What Is an ACOG scope, or Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight? Is a telescopic sight that is used on firearms. It was designed for the United States military to be used on rifles such as the M16 and M4.
The ACOG scope has become very popular among civilian shooters in recent years because of its durability and precision. In this blog post, we will discuss the features of the ACOG scope and explain everything you need to know about it!
The Basics of ACOG
An ACOG scope is a type of telescopic sight that is used on firearms. It is designed to be used with both eyes open, and it has an illuminated reticle that makes it easy to see in low-light conditions.
[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
The ACOG scope was originally designed for the United States military, and it is still widely used by the military today.
[/wpsm_box]
The ACOG scope is also popular among civilian shooters because it is very durable and precise.
The reticle of an ACOG scope is illuminated by tritium, which is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen. This makes it possible to see the reticle in low-light conditions without batteries. The tritium will eventually decay, but it has a half-life of 12 years, so the illumination will last for many years.
There are many different models of ACOG scopes, and each model has different features. Some models have magnification levels from one to six times, while others have fixed magnification levels. Some models also have bullet drop compensators (BDCs), which help you to estimate the trajectory of your bullet.
What’s The ACOG Scope’s Primary Function?
The ACOG scope was originally designed for the United States military, and it is still widely used by the military today is to provide a telescopic sight for rifles such as the M16 and M4. The ACOG scope has many features that make it useful for a variety of different situations.
- One feature is its tritium-illuminated reticle. This means that the crosshairs are lit up by a radioactive element, making them visible in low-light conditions.
- Another feature is the Bindon Aiming Concept, which allows the user to keep both eyes open while using the scope. This is beneficial because it increases situational awareness and decreases target acquisition time.
- The ACOG scope is also incredibly durable, as it’s made out of aircraft-grade aluminum. This means that it can withstand heavy recoil and impact without being damaged.
All of these features make the ACOG scope an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality telescopic sight.
Who Makes ACOG Scopes?
ACOG scopes are made by Trijicon, a company based in Wixom, Michigan. Trijicon has been making optics for the military since 1981 and is best known for its night sights. The ACOG scope was developed at the request of the United States Marine Corps to improve the accuracy of their M16A sniper rifles.
[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
Trijicon is a privately-held company that employs over 500 people. In addition to making optics, they also make tritium-powered sights for handguns and shotguns.
[/wpsm_box]
How to Use that ACOG?
When using an ACOG scope there are a few things you need to know.
- First, you need to make sure that the scope is properly mounted on your firearm.
- Second, you need to zero the scope, which means that you need to adjust it so that the crosshairs are aligned with where the bullets will impact.
Once the scope is properly mounted and zeroed, you can start using it! When using an ACOG scope, you should always keep both eyes open. This will help you to see better and acquire targets more quickly.
You should also be aware of the magnification level of your particular model of ACOG scope. If you are using a low-magnification scope, you will need to be closer to your target than if you are using a high-magnification scope.
What Makes an ACOG Scope So Good?
There are quite a few reasons that make an ACOG scope such a good choice for many shooters and hunters.
- First, the quality of the optics is superb. The lenses are multi-coated and produce a very clear image.
- Second, the reticle is illuminated by fiber optics and tritium, so it’s visible in all lighting conditions.
- Third, the scope is rugged and can withstand heavy recoil.
- And finally, it’s relatively inexpensive compared to other high-end scopes on the market.
If you’re looking for a top-quality scope that won’t break the bank, then an ACOG scope is worth considering.
Pros and Cons of ACOG
There are many benefits to using an ACOG scope, both for military and civilian shooters. One of the biggest benefits is that the ACOG scope is very durable and can withstand a lot of abuse. It is also waterproof and fog proof, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged in harsh conditions.
Another benefit of the ACOG scope is its precision. The reticle is illuminated by tritium, which makes it easy to see in low-light conditions. Additionally, some models of ACOG scope have BDCs, which can help you to estimate the trajectory of your bullet.
[wpsm_column size=”one-half”][wpsm_pros title=”PROS:”]
- The ACOG scope is very versatile and can be used in a variety of shooting scenarios.
- Its small size and lightweight construction make it ideal for use on AR-15 style rifles.
- The ACOG scope offers superior target acquisition and accuracy when compared to iron sights.
- It is also durable and can withstand heavy recoil without any problems.
[/wpsm_pros][/wpsm_column][wpsm_column size=”one-half” position=”last”][wpsm_cons title=”CONS:”]
- The ACOG scope is not cheap and can be expensive for some shooters.
- It can be difficult to find replacement parts if something breaks.
- The ACOG scope is not as easy to use as some other types of rifle scopes.
[/wpsm_cons][/wpsm_column]
Overall, the ACOG scope is a great option for shooters who are looking for a high-quality and versatile optic. However, it is important to keep in mind that it is not a cheap investment and can be difficult to use for some shooters. If you are considering purchasing an ACOG scope, make sure you do your research and understand all of the pros and cons before making your final decision.
Best ACOG Scopes
There are a few different ACOG scopes on the market, but which one is the best? Here is a list of the best ACOG scopes, based on our findings.
- The Trijicon ACOG scope is one of the most popular options on the market. It is known for its durability and reliability. The scope has a magnification of up to four times, making it great for long-range shooting.
- Another option is the Leupold Mark AR Mod-IIC scope. This scope has a magnification of up to six times, making it ideal for long-range shooting. It also has a red dot sight, which makes it easier to use in close quarters combat situations.
- If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight is a great choice. This scope has a red dot sight and is perfect for close-quarters combat situations. It is also very affordable, making it a great option for those on a budget.
No matter what your needs are, there is an ACOG scope on the market that will meet them. Choose the best ACOG scope for you and be prepared for anything.
Who Should Use an ACOG?
The ACOG is an advanced combat optical gunsight that was originally developed for the United States Marine Corps. The scope is now used by several militaries and law enforcement agencies around the world. The ACOG is designed to be used in a wide variety of combat situations, from close quarters battle to long-range engagements.
There are several different models of ACOG available, each with different features and capabilities.
[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
Some models have magnification levels as high as 12x, while others have fixed magnification levels or no magnification at all. There is also night vision compatible models available.
[/wpsm_box]
ACOGs are typically mounted on top of the receiver of an assault rifle or carbine. They can be used with both iron sights and red dot sights.
One of the main advantages of the ACOG is that it can be used without the need for batteries. This makes it ideal for use in combat situations where there is a risk of the batteries being knocked out or running low. Another advantage is that the scope is very rugged and durable, making it capable of withstanding heavy use in hostile environments.
There are several different reticles available for ACOG scopes, depending on the model. The most common reticle is the crosshair reticle, which consists of two horizontal lines intersecting at a point in the center. Other popular reticles include chevron and triangle reticles.
What ACOG Does the Military Use?
- The military uses two different types of ACOG scopes. The first is the TA01 which is a fixed four-power scope with a Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC). The second type is the TA31 which is also a fixed four-power scope but does not have the BDC.
- Both types of scopes are used on the M16A rifle and the M240 machine gun. The main difference between the two types of scopes is that the TA01 has tritium illuminated crosshairs while the TA31 does not.
- The other main difference between the two types of ACOGs is that the TA01 has a larger field of view than the TA31. This makes it easier to track moving targets with the TA01.
- The military also uses several different accessories with their ACOG scopes. These include the M68 Close Combat Optic (CCO) and the Miniature Aiming System-Day Night (MAS-D).
- The CCO is a red dot sight that is used as a backup to the ACOG scope. It is mounted on top of the ACOG scope and provides an aiming point for close-range engagements.
- The MAS-D is an infrared laser sight that is used for nighttime operations. It is mounted on the side of the ACOG scope and projects a dot onto whatever surface it is pointed at.
ACOG Clones – Are They Any Good?
Several companies make clones of the ACOG. Some are better than others, but overall they tend to be lower in quality. Usually, clone companies cut costs by using lower-quality glass in their lenses, which results in a lower-quality image for the consumer.
Despite this, there are still some good clone options available on the market; it just depends on how much of a budget you’re working with. If money is no object, then it’s advised that you go with an ACOG from Trijicon or another reputable brand name. Otherwise, a clone might be worth considering.
Just be aware that you’re not getting the same quality as an ACOG. If you want the real deal, then stick with an ACOG from Trijicon or one of the other reputable brands. You’ll be glad you did.
Why You Should Buy One?
Now that we’ve answered the question “what is an ACOG scope?” it’s time to ask yourself whether this type of optic is right for you. Here are a few key reasons why you might want to consider investing in an ACOG scope:
- Enhanced Durability: One of the biggest advantages of the ACOG scope is its enhanced durability. Thanks to its rugged construction, this optic can withstand even the most extreme conditions and rough use. Whether you’re using your rifle for competition shooting, hunting, or tactical operations, you can rest assured that your ACOG scope will hold up to the task.
- Improved Accuracy: The ACOG scope’s advanced optics and reticle design provide a significant boost to your accuracy, especially at longer ranges. If you’re looking to improve your shooting performance, an ACOG scope is worth considering.
- Versatile Applications: The ACOG scope is suitable for a wide range of applications, from target shooting to hunting to tactical operations. No matter what your specific needs are, there’s an ACOG scope that’s ideal for the task at hand.
If you’re in the market for a new rifle optic, be sure to give the ACOG scope a close look. Thanks to its combination of enhanced durability, improved accuracy, and versatile applications, it’s one of the best optics on the market today.
[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
With so much to offer, the ACOG scope is surely a wise investment for any serious shooter or hunter.
[/wpsm_box]
How to Choose the Best ACOG Scope?
There are a few factors you need to consider before purchasing an ACOG scope. Here are some key points:
- The type of weapon you will be using the scope with – whether that’s a rifle, carbine, or submachine gun.
- The range at which you’ll be shooting – close quarters or long-range.
- Your budget.
Type of Illumination
There are three types of ACOG scopes:
- Fiber optic – this type uses ambient light to illuminate the crosshairs. It’s best used in daytime conditions with little or no cloud cover.
- Trijicon tritium – this type of ACOG scope uses a radioactive isotope to produce light. It’s ideal for low-light conditions or when complete darkness is present.
- Battery-powered LED – this is the most expensive type but it provides good illumination in all lighting conditions, including complete darkness.
Magnification
One of the most notable features of the ACOG scope is its magnification. Most models feature a fixed magnification of between four and sixteen times, with the majority falling somewhere in the middle.
[wpsm_box type=”info” float=”none” text_align=”left”]
This makes the ACOG an ideal optic for mid-range shooting, as it provides enough magnification to make accurate shots at extended distances without being so powerful that it becomes difficult to use in close quarters.
[/wpsm_box]
Reticle Styles
There are three different styles of the reticle that can be found on an ACOG scope.
- The first is the crosshair, which is the most basic and common type of reticle. This reticle is simply a set of horizontal and vertical lines that intersect in the center of the scope’s field of view.
- The second type of reticle is the duplex, which adds a set of thicker outer lines to the crosshair design. This gives the shooter a bit more visibility in low-light conditions, as well as makes it easier to find the center of the scope’s field of view.
- The third type of reticle is known as the mil-dot, and it features a series of small dots spaced evenly along the crosshair. These dots can be used to estimate range and make other types of calculations. Mil-dot scopes are popular with long-range shooters, as they allow for a great deal of precision when making shots at extended distances.
Other features
Now that you know a bit about the different types of reticles that can be found on an ACOG scope, let’s take a look at some of the other features that these optics offer.
- The size of the objective lens. The larger the objective lens, the more light that will be able to enter the scope. This is especially important in low-light conditions, as it will help to make the reticle easier to see.
- Type of mount that you’ll need. These scopes are designed to be mounted on a Picatinny rail, so make sure that your rifle has this type of rail before making a purchase.
- Illuminated reticle. This feature allows the shooter to see the reticle even in low-light conditions, making it easier to make accurate shots in dimly lit environments. The level of illumination can be adjusted to match the light conditions, and some models even have tritium inserts that provide a constant level of illumination.
Once you’ve considered these factors, it’s time to start shopping around for the perfect ACOG scope for your needs! When doing your research, be sure to read online reviews from other shooters to get an idea of which models perform well and which ones to avoid.
Conclusion
An ACOG scope is used as a telescopic sight on firearms. It’s designed to be used on specific rifles like the M16 and M04 by the United States military. In recent years, though, it’s become popular among civilian shooters because of how durable and precise it is.
What do you think? Is the ACOG scope right for you? What type of reticle do you prefer on your optics? Let us know in the comments below!
We hope this blog post has helped you understand everything you need to know about the ACOG scope! Be sure to check back soon for more in-depth articles on all things optics!
Happy shopping! And remember, if you have any questions about choosing the right ACOG scope for you, don’t hesitate to ask one of our experts. We’re always happy to help. Thanks for reading!
