Primary Arms ACSS Scopes
Optics with ACSS Reticle Frequently Asked Questions
Precision shooters say that, 'amateurs talk about bullet drop, professionals talk about wind calls.' Many ACSS reticles include wind hold dots alongside the BDC, making accurate shots possible in windy conditions. There is no need to manually adjust the scope, or perform any calculations.
Movers are the most challenging targets a hunter or competitive shooter may encounter. When faced with a moving target, some shooters will give up on the shot, and others will 'Kentucky Windage' their best guess and take an uncertain shot.
Many ACSS reticles feature simple moving target leads optimized for targets moving across the shooter's field of view at distances of 100-300 yards. ACSS HUD DMR reticles extend this capability out to 600 yards for targets moving at a variety of speeds.
Wrong range estimation is the number one reason that distant targets are missed out in the field. ACSS auto-ranging reticles can vertically range targets in moments, providing vital information that the shooter can easily translate to the reticle's bullet drop compensation feature. Horizontal auto-ranging is built right into the BDC resulting in a range-and-engage system of unparalleled speed and accuracy.
These practical features give the ACSS reticle a tremendous advantage over competitor reticles that 'look cool' but offer no advanced functionality. ACSS gives shooters the ability to ignore their scope turrets entirely for the vast majority of engagements.
Range estimation, bullet drop calculation, and wind compensation are dealt with in moments while the shooter looks through the optic at the target, without moving their hands away from a ready to fire position. There is simply no other reticle system that accomplishes everything ACSS does.
Yes! ACSS Reticles are available for both hunting and tactical applications.
Our most popular hunting-based ACSS Reticles include the purpose-made ACSS Orion™, ACSS Predator Hunting, and ACSS 22LR Reticle. Each of these reticles include special design features for superior hunting performance, but you can also use standard ACSS reticles for holdovers and wind corrections at known distances.
When choosing an ACSS reticle, you should make your selection based on three key factors:
1. Intended Purpose
2. Caliber Compatibility
3. Design/Unit Preference
While ACSS reticles incorporate a wide variety of tools for general precision marksmanship, each is optimized for a specific role and distance. For example, our ACSS Apollo® and ACSS Athena® BPR MIL reticles provide fine stadia for improved long-range precision, while the ACSS HUD® DMR series uses dynamic holdovers for greater engagement speed at transitional or unknown distances. Be sure to read the product description to learn more about the optimized application and feature set of each reticle.
You will also want to ensure compatibility for your rifle’s caliber. Most ACSS reticles use ballistic drop compensating holdovers, which are calibrated to match certain cartridges and velocities. If you do not see your cartridge listed in the title or description, please refer to the manuals provided on each product page. The reticle manual will offer additional cartridge and zeroing options, which may not be mentioned in the basic description.
You should also consider your preferences in overall reticle design and adjustment units. We make optics for MIL, MOA, and BDC holdovers, so you will always have an option to match your individual experience and preferences.
Zeroing instructions will vary depending on your rifle and cartridge.
We include a detailed list of optimal zeros in all of our reticle manuals, which are accessible here on every scope's product page. If you are curious about a cartridge that is not listed, we can also provide additional support. Just shoot us an email at info@primaryarms.com, and we’ll be happy to find the best ACSS reticle to meet your needs.
The Advanced Combined Sighting System (ACSS®) is a high-performance reticle solution to the challenges of modern marksmanship, distilling complex mathematics into intuitive holdovers that enhance your speed and precision. Each ACSS reticle is specially designed to outperform in real-world applications, incorporating a mix of tools to deliver instant firing solutions. These tools may include ballistic drop compensation, auto-ranging stadia, wind holds, moving target leads, or an infinitely-precise center chevron.
Unlike a crosshair which obscures the target at its intersection or a dot which covers the target, many ACSS reticles feature a chevron aiming point.
The chevron creates an infinitely small point of aim while allowing the shooter to see the desired impact area. A thick horseshoe surrounding the center aiming point provides a quick aiming reference for close quarters 'snap shooting' in a hurry.
ACSS bullet drop compensation (BDC) allows shooters to reach out to extended ranges depending on caliber and application. In some reticles the BDC allows accurate engagement all the way to 1000 yards without counting clicks on a turret.
Primary Arms has made a wide variety of learning resources for ACSS reticles.
If you like to learn through video, we recommend you visit our Primary Arms YouTube channel. You can also search ACSS Reticle on YouTube to find a ton of great content from leading industry figures.
For general research, please visit the Primary Arms Optics website. Here, you can browse through all of our available reticles and learn the basics of their features. You can also read more about our optic bodies and the technologies that elevate their performance.
If you’d like to learn more about a reticle or optic, you can also visit the product page here on primaryarms.com. All of our Primary Arms Optics pages include reticle and optic manuals, so you can familiarize yourself with the functions and applications of every optic feature.