So, you just got a new AR-15 and want to have some range or field fun, but you miss a proper scope? You have come to the right location. Today, we will show you the best ACOG scopes for AR-15. We will delve into the benefits of these scopes to AR-15 owners and the different features that make each unique. A buying guide also follows to steer you towards the right buying decision.
ACOG is an acronym for Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight. This implies that these scopes were initially designed for combat situations and use with combat-style rifles. Over the years, the scopes have gained popularity among civilians. The AR platform is a perfect example of where this optic is at home.
Choosing the best AR-15 scope can be tedious, as the market is thick with options. That’s why we have done the homework for you and compiled the top five ACOG scopes that fit very well with the AR-15.
Why the ACOG?
There are a couple of solid reasons why the ACOG is excellent for various applications, including hunting, tactical operations, and competitions.
Durability
The best ACOG scopes for AR-15 are second to none when it comes to quality and durability. Quality is depicted by forged aluminum construction and fully multi-coated lenses. Scopes with these features provide a sturdy build and long-term use.
Because there are fewer moving parts, top-tier ACOG scopes are less prone to failure. They survive exposure to challenging conditions and are as reliable as ever.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is another reason why ACOG scopes are a mass favorite. They do not rely on batteries. There is no need to mess around with knobs or anything else once your scope is mounted and zeroed. Open your lens, take your aim down the sight, and fire your weapon.
ACOG scopes also feature the Bindon Aiming Concept, which allows users to shoot with both eyes open. These perks include enhanced target identification, quick initial sighting, and swift target acquisition.
Shooting All Day and All Night
Trijicon is an expert in the use of dual illumination technology. Their proprietary technique blends tritium-based and fiber optic technologies. Because of this combination, the ACOG scope has self-illuminating capabilities, meaning you can use it both during the day and at night.
This versatility means you have the freedom to use the scope any time of day.
Best ACOG Scopes for AR-15
With that in mind, now let’s have a detailed review of the best ACOG scopes for AR-15.
1)Trijicon ACOG 4×32 BAC Riflescope
The Trijicon ACOG 4x32mm BAC riflescope features the Bindon Aiming Concept that supports both-eyes-open shooting. This special sighting inclusion lets you quickly find and acquire your target by increasing your situational awareness and field of view.
This virtually indestructible sighting system is constructed from 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. It will withstand harsh field use and typical wear and tear. Though highly durable, it is compact and lightweight, at 9.9 ounces. This means it is made to be as mobile as you are.
The scope is made for any weather. It is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, so it handles recoil and impact well.
The dual-illuminated reticle uses fiber optics and tritium for a bright aiming point regardless of the lighting situation. This dual illumination mechanism doesn’t rely on failure-prone batteries, which means it will not fail you while out on the hunt or at the range, giving you absolute confidence and enhancing your shot-kill ability.
As one of the best ACOG scopes for AR-15, it illuminates in three colors: red, amber, or green. It features a Chevron-ranging reticle that compensates for bullet drop. Other features include a fixed 4x magnification and a 32mm objective lens diameter.
Features
- 8mm exit pupil
- 32mm objective lens size
- Forged aluminum construction
- Weatherproof
- Bindon Aiming Concept
- Shockproof
- A length of 5.8 inches
- Fixed 4x zoom
- 5 inches of eye relief
- 25 MOA adjustment click value
- Dual illumination
- Bindon Aiming Concept
Pros
- Very well constructed
- Bright and clear glass
- Three colors for illumination
- Lightweight
Cons
- Limited eye relief
2) Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 Riflescope
The Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 is lightweight and compact, so it will not be a pain on the neck. Even with its reduced size, it doesn’t compromise on accuracy, durability, any-light aiming capabilities, or reliability.
The scope weighs under 6 ounces, making it fantastic for fast-moving tactical teams operating in close quarters or speed-oriented competitions. The size is also perfect for hunting among multiple moving targets.
With the fiber optic and tritium dual illumination, no batteries are needed. You can shoot comfortably day or night, regardless of the lighting. The brightness level and contrast of the red crosshair .308 reticle adjust automatically based on the lighting level you are operating in.
Durability is a given on this ACOG scope. It is constructed from 7075-T6 forged aluminum. It has nitrogen filling to prevent fogging and is waterproof to 100 feet. Being built to military standard specs means shockproofing is also a given.
The lenses are fully multi-coated to increase the level of light transmission. As a result, your images are super clear, bright, and sharp.
Features
- 35mm objective lens diameter
- inches of eye relief
- 1/4 MOA adjustment click value
- Forged 7075-T6 aluminum formation
- Bindon Aiming Concept
- Anti-reflective fully multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof up to 50 meters
- Fogproof and shockproof
- .308 Chevron crosshair reticle
- Length of 8 inches
- Matte finish
- Fixed 3.5x magnification
Pros
- High-quality, clear glass
- Bomb-proof
- Large exit pupil
Cons
- The mount is heavy and bulky
3) Trijicon TA02 ACOG 4×32 LED Riflescope
The Trijicon TA02 ACOG 4×32 LED scope runs on a single AA battery. Its electronics provide remarkable reliability, and a simple brightness dial allows the user to determine how much to illuminate the reticle, even in transitional lighting.
The battery operates for up to 12,000 hours on setting 4 and houses 6 illumination settings with an off position between each.
It is constructed from forged 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, which makes it suitable for real-world use. The fixed power design means fewer moving parts, creating an incredibly robust sighting system.
The A-grade glass and multi-coated lenses optimize light-gathering power and provide a clear field of view. The images you view will be admirably bright and crisp for pinpoint accuracy as you take your aim.
Another feature that makes the TA02 the real deal is its compatibility with night vision devices.
Features
- Combat proven
- 6 brightness settings
- Made from 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum
- Fully multicoated premium glass
- Fixed 4x magnification
- 32mm objective lens diameter
- .223 crosshair ranging reticle
- Up to 12,000 hours of battery time on brightness level 4
- Weighs 18.1 0z
- Single AA battery
Pros
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Stunning optical clarity and brightness
- Ease of use
- Durable
Cons
- Pricey
4) Trijicon ACOG Red Chevron BAC 5.5×50 Riflescope
The Chevron reticle on the ACOG 5.5×50 helps zero in using the tip at 100 meters. The width at the base is 5.53 MOA which allows range estimation for silhouette targets.
The lenses have multiple layers of anti-reflective coating for peak clarity and excellent low-light performance. The scope guarantees increased hit potential no matter the lighting condition without depending on failure-prone batteries. Rather, it uses tritium and fiber optics to adjust the reticle’s brightness level to suit the ambient lighting.
The Bindon Aiming Concept allows shooting with both eyes open, making target acquisition easy and quick.
This scope is not left out when it comes to superb build quality. It is made from 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, which makes it one of the most durable scopes you’ll ever find. It is waterproof up to 30 meters and is filled with dry nitrogen gas to eliminate fogging issues.
All these features are advantageous for hunting or military applications, cementing this unit as one of the best ACOG scopes for AR-15.
Features
- Fiber optics and tritium illumination
- Forged aluminum housing
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Bindon Aiming Concept
- 5x magnification
- 50mm lens diameter
- Red Chevron reticle
- Bullet drop compensator
- 2 inches of eye relief
- Weighs 25.6 ounces of mount
- TA51 mount included
Pros
- Excellent glass clarity
- Rock solid construction
- Adjustments are a breeze
Cons
- Limited reticle options
5) Trijicon ACOG 1.5x16S Scope
We finish off the best ACOG scopes for AR-15 with the Trijicon 1.5x16S riflescope. It is perfect for scenarios that require you to be close and personal with your target and is functional in practically any environment.
The scope features a spring-loaded design that makes it easy to adjust and deploy, whereas the lower profile maximizes comfort when transitioning from close quarters to long ranges.
It uses Trijicon’s Bindon Aiming Concept, which supports shooting with both eyes open, increasing awareness of the surroundings and making target acquisition lightning-fast.
This ACOG scope is additionally waterproof to suffice in inclement weather and shock-resistant. It also handles fog well as it is waterproof, making it ideal for various temperatures. The unit is constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum.
Its illumination relies on fiber optics and tritium, so you don’t have to worry about failure that comes with batteries.
The lenses are multi-coated to enhance light collection capabilities. This yields bright, clear, and vivid images.
Features
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Multi-coated optics
- Weighs 7.2 oz
- Bindon aiming concept
- 16mm objective lens
- Matte finish
- 6061-T6 aluminum structure
- Fixed 1.5x magnification
Pros
- Crisp reticle
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Never needs batteries
Cons
- Costly
Buying the Best ACOG Scopes for AR-15
Key factors to think about before making a decision include:
Durability
A good ACOG scope for AR-15 should be long-lasting. Robust construction such as aircraft-grade aluminum housing and fully multi-coated optics depict a scope’s durability. The best ACOG scopes for AR-15 should also be sealed and filled with nitrogen gas to make them waterproof and fogproof. Shockproofing is also essential for a scope to be good.
Magnification Range
Since all ACOG scopes have fixed magnifications, you should determine the distances you often shoot at. Lower magnification is suitable if your target is short to medium ranges. Longer-range shooters should opt for higher magnification levels.
Reticle Styles
There are various reticle configurations, and one reticle may be suitable for one shooter and unsuitable for another. ACOG reticles come in different designs.
The first type is the crosshair design, which is popular among civilian shooters.
The horseshoe dot is the next type, and it has a large semicircle surrounding it. It is versatile, allowing the shooter to take precise aim at various ranges.
The third design is the Chevron, which the US military uses on its ACOG-issued scopes. It has an upside-down letter ‘V’ aiming point and can be used for range estimation.
The fourth design is the Triangle, which is very similar to the Chevron. Its distinction is that it is an upside-down triangle as opposed to the ‘V.’
Lastly, there is the Donut style, which features an open circle known as a donut rather than the conventional center dot.
Reticle Color
Also, consider the reticle color when checking out the best ACOG scopes for AR-15. Similarly to reticle style, your choice and shooting environment are pivotal in determining the appropriate one.
Trijicon gives you the liberty to choose among three colors: green, amber or gold, and the traditional red. Reticles that are green, amber, or gold usually seem brighter than those that are red.
The green reticle may, however, blend into the surrounding greenery when hunting in a forested area. The amber or gold reticle problem will also affect shooters who primarily target sand-covered areas.
Eye Relief
This is also as important as the other factors, especially for those who use high-caliber weapons. A scope with acceptable eye relief will be safe and comfortable to use and minimize the chances of scope bite.
Cost
You also need to consider the cost of the scope. Ensure you are willing to spend money on a scope with high-end features. If your budget is tight, compare many products on the market and select the one that meets your budget.
What Is Good About ACOG Scopes?
A top-quality scope is superb for tactical weapons. It gives you an expansive field of view of the environment even in challenging light conditions. Unlike conventional scopes, the reticle of the scope is illuminated and operates without relying on batteries.
They have a unique construction quality that seals the deal. The scopes feature fiber optics that help them perform well in ambient light conditions.
ACOG scopes are powered by tritium, which illuminates the aiming point in the dark and at night so that you can easily focus on the target.
These scopes are designed with fixed magnification, which means they have fewer moving parts. They are also sleek, durable, and compact.
Is the ACOG Scope Suitable for Hunting?
Certainly. The best ACOG scopes for AR-15 help in quick target acquisition. They are great for hunting various game, like coyotes. Since the tritium offers illumination to the scope, which works all year long without adjustment, ACOG scopes are excellent for hunting, target practice, and competition.
Final Thoughts
That’s all about the best ACOG scopes for AR-15. All the above-mentioned scopes are great and will help you aim accurately in any lighting condition. Hopefully, the selection process is no longer tedious for you, and you have found a scope for your needs.
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