ACOG help

[funkymonkey1111]

looking at ACOG and wanted some input. This model is the one I'm looking at---optimized for the 16" barrel and XM193.

https://www.trijicon.com/na_en/produ...=TA31-D-100290

B&H Photo has them for $1179 (plus a pair of smith shooting glasses), free shipping, no tax. I don't have complete, historical pricing info, but this is about as cheap as I've seen this model.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...l/prm/alsVwDtl

I like the chevron reticle.

But, looking for input, if any, on this model (I've seen the red v. green debate in another thread)--but this model versus other models, etc. I like the 4X, the fiber optic, etc. seems to be everything i'm looking for, albeit with a hefty price tag, even with the discount.

standard disclaimer--i'm not an "operator," nor do i pretend to be. I'm just a guy that likes to shoot guns and takes an occasional training class.

[mutt]

I have a ta31f with fiber optic illumination, red chevron. I also have a ta-01 with no fiber optic illumination and cross-hairs. Though I like them both, I think the chevron reticle is a bit better. The biggest complaint with the 4x acogs is the limited/picky eye relief. I think it's 1 1/2 inches. I don't mind it myself and in return you get a really good FOV but for some people it is a big problem. Another potential issue with the fiber optic models is the reticle tends to bloom, and obscure the target, in bright sunlight. I find myself covering half of the fiber optic with tape on really bright days.My ta-01 doesn't have this problem so advantage to the non fiber illuminated version in that type of situation.

Considering the amount of money involved, I think you should try one (if you haven't already) before you commit. ACOGs are great, bomb proof optics but not everyone likes them after using one.

[JohnnyEgo]

I like the TA31HG. Enough to buy two of them, even though they are expensive for what they are worth. I was never really a Chevron guy. I like the relative speed of the center dot and horseshoe. I suppose the chevron could be more precise, but I don't expect tiny groups at 100 yards while shooting unsupported. When I first got an ACOG in the 90s, they were the CQB optic to have. Nothing else had magnification in such a small footprint. I could never get the Bindon Aiming Concept to work for me, so I switched first to the Aimpoint Comp ML2, then eventually to the EOTech, as these were faster and more suited to the 75 yard and under distances at which most of the competitions I shot at were held.

So for me, they are slower then unmagnified optics at short ranges, and less precise with lower magnification then the many fine illuminated scopes that are on the market today. However, as a jack-of-all-trades, they are a good at all jobs, and can take a licking. And while this is purely anecdotal on my part, my best friend was an ACOG nut in the 90s. Had every variant available at the time, and could extoll on the virtues and vices of each at great length. He's site staff at that other site, and has a chevron recticle in his avatar. He's also switched to the green horseshoe.

You live close enough to me that I would be glad to lend you one of my TA31s for a week to let you try it out. You can sight it into your rifle and decide if you like it. PM me if this is something you are interested in.

[marty]

Had a TA01NSN but the eye relief was too short for me, kept hitting my sun glasses. Consider the amount of eye relief you will require.

[cfortune]

The TA11's seem to be much better on eye relief. You trade better eye relief and a slightly larger objective for a larger optic and 3.5 vs 4x magnification. Had a TA11J-G for quite a while and really liked it. Don't really have any rifles it fits the bill for so I sold it to a buddy.

[whitbaby]

I have a TA33G-H with green horseshoe .223 and LaRue mount.
I'm relatively happy with it, but it sure 'blooms' with any significant sunlight, no way to define target behind it.
Is there a clever way to knock down the intensity without the schmaltzy tape or bike inner tube or velcro'd zipper?

I sent this to Trijicon and they responded that they got the query but no reply yet.

Got a reply...they suggested I use tape...ta-daaaa
😕

[zimagold]

Speed/Lightweight - TA33

General Purpose - TA11

I do not care for TA31s.

I find the TA33 the easiest to use BAC, excellent eye relief, and I like the small format. I suffers from a reduced field of view and I find it to be limiting in lower light (optic is bright, but I have trouble acquiring targets with the illuminated center and small field of view). The TA11 seems to have the best balance of using BAC, moderate field of view, sufficient eye relief, and good low light performance. It is big and heavy when comparing it to a TA33. I personally have never been able to use the BAC concept well with TA31s and I also dislike the short eye relief. I would not recommend one personally, but they have the largest field or view and are in between the 2 above for size. Many people like the TA31s, they are just not for me.

Edit: When looking at reticle BDC options, keep in mind the higher elevation in Colorado and check your intended loads. Something designed for a fast load with long barrel at sea level might be spot on for a shorter barrel and heavier round with the thinner air.