Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight
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The Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (normally abbreviated ACOG) is a commonly used telescopic sight for firearms, particularly carbines and assault rifles, such as the M16 series. ACOGs are manufactured by Trijicon in Wixom, Michigan.
In contrast to sniper rifles, which generally have special or hand-crafted scopes that can magnify in excess of 10x, ACOGs generally only possess magnification of 2x–5x (depending on model). They feature a tritium-illuminated reticle for nighttime use — unlike "red dot" electronic sights, such as the Aimpoint CompM2 (known in the U.S. military as M68 CCO), these scopes do not require batteries. The United States Army and Marine Corps both field ACOGs, and these models are assigned a National Stock Number (NSN) and GSA cage code. They are tough, durable, high-tech optics — and they are priced accordingly (the regular price at a gun store is near $950.00 USD).
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[edit] Manufacturer description
- The ACOGs are internally-adjustable, compact telescopic sights with tritium illuminated reticle patterns for use in low light or at night. Bindon Aiming Concept (BAC)* models feature bright daytime reticles using fiber optics which collect ambient light. The ACOGs combine traditional, precise distance marksmanship with close-in aiming speed. Although the ACOGs have many features which are very advantageous for military use, they were developed by Trijicon without government funding.
- Designed for use with the M16 family, every feature of its mechanical and optical design was chosen for a single purpose: to provide increased hit potential in all lighting conditions — without failure-prone batteries.
The ACOG is available in a variety of configurations from the manufacturer. The TA01NSN model is the most common in use in the U.S. military. It features a crosshair reticle with Bullet Drop Compensator that allows the operator to engage targets out to 800 meters. The TA01NSN model incorporates rudimentary ghost ring sights as a backup for targets that are within 50 meters. The TA31F model is also in use by the U.S. Marine Corps as a Rifle Combat Optic (RCO), which also uses the BAC fiberoptic tube for reticle illumination during the day.
[edit] Use and issuance
The ACOG TA01NSN is an integral part of the SOPMOD package for the M4 Carbine, the TA31RCO is used on the M16A4.
Because of its durability and popularity among special forces personnel, the ACOG has been widely purchased by both individual soldiers and military units. Its ease of use has led to a resurgence of the designated marksman role in the infantry squad. The U.S. Marine Corps in particular has expressed an interest in equipping every rifle with an optical sight in the near future.
[edit] Flexibility
The standard TA01 is designed to be mounted on the carrying handle of the M16 series rifle — when mounted, it features a "look through" base that allows the conventional iron sights to be employed. For "flattop" and M1913 Picatinny rail-compatible weapon systems, the ACOG series is usually mounted into an adaptor manufactured by ARMS.
Trijicon has responded to market demand by offering mounting systems for a variety of platforms, including the Beretta 70/90 series, SIG 550, Heckler & Koch weapon systems and Steyr AUG.
Tenebraex also manufactures "Killflash" ARDs (Anti-Reflection Devices) for Trijicon ACOG models.
