Trijicon ACOG Review
This is a full review of the Trijicon ACOG Battle Optic and it will cover absolutely everything you need to do before purchasing one and if it is still worth it today.
If you are thinking about picking one of these optics up for your rifle, this post will help you decide whether or not it is a good choice for you.
The short answer is the Trijicon ACOG is definitely a very good optic overall and an excellent choice for an AR-15 or any other rifle.
What is the Trijicon ACOG?
The Trijicon ACOG TA31 is a fixed magnification scope with a tritium fiber optic. Tritium is a radioactive isotope that emits a glow and batteries are not needed for the Trijicon ACOG.
The concept was simple; a durable scope with a reticle that illuminates in low-light and no-light situations—without requiring the use of batteries.
ACOG stands for (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) and has been on the market for more than 30 years. This scope stands the test of time and is still one of the most popular combat optics today and is still the official rifle combat optic of the U.S. Marine Corps.
The Trijicon ACOG has been around for some time now and over a million have been produced, but in no way is it absolute or outdated. It has been battle-proven in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and loved by many combat soldiers.
It is very robust and durable and it is absolutely one of the most reliable optics you will ever own.
There are many different variations of the Trijicon ACOG but the most popular version is the TA31 and that is the one I recommend. There are also a lot of different reticle options which I will go over later.
Most ACOG models are battery-free, featuring a tritium/fiber optics illuminated reticle that automatically adjusts the brightness based on available light. Fixed-power design allows for minimal moving parts to create a nearly indestructible sighting system.
The quality of the glass and multi-coated lenses maximize light-gathering capabilities and a clear field of view with zero distortion. Most ACOG models feature a bullet drop compensating and target-ranging reticle for decisive aiming.
Proven to withstand recoil from a .22LR to a .50BMG and everything in between. Easily passes U.S. Military drop-test requirements. Exceptional waterproof performance that exceeds military standards.
Dry nitrogen-filled to eliminate fogging. This optic is tested to withstand and perform in extreme cold and heat with dry-nitrogen-filled housing that mitigates fogging.
Trijicon’S CURRENT ACOG MODELS IN PRODUCTION
- Click Here to view the product catalog
- Click Here to view Spec Sheet
Trijicon ACOG Overall Design
This Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight is designed to work without any batteries or electronics which aids in its reliability and shock resistance.
This scope is made of forged aluminum, has fog proof features, and has a rubberized coating that looks and feels great. One thing about the ACOG is that it is of top-tier quality and definitely a premium optic.
It has a solid mount integrated into its design and it also has an option to add a micro red dot on top of the scope, specifically one of Trijicon’s RMR Red Dot optics. The eye relief is limited, but the clarity is absolutely unbelievable.
The glass Trijicon uses is crystal clear and gives a very bright and crisp image of your reticle and your target.
On the top of the scope, there is a clear tube with the fiber optic insert which gathers light and projects it onto the reticle. This is why it is so bright. Lens covers can be used and many soldiers will tape over the fiber optic tube to control the brightness.
Again this is the primary reason many people truly love the Trijicon ACOG because of its battery list, design, and combat-proven reliability.
Specifications for Trijicon 4×32 BAC ACOG Rifle Scope
| Objective Lens Diameter: | 32 mm |
| Magnification: | 4 x |
| Exit Pupil: | 8 mm |
| Field of View, Linear: | 36.8 ft at 100 yds |
| Field of View, Angle: | 7 degrees |
| Eye Relief: | 1.5 in |
| Color: | Black |
| Weight: | 9.9 oz |
| Fabric/Material: | Forged Aluminum |
| Length: | 5.8 in |
| Illumination Type: | Fiber Optics, Tritium |
| Adjustment Type: | MOA |
| Adjustment Click Value: | 0.25 MOA |
| Attachment/Mount Type: | TA51 |
| Shockproof: | Yes |
| Fogproof: | Yes |
| Package Type: | Polymer hard case |
| Included Accessories: | TA51 Mount |
| Magnification Type: | Fixed |
Features of Trijicon 4×32 BAC ACOG Riflescope
- Bright aiming point in any condition
- Merged aiming points
- Allows the user to instantly switch between supersonic and subsonic ammunition without having to re-zero
- 2 MOA diamonds
- Fixed magnification power
- Non battery power
Click Here to check the current prices of the Trijicon ACOG TA31
Trijicon ACOG Operation
A good thing about this scope is its simplistic design and operation. The last thing you want is an overcomplicated scope on a combat rifle. This is another reason why people choose it to mount on their “go-to” rifle.
The integrated mount has two screws that clamp into any 1913 style Picatinny rail. The lock-up is tight and this mount cannot be over-torqued.
The adjustment turrets are simple and functional. The windage and elevation turrets are robust and very tactile and audible.
The ACOG is known for not holding zero under extreme use and extreme environments. Again, the tritium fiber optics illuminates the reticle so the scope is always on and ready to use.
There is no on or off switch. That feature is another great reason why people love to have it on their “go-to” rifle.
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Trijicon ACOG Reticle & Magnification Options
There are a lot of different choices when it comes to a reticle for an ACOG scope and its magnification.
Currently, they make 12 different models and this chart shows them all below.
As you can see there are a lot of different options and it might be overwhelming to pick the right one for your rifle. The red and green illumination of the reticle are the most popular colors.
The TA31 model is the most common and what I personally recommend. It is a fixed 4x magnification and the most universal.
BDC (bullet drop compensator) reticle uses the bindon aiming concept and works for a bunch of common calibers and has a chart in the owner’s manual that you will find your hold over distances.
The choice of reticle and color comes down to personal preference and I usually recommend the Chevron Reticle, Horseshoe, or Crosshair.
Reticles are made in 3 different colors: Red, Green, and Amber
These options come down to your personal favorite.
Again there are a lot of other options but these 3 are the primary reticles and will be perfect for most shooters.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Trijicon ACOG TA31
What Comes With The Trijicon ACOG
In the box, you get everything you need to mount this scope. The flattop adapter will work with any 1913 style Picatinny rail and there are 2 knobs to tighten.
This will securely mount the ACOG to your rifle. It is rock solid and you will not have to worry about shifting zero and this optic and mount can withstand all types of abuse.
- Trijicon ACOG 4x32mm Riflescope
- Thumbscrew Flattop Adapter (TA51)
- LENSPEN (TA56)
- Trijicon Logo Sticker (PR15)
- Manual
- Lifetime Warranty Card
Mounting The Trijicon ACOG
Mounting this scope is very easy. Simply place it on the rail and apply forward pressure while tightening down the 2 knobs.
Be sure to check your eye relief and you may have to move the scope slightly forward or backward to get the correct eye relief for you.
The knobs have a detent that will prevent them from being over-torqued which is a nice feature and also so you know when it is tightened enough.
Zeroing The Trijicon ACOG
Zeroing this optic is just like any other scope by using manual adjustments. Basically, you decide which distance you want to zero and adjust the windage and elevation turrets until it is sighted in.
In the box, you will have an owner’s manual that will also go over zeroing. This may change depending on what reticle you decide to go with.
The BDC markings on the reticle will determine distance and bullet drop. This will change depending on what caliber, so keep that in mind.
Using with an RMR red dot
One great feature about this tactical scope is that it can be used in conjunction with a micro red dot. Specifically the Trijicon RMR.
This will increase the effectiveness of the platform and your combat rifle.
It will allow you to easily transition from close target engagements to targets at greater distances.
The RMR can be mounted directly on top of the ACOG scopes or on a 45 degrees offset mount.
This is the ultimate setup in my opinion and gives you the best of both worlds on your AR 15 or any other rifle. However, it is a pricy setup but you get what you pay for.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Trijicon RMR
They also sell the ACOG scopes and the RMR together as a combo kit and you will save money by going this route. I also see this setup on a lot of AR 15 rifles.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Trijicon ACOG & RMR Combo
How Long does the tritium fiber optics last?
The tritium fiber optics will last a long time. After about 10 to 15 years is when the glow and brightness will start to fade.
Tritium is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen. It is an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas that reacts with the human body in the same manner as natural hydrogen. Beta rays from the tritium hit phosphors to create the glow you see.
Tritium has a half-life of 12.5 years, which means that in that time the lamp will be half as bright as it originally was.
To prevent an often misunderstood aspect of tritium half-life, in about 12 years the tritium will be half as bright as it was when first made, and after about 22 years the tritium will be about 1/4 as bright as it was when first made.
Is it still worth it today?
The answer is yes, absolutely!
In today’s world, we often see advanced technologies increase at a rapid pace. This doesn’t mean that older tech is outdated.
Here are a few examples. The M16 is years old, the AK-47 is years old and the Browning M2 50 caliber machine gun is years old.
All of these are still used today and are the first choice of many militaries around the world. Just because something is old doesn’t mean it is obsolete.
With current trends in the firearm community, LPVO scopes (low powered variable optics) are all the rage right now. Before them, it was red dots and holographic sights and before that, it was the ACOG and the Elcan Spectre.
It seems we are coming full circle and the old reliable optics are becoming popular again.
If you do not already own an ACOG, I highly suggest picking one up and having at least one in your inventory.
Personal Experience
I will never forget my first time shooting with one of these ACOG scopes. It was mounted on one of my friend’s ARs and I knew right away I wanted one.
The only unfortunate thing was I couldn’t afford one at the time but knew someday I will get one.
I was amazed at how clear and bright the glass was. The image seemed to appear brighter than it actually was outside and it was extremely accurate.
I was ringing steel at 75 yards with my very first shot. The quality was top notch and quickly fell in love with the ACOG.
Since then I have picked up one for myself and is still my favorite optic and attached to one of my “go-to” rifles.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Trijicon ACOG TA31
The Downside
The most obvious downside of the ACOG scopes is the price. They are very expensive, but I would look at is as more of an investment.
These Trijicon scopes hold their value and can save your life one day. They also come with a lifetime warranty.
Eye relief
One of the biggest downsides of the ACOG scopes is eye relief. They have a narrow range that will work when looking through the optic.
If your eye is too close or too far away the image will be hindered and distorted by short eye relief.
This can be remedied with proper training and practice. If you are used to using primarily a red dot then this will take a little while to get used to.
If you are used to mainly scopes then this shouldn’t be an issue. But the price and the eye relief are the only two negatives of the ACOG.
Is Trijicon ACOG good?
The Trijicon ACOG provides excellent rifle combat optics and is robust, reliable, and well thought out combat optics. The Gold Standard is probably the T31 but we had a great time with this model.
ACOG is an extremely invincible optical device. It seems like a freaking tank. It’s tough in the desert and in the snow.
It is well designed, it does the job more efficiently than many of the others available in the range, and will never fail.
Granted, the expensive price makes it a more investment compared to purchase and other optics can be similar for much less. Its durable reliability and its versatility make the unit worth the price, considering that thousands of marine and army members trust the service every day.
It can do the jobs you want, whether hunting, competitive, or shooting for your own livelihood, for many years to come.
Final Considerations
The ACOG scope is a rifle scope that is fully fog proof and combat tested. This fixed scope is a combat scope that incorporates bullet drop compensation that you rarely see on a red dot scope.
The bullet drop compensator uses the bindon aiming concept for fast target acquisition and long range shots.
The illuminated reticle bullet drop compensator is battery free and has an excellent light transmission that gives you predetermined aiming points when shooting targets.
Traditional rifle scopes often struggle when target shooting and making close range shots.
This scope offers a battery free tritum illumination BDC reticle that is fast and reliable compared to other scopes and other optics.
Tritium illumination combined with glass clarity makes this the perfect scope. Being able to mount on a flat top adapter or an AR carry handle makes this a great sight.
The chevron reticle is outstanding for fast target acquisition using the bindon aiming concept.
Trijicon offers one optic to rule them all.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Trijicon ACOG TA31
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