Key Takeaways
- →Two new scopes: Primary Arms announced the PLxC 2.5-20x48 and 4.5-36x56 first-focal-plane models on September 17, 2026.
- →Lower-power choice: The 2.5-20x48 measures 11.5 inches and opens at 2.5x, with a 46.7-foot field of view at 100 yards.
- →More reach: The 4.5-36x56 reaches 36x and has 120 MOA of elevation travel; it weighs 34.33 ounces.
- →Reticle choices: Athena is the 2.5-20x48 grid option, Neptune is the 4.5-36x56 grid option, and DEKA G2 is offered in both.
Two New Primary Arms PLxC Precision Scopes
Primary Arms has added two first-focal-plane scopes to its PLxC line: the 2.5-20x48 for a rifle that works across medium and long distances, and the 4.5-36x56 for deliberate shots on smaller, farther targets. Both use Japanese ED glass, illuminated ACSS reticles, and interchangeable Steel-on-Steel turret cartridges.
The choice starts at the low end of the zoom ring. The 2.5x setting gives the smaller scope a 46.7-foot view at 100 yards. The 4.5x scope shows 25.9 feet at the same distance, then offers 36x at the top for more detail from a steady position.
PLxC 2.5-20x48 vs 4.5-36x56 Specs
New PLxC scopes
2.5-20x48
4.5-36x56
- Magnification
- 2.5-20x
- 4.5-36x
- Objective
- 48mm
- 56mm
- Length
- 11.5 in
- 14.49 in
- Weight
- 30.05 oz
- 34.33 oz
- Low-power view
- 46.7 ft
- 25.9 ft
- Elevation travel
- 100 MOA
- 120 MOA
PLxC 2.5-20x48: The Broader-Use Scope
The PLxC 2.5-20x48 is the better fit when one rifle must find nearer targets and still support precise shots at distance. Its 2.5x setting provides nearly twice the low-power field of view of the 4.5-36x56. At 20x, it still offers enough magnification to inspect a small target from a supported position.
This model is 11.5 inches long and weighs 30.05 ounces. That is a meaningful load on a rifle carried far from the bench. Themedium-power scope guide explains where a lighter scope makes more sense. Here, the extra weight buys a 20x ceiling and a larger 48mm objective.
Primary Arms PLxC 2.5-20x48 FFP Athena G2
Compact precision scope with a 2.5x low end and ACSS Athena MIL grid
- +2.5x low end gives a wider field of view than the PLxC 4.5-36x56
- +Athena grid supports elevation and wind holds without dialing every change
- +11.5-inch length leaves more rail space than the 4.5-36x56
- −30.05-ounce weight is substantial on a rifle carried all day
- −20x top end gives less target detail than the 4.5-36x56 at its highest setting
PLxC 4.5-36x56: Built for a Steady Rifle
The PLxC 4.5-36x56 suits a rifle that spends most of its time supported. Its 36x top end makes a small target appear larger, while 120 MOA of elevation travel gives the turret more room to dial for distance. The 4.5x minimum and 25.9-foot low-power view are the cost when a target appears close or moves quickly.
At 14.49 inches and 34.33 ounces, this scope asks for a stable rifle and a mount that clears its 56mm objective. The long-range scope guide covers the wider field. For a compact rifle that still needs quick target pickup, the 2.5-20x48 is the more useful of these two new models.
Primary Arms PLxC 4.5-36x56 FFP Neptune
Long-range precision scope with 36x top end and ACSS Neptune MIL grid
- +36x top end gives more target detail for small targets at distance
- +Neptune's fine grid supports small wind and elevation holds
- +120 MOA of elevation travel gives more dial range than the 2.5-20x48
- −4.5x low end narrows the view on close targets
- −34.33-ounce weight and 56mm objective complicate a light rifle build
Reticles and Cartridge Turrets
The reticle changes how each scope handles a missed wind call. The 2.5-20x48's Athena BPR MIL G2 uses a half-MIL grid. The 4.5-36x56's Neptune uses finer 0.1 MIL marks across its grid. Those marks give the shooter different levels of detail for a follow-up hold. Both scopes also have a DEKA MIL G2 option with an open crosshair and 0.1 MIL stadia.
Primary Arms says the elevation and windage turrets accept interchangeable cartridges, so the lock or stop style can be changed without moving the mechanical zero. The scopes use 0.1 MIL clicks. AutoLive switches illumination off while the rifle is still and back on when it moves.
Explore Primary Arms Rifle Scopes
Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 3x Prism Scope
- Fixed 3x
- AR-BDC4 etched reticle
Primary Arms PLxC 1.5-12x36 FFP RDB
- 1.5-12x magnification
- First focal plane
Primary Arms PLxC 2.5-20x48 FFP Athena G2
- 2.5-20x48 first focal plane
- ACSS Athena BPR MIL G2 reticle
Primary Arms PLxC 4.5-36x56 FFP Neptune
- 4.5-36x56 first focal plane
- ACSS Neptune reticle
Primary Arms Classic Series 6x32 ACSS-22LR
- Fixed 6x magnification, 32mm objective
- ACSS-22LR MOA reticle, second focal plane
Primary Arms CLx 1-6x24 SFP ACSS 22LR G2
- 1-6x second focal plane
- ACSS 22LR G2 BDC, illuminated red
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Which New PLxC Fits Your Rifle?
Pick the 2.5-20x48 for a rifle that moves between positions or target distances. It gives up 16x of maximum power to the larger scope, but opens wider and saves 4.28 ounces. Pick the 4.5-36x56 when small targets at long range are the main job and the rifle can support the extra size.
Both scopes need a 34mm mount. Check objective clearance, eye relief, and your cheek position with the rifle shouldered before settling on mount height. The precision rifle builder can help map the optic to the rest of the setup.
