In todays world of variable power optics is the ACOG still and advanced weapon sight or has it been surpassed in effectiveness by the variable power optics? I ask this partially out of curiosity and partly because I’m debating weather I should spend the money on one or not.
I’m debating between a TR24G and TA33 GH or hold out until the next generation of Trijicon variables which hasn’t even been announced yet. Id like to hear some opinions regarding positives and negatives to both. Do you think that the ACOG will be around for much longer given the advance in variable power optics?
What remarkable advances in variable power optics have been made that weren’t around 10 years ago?
I have both variable, fixed and ACOGs, I like them each for different reasons.
The TA-33 remains one of my favorite all-time optics. Light weight, quick ranging, versatile distances and clear glass, sure they aren’t great at CQB, but beyond 25 yards they easily hold their own.
Something has me really interested in the TA33 for a general use optic and you may have just helped me make up my mind, especially considering I can get an incredible deal on one.
“The ACOG mounted on the M16 service rifle has proven to be the biggest improvement in lethality for the Marine infantryman since the introduction of the M1 Garand in WWII.” --Major General J.N. Mattis
The Marines are buying ACOGs by the truckload, and they are in widespread use with the Army too. The ACOG will be with us for a long time. I’m intrigued by the ACOG model the Marines have chosen to equip the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle, the Squad automatic Weapon Day Optic (SDO).
I’ve owned several ACOGs, but I never hold onto them. Great optics, but most of the ranges in my area are 50 yards or less, and the ACOG’s many advantages are wasted.
The TA11 and TA33 are the best of the ACOG line in my opinion.
The 33 is tough, light, and compact, and the horseshoe/dot significantly improves close-range work. It has much improved eye-relief over the 31 series, but isn’t quite as forgiving as good 1-4s on 1x.
The 11s (what the SDO is built on) are also pretty good, but a little heavier and bulkier than the 31 or 33, though still less than the 1-4s, if that’s a concern.
Thank you for that. I don’t have to use the orange search button now.
Seriously, though, I have begun considering an ACOG instead of an RDS and you gave me a couple of models to start my research with. I had looked at their website with question marks popping out of my head.
I can’t see it going anywhere until something as bulletproof tough and as soldier proof comes along. It’s also pretty simple to train on, which again is beneficial in terms of thinking of GIs. I interpreted the question more along those lines, but I suppose for civvies worried about SHTF the same applies.
The TA33H-G is my go to optic. Of all of the optics I have that is the one that I am currently using in the Stan. You can not beat it for size, reliability, and versatility.
I have a TR21 Accupoint and it has fairly unforgiving eye relief. I found the TR24 that I saw at SHOT to have unacceptable distortion at 1x. Maybe they’ve improved it but it is a very expensive piece of glass.
I’d agree that the TA11 and TA33 are the best of the ACOGs.
Not sure if it’s “remarkable”, and I may be wrong, but I dont believe anything like USOs dual focal plane SN4 was available 5 years ago when I bought my Short Dot. The ONLY thing I don’t like about the SD is the size of the dot in low light at 4X. I think a red dot in the second focal plane and a usable reticle in the first warrants my interest. I need to see if the reticle almost disappears at 1X like it does in the SD. I’d really like to see S & B offer this option.
Not sure if it’s actually available yet, but the price is right and USO is quality.
