Best ACOG Clones and Alternatives: Top 4 Picks Reviewed

ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) is an acronym acquainted to nearly any critical shooter.  The first ACOG sight was dropped at {the marketplace} in 1987 by Trijicon and has turn into an accepted normal for fight sights. 

The authentic Trijicon ACOG sight design was particular to the M16A1 with a carry deal with.  However, later fashions incorporate modified mounts for a big selection of weapons methods.

Trijicon ACOG vs Other Optics…

Many individuals surprise why a thirty-plus-year-old optical design stays the usual in opposition to which we measure most different fight optical methods.  The easiest reply is it’s the finest.  That reply doesn’t fulfill some individuals, so we should take a look at the ACOG system extra intently.

The ACOG is Tested and Proven

Nothing beats a strong file of efficiency.  Trijicon and the ACOG design actually have a confirmed file.  Thirty years of fight in a number of the hardest situations and conditions possible are the muse on which the ACOG status stands. 

The ACOG system has been with the U.S. army in each heated discussion since its introduction.  Thousands of fight veterans know the ACOG and might attest to its reliability and its value. 

A Simple Design for A Tough Job

Taking any piece of apparatus right into a harsh surroundings calls for performance and reliability.  The ACOG design incorporates the train of thought of simplicity to the core.  For instance:

• Battery-free illuminated reticle – The Trijicon ACOG design makes use of a tritium mild supply to light up the reticle.  Using tritium for a light-weight supply means no batteries, no battery modifications, no useless batteries, and no ineffective optics. 
• Fixed magnification eliminates delicate inside adjustment mechanisms – Fixed magnification scopes are inherently extra dependable.  The mechanisms required to maneuver fragile optics inside scopes are prone to wreck.  Fixed magnification optics are typically more durable and lighter than variable magnification optics.
• Bullet drop compensation reticle – The ACOG’s reticle gives bullet drop compensation for the shooter’s caliber.  Typically, ACOG scopes are calibrated on the reticle for the army 5.56 x 45, 55-grain FMJ bullet.  However, Trijicon now supports a big selection of bullet drop compensated reticles for different calibers and bullet weights.
• The Bindon Aiming Concept – Glyn Bindon, the Trijicon founder, developed the “both eyes open” aiming system.  Using an ACOG and holding each eyes open when aiming permits a much wider area of view.  The shooter’s dominant eye will concentrate on the illuminated reticle. The shooter’s different eye sees the goal, the background, and any peripheral motion. 
• Quality in each facet – Trijicon is understood for the standard of the supplies and the ACOG system’s optics.  The consideration to element throughout the manufacturing course of ensures that each ACOG maintains the best degree of high quality. 

So Why Not Just Buy a Trijicon?

For many people, that will be the apparent selection.  However, the extent of high quality and sturdiness of the Trijicon ACOG doesn’t come with out a hefty worth.  The adage, “you get what you pay for” holds true.  If you need one of the best, you pay the worth. 

Most shooters won’t ever face the sorts of situations {that a} Trijicon ACOG can endure.  The common sense resolution is to discover a cheaper optic that performs nearly in addition to an ACOG.  The choice is a matter of compromise and tailor-made to every shooter and their wants.

My Compromises – A number of ACOG Clones and Alternatives

Many scope producers have “ACOG Clones” of their product strains.  I checked out a few of these merchandise and have chosen as an inexpensive compromise in worth and options.  In the tip, each shooter should discover the optic that finest fills their wants and expectations. 

It is tough to discover a true clone of an ACOG.  Tritium is a radioactive thing that requires particular permits and strategies that many scope producers aren’t inclined to pay to make use of.  However, there are scopes available on the market which are comparable of their building, design, and operation to the ACOG 

My listing is just not ranked.  Each of those ACOG type scopes has options and capabilities that make them a standout within the ACOG clone space.  Each of the optics on my listing additionally has its disadvantages to think about. 

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A Quick Comparison of Clones and Alternatives

Here is a fast comparability of my selections and the Trijicon ACOG options earlier than we take a look at every of my picks.

Feature	Trijicon ACOG	Vortex Spitfire	Sig Sauer Bravo 4	Crushhunt 4X Fiber Optic Scope	Monstrum 3X Marksman Prism Scope
Battery-Free	Yes	No	No	Yes	Mo
Magnification	4X	3X	4X	4X	3X
Reticle	BDS Chevron	BDC – MOA	Horseshoe-Dot	Chevron	Circle and Dot
Length	5.8”	5.5 inches	6.Three inches	5.Eight inches	N/A
Weight	15.1 oz.	15.Four oz.	19.Three oz.	15 oz	17 oz.
Eye Relief	1.5 inches	2.Eight inches	2.2 inches	1.5 inches	3.5 inches
Warranty	Lifetime	Lifetime	Lifetime	Limited	Limited

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Best ACOG Alternatives: My Picks

The Vortex Optics Spitfire 3x Prism Scope

Vortex Optics is all the time someplace on my listing of optics, regardless of the class or the type.  Vortex merely builds nice merchandise.  The Vortex Optics Spitfire 3X prism scope stacks up effectively with the Trijicon ACOG. 

Like the ACOG, the Spitfire 3X is a fixed-power prism scope.  The Vortex Spitfire is rugged and sturdy for lengthy life beneath excessive situations.  Some of the excellent options that I like in regards to the Vortex Spitfire prism scope embrace:

• Etched Reticle – Etching the reticle onto the prism within the Spitfire scope ensures that even when the battery fails, you possibly can nonetheless use the scope.  Dependability is a key subject and guaranteeing that your optics stay useable beneath any scenario is important. 
• Red and Green Illumination Options – The Vortex Spitfire scope affords the selection of pink or inexperienced illumination.  Whatever your desire, the Vortex Spitfire scope delivers.  The pink or inexperienced reticle colours every have 5 forcefulness adjustment ranges.
• Wide Windage and Elevation Adjustments – Each click on on the windage and elevation turrets modifications the purpose of goal by ½ MOA.  In complete, the windage and elevation changes can cowl 120 MOA. 
• Battery Life – When set to the bottom forcefulness degree, the Vortex Spitfire boasts a 3,000-hour battery life.  At the brightest setting, the score on battery life is 250 hours.  The Vortex Spitfire makes use of a CR 2032 battery. 
• Tough Construction – The Vortex Spitfire options Vortex Optics multi-coated lens system to make sure most mild gathering and transmission.  The coatings additionally defend the optics from environmental injury and cut back glare.  The single-piece chassis building gives inflexible assist.  O-Ring seals and nitrogen purging make the Vortex Optics Spitfire scope waterproof and Fogproof.

The Pros

• At one-third of the Trijicon ACOG worth, the Vortex Optics Spitfire remains to be expensive however effectively well worth the expense.
• 3X magnification makes the Spitfire useable up shut in addition to at a distance.
• The Vortex Optics BDC reticle makes longer vary shooting easy and simple
• You can’t beat the Vortex Lifetime guarantee.

The Cons

• The worth remains to be on the excessive finish of what common shooters can afford
• The eye-relief is a bit brief

My Thoughts on the Vortex Optics Spitfire 3X Prism Scope

If you possibly can afford the Vortex Optics Spitfire 3X prism scope worth, I like to recommend placing one in all these in your rifle.  Short of being depending on a battery for illumination, the Spitfire will carry out at or close to the identical degree because the Trijicon ACOG. 

Last replace on 2020-11-30 at 11:02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Sig Sauer Bravo Four 4X

Sig Sauer doesn’t simply construct high-quality pistols.  They additionally manufacture high-quality optics, together with the Sig Sauer Bravo Four 4x scope.  Innovation is a part of the Sig Sauer custom.  The Sig Sauer scope line additionally carries on this custom of innovation.

Many shooters who mount the Sig Sauer Bravo optic take into account it to be one of the best ACOG clone available on the market.  Sig Sauer has constructed some distinctive and efficient improvements into the Bravo Four that qualify it as a high performer within the area of fight optics.

• A Great Reticle – The Sig Sauer Bravo Four has a horseshoe dot reticle that can also be bullet drop compensating.  This reticle type makes goal acquisition in CQB conditions fast and simple whereas permitting shooting longer distances straightforward and dependable.
• Integral Picatinny Rail Mount – No have to buy separate rings to mount the Bravo 4.  The integral mounts are powerful and machined as a part of the optic chassis for inflexible mounting to make sure secure and dependable zeros
• Built Tough for Tough Conditions – Solid one-piece building using mil-spec plane grade aluminum ensures a scope that may cope with essentially the most excessive situations.  The Bravo Four is submersible to 12 ft and absolutely Fogproof.
• Twenty Illumination Setting – You will discover an illumination setting to suit any mild situations your encounter.  The Bravo Four can also be evening imaginative and prescient suitable. 
• Battery Life – The Sig Sauer Bravo Four makes use of a Cr2 battery to function the illumination system.  Long battery life is a function that’s all the time appreciated.  Sig Sauers motion-activated illumination system additionally saves battery life. 
• Megaview Field of View System – Sig Sauer has engineered its Megaview system to offer the widest area of view available on the market.  The Bravo Four optic affords a 53-foot area of view at 100 yards.  The Trijicon ACOG manages solely a 36.8-foot area of view on the identical distance.

The Pros

• The area of view is superb and beats every other scope on this class
• Tough and sturdy.  The single-piece building with built-in mounts creates a inflexible and reliable system.
• The readability and light-weight transmission of the Bravo Four are unparalleled.
• Easy to mount, straightforward to regulate, and simple to accumulate targets

The Cons

• If the battery fails, you lose the reticle as effectively.
• The motion-activated reticle can lag if the rifle maneuvers very fast

My Verdict on the Sig Sauer Bravo 4

Sig Sauer has an incredible contender in opposition to the Trijicon Acog within the Bravo Four optics.  However, as we wrote this text, rumors had been flying that Sig Sauer would discontinue this optic.  Retailers appear to nonetheless have plentiful provides in inventory, however should you resolve the Sig Sauer Bravo Four is your selection, don’t wait too lengthy. 

Last replace on 2020-11-26 at 08:59 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Crushunt 4X Red Fiber Optic Scope

Not a well known kind title Crushunt affords an ACOG clone for a finances worth that rivals something available on the market.  If you need an ACOG clone that has the look of a Trijicon ACOG, the Crushunt 4X Fiber Optic scope could also be an incredible selection on your rifle.

The solely factor completely different is the shortage of tritium as an illumination supply.  The fiber optic that illuminates the reticle gathers mild from ambient sources.  Using ambient makes the scope nice throughout sunlight hours however not a lot at evening.  However, the opposite options that Crushunt contains with this optic make it an incredible selection for a finances scope.

• Glass etched reticle – It is uncommon to discover a finances scope on this class with an etched glass reticle.  The lack of a battery-powered illumination system makes an etched reticle nearly obligatory.  The mixture of the fiber optic illumination and the glass-etched reticle makes for fast and correct sight acquisition.
• 32mm Objective Lens – The barely bigger goal lens will increase the readability and light-weight gathering capacity of the Crushunt optic. 
• No Batteries Required – The use of a fiber optic mild supply eliminates the necessity for batteries. The draw back to no batteries is the shortage of nighttime illumination for the reticle.
• Waterproof, weatherproof and fog proof building – The Crushunt 4x fiber-optic scope is effectively constructed and rugged.  The glass is multi-coated to cut back glare and enhance mild gathering. 
• ACOG Style chevron reticle – If you might be in search of an ACOG type chevron reticle, you will discover it within the Crushunt 4x fiber optic scope.  Chevron reticles are identified for quick and simple goal acquisition, and precision shot placement.
• Includes an integral Picatinny rail mount – The 20mm Picatinny rail mount is integral to the Crushunt optic chassis.  Integral mounts imply no extra mounting points to work unfastened and a extra strong really feel.

The Pros

• During the day, the illumination is vibrant and clear
• Well-built and sturdy.  All aluminum building provides this scope a strong, well-built really feel
• This scope is an inexpensive choice for the typical shooter.  Great options with out a hefty entry worth.
• Reliable fiber optic illumination eliminates batteries and battery modifications

The Cons

• No illumination after darkish.
• Short Eye reduction

A Budget Option that Has Great Features

If evening shooting is just not a part of your routine and also you desire a scope that appears and works like an ACOG, the Crushunt 4x Fiber Optic scope could also be an incredible selection.  The options accessible on this optic and the worth level make this among the best selections for a finances choice ACOG clone. 

Last replace on 2020-11-26 at 08:59 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Monstrum Marksman 3X Prism Scope

Another finances entry into our number of ACOG clones and alternate options is the Monstrum Marksman 3X prism scope.  The Monstrum Marksman scope doesn’t have an ACOG look, but it surely performs like an ACOG and affords lots of the identical options.

One choice that Monstrum affords is the choice to buy the Marksman optic in both black or flat darkish earth.  If you use a flat darkish earth AR, you possibly can preserve your colour scheme along with your optic.  The flat darkish earth colour is probably not a serious concern for most individuals, however it may be a pleasant choice in some circumstances.

• The clean low profile seems – The Monstrum design is smooth and environment friendly.  The design retains the general profile of the Marksman scope low and near the rifle.
• Great for midrange goal acquisition – 3X magnification is nice for midrange goal acquisition.  You can nonetheless shoot nearer in, and the 3x magnification will take you out far sufficient for looking.
• Glass prism optics for distinctive readability and light-weight gathering – Prism scopes are identified for his or her optical high quality in small packages.  The Monstrum Marksman isn’t any exception.
• The Most Generous Eye reduction on our List – The Monstrum Marksman has the longest eye-relief of any scope on our listing.  The lengthy eye-relief affords extra choices for mounting your scope.
• Etched reticle – The reticle is etched onto the glass.  An etched reticle permits the shooter to make use of the scope with none illumination ought to the battery fail. 
• Dual Color Illumination – The illumination may be set to both pink or inexperienced based mostly in your desire.  Multiple illumination intensities enable for any mild situations

The Pros

• Well-built and rugged building.  Feels strong out of the container and the provided mounts are tight.
• Clear photographs and nice mild gathering capacity.   The reticle is evident and sharp
• Fantastic options for a finances worth
• The etched reticle is evident even with out the illumination.  Great solution to save batteries
• The low profile is nice on high of my AR

The Cons

• Won’t co-witness with the sights in my rifle with one other riser
• The battery life could also be a little bit brief

A Scope in My future

I’m presently within the first phases of a mission rifle.  The mission is to transform a Hi Point 9mm carbine right into a bullpup type inventory.  Part of the mission contains mounting an ACOG clone on the rifle.  Unless one thing drastic modifications, the optic will likely be a Monstrum.  The Monstrum Marksman 3X prism scope is main the listing as of now.

Last replace on 2020-11-26 at 08:59 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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ACOG Clones – The Budget Wise Option

If an ACOG type optic is your selection, there are various choices from which to decide on.  The scopes on my listing might not fill your wants.  However, I hope that what you’ve got discovered from this text helps you make the best selection on your scenario.  Be protected and shoot straight.