Most people have heard of the Trijicon ACOG family of rifle scopes, as they are commonly used in popular media, such as TV shows, movies, and video games. ACOG stands for “Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight,” and it is one of the flagship product families from Trijicon. Aside from making the weapons they are mounted on look sleek and stylish (which, let's be honest, they do), these rifle scopes are some of the top performers in the industry for short- and medium-range engagements. While all ACOG models are fixed-power rifle scopes, each one is slightly different. For example, some feature as low as 1.5x magnification, and others as high as 6x magnification. They also utilize different reticles, crosshairs, and illumination colors, allowing you to pick the perfect ACOG rifle scope for your needs. If you’ve been thinking about picking up a Trijicon ACOG, here are some of the best options available going into the new year.
Best Budget ACOG
Trijicon ACOG TA33 3x30mm Rifle Scope
Right now, this is our least expensive ACOG sight that we have. Featuring 3x magnification and using fiber optics and tritium for illumination, this rifle scope has several reticle models available that are designed specifically for certain calibers. If you like the classic chevron reticle, it is tuned to work perfectly with rifles chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, allowing for the best possible ballistics and MOA (minute of angle) adjustments. If you have a rifle chambered in .308 Winchester, go for the TA33 with the amber crosshair, and for a .300 AAC Blackout weapon, they have the smaller crosshair available. Even though these illuminated reticles are designed for specific calibers, they can work on a variety of weapons, such as .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO, so don’t worry too much if you just need a reliable rifle scope for general use.
Best Combo ACOG
Trijicon ACOG 4x32mm ECOS Rifle Scope
For the perfect mixture of short-range and medium-range, you need an ACOG with backup iron sights and a ruggedized miniature reflex (RMR) sight attached to it. And for this, you can’t go wrong with the 4x32 Enhanced Combat Optical Sight (ECOS). With a flat dark earth (FDE) Cerakote finish, tritium illumination, and extreme clarity, you can easily switch between ringing targets at 100 yards to shooting them in close-quarters situations at 25 yards or less by moving your eye up slightly to look through the RMR sight.
This ACOG comes in various models, with a red crosshair, green crosshair, or amber crosshair, letting you pick the reticle that most closely matches your needs. Unlike the TA33, these crosshairs aren’t tuned for a specific caliber, so they are extremely versatile. This 4x32 scope mounts to a mil-spec Picatinny rail, so any compatible carbine, bolt-action, or lever-action rifle can benefit from this scope. Plus, the tritium illumination is excellent in low-light conditions, so have a clear view in many training and engagement scenarios.
Best Long-Range ACOG
Trijicon ACOG 6x48mm Machine Gun Rifle Scope
This version of the ACOG was originally designed for the U.S. Military, as it provided a self-illuminating mid- to long-range option for squad automatic weapons (SAW), allowing the user to provide accurate suppressive fire at range to protect their squad. However, don’t let the name fool you, this rifle scope works as well on semi-automatic rifles as it does on a machine gun. With 6x magnification, you have a field of view of 17 feet at 100 yards, and you can easily see further than this clearly if you want to. It features a green horseshoe/dot reticle, giving you a clear sight of your target. Plus, it has 2.7 inches of eye relief, so you can easily keep both of your eyes open when shooting, helping with target acquisition and accuracy. And, with a matte black finish, the fairly large rifle scope has a low-profile feeling and doesn’t overpower the look of your weapon.
Best ACOG Accessories
Trijicon Rifle Scope Accessories
There are a wide variety of accessories that are specifically made for ACOG sights, and they are usually made for a specific model. One of the best general accessories you can get is the Scopecoat protective cover. Made from neoprene, these covers are designed to slip over your rifle scope while it’s mounted, protecting it while you aren’t actively using the weapon. Whether you’re walking from your car to the range or keeping it in a gun safe, the protective cover prevents scratches and dents.
Another excellent option for any ACOG scope is a Tenebraex anti-reflection device. Putting this small cover over the end of your ACOG rifle scope helps prevent “sniper glint” which is the bright reflection of light off the glass lens that can give away your position. Even if you’re not in a combat area, these anti-reflection devices also protect the scope from dirt, sand, and debris, so they’re useful for all types of shooters. Finally, if your ACOG has a quick-release attachment, you’ll want to invest in an RCO ACOG pouch. These are padded on all sides and are large enough to fit both the rifle scope and manuals; plus; they have two straps that allow you to easily attach it to your belt or backpack.
Upgrade Your Rifle Scope With OpticsPlanet
We have all the gear you need to get your favorite weapon tricked out and ready for whatever you need. From AR 15 handguards and muzzle devices to magazine pouches and gun cases, we want to make sure you are prepared. Check out some of our favorite Trijicon Red Dot Sights and ACOG scopes today!