I have been using Aimpoints for a good long while now but have been intrigued with ACOGS and have been contemplating a switch.
I am specifically looking at the TA31 series with the chevron reticle. The biggest issue I can think of is moving from a non-magnified T1 to the 4X magnification of the ACOG.
There are a couple of local shops that stock ACOGS, but playing with it in a store isn’t the same as a range and I am trying to avoid a $1,000+ gamble purchase. The overwhelming majority of the shooting I do is under 100 yards, but that may change slightly in the next year or so. That being said, I still don’t want to buy a sight that will be awesome for 1 shot out of 100 but a compromise for the other 99.
Has anyone made this switch? How was target acquisition changed with the move? Are you finding it to be much slower? Any Pros or Cons I should be aware of? Any suggestions or recommendations or should I just stay with what I know (Aimpoint)? Any other ACOGS I should be taking a look at that will ease the transition?
From personal experience, watch the eye relief on ACOGs. I bought one of the mini ACOGs sight-unseen and the eye relief was so short that I literally got rid of it before ever taking it to the range.
Some people don’t mind shooting “nose to charging handle” and a lot of ACOGs have eye relief this short. I was looking at the TA33 or one of the 1-4 variables but haven’t actually purchased one yet.
I too got tired of “blooming” of the Aimpoint’s red dot and I wanted to transition to not needing batteries, but my budget hasn’t allowed me to take the plunge after the mini ACOG fiasco.
Are you only considering ACOGs? If so, you are selling yourself short by not looking at a good 1-4x. I have both, and while I like the ACOG (TA31-RCOM4), I think the 1-4 is a better choice for most people. Failure2Stop (Jack) educated me very well on this very subject. That being said, I find the dot to be sharper on the Comp M4 than on the micros YMMV.
Are you just looking at fixed magnification, or something other than an Aimpoint? I want to get a TA44s after looking through one. I didn’t take one to a course of fire yet, but I was impressed by how much it didn’t suck. I keep waffling between getting rid of my Aimpoint because of the blooming issue, but I never get around to selling my M2.
I own an Aimpoint PRO, Eotec EXP2, and a Trijicon ACOG TA31 and have used them all on my rifles. All have their strong points but over time, my personal preference has become the ACOG. It took me a little practice to be able to transition between multiple targets as quickly at distances inside 20 yards because of the magnification but it can done. Shooting at distances of 50 to 200 yards is where the ACOG shines. You will have to shoot with your nose to charging handle because of the short eye relief but that’s how I was originally trained back in the day so that was something I didn’t have to relearn. The AGOG is light weight, requires no batteries, and is practically bomb proof. That combined with the quality of the optics have made it my first choice. Opinions here will vary and this is just mine FWIW.
One cannot really replace the other. I also have a 1.5-5X variable in a Larue mount that be thrown into the mix.
I have always shot NTCH, so a TA31 is fine for me. I personally think every ACOG reticle except the crosshair is just straight up goofy and they really hurt the optic.
The TA33 has an enormous eyebox which helps when your head isn’t positioned perfectly. With practice it can be used like a red dot very close, very easily and when you need to take long shots just close your non dominant eye. Being thin and having a small fov is actually beneficial in this case. I did not like the size of the TA31 and TA1. I sold it to fund a 1-6 and have yet to find anything with such a generous eyebox that I will be going back to the TA33.
UPDATE
I worked out something with a dealer to play with an ACOG, but after reading these responses and giving it some thought I think you guys are right. I don’t think the TA31 right for me. I just don’t think I can get used to the eye relief of the TA31. I’m going to try the TA33 as well, but from what I see online the FOV is very small.
I kind of doubt you’ll even notice the FOV on the TA33 once you use it. The eye box and eye relief are very forgiving. It’s a comfortable optic to sit behind.
Also, don’t expect it to be an aimpoint replacement. Several others have suggested that you can get used to the BAC and be pretty quick up close, but (for me) it’s not as easy and natural as an unmagnified red dot. I really like my TA33 as a medium range optic, and purchased it because of my astigmatism.
The eye relief on the ta31 is 1.5 inches (short). I have one on my go to rifle. You can’t beat the durability. I also have an astigmatism, so RDS is no longer a go for me, I can however use an eotech, and out of the two I prefer the ACOG. My only advice is to practice up close, and at range with the ACOG. It’s possible to use it quickly, you just have to get good with it.
Everything is a compromise. The relatively small objective and long eye relief of the TA33 results in the relatively narrow FOV. Keep in mind, though, that the TA33 is meant to be shot with both eyes open like an RDS, which minimizes the effect of the narrower FOV.
There are other options on the market as well. I’ve been experimenting with the Elcan fixed 4x optic, for instance. But I think the TA33 best suits your needs if you want to go down the ACOG route.
Another compact ACOG, and the most RDS-like by far, is the TA44. It’s a low 1.5x with a circle dot reticle.
This always sounds good in theory, but is horrible in practice from my limited experience. The chin weld you get it only good for close, comfortable shots.
I’ll have to report back once I try mine out…got the acog, got the rmr, just need the mount…I should mention that my ACOG is the TA02 LED version and the RMR mount is much further forward which I think should help…it’s actually one of the reasons I went with that model.
I literally just went through this. I had an aimpoint Pro on my rifle, and I have always wanted an ACOG, so I found myself with some excess money and got a smoking deal on a brand new TA31. I have one range trip with the ACOG, and I am planning another this weekend. The eye relief is incredibly short, and I am honestly not quite used to it yet. The scope itself is amazing, and more durable than I will ever need it to be. I love my Pro, it’s a great sight and Aimpoints are fantastic as well. A very tough call. I will never sell my ACOG, but I may end up running aimpoints more exclusively in the future. I’m indifferent right now haha
I used to be a TA31 fanatic, but once the mini ACOGs came out, I was hooked. Only TA33R-11s and TA44SR-10s for me from here on out. The weight and eye relief are worth the change from 4x to 3x.
I would have to agree once the minis came out . I was hooked its so light easy to manipulate I have one laying around that I don’t think I’ll ever let go. But I am also an aim point fan but mini’s are the truth …