Rifle Scopes Need Opinions -> ACOG

flounderv2

flounderv2

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 2, 2008
1,394
81
Ohio
#1
So Im about to purchase an ACOG for my AR (5.56) and I just wanted to get opinions from those of you that have them or have used them in active duty and get your suggestions on which one you prefer and why. Thanks in advance for all your help.
I guess my main question is what power and which reticle you like best. Im thinking 4x at this point but open to suggestions.
 
#3
Re: Need Opinions -> ACOG

They're all great. I use the TA011 on a 6.5 Grendel and it has been very effective on my hog hunting success. The new data suggests that the green illumination is more effective than the other colors, but yhe red or amber have worked fine for me.These are selling on the used market for deep discounts over years past.
 
#4
Re: Need Opinions -> ACOG

i have a brand new acog tried it once and i am selling it. but i am a hunter so it is not fair to say i am qualified to discuss the acog. i have a swaroski z6i 1.7 x 10 on my ar it is more my style
 
#5
Re: Need Opinions -> ACOG

Yes, 4X is probably the optimum magnification for hunting and target shooting to a few hundred yards. The more difficult question is the choice of reticle. For hunting, I like the chevron, but for target shooting the BDC reticle is better. It's a very rugged and lightweight optic. Overall I prefer the ELCAN Specter DR because of the better sight picture, reticle, and quick change between 1x and 4x.
 
#6
Re: Need Opinions -> ACOG

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: garandman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The standard response to this question is always "What are you gonna be using it for? What do you want your gun to do?"

</div></div>
My question was what are the likes and why for the people that have used them in various situations. Not exactly the standard question you seem to be referring to.
 
#8
Re: Need Opinions -> ACOG

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> My question was what are the likes and why for the people that have used them in various situations. Not exactly the standard question you seem to be referring to. </div></div>


My post was a solicitation for information FROM YOU that will help people to answer your question.

You can get a shotgun blast of answers all over the place, OR....if you tell us what you want your gun to do, we can answer your question more intelligently and provide you better info. Something of more value that "I like the color of the ACOG."

Just trying to help, friend.

 
#9
Re: Need Opinions -> ACOG

I believe the ACOG best fits what it was designed to do. If you are looking to punch paper its not the best choice.It has a decent FOV and pretty good glass, but don't expect ot pick up hits at 100 yards on paper targets unless the hit is in the white. The TA01 NSN allows a user with little training to accurately engage out to 600 yards man sized targets with minimal training. I think of it as a conscript sniper scope. Down side is ranging is based on a Approx 18" wide target. For known range shooting it was really cool. You could make a lot of people at the range mad by showing up and without firing a sighter. shoot the 200, 300, 375, and 500 meter steel targets while firing each shot at a different range and never touching the scope.
 
#10
Re: Need Opinions -> ACOG

By asking the question of which ACOG you have any why you like it, it allows me to potentially consider situations for use which I may have not considered before thus the reason Im asking. I am considering the 4x and havent decided on a reticle so those that have them and have opinions from actually using them in different situations is helpful. Since you evidently need more info, hows targets from 20 yards to 600 sound. Like I said, Im looking for an optic for my AR and can get a damn good deal on an ACOG.
 
#12
Re: Need Opinions -> ACOG

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: van462</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I believe the ACOG best fits what it was designed to do. If you are looking to punch paper its not the best choice.It has a decent FOV and pretty good glass, but don't expect ot pick up hits at 100 yards on paper targets unless the hit is in the white. The TA01 NSN allows a user with little training to accurately engage out to 600 yards man sized targets with minimal training. I think of it as a conscript sniper scope. Down side is ranging is based on a Approx 18" wide target. For known range shooting it was really cool. You could make a lot of people at the range mad by showing up and without firing a sighter. shoot the 200, 300, 375, and 500 meter steel targets while firing each shot at a different range and never touching the scope. </div></div>

Thank you for the helpful information. I appreciate it.
 
#13
Re: Need Opinions -> ACOG

For pure stationary target shooting, you can go with just about any reticle you like with or without the fiber optic. For moving targets and hunting, you should definitely get a fiber optic BAC model (dual illumination), as this scope was designed to shoot with both eyes open if needed. With this model, the reticle is a matter of preference. I have a donut on a TA31 and crosshairs on a plain TA01.
 
#14
Re: Need Opinions -> ACOG

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: flounderv2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Since you evidently need more info, hows targets from 20 yards to 600 sound. Like I said, Im looking for an optic for my AR and can get a damn good deal on an ACOG. </div></div>

An ACOG will work for that. Better at 20 than at 600.

Punching paper, or hunting?
 
#15
Re: Need Opinions -> ACOG

I've used the TA01NSN and the TA31F (and RCOA4). Like the other guys have said it all depends on what your wanting it for. I've only used them in service rifle (we have different rules over here in NZ)and 3 gun competitions. For slow fire the TA01 reticle with the cross hairs gives a nice precise aiming point. However I still prefer the TA31 with the chevron. Much faster to use for rapid matches and can be used both eyes open but it does take some getting used to. I've used the BDC out to 500 yards and it seems to work well. One downside to the BAC is that in bright sunshine the chevron gets a bit too bright and fuzzy so you have to tape the fibreoptic to reduce the light gathering. I've had no problems with the three I've got on my AR's but if your after a hunting scope I think there are better options.
 
#16
Re: Need Opinions -> ACOG

I have played with a couple of ACOGs.

TA01 - no BAC, little use in shoot n move stuff. sucks up close
IMG_0683.jpg


TA11 - BAC, but big, heavy, and expensive.
IMG_0688.jpg


Elcan: weird but cool.
IMG_0682.jpg


TA33R8: no complaints - have used this for awhile now.
IMG_0556.jpg


I've used the TA31 briefly, and was really not a fan because of the very limited eye relief and sweet spot. Also a bit large and heavy for my tastes. Without a flip front cap, made really close shooting more difficult. Expensive.

The TA01 was the first I used back in '95 in the Marines. Didn't care for it at Jungle Warfare School in Panama. Just terrible for that. Right now 2 of my coworkers have the 01NSNs on their patrol rifles, and seemed pleased with them. I think they're fine for the range, but not too good for moving and shooting or shooting movers.

The TA11 I just played with breifly. It's large, expensive, and great optics. But the big and heavy thing got me. Also, it's only 3.5x. I did like the donut on this model for closer stuff. To me, not worth the money.

The TA33 was my favorite of the bunch so far. a bit over 3x magnification, a wider sweet spot, and much more forgiving eye relief than the 31. Also, relatively inexpensive. I was easily able to put on a front scope cap and use it as an OEG red dot at FISH distances.

IMG_2626.jpg


No batteries, built like a tank, reticle stupid easy to use at distance, chevron very easy to use up close and moving fast.

I like the 33 for my Colt patrol rifle. It's the lightest, smallest, and least expensive. Reticle is great, and optics superb. It has come in very handy on a few occasions where I needed just a bit of magnification: felony stops - I could see into the car much better, perimeter - I can look in windows, covering known armed suspects (quasi-sniper role). It is not as good as the RDSs unside a house, but everywhere else I like it better. The vast majority of our rifle training takes place inside 50 yards, but we occasionally stretch out to 200. If we're feeling froggy, we can go over to the 500 yard line. Ranging is easy and is explained in the manual.

My rating of them in my world (general LE patrol use) is.
1. TA33
2. TA31
3. TA11
4. TA01

But I think with use, anyone can learn to use the strenghts of each type to make it advantagious.
 
#18
Re: Need Opinions -> ACOG

I've been running Elcan sights since 96 on my service rifle, we have the old C79 on our Army rifles. Agree the optical clarity is great hard to beat, but its sucks as a scope. It will keep losing its zero. My last tour to Afghanistan the first thing i did is get the damn thing off my rifle and replace it with my own Aimpoint and never regreted it.
Last year we got for trial the new Specter DR 6 of them i really wanted it to give it a chance as the mates replace it pretty soon again.
The base and mounting of the Specter was better than that of the C79 and keeping its zero was better as well UNTILL switching between the magnifications.
When going back to the 1 x mag the paralax seem to get a lot worse and the field of view seemed to shrink as well.
The reticle lighting was not uniform as well and pretty hard to see in daylight. Positive was that you had a choice in switching between lighting the Christmas tree and the aiming dot.
I used the Specter for one season and thought it was better than the C79 so i was not amused to give the scope back again.
This season i bought myself the trijicon TA31 ECOS after handeling one at a gun show.
Agree on the specter on 4x mag the optical clarity is better shift it back to 1 and it gets a lot worse.
In all other features i dont think the Specter can be even in the shadow of this Trijicon.
The Acog will actually hold its zero, for observing i use a bino from a riflescope i expect to hit what i am aiming at. The Acog will do just this.

After using Elcans for over 13 years i never had one that gave me the warm fuzzy feeling and i am glad our Army is getting rid of them later this year.
 
#19
Re: Need Opinions -> ACOG

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: garandman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: flounderv2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Since you evidently need more info, hows targets from 20 yards to 600 sound. Like I said, Im looking for an optic for my AR and can get a damn good deal on an ACOG. </div></div>

An ACOG will work for that. Better at 20 than at 600.

Punching paper, or hunting?

</div></div>

Both.. Punching paper, hunting groundhogs, 2 or 3 gun matches, etc. Multipurpose really. I already have a rig for long range shooting so this is more for fun but with functionality.

Great writeup SPDSNYPR.. Thanks allot.
Also thanks to lonewolf as well. lots of good information here.
 
#20
Re: Need Opinions -> ACOG

I've had the TA31DOC. Here is what I didn't like about the set-up:

ACOG:
1. Eye relied sucks.
2. Caliber specific reticles suck even worse than the short eye relief.
3. The illumination was too bright outside in the sun and not bright enough inside.
4. POI shift at close range wih the BAC Concept.

DOC Sight:
1. Sits way too high. Had to use a chin weld or more like a neck weld in my case.
2. Sucks in lowlight applications, just like the ACOG.
3. Hard to pick ip the reticle at times.

POSITIVES:
1. Great for what it was designed for, which is a combat weapon shooting a specific ammo.
2. Very light.
3. Good field of view.

CONCLUSION:
the more I shot it, the more I hated it. If they came out with a Mil-Dot type reticle or something like the IOR MP8 reticle, it would be much better. For most non milotary purposes there are better options such as a 1x4 scope like the Nightforce 1x4 or similar scopes.
 
#22
Re: Need Opinions -> ACOG

I have a TA11F on mine and the 3.5 has much better eye relief than the 4 power. Great for just hitting something and the fast moving both eyes open or occluded eye gunsight stuff (3 Gun and such). The TA11J-R or TA11J-G are a better match for both worlds. The lower crossline in this reticle matches up well with the close targets in three gun when you are on the move.
CC
 
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