Primary Arms introduced its HTX-1 micro red-dot sight (MRDS). The new pistol optic features a closed emitter for superior reliability and performance, a choice of reticles and plates to mount with about 90 percent of the optics-ready handguns on the market. Everything you need to get going (including the plates) comes in the waterproof hard case, and in our—albeit limited, as the product is brand-spanking new—testing, the HTX-1 performed flawlessly.
But, the most exciting aspect of the HTX-1 is the fact that it is 100-percent made-in-the-USA. That’s right, every part is sourced from American manufacturers and the sight is assembled by Primary Arms Optics at its Houston, TX, facility. By now, you have probably figured out that the HTX in HTX-1 means Houston, TX, which is fitting for this rare feat—there are only a couple of other MRDS optics that are 100-percent American made, and none that feature the unique combination of adaptability to as many pistols along with the Primary Arms ACSS Vulcan Dot reticle.
That reticle is also pretty exciting. It features a large, hashmarked circle that takes up nearly the entire viewing window, combined with a 4-MOA red dot in the center. The circle provides a quick reference at close range and also assists with finding the dot when bringing the handgun up to the firing position (if you find the ACSS circle distracting, it can be shut off while leaving the center dot on). In my testing, the system worked extremely well for both purposes.
That said, on the standard Glock G17 MOS I used, the HTX-1 perfectly co-witnessed with the factory (standard-height) sights, making finding the dot as simple as finding the iron sights. Primary Arms says the unique design of the HTX-1—which lets the optic mount low in the slide cutout—allows it to co-witness with the vast majority of pistols on the market with standard-height sights.
Powered by a single CR2032 battery accessible without removing the sight from the slide, the HTX-1 also features an auto-on/auto-off system activated by slight movement of the optic. This preserves battery life (estimated to be more than one year of constant on—which it won’t be since it automatically shuts off when still for an extended period).
With the HTX-1, Primary Arms is providing shooters with an American-made pistol optic that can mount on virtually any handgun, offers outstanding durability, sports a useful and innovative reticle and allows for co-witnessing with iron sights. What’s not to like?
Primary Arms HTX-1 MRDS Specifications:
- Manufacturer: Primary Arms; primaryarms.com
- Magnification: 1X
- Viewing Window Dimensions: 19.5×15.2mm
- Reticle: ACSS Vulcan Dot; 4-MOA dot
- Accessories: CR2032 battery, waterproof hard case, mounting plates for RMR A, RMR B, Glock MOS and SIG Sauer M17-pattern systems, manual
- MSRP: $699.99 (dot only); $749.99 (ACSS Vulcan Dot)
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