For our muzzleloaders, the Primary Arms 1x microprisms have been our favorite. In 2026, Primary Arms came out with the ACSS Gemini 9mm reticle, a reticle that might dethrone the ACSS Cyclops as my favorite 1x muzzleloader scope.
August 1, 2026
I am in the early stages of testing the newer ACSS Gemini 9mm reticle. I have lots of experience with the ACSS Cyclops reticle over the past few years. I am in a waiting game with CVA in getting a replacement Endura muzzleloader for the recalled Paramount I sent in weeks ago. Whenever I get my Endura, I will be able to start testing out the Gemini 9mm reticle and be able to report back to this article with updated information.
The following photos showing targets and reticles are taken with my phone held behind the scopes on the range at 300 yards. I have zoomed in so that you can see the reticle and target for this article. These reticles are very small and crisp, but you do need good eyesight to see them and any targets at extended range... ranges past around 200 yards.
Primary Arms 1x SLx MicroPrism with ACSS Cyclops Reticle on a 300 Yard Target
Primary Arms 1x SLx MicroPrism with ACSS Gemini 9mm Reticle on a 300 Yard Target
The top photo shows the ACSS Gemini 9mm aiming points aimed to the right and above an 11x17" target at 300 yards and the lower photo shows the ACSS Gemini 9mm chevron placed on the 11x17" target. The chevron is a little thinner on the ACSS Gemini 9mm reticle compared to the ACSS Cyclops reticle. The ACSS Gemini 9mm also has 2 additional holdover aiming dots. I'm really liking the size of this chevron to be able to see targets at a distance and not have the chevron covering up the whole target.
Primary Arms 1x SLx MicroPrism with ACSS Gemini 9mm Reticle Aiming Points for Our CVA Muzzleloaders
I was unable to track down the sizing specifications on the ACSS Gemini 9mm reticle, so I produced these measurements based on the size of the reticle when I viewed it on the range at 100 yards. My sizing is close but I'm sure not perfect. With this reticle not available in the Strelok app, I did my best to calculate this sizing.
Primary Arms SLx with ACSS Cyclops Reticle - 100 Yard Aim on a Deer-Sized Target
Primary Arms SLx with ACSS Cyclops Reticle - 200 Yard Aim on a Deer-Sized Target
Primary Arms SLx with ACSS Cyclops Reticle - 300 Yard Aim on a Deer-Sized Target
Primary Arms 1x microprism scope holdovers on a mule deer from Strelok Pro for 100, 200 and 300 yards with my CVA Paramount muzzleloader shooting 285 Gr Powerbelt ELR bullets.
The additional aiming points on the SLx 1x MicroPrism scope with ACSS Gemini 9mm reticle might be more beneficial to muzzleloaders like the CVA MR-X that have a max Blackhorn 209 powder charge of 77 grains by weight. Muzzleloaders that are shooting slower will have these additional aiming points falling in ranges that you would be able to see a deer-sized target with your naked eye. Hmm... I need my Endura so I can start testing the ACSS Gemini 9mm on the range. The additional aiming points might be for ranges too far for me to see a deer-sized target and effectively hit it. Come on CVA, I need my Endura so I can get to work testing this optic.
One thing to note on the SLx 1x MicroPrism with the ACSS Gemini 9mm reticle is that it currently only comes with an H1/T1 mount that is really high. I recommend getting a low-mount for it for use with a muzzleloader.
Ultimately, I would love for Primary Arms to place a target turret with a zero-stop on the 1x SLx MicroPrism scopes. Please Primary Arms, Please!!!
See more info on why these scopes are our top choice for our muzzleloaders in this article: Best 1x Muzzleloader Scopes.