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Rifle Scopes Acog Optical Quality

Ishallbie O'Cullkillin

Central Coastranger
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 18, 2007
445
4
56
Oregon
I recently lucked into an Acog for cheap. Not sure which model, it has the Docter reflex sight toward the rear. I was comparing resolution & image quality with two other 4X scopes, a Leatherwood CMR, and a Weaver 30mm 1.5x4 illuminated dot reticle, both of which, beat the Acog significantly in these areas. Also comparatively lacking in the Acog, was light transmission, despite the larger objective lens. Last, is the short eye relief, which isn't that big a deal since it's going on an SPR type rifle, but makes shooting with a ball cap on a drag, as the brim contacts the Docter, knocking the cap off.
So for an extra 1k, it seems like all you get is a compact, durable, fiber optic & caliber specific reticle. What am I missing? Are they priced that way because of Govt. demand?
 
I recently lucked into an Acog for cheap. Not sure which model, it has the Docter reflex sight toward the rear. I was comparing resolution & image quality with two other 4X scopes, a Leatherwood CMR, and a Weaver 30mm 1.5x4 illuminated dot reticle, both of which, beat the Acog significantly in these areas. Also comparatively lacking in the Acog, was light transmission, despite the larger objective lens. Last, is the short eye relief, which isn't that big a deal since it's going on an SPR type rifle, but makes shooting with a ball cap on a drag, as the brim contacts the Docter, knocking the cap off.
So for an extra 1k, it seems like all you get is a compact, durable, fiber optic & caliber specific reticle. What am I missing? Are they priced that way because of Govt. demand?

I don't know which model you have; how old it is or what shape it is in. I know the CMR well and my ACOG blows it away. Resolution and image quality is great for optics in its price range. Light transmission is also excellent. I agree with the eye relief but that isn't a problem for me.

You also get a battle proven optic which holds up over time unlike the ones you are comparing it too.

Maybe yours is damaged? Maybe you need a different optic for your use case.

BR,
 
My ACOG easily beats the other you mentioned. Unfortunately, if you haven't learned by now you usually get what you pay for in the sport. If it ain't, then you can bet it's a knock off.
 
Looks like I got burned. I'm headed to the Baron's Den to confirm it. Paid $350.00. I'm going to put it on my daughter's pink air rifle.
 
I recently lucked into an Acog for cheap. Not sure which model, it has the Docter reflex sight toward the rear. I was comparing resolution & image quality with two other 4X scopes, a Leatherwood CMR, and a Weaver 30mm 1.5x4 illuminated dot reticle, both of which, beat the Acog significantly in these areas. Also comparatively lacking in the Acog, was light transmission, despite the larger objective lens. Last, is the short eye relief, which isn't that big a deal since it's going on an SPR type rifle, but makes shooting with a ball cap on a drag, as the brim contacts the Docter, knocking the cap off.
So for an extra 1k, it seems like all you get is a compact, durable, fiber optic & caliber specific reticle. What am I missing? Are they priced that way because of Govt. demand?

Two thoughts: One, if it is really that bad, it is probably a knock off. My ACOG has excellent light transmission and quality. Two, this is an ACOG, which stands for Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight. This is a gun sight, not a spotting scope.

The short eye relief is for a reason. It is called the Bindon Aiming system and here is a short video:
Shooting With Both Eyes Open: The Bindon Aiming Concept (BAC) - YouTube

If you have not used the scope in this fashion, then you are really not getting the full function and purpose of the gun sight. So for an SPR, you have the wrong optic. This is a battlefield scope that is best for finding multiple targets and then aiming in.

Also, here is information directly from Trijicon regarding spotting a fake ACOG:

https://www.trijicon.com/na_en/support/faq_ACOG.php

Hope this information helps. Let us know
 
$350!!!

You either got a hell of a deal on an ACOG that may need a tune up or a knock-off

I dont recall if there are S/Ns on the scope...you could see and call Trijicon for a read on the authenticity.

BR,
 
I can guarantee you that it is a knock off at that price with that reported image quality. The ACOG holds its own. Having owned one for years and having looked through many cheaper scopes, it's not even close.Even used I'd be cautious of an ACOG going for anything less than 550 and even that is a buyer beware as the ACOG is like the Aimpoints in that there are so many knock offs out there.

Post detailed close up pictures.
 
You should post the retailer name so others don't make the same mistake.
 
Two thoughts: One, if it is really that bad, it is probably a knock off. My ACOG has excellent light transmission and quality. Two, this is an ACOG, which stands for Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight. This is a gun sight, not a spotting scope.

The short eye relief is for a reason. It is called the Bindon Aiming system and here is a short video:
Shooting With Both Eyes Open: The Bindon Aiming Concept (BAC) - YouTube

If you have not used the scope in this fashion, then you are really not getting the full function and purpose of the gun sight. So for an SPR, you have the wrong optic. This is a battlefield scope that is best for finding multiple targets and then aiming in.

Also, here is information directly from Trijicon regarding spotting a fake ACOG:

https://www.trijicon.com/na_en/support/faq_ACOG.php

Hope this information helps. Let us know

Thanks for the optics lesson. Not only did I get taken to the cleaners, but I don't even know what kind of scope an SPR type rifle is supposed to have. I am not an operator. Thanks for the link, it confirms that it's a knock-off. No vendor involved, I bought it from an aquaintance.
 
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Thanks for the optics lesson. Not only did I get taken to the cleaners, but I don't even know what kind of scope an SPR type rifle is supposed to have. I am not an operator. Thanks for the link, it confirms that it's a knock-off. No vendor involved, I bought it from an aquaintance.
That sucks you got taken on the deal, but it happens to all of us at times.

As for what kind of scope an SPR needs, well that mostly comes into how you're going to use it. Me personally I like to keep them light and versatile, but tough at the same time. They match up very well with a 2.5-10x scope, also with a 1-8x if CQB distances are important to you (heavy for that though). Some folks like the additional magnification and step up to a 14x or 18x on the top end, others treat them as a bench gun and go full blown 25x range at the top. A fixed 10x can do a fair job, but you are robbing yourself of the lower end and the larger FOV you gain. Budget options are a 3-9x, such as one of the Leupold Patrol Rifle scopes that give you a good bang for the buck.

My SPR (MK12 Mod 1) has gone from a SWFA 3-9x to a Leupold CQBSS to S&B 3-12x50 (spare while waiting on its real host) to Leupold 2.5-8x32 and now going to a Nightforce 2.5-10x24. I went with lightweight, versatile, tough as hell. Everyone has their own desires.
 
Thanks for the optics lesson. Not only did I get taken to the cleaners, but I don't even know what kind of scope an SPR type rifle is supposed to have. I am not an operator. Thanks for the link, it confirms that it's a knock-off. No vendor involved, I bought it from an aquaintance.

Sorry for the bad news. I hate it when people lie and cheat. My wonder is why anyone would want to fuck with armed motherfuckers like us?

Well, it could always be worse, right?:

<a href="http://s1295.photobucket.com/user/NeilGift/media/tumblr_lph0u1p8bi1qfvq9bo1_1280_zps305ddfc4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b636/NeilGift/tumblr_lph0u1p8bi1qfvq9bo1_1280_zps305ddfc4.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo tumblr_lph0u1p8bi1qfvq9bo1_1280_zps305ddfc4.jpg"/></a>
 
My first thought.

Same here, i have 4 ACOG's of different flavors and all have terrific glass. While I do agree the short eye relief on the 4X scope is not the best but it's not much of a problem on a 556/223 AR.
If you want to find out for sure give them a call and give them the specifics of your scope. They are always very helpful.
 
My friend I hate to hear bad news, but like everyone else's said, you got the wrong end of this deal. I have never seen a used ACOG go for less than $650. I have a TA11, a 33 and a 31 and all have outstanding glass and each one rivals my $2400 USOptics in terms of clarity.

Post who/which store did this to you.

77
 
I honestly thought I was cutting a fat hog in the ass, and capitalizing off someone's misfortune, so Karmic Law says that it's ok that I take this one in the shorts. I've got Nightforce on the .338LM. Leupy VX3s, and Sightron SIIIs on .300WMs, 30-06, & .308s. Me & the dude that sold it to me are workin it out, and I want to thank you guys for showing me the light. Nobody Did this to me, I did it to myself.
 
I honestly thought I was cutting a fat hog in the ass, and capitalizing off someone's misfortune, so Karmic Law says that it's ok that I take this one in the shorts. I've got Nightforce on the .338LM. Leupy VX3s, and Sightron SIIIs on .300WMs, 30-06, & .308s. Me & the dude that sold it to me are workin it out, and I want to thank you guys for showing me the light. Nobody Did this to me, I did it to myself.

You sound like a gentlemen... someone with common sense and honor in your blood. :)

Glad to hear you're working it out.

I do have to agree with the other posters... my ACOG is stunning in glass quality.
 
That is, by far, my all-time favorite Far Side comic.

Sorry for the bad news. I hate it when people lie and cheat. My wonder is why anyone would want to fuck with armed motherfuckers like us?

Well, it could always be worse, right?:

<a href="http://s1295.photobucket.com/user/NeilGift/media/tumblr_lph0u1p8bi1qfvq9bo1_1280_zps305ddfc4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b636/NeilGift/tumblr_lph0u1p8bi1qfvq9bo1_1280_zps305ddfc4.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo tumblr_lph0u1p8bi1qfvq9bo1_1280_zps305ddfc4.jpg"/></a>
 
The cheapest ACOG I ever acquired was $875! I have acquaintances that have purchased Aimpoints. ACOG's, Eotech's, and a Leupold at discounts which all turned out to be knock-off junk. Buy from HIDE vendors and "GTG" Guys here on the HIDE.