How good is ACOG glass clarity?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - How good is ACOG glass clarity? (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:16:18 PM EDT

Thinking about buying an ACOG.

Had a vortex pst 1-4 and loved it, but want something smaller. Plus I never found myself using the adjustable magnification.

Looking at ACOG TA31F. (4x red chevron)

Main concern, clarity of glass. Will be used to shoot steel out to 500 yards.

Will I be able to pick out ~6inch circular steel plates against a rocky background with this pretty clearly? I don't have access to one to test so I'm asking on this here gun forum.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:18:14 PM EDT

[#1]

Glass is superb, excellent, etc.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:19:02 PM EDT

[#2]

Amazing. On par with both my Nightforce.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:20:35 PM EDT

[#3]

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Amazing. On par with both my Nightforce.

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^^^ This. Great glass.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:20:57 PM EDT

[#4]

Clear as a bell.

Still want to sell my -33GH

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:23:00 PM EDT

[#5]

Every new acog user comments on the glass clarity
Amazed by it actually

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:23:18 PM EDT

[#6]

Clear. Go for the 3.5x model..

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:23:51 PM EDT

[#7]

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Quoted:
Glass is superb, excellent, etc.

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I've had one on my deployment to Afghanistan since 2009. It is a phenomenal optic. Clarity is great out as far as you can see. TA-31 here

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:24:06 PM EDT

[#8]

Thanks for the replies.

I've been watching youtube videos but most of those are cell phone cameras.

Guess I'll get my order in tomorrow.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:25:01 PM EDT

[#9]

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Clear. Go for the 3.5x model..

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I debated that, but wanted the extra little bit of magnification

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:25:02 PM EDT

[#10]

Its amazing. I have two TA31s, a TA44, a MRO, and three RX06s. I doubt I'll ever buy a non Trijicon optic again.

I didn't really understand how good ACOGs are though until I started shooting at 300-500 yards. ACOGs make making those shots with an AR silly easy.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:25:36 PM EDT

[#11]

I sold my Vortex Razor HDII 1-6 and plan to replace it with an ACOG.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:25:45 PM EDT

[#12]

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Thanks for the replies.

I've been watching youtube videos but most of those are cell phone cameras.

Guess I'll get my order in tomorrow.

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Scopelist has new demos on Ta-11 and 31sfor quite a discount.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:27:17 PM EDT

[#13]

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I debated that, but wanted the extra little bit of magnification

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Im sure you've researched but just be aware the eye relief on the 31 is least of all models, which may or may not matter to you.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:28:27 PM EDT

[#14]

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Don't know which model you want but scopelist has new demos on Ta-11 and 31sfor quite a discount.

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I just looked. I have the option to get one brand new a little cheaper. Which is what got me wondering about the glass quality.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:28:33 PM EDT

[#15]

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Clear as a bell.

Still want to sell my -33GH

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Why?

You should have little trouble selling it.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:28:58 PM EDT

[#16]

I'm always impressed with mine.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:29:08 PM EDT

[#17]

It's perfect

Well worth the $1,000+

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:29:43 PM EDT

[#18]

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Im sure you've researched but just be aware the eye relief on the 31 is least of all models, which may or may not matter to you.

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Yea that was a concern. But for the size, magnification, and price option on this model I'll deal with it.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:30:36 PM EDT

[#19]

It compares well to my Leopold and night force glass.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:30:57 PM EDT

[#20]

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I debated that, but wanted the extra little bit of magnification

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I honestly can't tell a difference between my personally owned TA11 and the RCO that I was issued. Except my TA11 has way better eye relief. I can run it far forward enough to clear my buis.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:31:19 PM EDT

[#21]

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Yea that was a concern. But for the size, magnification, and price option on this model I'll deal with it.

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You also get the largest FOV so there's that.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:31:35 PM EDT

[#22]

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Quoted:

I debated that, but wanted the extra little bit of magnification

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The math is easier with a 4x

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:32:03 PM EDT

[#23]

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Glass is superb, excellent, etc.

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Also very durable.

I have used them twice on contracts. Being a K9 handler my M4 and ACOG got banged around a lot.

The ACOG never lost zero and the glass never got scratched.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:32:31 PM EDT

[#24]

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Why?

You should have little trouble selling it.

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Quoted:
Clear as a bell.

Still want to sell my -33GH

Why?

You should have little trouble selling it.

Honestly?

I am much more comfortable with my H1. I know its a training issue and all, but I just dont want to put in the work for the ACOG vs. the Aimpoint at CQB distances. I like what Im used to and comfortable with. No other reason

Just being honest.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:32:35 PM EDT

[#25]

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I sold my Vortex Razor HDII 1-6 and plan to replace it with an ACOG.

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I replaced my Vortex Razor HDII 1-6 with a TA33-G-H. best decision I ever made on carbine optic.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:32:55 PM EDT

[#26]

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Quoted:
I debated that, but wanted the extra little bit of magnification

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Clear. Go for the 3.5x model..

I debated that, but wanted the extra little bit of magnification

You won't see it. What you will see is the greater field of view and the ultra short eye relief.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:35:58 PM EDT

[#27]

Amazing quality. Only other 4x optic I've looked through that had (slightly) more clear glass clarity is the Elcan

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:37:23 PM EDT

[#28]

You know those videos of people walking into glass doors?

Its like that but with your eyeballs.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:40:19 PM EDT

[#29]

SWFA has 15% off Trijicon products this weekend through Tuesday. That can save ya something like $191 off of a new acog. No expert, but happened upon that deal when I was price shopping acogs after opening this thread.

ETA: No affiliation w/ SWFA, etc, etc.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:42:05 PM EDT

[#30]

Quote History

Quoted:
Every new acog user comments on the glass clarity
Amazed by it actually

View Quote

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:45:28 PM EDT

[#31]

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Quoted:
I debated that, but wanted the extra little bit of magnification

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Quoted:

Quoted:
Clear. Go for the 3.5x model..

I debated that, but wanted the extra little bit of magnification

Consider a Browe BCO. It's a direct positive evolution of the ACOG and the glass is better.

$975 for BTO (aluminum tube instead of Titanium)

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:46:30 PM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:
Every new acog user comments on the glass clarity
Amazed by it actually

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I was amazed by it.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:47:45 PM EDT

[#33]

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Quoted:
Glass is superb, excellent, etc.

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+1

It's pretty surprising the first time you look through it.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:47:47 PM EDT

[#34]

I'm going to go against the grain here.

Clarity on my TA-33 was quite good, but I've looked through better. I ponied up the absurd price for the optic and then honestly wondered what the hype was about. It was a very good optic, don't misunderstand, but it wasn't as good as hyped.

I'm sold it for almost what I paid for it and went with Aimpoint H1. No regrets about it either. Works great for any range I realistically use a carbine barrel AR. Magnification is for rifles that you need precision with and I like the traditional tube optics for that.

Maybe I'd feel differently about a TA31 or TA11, but I have no experience with either and can't comment.

OP not saying it won't work for you but it isn't the end all be all either. Look through one at a local shop if you can find one.

ETA: I will say this, I was impressed with its light gathering capabilities. Visibility through it in low light conditions was quite good.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:47:58 PM EDT

[#35]

Second to none. My TA33G-H is the best optic I've ever used.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:50:38 PM EDT

[#36]

Quote History

Quoted:
SWFA has 15% off Trijicon products this weekend through Tuesday. That can save ya something like $191 off of a new acog. No expert, but happened upon that deal when I was price shopping acogs after opening this thread.

ETA: No affiliation w/ SWFA, etc, etc.

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I'm in TX. $100 tax

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:54:51 PM EDT

[#37]

It's excellent. Get one. I have yet to hear an ACOG owner gripe about it. Worth every penny.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:59:01 PM EDT

[#38]

The ACOG excels at being, in my opinion, the best "all around" optic. If you are wanting to shoot 6" plates at 500 yards there are much better suited options in higher magnification ranges with smaller reticle lines. That plate will be completely covered by the reticle at that distance.

That target size at that distance is dificult enough. Your AR (and ammo) better pretty much be MOA or better and then a perfect wind call from there.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:59:50 PM EDT

[#39]

ACOG glass is about as good as it gets.

Buy once, cry once.

Posted: 4/16/2017 10:00:49 PM EDT

[#40]

Quoted:
Thinking about buying an ACOG.

Had a vortex pst 1-4 and loved it, but want something smaller. Plus I never found myself using the adjustable magnification.

Looking at ACOG TA31F. (4x red chevron)

Main concern, clarity of glass. Will be used to shoot steel out to 500 yards.

Will I be able to pick out ~6inch circular steel plates against a rocky background with this pretty clearly? I don't have access to one to test so I'm asking on this here gun forum.

View Quote

Glass is great, don't get a red reticle, they are really hard for the eye to pick out in low light, Amber is where it's at, green if you see urbanuse in your future.

Posted: 4/16/2017 10:01:19 PM EDT

[#41]

I was impressed with ACOG glass quality when first sampling one a decade ago. Light transmission and clarity are outstanding. The quick ranging reticles work well also. Since, I have purchased an 11, 31, 33, and VCOG's calibrated in both 5.56 and 7.62. Optical quality is as clear as what I perceive with Nighforce.

The only drawback I have experienced with the Tritium illuminated ACOG reticle is that indoors with a weapons mounted light the chevron, circle dot, (whichever non illuminated reticle) is very difficult to quickly pick up. The battery lit reticle of the VCOG eliminates this issue, however.

Posted: 4/16/2017 10:02:12 PM EDT

[#42]

I also have the ACOG I bought for my brother in early 2004 and sent it to him in IRAQ since he was issued a M16A4.

He used it for over a year and brought it back. I have used it on a few AR's over the years and to a few classes.

The body of the ACOG has a few scratches and I need to send it in to Trijicon to get the cross hair glowing again.

Glass is like brand new. Just has the dirt from Iraq that is impossible to completey remove

Posted: 4/16/2017 10:02:25 PM EDT

[#43]

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Amazing. On par with both my Nightforce.

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X2 but vortex razor here.

I prefer the TA01nsn on a plate gun to 500y. I've got one.

In all honesty - better be bigger plates, you would be better served with a pst gen2 1-6 at that price range.

Acogs are light and bomb proof though.

Posted: 4/16/2017 10:10:20 PM EDT

[#44]

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Quoted:
Clear as a bell.

Still want to sell my -33GH

View Quote

Why? I have two 33s and will likely buy more.

Posted: 4/16/2017 10:10:48 PM EDT

[#45]

Best in the business.

Posted: 4/16/2017 10:16:09 PM EDT

[#46]

Quote History

Quoted:
I debated that, but wanted the extra little bit of magnification

View Quote View All Quotes

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Quoted:

Quoted:
Clear. Go for the 3.5x model..

I debated that, but wanted the extra little bit of magnification

You get magnification and field of view.

You also get eye relief.

Just move your eye back like the ta-33 and the field of view is virtually identical.

Move your eye back in and get a full field of view.

Posted: 4/16/2017 10:21:05 PM EDT

[#47]

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The ACOG excels at being, in my opinion, the best "all around" optic. If you are wanting to shoot 6" plates at 500 yards there are much better suited options in higher magnification ranges with smaller reticle lines. That plate will be completely covered by the reticle at that distance.

That target size at that distance is dificult enough. Your AR (and ammo) better pretty much be MOA or better and then a perfect wind call from there.

View Quote

This won't be all its for. More steel plates 100-500 yards of varying sizes. I've had trouble lately with the PST picking out exactly what I was supposed to be shooting from the background. Just want clearer glass. I don't' expect to hit that size target first shot everytime from a 14.5 bbl shooting xm193 from prone with no rest. Just want the clarity to pick it out against a background of similar colored irregular shapes without having to move up to a 6x adjustable scope.

edit: I've also had issues with dead battery, forgetting to turn on the dot with the scope and not being able to see the black against the target, shooting inside obstacles and the dot illumination flashing on and off. I think an acog will elimate all those problems. My main issue was glass clarity but the consensus is in so far, in this thread.

Posted: 4/16/2017 10:22:17 PM EDT

[#48]

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You also get the largest FOV so there's that.

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Quoted:

Yea that was a concern. But for the size, magnification, and price option on this model I'll deal with it.

You also get the largest FOV so there's that.

You get both with the ta-31.

1.5" eye relief you gain great FOV.

Move your eye back to 2.4" (ta11) on your ta31 and the FOV is almost identical to the ta-11.

It does notlook right as the edges are black but if you look at the viewable image it will be almost the same sight as if you were looking through a ta-11.

With the 31 you can move your eye closer in and gain FOV, can't do that with the ta-11.