Looking for the best AR 15 ACOG scopes? You have come to the right place. We have rounded up the best ACOG scopes ideal for all your accuracy needs. ACOG scopes compatible with AR platforms are optimized for simplicity and efficiency.
For an amazing way to be sure you have a top-tier optic on your AR-15, choose an ACOG scope and benefit from a scope that offers a perfect balance of speed and versatility. Advanced Combat Optical Gunsights are optics designed for combat situations with combat-style rifles.
When these optics were first introduced in the market, they were extensively used by the military. But over the past few years, their popularity is increasingly growing in the civilian shooting world.
In the shooting world, one of the platforms where the ACOG scopes fit perfectly is on the AR rifles. However, the process of finding the right product for your needs is no mean feat. There are plenty of products to choose from and a lot of factors to consider when making your selection.
To help, we have put up a detailed review of the best AR 15 ACOG scopes suitable for every civilian shooter out there. Let’s take a look.
1) Trijicon ACOG 4×32 Scope w/Dual Illumination
First up, we have the Trijicon ACOG 4×32 Scope. This scope harbors a ton of high-quality and easy-to-use features that make it one of the best AR 15 ACOG scopes out there.
Firstly, the sight is built to last. It has a hard anodized aluminum housing which provides the durability you require to use it in a wide range of shooting environments.
The housing is also coated with a scratch and corrosion-resistant hard anodized finish for added protection. Furthermore, the scope has a battery-free illumination system to ensure optimal visibility of the reticle in different light settings.
Complementing the rugged housing is broadband fully multi-coated optics which maximize light transfer and minimize glare. This results in the production of brilliantly clear views with limited distortion.
For added convenience, the scope has a compact and lightweight design of 9.9oz only. It is also nitrogen filled to keep the optics free of fog, and waterproofed to be usable even when it is raining.
Other essential features included are decent eye relief for faster target acquisition and a Bindon Aiming Concept, BAC that allows for shooting with both eyes open.
Features
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- Red crosshair BDC reticle
- Broadband lens coating
- 7075-T6 aluminum alloy housing
- Hard anodized finish
- Bindon Aiming Concept
- Battery-free illumination
Pros
- Lightweight design
- American Quality
- Crystal clear view
Cons
- Short eye relief
2) Trijicon ACOG 4×32 Red Dot Scope
To boost your speed of target acquisition and fine-tune your accuracy, you need a quality sighting tool like the Trijicon ACOG 4×32 Red Dot Scope. Super accuracy and unrivaled versatility make it one of the best AR 15 ACOG scopes for hunting.
It features a fixed 4x magnification that is easy to use and ideal for taking shots at close and medium ranges. The sight is built with ease of use in mind. It offers an unlimited field of view for comfortable glassing and rapid target finding.
This scope also boasts a crisp clear 3.25 MOA red dot RMR reticle with brilliant LED illumination which guarantees optimal visibility even in low-light settings.
For lasting durability, this ACOG scope is outfitted with tempered glass. Construction-wise, it has a housing that is forged from a single piece of 7075-T6 aluminum alloy.
The body is waterproof and shockproof to withstand any beating. It is also coated with Type III hard anodized finish to be scratch resistant.
Moreover, the scope has multiple anti-reflection lens coatings to improve light transmission and ensure that the optics perform with zero distortions. It also features windage and elevation adjustments to compensate for both wind and ballistic bullet drops.
Features
- Waterproof and submersible
- Multi-coated optics
- Shock-resistant and fog-proof
- 7075-T6 aluminum construction
- Windage and elevation adjustments
- Type III hard anodized finish
- 1/2 MOA impact point correction
- 25 MOA red dot RMR reticle
Pros
- Solid construction
- Lightweight design
- Bright and clear optics
Cons
- Poor eye relief
3) Trijicon ACOG 5.5×50 Red Chevron BAC Reticle Rifle Scope
The Trijicon ACOG 5.5×50 Rifle Scope is built to provide increased hit potential in all lighting conditions making it a top contender as one of the best AR 15 ACOG scopes.
It has an illuminated red TA55A Chevron reticle which provides a precise point of aim and helps you estimate the range for silhouette targets.
Furthermore, the scope is equipped with Bindon Aiming Concept that allows for aiming with both eyes open. For speedy target acquisition, the scope has a long eye relief that also ensures comfortable observation with or without eyeglasses.
When it comes to construction, this optic has a military-grade aluminum alloy housing which provides a nearly indestructible sighting system. The body is shockproof to stand up to whatever you throw at it, and fully waterproof and fog proof for use in all weather conditions.
Another facet that makes the scope shine is the Trijicon fiber optics which adjust the brightness level and contrast of the reticle to match the ambient light conditions.
It also features battery-free illumination to enhance your accuracy in all lighting conditions and multi-coated lenses to provide superior image clarity.
Features
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Forged aluminum housing
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Fiber optics/ Tritium illumination
- 5x magnification
- Illuminated red TA55A Chevron reticle
Pros
- Durable and reliable construction
- Holds zero well
- Clear optics
- Lightweight
Cons
- Pricey
4) Trijicon ACOG 6×48 Rifle Scope
As one of the best AR 15 ACOG scopes, the Trijicon ACOG 6×48 Rifle Scope combines enhanced long-range capability with close-range target acquisition to help you make the most out of your shooting expeditions.
The battle-ready, field tested and superior build quality of this sighting system provides performance and reliability you can count on in all environments. It has a forged 7075-T6 aircraft alloy housing that guarantees durability and a waterproof construction for use even in harsh climatic conditions.
Furthermore, the scope employs the Bindon Aiming Concept, a method that allows for precision aiming with both eyes open.
This gives you a super sense of balance and a wider field of view for quick target finding. Combining these benefits with the 6x magnification will give you a considerable advantage over targets in any condition.
Features
- Fiber optics illumination
- Bullet drop compensation
- 6x magnification
- Waterproof and submersible up to 500 feet
- TA75 Picatinny rail adapter included
- Forged aluminum housing
- Shockproof and fogproof
Pros
- Battery-free illumination
- High-quality optics
- Solid construction
- Large, unobstructed field of view
Cons
- Expensive
- Slightly heavy
5) Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 Scope w/Dual Illuminated Red Crosshair
Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 Scope features precisely built optics that make it utterly reliable and remarkably accurate. The state-of-the-art optical system is the main attribute that makes this scope shine among the best AR 15 ACOG scopes.
This top-quality and versatile scope has a fixed 3.5 zoom power and a ton of other fine and reliable features that make it ideal for use in a wide range of applications.
The optical system of the scope is outstanding. Firstly, it features anti-reflection broadband fully multi-coated optics which maximize light transfer to provide bright and crisp clear views.
Furthermore, the optic has a battery-free dual-illumination reticle system that adjusts its brightness automatically depending on the lighting condition.
With a weight of 14.0oz only, the scope is light so you don’t have to worry about it affecting the accuracy of your rifle. The scope is also nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed to provide reliable performance in a wide range of environments.
It also features an internal adjustments mechanism that allows the sight to reliably hold zero, even when subjected to heavy recoil.
Like any other Trijicon optic, the scope is built to be nearly indestructible. It has 7075-T6 aluminum alloy housing with a scratch-resistant and rust-proof anodized finish.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Red crosshair dual-illuminated reticle
- 1/3 MOA impact point adjustments
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- 7075-T6 aluminum alloy housing
- Hard anodized finish
- Tritium/Fiber optics reticle illumination
Pros
- Lightweight
- Crystal clear optics
- High build quality
- Easy to use
Cons
- Short eye relief
6) Trijicon 1.5x24mm Compact ACOG Riflescope
When it comes to tactical shooting and hunting, the Trijicon 1.5x24mm Compact ACOG Riflescope is your ideal option. It has a fixed zoom power of 1.5x which provides great precision at close ranges and long eye relief for rapid target acquisition.
Though the sight is compact, it is built like a tank. It is crafted from forged aluminum which is rigid enough to endure any rough handling.
Moreover, the scope is shockproof to withstand whatever punishment you subject it to, and waterproof and fog proof for use under any weather condition.
Another highlight of the scope is the fiber optics illumination which adjusts the brightness of the reticle to match the ambient lighting conditions. The scope also boasts a lightweight design of 6.3oz only for easy maneuverability.
Features
- Dual-illuminated red reticle
- Forged aluminum housing
- Fiber optics/ Tritium illumination
- Shockproof and fogproof
- 5x magnification
Pros
- Excellent glass clarity
- Light and compact design
- Battery-free illumination
- Rugged and durable
Cons
- Pricey but worth it
7) Trijicon ACOG 4x32mm Riflescope
Gracing the best AR 15 ACOG scopes checklist is the Trijicon ACOG TA01/02/31 4x32mm Riflescope. Adding this scope to your AR 15 is a great way to improve your accuracy irrespective of the application you use the rifle for.
Built with versatility in mind, the scope is ideal for use day and night. It has 6 brightness settings to ensure optimal illumination of the reticle in all lighting conditions. It is also fully compatible with night vision devices to help you maximize the performance of your rifle.
With a weight of 18.1oz only, the scope is lightweight and easy to carry around. It also offers an outstanding level of light transfer even in low light settings, thanks to the fully multi-coated optics. Better yet, it is optimized by moving the RMR mount forward to optimize its performance together with the ACOG.
Construction-wise, it features a rugged 7075-T6 aluminum which guarantees many years of field use. It is also shockproof to add on durability, and fully waterproof and fog proof for all-weather reliability.
Features
- Robust engineering
- Fixed 4x magnification
- 6 brightness settings
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Water, fog and shockproof
- Matte finish
Pros
- Night vision compatible
- Compact and lightweight
- Enhanced user control
- Accurate and reliable
Cons
- Fixed parallax
- Costly
8) Trijicon ACOG 4×32 USMC Scope
Trijicon produces tough, battle-proven aiming systems and the ACOG 4×32 Scope USMC Rifle Combat Optic is not an exception. It is designed to boost your target acquisition speed and increase your shooting precision under any lighting conditions.
Built with a self-luminous aiming system, this optic will help you execute even the most difficult shots with complete confidence in any lighting condition.
It also boasts a roof prism design to ensure maximum optical precision, and multi-coated lenses to enhance light-gathering capabilities with zero distortion.
Furthermore, this sighting tool offers a generous field of view which gives you the ability to see your targets effortlessly and see what’s going around them.
It also boasts a rugged aircraft-grade aluminum alloy housing which provides a virtually indestructible sighting system.
Features
- Trijicon tritium phosphor lamp
- Military-grade aluminum alloy housing
- Multi-coated lenses
- Shockproof and fog proof
- Second focal plane reticle
- Matte finish
- 4x magnification
Pros
- Lightweight
- Solid construction
- Illuminated reticle
- Crystal clear glass
Cons
- Short eye relief
Further Reading
- Best LPVO for AR 15
- Leupold Long-Range Scopes
- Best Vortex AR-15 Scopes
- Leupold Scopes for 300 Win Mag
- Best Micro Red Dots for Pistol
Considerations when Choosing the Best AR 15 ACOG Scopes
There are many factors you need to consider when shopping for the best AR 15 ACOG scopes. Irrespective of the activity you intend to use the scope for, here are the key factors to take into consideration.
Magnification
The first factor to consider is magnification. Different ACOG scopes have different magnification power so you to choose one that is suitable for your needs.
For close-range shooting only, a fixed power scope with not more than 4x magnification power will be sufficient. On the other hand, you will need more zoom power than 4x for medium and long-range applications.
Glass Clarity
Choose an ACOG scope that is made with high-quality optics. It will maximize the clarity of the target and ensure that you place the shot accurately, no matter the lighting condition.
Another feature that the scope should have is solid lens coatings. A scope with fully multi-coated lenses will reduce glare and color distortion and ensure that you get a bright, clear, and accurate sight picture. Solid lens coatings will also maximize light transmission and also protect the optics from scratches.
Read: Best Scopes for Bergara B14 HMR
Reticle
Next, consider the reticle the scope has. Look for a scope that has a simple-to-use reticle, irrespective of whether you are a beginner or a seasoned shooter. With such an optic, it will be easier to acquire targets quickly in any environment.
The other thing to consider related to the reticle is illumination. Most Trijicon ACOG scopes have battery-free illumination which keeps the reticle visible in all lighting conditions without the use of any batteries.
Durability
Choosing an ACOG scope for your AR-15 is not something to do on a whip. Look at the quality of construction and ensure that the optic you get has a solid construction.
The best AR 15 ACOG scopes are made from aircraft-grade aluminum which enhances durability without being bulky.
For added durability, the scope should have a shockproof construction to withstand recoil and rough handling. It should also be waterproof, fog proof and dustproof for use in all weather conditions.
You may like: Best AR-15 Red Dots
Weight
Another factor to consider is the overall weight of the scope. Adding a heavy scope to your AR 15 will affect its accuracy and balance. A bulky scope will also come in your way of shooting.
To avoid that, look for a compact and lightweight scope that is not just portable, but also easy to carry together with the rifle.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance from your eye to the eyepiece of the scope. It determines how comfortable your observation experience will be when you are shooting.
Irrespective of whether you wear eyeglasses or not, it is important to get a scope that offers comfortable eye relief.
It will reduce eye strain when you are shooting for a prolonged period and keep your eye safe from the recoil the AR-15 generates.
Read: Best Vortex Scopes for Deer Hunting
Best AR 15 ACOG Scopes FAQs
Q: Is an ACOG Good for an AR15?
Yes, it is. The Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight is one of the best sighting systems ever made for AR-15 rifles. Adding one to your rifle will boost your speed of target acquisition and fine your accuracy irrespective of your shooting skills.
Q: What Range is ACOG Good For?
This will largely depend on your individual preference as well as the application you plan to use the scope for. But on average, an Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight with a magnification range of between 1.5x and 6x is ideal for a variety of applications.
Q: Which is Better ACOG or Red Dot?
It depends on individual preference and the type of shooting you will be doing. For CQB and competitive shooting at close ranges, a red dot sight is better and more efficient. On the other hand, an ACOG is better for medium to long-range shooting.
Conclusion
Knowing the features that you need in an ACOG scope and the kind of shooting you will be using it for will help make your selection process easy and pleasant. All the scopes we have mentioned above offer the essential features you need to make the most out of your AR-15 rifle.
Choosing the best model for your needs might be time-consuming and taxing, but whatever your needs are, there is an option out there for you.