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If you've ever seen a soldier's tactical weapon, chances are you've seen an ACOG scope. If you're looking around for civilian tactical weapons, chances are you've seen an ACOG clone.
The ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) was designed for distance and accuracy. A genuine quality one will cost you several hundred dollars or more. However, there are many cheaper clones on the market. These are four powerful ACOG-style scopes you can get without breaking the bank.
- GGD Trijicon ACOG 1×32 Rotpunktvision:Best ACOG clone overall
- Sightmark SM26021 Wolverine Rotpunktvisier:Best Compact/Lightweight ACOG Scope
- Ozark Armament 4x Magnified Optics:Best budget ACOG alternative
- CRUSHUNT 4×32 rote Chevron-Glasfaseroptik:Best ACOG clone for low light conditions
In this article, we will look at some of the best performing clones. We'll also discuss the features that make them worth your time and money. While we're giving you my top picks, you won't go wrong with any of them.
First choice | GGD Trijicon ACOG 1x32 Rotpunktvisier |
| $87 Shopping nowClick here to read my review |
Sightmark Wolverine Rotpunktvisier |
| $126 Shopping nowClick here to read my review | |
Ozark Armament 4x magnified optics with illuminated BDC reticle |
| $74 Shopping nowClick here to read my review | |
CRUSHUNT 4x32 Rote Chevron-Glasfaseroptik |
| $106 Shopping nowClick here to read my review |
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What is an ACOG scope and ACOG clone?
The optics company Trijicon popularized these scopes.
These are usually fixed amounts. Although sometimes you will come across models with variable power. The ACOG is a compact scope that can be used in a variety of lighting settings, from bright to dim/no light. They also use a Bindon Aiming Concept which allows both eyes to be open when aiming. It allows you to maintain a full field of view while using the scope's optics.
Go to the areas
Thatilluminated reticleThe Trijicon ACOG scopes are powered by a phosphor system. This is due to the radioactive decay of tritium. It has exceptional long-term performance (Tritium has aHalf-life of 10-15 years). These scopes use a fiber optic light guide during the day. This captures natural sunlight and directs it to the reticle illumination. It also helps to adjust the brightness of the scope to the ambient light.
If you're looking at a Trijicon ACOG replica, the luminosity comes from a battery source. your ability thatTarget concept "both eyes open".is also limited with a Trijicon ACOG clone. But hundreds of Trijicon ACOG clones are available in the market. So, for your ACOG oscilloscope, there are several options to explore!
You may be wondering why you should even bother with a Trijicon clone. When it comes to body structure and technology, branded models are usually the way to go. However, even the cheapest genuine Trijicon ACOG scope costs almost a grand. If you want the best you should be prepared to lose almost 3 grand.
That's a steep price to pay for most tactical gun owners. Especially for those who don't take their weapon with them in the rigors of combat. As a result, it might be better to look at an ACOG replica. Additionally, our next section is a quick buying guide on the components and features to look for in a good ACOG clone.
![Best ACOG Clones and Alternatives [2022] – Sniper Country (13) Best ACOG Clones and Alternatives [2022] – Sniper Country (13)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn-bjekh.nitrocdn.com/fBAuxVeMPubiNczggfkZcthToPByJOXU/assets/static/optimized/rev-59d27d9/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/image1-2-1.jpg)
What Makes a Good ACOG Oscilloscope?
Military-grade scopes are rugged and have low-light capabilities. Small scopes with illuminated reticles and fiber optics eliminate the need for batteries. So it makes a good range. The Trijicon optics are also unique due to the combination of fiberglass and tritium. ACOGs also instantly change brightness to improve your chance of locking onto your target in low light.
The goal of scopes should be to provide excellent field reliability. It can take a beating while still providing crystal clear vision. You can even submerge it in water without moisture getting inside. In addition, this type of scope allows you to focus on your target and keep an eye on your surroundings. These types of scopes are excellent scopes for tactical scenarios.
ACOG Replica Buyers Guide
Material
ACOG scopes should be compact and durable, whether they are Trijicon or ACOG replicas. When mounting an ACOG scope, there is a chance that the scope will be knocked around. You need a material that can withstand the elements. In addition, it must remain light. Aircraft grade aluminum or magnesium alloys are the only material you should ever consider.
enlargement
Most ACOG clones have a fixed magnification. The magnification level on most ACOG clones is 1X. There are several models that have a higher magnification. Despite this, it almost never exceeds 5 times. What you want to get all depends on the situations you think you and your weapon will find yourself in. If you're shooting close and personal, a 1X will give you the best wide field of view. Finally, you'll need a higher magnification ACOG if the majority of your shots will be at medium to long ranges.
Brightness/Battery Life
ACOG replicas will not use tritium as a power source to adjust brightness levels. A type of lithium battery powers the power source. Also pay attention to the information on the battery life of the manufacturer. Most clones worth buying have between 100 and 500 hours of battery life. It is natural when managed properly. Battery life is just as important as the illuminated reticle. Both are two of the most important characteristics of ACOG. Look for a clone that has a crosshair with a range of brightness settings that hold. If a clone doesn't have one, it's not worth buying.
railway compatibility
Rifle, shotgun, and handgun rails come in a variety of shapes. Some of these scopes come with built-in mounting bases. The scope doesn't come with a base, so you might have to pay extra for that as well. Check that the ACOG you are considering will fit on your gun's rail.
durability
A true ACOG is virtually unbreakable. They are rugged, designed for harsh environments, and purged with nitrogen to prevent fogging inside the scope. Since you're unlikely to have long-term combat encounters, this is the ideal place to negotiate a deal. The best choice is high quality aluminum alloy or aircraft grade aluminum. Choose a scope that will last and still give you the experience you want.
Preis
These are ACOG fakes. Each ACOG shouldn't cost more than $500 aside from the Trijicon brand oscilloscope, which is the real deal. If you're spending that much on a clone, you might as well get the original.
Fiber optic or battery powered?
For the illuminated reticle, ACOGs have typically used fiber optics. Without the use of batteries, fiber optics provide convenient lighting. They use the ambient light in the area to naturally illuminate the reticle. There will be less lighting if there is not enough light. On the other hand, battery powered ACOGs work more like a regular red dot. You choose your preferred brightness level with a lighting controller. Regardless of the ambient light, battery-powered models are also bright.
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Best ACOG Clones and Alternatives
In the following section we will review some great options. We'll tell you what makes them a particularly good buy.
GGD Trijicon ACOG 1×32 Rotpunktvision
This Trijicon ACOG scope comes at a competitive price and covers all the bases well. Solidly built and rugged, it offers a clear image and a highly illuminated reticle for quick target acquisition. Starting with the lens, the 32mm lens features an optical coating for high-contrast visual capabilities, as well as excellent light transmission and quality sighting. Contrast is extremely important in low-light environments where colors and contours begin to blend.
The reticle is illuminated and you can switch between red or green and choose five different brightness levels. It's clear and sharp. It has an integrated bracket that fits any 20mm Weaver style railing. The base features a durable and secure locking system that keeps the scope zero and on target throughout use.
The scope body is waterproof, fogproof and shockproof. All three are traits needed in a workhorse ACOG scope. The scope has an overall length of 5.9 inches and weighs just over 15 ounces, making it a bit cumbersome, but nothing that will unbalance your rifle.
The field of view is 44 feet to 100 yards. This is a fantastic FOV for a scope designed for fast target acquisition.
advantages
- Excellent brightness settings
- Integrated rail mounting base
- Excellent lens
- Affordable price
Disadvantages
- A little on the heavier side
Sightmark SM26021 Wolverine Rotpunktvisier
The total weight of the Sightmark SM26021 is 10.3 ounces. This makes it one of the lighter red dot sights on the market. Nevertheless, it is made of 6061-T6 aluminum with additional rubber reinforcement. If the visor falls off, it will help reduce the shock. Even if there are more durable red dot sights on the market, that's not a bad thing.
The 4 MOA red dot reticle is the main aspect of the Sightmark Wolverine Red Dot Sight. It comes with a 23mm lens with a side-mounted digital switch that allows for easy brightness adjustment. These lenses are also equipped with a scratch-resistant coating. This is a huge plus as scratches on a red dot sight's coating can dramatically affect your aim.
When it comes to the build of this red dot sight I can say that it is excellent. Its interior is purged of all nitrogen and is also completely fog-free. The Sightmark is also designed to be attached to a Picatinny rail system. The power consumption should also be very low. So it extends the battery life. In addition, the SM26021 uses a single AA battery as its power source and is cheap. They are also available and are almost everywhere.
Finally, these sights can also perform well in -22 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. It's IP67 waterproof, which means it can withstand water when submerged up to 3 feet. In summary, the Sightmark Wolverine CSR Red Dot Sight is a great sight for any AR-15 rifle. It is a compact and lightweight yet high quality red dot sight that gives you great value for money.
advantages
- energy efficient
- Easy
- Variable brightness levels
- Anti-scratch coating over lenses
- flushed with nitrogen
- Nebelfest
- Has a night vision mode
- Uses standard AA batteries
- Designed to work with Picatinny rails
Disadvantages
- Not the most durable red dot sight on the market
Ozark Armament 4x magnified optics with illuminated BDC reticle
The Ozark Armament is an affordable model with a number of optimization improvements. This ACOG clone features 4x magnification. It also includes a 32mm lens, an illuminated BDC reticle and is a metal scope. Therefore, this scope is one of the most powerful on the market.
The illuminated reticle on this model is battery operated. It comes in three colors: red, blue and green. Shooting at targets at close range will not be a problem. The illuminated BDC reticle creates a bright dot in all lighting conditions. It also allows you to easily lock onto the target from a variety of ranges. Additional features include an 86.8-foot field of view and 3.5-inch eye relief. Plus 14 MOA windage and elevation adjustment.
This scope comes with a functional and fully adjustable 3 front picatinny rail. The top left and right sides all have attachment points. Thus, a radiator or laser can be easily mounted. It offers most of the features without taking up too much space.
In addition, the durable structure of this product can withstand harsh environments. It is also shockproof, fogproof and waterproof. But this scope is small and also quite heavy. As a result, it's one of the bulkier alternatives, weighing over 1.5 pounds.
advantages
- Least cheap
- Durable scope
- It has a 4x magnification power
- With illuminated BDC reticle
- Fully functional Picatinny rail
- Provides 3.5 inch eye relief
- Features a field view of 86.8 feet
- Battery powered scope
Disadvantages
- Chunky and a bit heavy
CRUSHUNT 4×32 Red chevron fiber optics with etched optics
The Crushunt 4×32 Chevron is an ACOG clone with fiber optic lighting technology. This optic is the way to go if you want to hit the target more easily. It comes with a transparent, glass-etched reticle that absorbs just the right amount of light and is useful in low-light situations. The optics also have a fixed magnification that automatically adjusts depending on the amount of light that can be used. It means you can't tune in or focus on yourself.
Another great feature is the eye relief in the chevron reticle, which serves to improve the field of view and keep the image clear. This eye relief helps the shooter aim comfortably without injuring their eyes. The problem with this, however, is that it has short eye relief and it's absent. But for some, it's pretty decent.
In terms of quality, the Crushunt Chevron is great. Its body is well built and made of metal and feels sturdy. The scope is waterproof, shockproof, fogproof and weatherproof. Due to its robust construction, this scope is perfect for long-term use.
advantages
- Good quality optics
- Get a clear picture of the target
- Useful in low light conditions
- Chevron reticle and real fiber optics
- Shockproof and weatherproof construction
Disadvantages
- Short eye relief
- Fixed magnification
Conclusion
That concludes our list of the best ACOG-style clone oscilloscopes. All are more than capable of handling any non-combat shooting situation. You can call these scopes ACOG knockoffs and you'd be right, but don't lift your nose at them. These scopes do not offer the features and performance of the original models. However, for those of us not going to war, these scopes will do a good job and last a long time.
I particularly like that oneGGD Trijicon ACOG 1×32 RotpunktvisionYou can pick this one up for just $87. It would then take all the money you save and get other fun accessories.
We hope this post has been helpful to people looking for an ACOG style scope.
Also read:Reviews on rifle optics and scopes
- The 4 Best DMR Oscilloscopes
- Best .30-30 scopes for lever action rifles
- The 4 best scout scopes
- The 4 best budget red dot sights
Updated February 2022
FAQs
Is there a good ACOG clone? ›
4 Best ACOG Clones and Alternatives
Lucid 4x: Best 4×32 ACOG Clone. NcStar Mark III 3-9X42: Most Premium Trijicon Clone. Monstrum P332 Raven 3X: Best for the Budget. Meprolight Self-Powered Reflex Sight: Best Clone w/ Tritium.
The Aim-O 1×32 ACOG is a 1x fixed magnification riflescope with two reticle color options: ACOG with Red Dot & ACOG with Green Dot. The ACOG body is designed to be extremely rugged and reliable.
Which ACOG does the USMC use? ›The TA31RCO is an Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG) designed for the USMC's M16A4 weapon system (20” barrel). It incorporates dual illumination technology using a combination of fiber optics and self-luminous tritium.
What distance is ACOG good for? ›It's advertised as a combat optic, so I expect it to provide combat effective accuracy at ranges from 5 to 500 yards.
Are cheap ACOGs worth it? ›If you're looking for a scope that's nearly as good but doesn't have the price tag, check out these ACOG scope clones. They're definitely worth the price though, and you won't be disappointed with their amazing quality. Keep reading and I'll tell you everything you need to know about this legendary optic line.
What ACOG do SEALs use? ›One of Trijicon's most popular scopes is the Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG). This sight is very popular with Special Forces and SEALs, and it is now being fitted on every rifle carried by the U.S. Marines.
Is ACOG better than EOTech? ›Between the two brands, ACOG gets higher marks for durability and longevity. You get higher glass quality, more magnification options, and longer-lasting illumination than EOTech. In case your optic should happen to malfunction or break, you've got a lifetime warranty with ACOG.
What is the army replacing the ACOG with? ›The NGSW-FC will replace the close combat optic, rifle combat optic and machine gun optic.
Where do you zero An ACOG? ›The TA33 ACOG scope is designed to be zeroed at 100 meters using the tip of the Chevron reticle as the point of aim/point of impact (POA/POI). In order for the bullet drop compensator to work correctly, a 100 meter zero should be verified.
How long does ACOG tritium last? ›The tritium illumination has a usable life of 10–15 years. Some versions of the ACOG have an additional daytime reticle illumination via a passive external fiber optic light pipe.
Is ACOG better than red dot? ›
Is ACOG better than red dot? It's a matter of preference and what kind of shooting you'll be doing, but they're both better than iron sights. For CQB or competitive shooting, a red dot sight is more efficient. Medium- to long-range targets are better with a Trijicon ACOG.
What is the Russian equivalent of an ACOG? ›1P78 is a telescopic sight developed by and in use with the Russian Armed Forces, intended as a replacement for the older PSO-1 and 1P29 scopes currently being used by the Russian military. The optic is intended to become the standard issue sight for the infantry riflemen in the Russian military.
Can you use an ACOG for close quarters? ›The Trijicon ACOG®/RMR® combo is the ultimate aiming solution for both Close Quarter Battle (CQB) situations and longer distance shots requiring additional magnification.
Do ACOG scopes work at night? ›Fully night vision device compatible, the Trijicon 4x32 LED ACOG is also compatible with most other 4x32 ACOG accessories available.
Do you shoot ACOG with both eyes open? ›One of the tougher challenges most shooters face is trying to shoot both close and far with equal accuracy and speed. Picking up a moving target in low light that's 200 yards away can be a real struggle when you have one eye closed.
Why is ACOG The best sight? ›The ACOG is known for not holding zero under extreme use and extreme environments. Again, the tritium fiber optics illuminates the reticle so the scope is always on and ready to use. There is no on or off switch. That feature is another great reason why people love to have it on their “go-to” rifle.
What is the red thing on top of an ACOG? ›The red line on top of ACOG sighs is a light gathering fiber optic strand. The gathered light illuminated the red dot of the ACOG sight.
Do all Acogs have tritium? ›Most ACOG® models are battery free, featuring a tritium/fiber optic illuminated reticle that automatically adjusts the brightness based on available light.
What was the EOTech scandal? ›In 2015, the U.S. Government sued EOTech's former parent company, L-3, for civil fraud, accusing it of covering up defects in the sights it knew about as early as 2006. The first defect was "thermal drift", which causes the aiming point to shift in high or low temperatures by as much as 12" at 300 yards.
Is Holosun better than EOTech? ›The Holosun & Eotech each come with similar accessories, including high mounts, so you won't need to worry about picking up anything else to be range-ready, you'll be able to mount up and zero in, right out of the box. That being said, in our opinion, the clear winner is the Holosun 510c.
How far does an ACOG zoom? ›
An ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) is a series of magnified Telescopic Sights made by the American company Trijicon. Their scopes commonly offer a magnification of 4x, meaning anything viewed down the scope will be four times bigger than when viewed normally.
What will replace the m4a1? ›The Army recently announced that the Next Generation Squad Weapon, the XM5 rifle and XM250 light machine gun will replace the M4/M16 rifle and the 249 light machine gun, with some Soldiers expected to receive the weapons by the fourth quarter of 2023.
Do Marines use Acogs? ›There's a reason one million ACOG 4x32 scopes have been trusted by the United States Marine Corps, United States Army, United States Navy, United States Air Force, United States Special Operations Forces, allies around the world and hundreds of thousands of civilian enthusiasts.
What optics do Army Rangers use? ›Rangers carry the M4 and utilize the new SOPMOD 2 package, which includes the EO Tech 553 holographic reflex site, LA-5 infrared laser, foregrip, the M3X visible bright light (tactical light) and associated accessories.
How many clicks per box for ACOG? ›Adjustment increments with the ACOG® 3.5x35 are 1/3 inch per click at 100 yards. This means that 3 clicks (4 clicks internal adjusters) are required to move the bullet one inch on the target.
What color tritium is the brightest? ›Green is usually the brightest based on the phosphors and the sensitivity of the human eye. The half life of tritium is 12.32 years which means that a tritium based light source will be half as bright after 12.32 years.
Whats better tritium or fiber optic? ›If cost is a consideration, fiber optics are the way to go. If you are going to use it in a totally dark environment, tritium sights are the best choice. If you are concerned about having a sight that loses its illumination over time, we are back to fiber optics.
Does tritium glow forever? ›Tritium glows less brightly than many lume applications at full charge, but will often be brighter within the first hour as the lume fades. Tritium, however, has a half life of 12 years, meaning after that time half their glow will be gone.
What is the Russian equivalent of the Marines? ›The Russian Naval Infantry (MPR; Russian: Морская пехота России, romanized: Morskaya pekhota Rossii, lit. 'Russian sea infantry'), often referred to as Russian Marines in the West, operate as the naval infantry of the Russian Navy.
What rifle is standard issue for Russia? ›The AK-12 assault rifle developed by Kalashnikov, the general issue weapon of the Russian armed forces, has a caliber of 5.45 millimetres (mm) and an improved accuracy over its earlier versions, among others.
What optics do Marines use? ›
The Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps use the Trijicon TA31RCO ACOG, which has a 32mm objective lens and a 4× magnification (4×32). It is specially designed with ballistic compensating reticles that are also fiber optic and tritium illuminated. It can be paired with the M4 carbine and M16A4 rifle.
Do you aim better with one eye closed? ›It really doesn't matter whether you shoot with one eye open or both. Most shooting instructors will tell you that you should do what feels natural and gives you the best results. If you've started with one eye closed, it may be worth trying to learn how to shoot with both eyes open.
Is ACOG a prism sight? ›Probably the OGs of bombproof prism scopes are Trijicon ACOGs. We've got an review article and video just for them…for when you want to spend $1400 on a super battle-proven optic.
What model ACOG does the army use? ›The United States Army, Air Force and Marine Corps field the Trijicon TA31RCO ACOG, a 4× magnification model with a 32mm objective lens (4×32), with specially designed ballistic compensating reticles that are fiber optic & tritium illuminated, for the M4 carbine and M16A4 rifle.
Which is better ACOG or red dot? ›Is ACOG better than red dot? It's a matter of preference and what kind of shooting you'll be doing, but they're both better than iron sights. For CQB or competitive shooting, a red dot sight is more efficient. Medium- to long-range targets are better with a Trijicon ACOG.
Can you use an ACOG at night? ›Fully night vision device compatible, the Trijicon 4x32 LED ACOG is also compatible with most other 4x32 ACOG accessories available.
What kind of scopes do military snipers use? ›A reticle is the crosshair or aiming point in the field of view of an optical sight. The Mark 5HD riflescope was selected as the optic for part of the U.S. Army's Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) program.