Optics Planet.
Would recommend: Yes
3 of 4 found the following review helpful.
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by
Al,
from TX, United States
Written on December 21, 2019
I bought this for my new 350 Legend after my son showed me his. I usually stick with Leupold but thought I would take a chance. It works great! I actually bought two. I use this rifle for Hogs and Coyotes. Clear picture and I really like the reticle. Easy to adjust for distance.
Pros:
- Price, Sight Picture, Glass, Well Made, Etc...
Would recommend: Yes
4 of 4 found the following review helpful.
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by
John,
from CA, United States
Written on April 7, 2019
After a couple trips to the range, this is my opinion. Construction seems very sturdy and mechanically sound. Glass is clear at all magnifications. Reticle is very useful and so far the BDC and ranging marks all seem very accurate. The only draw back for me, is the change in eye releif from 1x to 8x. While it is normal for most variable optics to have a change, this scope seems to be more pronounced. On my next trip I'll try to measure the difference, and edit this review. All in all a very good optic at a good price.
Pros:
- clear glass
- solid construction
- ACSS Reticle
Would recommend: Yes
9 of 9 found the following review helpful.
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by
Jerry,
Verified Owner
from OR, United States
Written on March 31, 2019
I bought the 1-8 the same time as the 1-6 as a couple of cheaper optics to put on my less used guns. was extremely satisfied with the 1-6, exceeded my expectations. the 1-8 is terrible in comparison. the eye box even at low variable is so small you have to be perfectly distanced behind it and the glass is horrible. I know a lot of 1-8s get a little blurry in the 7-8 range but this is the worst I've seen. save $100 and buy the much nicer 1-6.
Would recommend: No
22 of 23 found the following review helpful.
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