What does ACOG stands for? What does it mean? How does an ACOG helps us? These are some of the questions which might be lingering in your mind right now. Let me clarify some of them.
ACOG stands for Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight. It is a fixed power and compact riflescope that has an illuminated reticle pattern to be used in bright to low or no light conditions. The ACOG is designed to be durable and reliable at the same time. Since it has the advantage of being a magnified optic, it can be made useful by making it as a tool one can observe and spot with.
Hence, check out this best ACOG scope review to choose the best ACOG scope for your AR 15.
Top 7 Rated ACOG Scopes for AR 15 Comparison Table
| Name of product | Magnification | Weight | Eye relief length | Objective diameter | Price | link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trijicon ACOG 4x32 BAC Dual Illuminated Riflescopes | 4x | 9.9 oz. | 1.5" | 32mm | $$$ | https://www.amazon.com/Trijicon-ACOG-4x32-Illuminated-Riflescopes/dp/B0038JHUSA |
| Trijicon ACOG 3.5x35 Riflescopes | 3.5x | 14 oz. | 2.4" | 35mm | $$$ | https://www.amazon.com/ACOG-TA11A-308-Trijicon-3-5x35-Riflescopes/dp/B0037W39YM |
| Trijicon TA55A ACOG 5.5 X 50 Red Chevron BAC Flattop .308 Reticle | 5.5x | 25.6 oz. | 2.2" | 50mm | $$$ | https://www.amazon.com/Trijicon-TA55A-Chevron-Flattop-Reticle/dp/B000ZNDV2G |
| Trijicon ACOG 4x32 Riflescopes | 4x | 15 oz. | 2" | 32mm | $$$ | https://www.amazon.com/Trijicon-ACOG-4x32-Riflescopes/dp/B0748VKCKZ |
| WOLTIS ACOG RC 1X32 Fiber Optic Red Dot Sight / Green Dot Sight Scope With QD Mount | 1x | 19.2 oz. | Unlimited | 32mm | $ | https://www.amazon.com/WOLTIS-Fiber-Optic-Sight-Green/dp/B07143JTJ3 |
| UUQ Prism 4x32 Red/Green/Blue Triple Illuminated Rapid Range Reticle Rifle Scope W/ Top Fiber Optic Sight and Weaver Slots (12 Month Warranty) | 4x | 22.4 oz. | 3" | 32mm | $ | https://www.amazon.com/UUQ-Triple-Illuminated-Reticle-Warranty/dp/B01GAETRNA |
| TACKSPORT ACOG Rifle Scope 4x32 True Fiber Red Illuminated Crosshair BDC Gun Scopes | 4x | 20.8 oz. | 2.8" | 32mm | $ | https://www.amazon.com/TACKSPORT-Rifle-Illuminated-Crosshair-Scopes/dp/B01M590FGM |
The top 5 best ACOG scope for AR 15 are decided by certain factors:
- Magnification
- Weight
- Length of eye relief
- Diameter of objective lens
- Price
Magnifications
A diverse range of magnifications could help you to use your scope at any light conditions whether it is for short distance or long distance.
Weight
A heavy scope may add additional weight to your AR 15. This indirectly inhibits movements so make sure you choose the optimum weight for your scope.
Eye relief length
Long eye relief for scopes gives you an added advantage during shooting targets at long range or near point blank. Longer eye relief also allows more shooting positions. However, long eye relief may cause smaller magnifications and may appear bulky as a result.
Diameter of objective lens
The bigger the diameter of objective lens, the more the light that can pass through for a brighter image as well the image would be more detailed.
Trijicon ACOG 4×32 BAC Dual Illuminated Riflescopes
The first ACOG scope in this best scope review is from Trijicon.3 The illumination is battery-free which means you can stop worrying about replacing the batteries every now and then when you are using it. It features a tritium and fiber optic illuminated reticle which automatically adjusts the brightness according to the available light.
It has a rugged aluminum-alloy housing which looks to be of promising durability. It is constructed out of 7075-T6 aircraft-aluminum-alloy housing which provides a nearly indestructible sighting system for your satisfaction.
The design uses the “Both eyes open” concept which means that you can use the ACOG as a CQB sight when you are shooting using “both eyes open”. This utilizes the Bindon Aiming Concept. It is an aiming technique that developed from the idea of Glyn Bindon.
Essentially, the technique is to use the illuminated part of the reticle with its focusing eye piece as part of a collimator sight. The user does not actually see through the sight but keeps the infinity image of the illuminated reticle in focus with the dominant eye. Meanwhile, your other eye looks at the entire field of view in order to acquire the target.
The ACOG scope is combat proven and has bullet drop compensating and ranging reticles. The amber Chevron ranging reticle will allow the user for bullet drop compensation out to around 800 meters for 5.56 (.223 cal.
The magnification provided is 4x while the diameter of the objective lens is 32mm. The length of eye relief is 1.5 inches which offers a field of view of 7.0(Degrees).
The field of view through this scope is 36.6 ft. at 100 yards and has precise 2 clicks adjustments (per inch at 100 Yards). The dimensions are 5.9 x 2.0 x 2.5 inches without the mount. Furthermore, the weight of the scope without mount is 10.5 oz. (297.5g). The reticle calibration is .223 / .308 / M193 / 300 BLK / 6.8 SPC.
The Trijicon 4×32 BAC is a fixed power and compact riflescope with a dual-illuminated reticle equipped (tritium and fiber optics). It is to offer domination in bright to low or no light situations. Also, it comes with a variety of reticle patterns for numerous calibers.
The Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG) is suitable for the M4 and M4A1 weapon system with a 14.5″ barrel. The tritium could illuminate the aiming point even in total darkness while the fiber optic self-adjusts itself the reticle brightness during daylight condition according to ambient light.
This will allow the shooter to keep both eyes open when they are engaging targets while at the same time maintaining maximum situational awareness. It fits all the specifications of the United States Marine Corps with the reticle pattern providing fast target acquisition at close combat ranges.
On top of that, the aforementioned feature also provides enhanced target identification with the hit probability out to 800 meters if you are utilizing the Bullet Drop Compensator. No tools are required for windage and elevation adjustments.
However, I am quite disappointed with the short eye relief distance. I expected it to be better when you consider the price tag for this product. Also, sighting adjustments may take a few shots to “settle in” or in other words to take effect.
Suitable for:
- Superior situational awareness
- Domination in bright to low or no light situations
- Shooting using “both eyes open”
Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 Riflescope
The next best ACOG scope is also from Trijicon. The illumination is battery-free which means you could illuminate the aiming point without using the batteries. It features dual illumination which is tritium and fiber optic illuminated reticle which automatically adjusts the brightness according to the available light.
On top of that, this best ACOG is combat proven and has bullet drop compensating with ranging reticle. The amber Chevron ranging reticle will allow the shooter for bullet drop compensation out to around 800 meters for .308.
The magnification provided is 3.5x while the diameter of the objective lens is 35mm. The length of eye relief is 2.4 inches which offers a field of view of 5.5 (Degrees). The field of view is 28.9 ft. at 100 yards and the adjustments are 3 clicks(per inch @ 100 yards).
The dimensions of the scope without mount is 8.0 x 2.1 x 2.9 inches. Meanwhile, the weight of scope without mount is 14 oz. (397g). The illumination source is fiber optics and tritium. The reticle calibration is .223 / .308 / M193 / 300 BLK.
The product includes 1 flattop adapter for mounting on a Military style rail, a 1 3.5×35 Scopecoat, 1 large sized Pelican Case, 1 lenspen, 1 Trijicon Logo sticker (which makes me wonder if is it necessary) and 1 ACOG manual 1 warranty card. The included products seem a great bargain considering they are of quality products and obviously saves some money as well.
Sighting is clear and proves to be a nice battle combat range scope of around 100-300 or so yards. It works fine for me with both eyes open and provides fast target acquisition. Beyond the suitable range shots are possible to be done but can be hit or be missed based on other factors such as environment, target size / cover etc.
Do keep in mind that this scope is not meant for use in close quarters combat as the provided magnification is 3.5. You will it have a hard time focusing if you used it so. However, it is easy to mount a RMR on top of this using the correct mount.
The finishing is also amazing but the reticle is a bit thin in several lighting conditions. Nonetheless, it remains usable although perhaps not quite as quick as other options in brighter light. The glass clarity and color are solid and admirable.
The red chevron is easy to look in the daylight or even in complete darkness due to the tritium gas. The long eye relief allows you to place the sight further away from you on your top rails and still manage to get a good sight picture.
Although this ACOG much larger and heavier compared to other options out there, unless you’re running around with the AR 15, it doesn’t really matter.
If you move the sight over any object that is very close to your dominant eye, it will allow you to see the chevron. Meanwhile, your secondary eye will be focused on the close object. If you transition to an object that is further away, you’ll began to notice that your brain picks on your dominant eye to focus on the target through the glass.
Suitable for:
- Adjustable cheek weld
- Fitting over most back up sights
- Acquiring a target with both eyes open
Trijicon TA55A ACOG Scope
The next best ACOG scope in this best ACOG review is also from Trijicon. The ACOG scope includes a flat top adapter with TA51 Mount. The chevron reticle is structured to be zeroed using the tip at 100 meters. The width of the chevron at the base is 5.53 MOA which is equivalent to 19 in. at 300 meters. This allows the use of range estimation for silhouette target.
Besides the flat top adapter, the scope also comes with 1 5.5×50 scopecoat, pouch, 1 lenspen- lanyard assembly for adjuster caps, 1 Trijicon logo sticker (I guess it is important?), 1 manual and 1 warranty card.
The provided magnification of this scope is 5.5x. The objective size is 50mm and has the bullet drop compensator feature as well. the overall length is 12″ while the weight of the scope would be 25.6 oz. including the mount.
The illumination source is from fiber optics and tritium with the reticle pattern being of Chevron. At day the reticle color is red while at night the reticle color is center red. The reticle calibration is 0.308. Furthermore, the length of eye Relief is 2.2″.
The exit pupil is 9.1mm offering a field of view of 3.5(Degrees) and 18.4′ at 100 yards. The windage and elevation adjustments at 100 yards are 5 clicks/in).
The included mount comes with flattop and has a housing material made out of forged aluminum. It offers accurate sighting in any light conditions without using batteries for a fail-safe performance. The Picatinny rail adapter mount with colt style thumbscrews is easy to be mounted on most military standard rails.
With the latest “both-eyes-open” Bindon Aiming Concept (BAC), the scope offers ‘instinctive’ target acquisition which increases hit potential. It is further outlined by its crystal-clear and distortion-free anti-reflective coated Lenses.
The Trijicon fiber optics and self-illuminated tritium phosphor lamp use totally battery free operation. Plus, they provide maximum eye-relief and large exit pupil for the ease of use. As usual with Trijicon best scopes, this best ACOG is dry nitrogen filled and waterproof to the range of 100 feet/30 meters.
The scope’s metal structure and optical system are guaranteed for a lifetime warranty. Meanwhile, the tritium is guaranteed to glow for 15 years. The purpose of the free scopecoat is to safeguard the scope from any dings and scratches, dirt, dust and moisture when you are using in the field. The lenspen makes it easy to clean the scope’s lens in the field as well.
The fiber optic could automatically adjust its brightness level and contrast of the reticle in accordance with the available light conditions. The Bindon Aiming Concept (BAC) allows sighting for rapid target acquisition contrary in any light.
The coated lenses provide superior clarity and light gathering capabilities. To top it all, it has zero distortion. The ACOG is much more rugged contrary to the conventional designs since only the prism housing moves.
Some people might prefer putting duct tape over the fiber, but I found mine just fine as they are. The highly visible chevron may be in fact, too bright to look at during high rise. Also, I find the price of scope to be a real downside but if you consider the quality of the scope, I guess you can let it slide.
Suitable for:
- Multitude of ranging distances
- Indestructible sighting system
- To provide increased hit potential in all lighting conditions
Trijicon ACOG 4×32 AR-15 Riflescope
It has a rugged design and made out of aluminum-alloy housing which promises to be of high durability for a nearly indestructible sighting system along with the backup of iron sights. You can use this using both of your eyes open. This utilizes the Bindon Aiming Concept.
This Trijicon ACOG is combat proven and has high quality glass lenses. The multi-coated lenses are to provide superior clarity and light-gathering capabilities without any distortion of the sort. Meanwhile, the Center Amber Crosshair ranging reticle allows the shooter for bullet drop compensation out to about 800 meters for .308.
I have mine attached to a quick release mount. This is so I could change over to a night vision scope. The low-light visibility and low-light target acquisition is unbeatable. Hunting in heavily wooded areas could be problematic due to adequate light and target acquisition factors but not anymore with this scope.
The crosshairs are black during good light while being red during low-light. Though, there is no illuminated reticle actuator to be manipulated. However, it does not use batteries which is a good thing.
Another downside is that the eye relief is approximately 2″. This could pose a problem for some. Sometimes, I go for some parallax in the sight to gain a “safer” eye relief.
The optical clarity is awesome and it’s hard to explain until you look through one. The bullet drop compensation clearly ticks. I am also amazed by its light gathering ability as well. This scope works great in low light situations as the reticle glows amber.
Plus, it is lightweight, low profile and has both eyes open situational awareness. On the flip side, I would have preferred if they did not sell the mount separately. You would have to make sure you get the right one. Often, they are not universal fit.
Close range shooting is a lot easier with the standard iron sights due to the magnification. I also appreciate the manual adjuster knobs rather than the internal ones. It makes rapid adjustments in the field easier and quicker. I have to admit that they do look bulky because of it, but it is still a great feature.
Installation was a piece of cake and getting it zeroed was quick. It only took around 3 shots to get it on point. The finishing looks great with the smooth black matte. I am very pleased on how it’s not very easy to get it scratched.
The eye relief is also fantastic. You can look through it and be impressed of its clarity regardless of light conditions. Some people may be intimidated by its size but don’t let that fool you. They are lightweight even if it occupies almost the entire length of the rail.
The scope’s ranging is structured into many of its reticles. Therefore, you would only need to set zero once for a multitude of ranging distances. They are internally adjustable as well.
Overall in this best scope review, although a little pricey, this best ACOG scope is worth it if you consider the quality as well.
Suitable for:
- Low light conditions
- Easy installation
WOLTIS ACOG RC 1X32 Scopes
I would suggest you to use to use it in the daytime or in the outdoors because the power source fiber requires enough light to show its best performance. This best ACOG is not suitable to be used in dark environments or in indoors as the light is not strong enough for it.
The ACOG scope fits any 20mm RIS weaver standard rail. The illuminated aiming dot automatically adjusts the brightness itself based on available light. It has a full metal casting with the finishing of rubberised matte black.
The windage and elevation could be adjusted with the adjustment of 1/4″ click @100 yards. This scope does not require any batteries as it uses optic fiber to illuminate the sight. The field of view is a little limited but still functional.
This best scope uses light filtered down through a transparent plastic tube on the outside of the “dot” projector on the inside. This explains why the dot is bright if you’re in bright light conditions but gets dimmer in low light conditions.
To tackle this problem, pair this with a laser or iron sights with a flashlight. With that, you would have most conditions covered. Although this scope is not nitrogen filled, it is still shockproof, weatherproof and sealed. It can work well in rainy weather but don’t expect the same in underwater.
This is x1 scope. So, it has no magnification and has some weight to it. The lenses are crystal clear although it requires an ample amount of light source to see the dot. Size of red dot is 5 moa.
It does not use any batteries so you don’t need to mind about it. I would advise you to use lock tight on the bolts. This is due to the fact that they will work loose after a few shots.
The eye relief is unlimited which means that you can place the scope as far from your sighting eye as you are comfortable with. Even so, you can still get a good sight picture. This is contrary to some sights which requires you to have your eye close to the scope if you want to acquire target.
If you are wondering about the meaning of eye relief, an eye relief is the distance your eyeball has to be to the scope in order to obtain maximum field of view.
It could be easily adjusted with just a click or more with the knob. Though, I would strongly encourage you to add some struts across the fiber optic to stay in place just a little longer.
The adjustment is done by using the small knobs that probably requires you to use a dime or penny to turn. In turn, the clicks are positive which something that lacks in some other scopes. There was enough internal adjustment to get me on target and I zeroed in fast.
The illuminated recticle needs no thought or searching as it is naturally right where it should be for you to look at. Zeroing is simple but you would also have to take into account the height over bore when you are shooting short distances.
Suitable for:
- Easy adjustments
- Zeroing in
- Shockproof
- Weatherproof
UUQ Prism 4×32 Illuminated Ar-15 Riflescope
The optical best scope uses fiber optic sight and has multi-coated optics with illuminated red-green-blue glass etched reticle. The magnification provided is 4X Fixed. The objective diameter is 32mm and the fully coated prism lenses are designed for excellent light transmission to provide the best clarity.
This best scope is combat proven to provide fast target acquisition. It is further aided by the reticle with Range Finding and Ballistic feature. The windage and elevation could be adjusted with precise 1/4 MOA click value.
It fits any 20 mm weaver and 3/8 inch dovetail rails and has durable metal housing with dual – layer coated lenses. It is designed to provide a robust platform to be shockproof, fogproof and rainproof. Furthermore, it is nitrogen filled and completely sealed.
I fixed the reticle at 100 yards and I could range it out to 600 yards. The reticle is designed to allow you to make an accurate shot on target quickly without having to adjust to the target. However, if you don’t know the distance, you can instead use the rapid ranging reticle to estimate the distance.
This best scope works great in close quarter battle(CQB) situations for quick and accurate acquisition. The fiber optic scope has green coating with 5 brightness setting for each color -red, blue, green.
The exit pupil is 8 mm with the field of view of 7.0 degrees. The field of view is 100 yards: 36.8 ft. The product comes with free 1 xCR2032 battery, 1 x 4×32 compact Scope, 2 x Allen wrenches, 1 x cleaning cloth, 1 x user manual.
The glass is clear and the contrast is fairly sharp. It was generally well focused. There is some substantial aberration at the edges. This leads to a sort of “fish eye” effect. However, the issue is minor enough to go unnoticed. It will only become noticeable if you focus in on it.
The eye relief is about 3″ or maybe a bit more. Regardless, this best ACOG scope is generous enough that a 223 pose no problem. Neither would a heavier caliber on the AR (except the 458/500 etc). However, the eye box is less forgiving and it is more critical compared to other red dots I’ve used before. Then again, it’s magnified while the others are not.
The reticle is a very interesting aspect to look through. I would like to emphasize that as a prism scope, the reticle is equipped in the glass with lights up. This makes it useable even if the battery goes out. The reticle itself has hash marks along with numbers. This indicates that the holdover marks out to 400 yards and beyond.
This scope could work well as a simple crosshair and also gives you aiming points for further out. Though they are tiny, they are well-defined and would be very useful if the user focuses on a target further out. Since they are tiny, they are not so big as to interfere with your sight even out to around 400 yards.
I was partial to blue as it was less overpowering and more subtle compared to the red or green.
Suitable for:
- The 3 color options
- The different brightness levels for each color
- Easy adjustment
TACKSPORT ACOG BDC Gun Scopes
The Tacksport ACOG scope which is the last on the list of best ACOG scope is powered by fiber source which provides brighter environment and reticle illumination at day. It also features bright daytime reticles which uses fiber optics to collect ambient light.
The scope is made out of aircraft-grade lightweight aluminum alloy. The windage and elevation could be adjusted and the multi-coated front lenses are almost parallax free.
The magnification is 4x and the objective lens diameter is 32mm. The reticle type is red illuminated crosshair. The field of view is 6.15°, with the length of eye relief being 70 mm.
It will fit any Weaver or picatinny rails of your AR 15. Though I didn’t count the number of clicks it took to sight my scope in, it was a lot that’s for sure. Furthermore, it has lots of room for adjustability. This makes it compatible any long range airsoft gun you may be running as well.
In order to adjust it, I set up a target. Then, I kept shooting and adjusted it until my shot grouping matched where the crosshairs intersected. The adjustment ratio for zeroing the scope at 25 m was 6.35mm.
In bright sun it works great but at dusk I can’t say the same as you cannot see the red dot. On the plus side, it doesn’t use a battery. Though, it does not have variable zoom which would have been a great advantage if it had.
I would suggest you to use blue locktite on the mounting screws if you don’t want any issue when installing it. I had to compromise with the build as it holds zero well and the glass is really clear. If you even bothered to think about recoil or even the slightest one, I can guarantee that it will hold zero well.
The reticle is crisp and there are no jagged lines that are common among some other scopes. As you can guess from the price, if you drop it on the ground, it’s over. Therefore, I would advise you to take great care of it like any other optic.
The fiber illumination is very bright in daylight and the reticle is visible with even moderate lighting situations.
This scope also works great in environments with heavy foliage in case you are in a situation where you’re trying to look through the foliage at your enemies. It peers through the thick foliage very well in accordance with the situation.
I like on how it doesn’t need any batteries and auto adjusts to the light present. Though, I am quite disappointed with the poor eye relief. You would have to put your eye pretty near to the scope in order to see the full range of the zoom it offers.
The actual reticle sits about 2-3 degrees canted rather than being perfectly 90′ vertical. However, it is not that big of a deal. The performance of the scope was at its best at 50 yards.
Needless to say in this best scope review, this best ACOG scope is really a decent scope for the price and is very accurate.
Suitable for:
- Picking up light very well for the illuminated part of the crosshairs
- Easy to zero in
- Easy to take on and off
Conclusion
I hope these best ACOG review has been helpful for you to choose the best AR 15 ACOG scope for your satisfaction. If you plan on getting a collection of AR-15 goodies, check out these cool stuff below: