In this guide I’m going to show you the best ACOG clone and alternative.
In fact:
My friend couldn’t afford an ACOG, so I gave him an ACOG knock off and to this day, he still uses the sight on his AR-15.
Since then, I’ve tested a bunch of knock off ACOGs. So whether you’re on a budget or need a solid Trijicon ACOG clone, you’ll find it here.
Let’s get started!
| Best ACOG Clones & Alternatives | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lucid 4x | Overall | $359.99 |
| NcStar Mark III 3-9X42 | Most Premium Clone | $118.99 |
| Monstrum P332 Raven 3X | Budget | $129.95 |
| Meprolight Self-Powered Reflex Sight | Best Clone w/ Tritium | $448.99 |
Trijicon ACOG Comparison Guide
Trijicon ACOG scopes began with Glyn Bindon. At that time, he was an aeronautical engineer at Ford Motor Company and had worked in the U.S. Navy’s F-8U Crusader project and other NASA projects in the past.
Bindon birthed the idea of building a long-lasting scope with a reticle that illuminates in low-light and even no-light conditions without the need for batteries.
Thirty years later, Trijicon’s ACOGs became a life-changing weapon in the U.S. Military and is currently one of the world’s most trusted combat sights. Besides the fact that they’re built like a tank, these scopes feature premium quality, precision, and unmatched durability.
This article will contain everything you’ll need to know about the renowned Trijicon ACOG.
Interested? Keep on reading…
What is an ACOG?
ACOG stands for Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight. Though it was initially designed for the M16 and M4 carbine platforms, Trijicon has branched out with more accessories for other firearms.
The TA01, the first ACOG, was released in 1987 and was quickly implemented into the US Army’s Advanced Rifle program. In 2004, the ACOG became the official combat optic of the United States Marine Corps.
Since then, it has provided Marines the ability to fight effectively in some of the most challenging environments while maintaining the highest performance level.
Trijicon ACOG’s Best Features
The Reticle
Trijicon did well to provide their customers with several reticle options that catered to different types of shooters. Depending on your personal preference, you can choose between several styles and colors, including:
- Chevron – this type of reticle is a trendy one known as the “RCO” in the military, an upside-down “V” used explicitly by the United States Marine Corps.
- Triangle – this type of reticle is similar to the chevron except it’s shaped like a little pyramid.
- Doughnut – similar to its name, the doughnut takes the shape of a circle.
- Horseshoe – this reticle features a large “horseshoe” that surrounds a small dot.
- Crosshair – this is the classic design a lot of shooters prefer.
The reticles come in three color options: red, green, and amber. I find the green and amber tend to stand out more than the red, but shooters can find these colors a liability when shooting dead grass, sand, or similar colored backgrounds.
Regardless of the model, Trijicon utilizes the highest glass quality, which provides a crystal clear picture to the shooter. Thanks to its advanced design that uses all available light, you can always expect a crisp sight picture from the ACOGs, even when shooting at night time.
The reticle is a fixed magnification, so don’t expect to see a complex piece of gear with this sight. On the bright side, the lack of moving parts makes Trijicon ACOGs one of the most durable optics on the market.
Trijicon ACOGs feature a bullet drop compensator. BDC scopes use a precise reticle pattern to indicate how far bullets drop over a given distance. Depending on the reticle used, this can vary as a drop every 100 yards, or it can be every 50.
Generally, the reticle can line up perfectly to a target’s position, given the rifles and scopes are sighted in properly.
A BDC scope’s other aiming points correspond to the bullet’s impact point at the predetermined distances. The military uses this feature to guess ranges at an unknown distance, applauding the optic’s versatility.
A feature worth mentioning is the Bindon Aiming Concept (BAC).
This design that comes with the Trijicon ACOG allows you to keep both your eyes open when aiming, enabling you to keep one eye behind the scope and the other tracking your target.
Illumination
Trijicon ACOG sights are famous for the illuminated tritium powered reticle. Through a fiber optic cable on the top of the scope, the optic is illuminated by surrounding light, which in turn then charges the reticle for use. These provide the ACOG the ability to be completely independent of batteries.
Take note:
Without ambient light, it can be challenging to see at night. However, a small amount of light (like a street lamp or the moonlight) is enough to power the reticle.
Durability
The Trijicon ACOG is the preferred sight unit of the US Marine Corps; with that in mind, it is practically indestructible. The scope’s body is forged from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy housing, allowing the sight to sustain harsh conditions while maintaining a good hold on the zero. Additionally, the brackets that keep it connected to the rail are absolutely solid.
The Trijicon ACOG is designed to be waterproof up to 100 meters, a depth very few riflescopes can achieve. On top of that, the scope has proven to be fog proof, dustproof, and shockproof.
Caliber
Trijicon manufactures ACOG’s for .223/5.56, .308/7.62, or 6.8 SPC calibers – simply choose the one that matches your specific rifle.
Accessories
Personally, my favorite accessory for my Trijicon ACOG is the Trijicon Tenebraex Anti-Reflection Device. It’s a simple “honeycomb” sight protector, also called a killflash. This accessory protects the sight and objective lens plus prevents the glass from producing a glare.
- Package length: 5.1 cm
- Package width: 7.5 cm
- Package height: 17.0 cm
Also:
Many shooters have been known to put a Trijicon RMR on top. This is a contested accessory but is definitely doable. I recommended trying the RMR offset mounted.
Lastly, if you like shooting or hunting at night, I urge you to try out Trijicon’s line of thermal scopes. I personally own the TRIJICON TEO REAP-IR Mini Thermal and it’s definitely a favorite.
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The Downsides of the Trijicon ACOG
One word: Tritium.
The same thing that makes the ACOG a lifesaver can also make it an annoyance. It’s not uncommon in the military to place a piece of black electrical tape about ¾ of the way up the fiber optic cable.
Why? Because the sight will get so bright, it will actually glare on the target which makes firing at any range past 25 yards pretty tricky. Now, this is an easy fix for someone who’s experienced in different scopes and sights. On the other hand, this could be a turn-off to new buyers.
Another downside: the hefty price tag.
With its lack of adjustability, some shooters find Trijicon ACOGS to be too expensive. But if you’re willing to pay more, you won’t be disappointed by the premium quality and durability of this scope.
Trijicon ACOG Comparison Chart
Trijicon offers a wide variety of ACOG scopes. Each model comes with a different magnification power, reticle options, objective lens diameters, and physical size. Here is a quick list of the top 5 popular models:
- Trijicon TA31 4x32mm ACOG
- Trijicon TA02 4×32mm ACOG
- Trijicon TA648 6x48mm ACOG
- Trijicon TA11F 3.5x35mm ACOG
- Trijicon TA44-C 1.5x16mm ACOG
There are a total of 12 different ACOG variants as well as multiple reticle combinations. If you’re interested in knowing more about the different models, here’s a comparison chart from Trijicon’s website (full size image here):
Quick Guide to Deciding on an ACOG Scope
- Before you consider buying a scope, you must first consider the weapon on your hand. Trijicon scopes are well made and can fit a large range of AR platforms with ease. Smaller rifles will need more compact scopes, such as the 3×30. An M4 standard build will run well with a TA31 or similar.
- Cheek weld is a big part of marksmanship. One complaint with ACOG is that the cheek weld is too low, but it’s typically just because your nose is sometimes too close to the charging handle.
- As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to maintain a similar cheek weld profile to match the scope. So, if you’re a shooter with a low profile weapon, you’ll want a low profile cheek weld.
- Target distance is all about preference. If you have no problem firing from 500 meters or less, a TA31 will be perfect for you. Shooters that want to go further may want to look more into what Trijicon offers for long-distance shooting. All ACOGs have a good field of view and can be easily maneuverable in an extreme situation.
- Don’t forget the eye relief. I mentioned how improper cheek weld could almost cause your nose to reach the charging handle, but this can be alleviated with proper eye relief.
- The eye relief on Trijicon scopes are usually standard (about 2.5-4 inches). If anything, move and adjust the scope along the picatinny rail until there’s no more scope shadow, and it’s comfortable for you to shoot.
- Almost all Trijicon ACOGs work perfectly on any AR platform (.223/.556). Moreover, they’re capable of being mounted to an M240 which fires a 7.62/.308 round. These scopes have a lot of dependability and versatility, which is precisely why the world’s elite fighting force chooses Trijicon ACOGs without a doubt.
ACOG vs. ACOG Clone
We all love compact optics. Especially when it comes to telescopic sights.
And Advanced Combat Optical Gunsights (ACOGs) fit the bill.
Which means there’s plenty of “clones” floating around the market.
But are these clones as good as the original?
Keep reading to find out.
ACOG Basics
Let’s quickly go over the basics of the ACOG itself.
The ACOG combines traditional, long-range precision with the speed of short-range aiming.
Plus, these sights are internally adjustable.
And they have dual-illuminated reticle patterns. So you can get a great view, even in low light conditions or the dead of night.
ACOGs are also specially designed to be used within the AR-15 family.
In fact, every feature of the telescopic sight was made to increase accuracy in any light condition.
Sounds good? Alright, let’s compare the original and its clone!
The Original ACOG
The real deal is a rugged, aircraft-grade aluminum optic.
In fact, the ACOG is made to take on the roughest conditions and heavy recoil.
It also has battery-free illumination, so forget the anxiety of watching your battery draining at night.
Plus, you get a wide field of view.
But how does the clone hold up?
The ACOG Clone
The best clone usually has similar features to the original…
…just at a fraction of the price.
But is this a case of you get what you pay for?
Well…the clarity of the ACOG clone usually isn’t nearly as good.
In fact, you’ll notice a major difference when focusing on your target.
Most likely, the brightness of the illuminated reticle won’t be as bright either.
Plus, many budget ACOG clones need a battery to operate.
Which One to Choose?
Well…it’s entirely up to you.
If you don’t want to shell out too much money for a battery, the original ACOG would be worth it.
But if you’d rather save up, the clone may be right up your alley. Just be aware that some features will not perform as well as the original.
So depending on your budget or willingness to spend some extra bucks, that’s the gist of the performance level of the original ACOG and its many clones.
4 Best ACOG Clones and Alternatives
If you’re pressed on time, here’s a quick list of the best ACOG clones and alternatives:
- Lucid 4x: Best 4×32 ACOG Clone
- NcStar Mark III 3-9X42: Most Premium Trijicon Clone
- Monstrum P332 Raven 3X: Best for the Budget
- Meprolight Self-Powered Reflex Sight: Best Clone w/ Tritium
1. Lucid 4x: Best 4×32 ACOG Clone
The Lucid P7 4x Primastic Weapons Optic is the best 4×32 ACOG clone.
Trijicon is well-known for its line of nearly indestructible, low magnification optics that are battle-tested. As impressive as it is, not everyone can afford to drop $1000-2000 for an ACOG.
In fact, this is how I discovered the Lucid P7 4x. I spent weeks looking for a rugged short to a mid-range optic that holds zero and serves well in all my shooting applications. Trust me when I tell you this: the Lucid 4x Prismatics Weapon Optic was exactly what I was looking for.
Interested? Keep on reading…
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The Lucid P7 4x sports an incredibly clear, premium glass, built just like an ACOG.
Sometimes, I notice a slight distortion around the edges when I’m shaking my head around. But truth be told, unless you’re looking for it, it’s hardly noticeable. Plus, the Lucid P7’s glass quality is undoubtedly better than other competitors in the $300-$500 range.
The P7 reticle offers fast targeting with a highly useful ballistic MOA measuring tape. It has a dot surrounded by an 8 MOA circle, with bullet drop lines in 8 MOA increments underneath it. The P7 comes with red and blue illumination designed to be powered by a single AA battery.
A single AA provides up to 2500 hours of active target use, which is fantastic. I’ve experienced no problems when I tested the Lucid P7 with Duracell, Energizer, and other drugstore brand batteries.
However, one downside, Lucid doesn’t provide a warranty for leakage or corrosion damage caused by the batteries. So remember to buy less leak-prone lithium cells if you know you’ll end up leaving the battery in the scope for long periods.
The Lucid P7 features a Strelock Ballistics App. I had downloaded the said app on my iPhone and decided to test it out with my Ruger AR-556 that I use for hunting deer and other varmints. I plugged in the calculations for the bullets, and let me tell you this: it was so easy to zero that I dropped back and verified hold-overs at a few extended distances.
In fact: I was so impressed with how the Strelok calculations matched that I used it hunting until sunset.
Speaking of dusk, the Lucid P7 offers a good range of manual illumination settings, but the auto-brightness sensor is a feature I’d like to highlight. You won’t have to take your hand off the weapon to change the reticle’s brightness when going from a bright to a darker environment. The sensor was able to adapt to the changes in lighting very quickly.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The Lucid P7 4x comes with a forgiving 3-3.5 inches of eye relief.
This stood out to me as most Trijicon ACOGs have somewhat less than that.
On the flip side, the Lucid P7’s field of view is marked 25ft at 100 yards. This is slightly more limited than the field of view of a Trijicon 4×32 ACOG but is still pretty decent for its price tag.
Durability and Weight
The Lucid P7 4x is exceptionally rugged and durable.
Thanks to its aircraft-grade, one-piece aluminum tube construction with chemical rubber housing, this scope can withstand heavy use and harsh recoil.
Not only that, but the Lucid P7 is entirely waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof.
The biggest disadvantage to the Lucid P7 is its weight, which comes in a whopping 19 ounces with the battery. However, if this is the cost for increased durability and high performance, I’ll take it any day.
Elevation & Windage
The Lucid P7’s elevation and windage turrets are smooth with precise clicks that can be heard and felt.
The adjustments operate in 1/2 MOA clicks and have proven to be highly accurate and track true. The exposed, resettable turret caps were convenient when I had gloves on or when my fingers were wet in cold weather.
I mounted the Lucid 4x on my Bergara BXR, and it took me 20 rounds to zero the scope. After shooting 500 rounds, it still held zero perfectly.
Magnification & Parallax
The Lucid P7 comes with a fixed four power magnification and a 30mm objective lens that comes threaded for a killflash filter.
The scope comes with a side parallax adjustment. Combined with the ocular diopter adjustment, it provides any shooter a clear image over the entire magnification range.
Mounting & Rings
The Lucid 4x comes with a sturdy Picatinny rail mount built-in for secure and reliable mounting. It works perfectly for AR-15 platforms.
Also, the mounting was effortless regardless of the firearm. A word of advice: be sure to really torque down the screws because they can get loose.
Is the Lucid P7 4x Combat Optics worth it?
If you’re looking for an optic that’s as strong and reliable as a 4×32 ACOG but without the hefty price tag, get the Lucid P7 4x Prismatic Weapons Optic.
Why? It’s got…
- 4x magnification
- Crisp glass quality
- Forgiving eye relief
- Illuminated P7 reticle
- Auto-brightness sensor
- Auto shut off after 2 hours
- 2,500 battery life on a single AA
- Fogproof, waterproof, and rugged
To top it all off, the Lucid P7 4x scope is protected by Lucid’s Limited Lifetime Warranty. If the product arrives with a defect due to materials or workmanship, the company will replace or repair it.
For under $400, the Lucid P7 4x Prismatic Weapons Optic offers a remarkable amount of features housed in a body that’s built like a tank. Trust me: you won’t worry over spending thousands on a Trijicon ACOG ever again.
- Auto brightness sensor - so the operator does not have to take a hand off the weapon to manipulate the reticle brightness when going from a bright environment to a darker one
- Available kill flash filter
- Mounting - a robust Picatinny rail mount is built in for secure and rock solid mounting to most weapons platforms
2. NcStar Mark III 3-9X42: Most Premium Trijicon Clone
The NcStar Mark III 3-9X42 claims to be a trijicon acog clone, but it is an absolutely amazing scope in it’s own category.
The price tag is unbeatable, but this sight will blow you away with the insane quality and features that are packed into this budget scope.
Here’s why the NcStar Mark III 3-9X42 is one of the best trijicon clone’s I have ever used…
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The clarity on the NcStar Mark III 3-9X42 has been far better than anything else I have used in this price category.
Easily outdoes other acogs I have used that are two times the price.
The clarity on this sight seems to max out around 250 yards which is perfect for my shooting tendencies.
Not only does this sight come with a 3-9X acog, but it also has a close range red dot window up top.
This is the first time I have used a sight with this feature and I am really enjoying it so far.
Swapping from long range to short has never been so simple.
The red dot up top is a great complement to an already fantastic sight.
I am using this sight on my .223 AR and it has been a great addition to one of my favorite rifles.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The eye relief is a little bit variable based on the magnification; however, with the quick release mount that comes stock this has not been a huge issue for me.
It is not often that I am switching my magnification more than once out at the range so I have rarely noticed this issue.
The eye relief has been great for the recoil on my .223 AR and I am assuming it could easily handle .308 recoil and not get too close to my eye.
The eye box is more than large enough for my viewing needs and I have had no issues.
With beautiful great clarity and an amazing field of view, the NcStar Mark III 3-9X42 has not left my AR since I purchased it.
Durability
One prerequisite I would recommend for the NcStar Mark III 3-9X42 would be to tighten and loctite some of the mounting screws.
I read a few reviews prior to purchasing the sight and this was a common complaint so I did it the second I opened the box.
I have had absolutely no issues with any of the hardware which makes me think I probably didn’t even need to do it.
Overall, the NcStar Mark III 3-9X42 is a very strong piece of hardware and it has taken a beating alongside my AR.
The quality you get far outweighs the price tag of the sight.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The elevation and windage knobs are beyond premium for what you pay for this sight.
At this price range I would expect some crappy, wobbly plastic turrets with terrible motion.
However, you get high quality turrets with great movement. The click is very solid and they snap into place perfectly.
Finding a zero on the NcStar Mark III 3-9X42 was unbelievably easy and I have only had to re zero once or twice in the past few months.
Given, I use my AR multiple times a week.
The zero has held fantastically well, but after a few months I find it has drifted ever so slightly so I give it a click or two and we’re back to perfect.
Parallax & Magnification
The magnification on this sight is 3X to 9X which has been perfect for my usage.
(If you need a 1-6x range, check out my best LPVO optic guide).
In addition, it comes with the red dot on top that is at 1X. The combination of both of these is a pleasure to use at the range.
As you increase the magnification I have noticed a slight parallax that comes with the eye relief issue I mentioned earlier.
This was not a dealbreaker for me because the sight is still an amazing purchase in my mind.
Mounting & Rings
The NcStar Mark III 3-9X42 comes with an unbelievable quick detach mount.
I am always slightly sceptical about quick detach mounts when they come stock because I can be very picky about my mounting.
This quick detach mount is definitely one of the better ones that I have used and I don’t plan on taking it off.
I would definitely recommend keeping the quick detach mount on the sight, it has been a dream to use.
Is the NcStar Mark III 3-9X42 worth it?
The NcStar Mark III 3-9X42 touts itself as a Trijicon clone. The word clone tends to give a negative connotation; however, this sight does not deserve the clone name.
Here’s why:
- Dual reticle
- Unbeatable price
- Magnification versatility
In short: The NcStar Mark III 3-9X42 is high quality and comes in at a price tag that makes me wonder why I haven’t bought another one yet. I can promise this sight will be an amazing addition to any AR build that won’t break the bank.
- Ncstar 3-9X42 Mark III Tactical GEN II
- Integral Quick Detach Base Fits Picatinny Type Mounts
- Range Estimating Reticle Pattern
3. Monstrum P332 Raven 3X: Best for the Budget
The Monstrum P332 Raven 3x is the best sight for the budget.
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In fact:
After comparing every prism scope in the under $300 category, I still keep this sight on my firearm today.
Here’s why…
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The Raven might be a budget sight, but it comes with a competitive high quality lens.
The fully multi-coated quartz lens gives a bright, high quality picture without any of the typical imperfections you see in a budget scope. Plus, the optic lens coating also reduces glare so you won’t give away your positioning.
It’s better glass at half the price.
The circle dot reticle is crisp albeit simple. It’s glass etched with a 3 MOA dot and 60 MOA circle.
It’s a very basic reticle, but for short- and mid-range shooting it’s great for fast target acquisition.
The reticle can also be illuminated either red or green with 5 brightness settings per color.
The illumination does decently well in the daytime, but I’d say that the unilluminated black reticle shows up the best in daytime lighting. The illuminations settings work best for dusk or low-light situations.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The 3.0-3.5 inches of eye relief allows for scoping with one eye or two.
The eye box is good as well, especially considering the price, and not too difficult to get your cheek in the right position.
That, paired with the solid eye relief makes it a great optic to target with both eyes open. This makes it great for fast target acquisition in home defense or for people who have trouble sighting a traditional scope.
Durability
The P332 Raven might be affordable, but it’s not cheap. This scope is built to withstand serious abuse.
The scope body is single piece machined from 6061 aluminum meaning fewer moving parts and less points of failure so the scope can withstand serious recoil.
It’s stood up to all of my abuse, deliberate and not.
It’s water and shockproof. The nitrogen sealed body also prevents the scope from fogging so you’ll always have a clear shot, rain or shine.
Added to this, the turret caps are rubber o-ring sealed which prevents dust and corrosion from damaging the scope.
It’s budget friendly, but built to last.
Despite being compact, the Raven is a beefy optic. At 15 ounces, it’s nearly an added pound to my weapon setup.
That being said, it’s the lightest option in the Monstrum line to date, and a more lightweight option will cost you at least three times as much.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The windage and elevation adjustments are somewhat crude and require a screwdriver or coin to adjust.
The clicks on the adjustments are weak, but they don’t change once they’re set.
Zeroing was quick and easy. I’ve put more than 200 rounds through this scope and it’s held fast.
Parallax & Magnification
The P332 Raven is a fixed 3x magnification. It works well for close range, 200+ yard shooting.
The fixed magnification means less fiddling with settings and more shooting. While it is fixed at 3x, the diopter can be manually adjusted to focus your image whether at 25 or 300 yards.
Overall, I’ve found that this optic performs its best at mid-range, 15-200 yards primarily.
(If you need more range than that, check out my long range scope guide).
Mounting & Rings
No need to shop around for added rings or risers since the Raven comes built to mount with an integrated mount system.
It mounts on any Picatinny rail platform with no additional equipment. The scope mount uses hex nuts with flat-head screwdriver cutouts.
(Looking to get into competition? Check out my top scope picks for 3-gun shooting).
Is the P332 Raven 3X worth it?
A crisp dot, clean picture, and durable optic body are some of the premium features that make this sight stand out at a fraction of the price.
The fixed 3x magnification and simple reticle design are why I recommend it for home defense and quick, mid-range target shooting.
Here’s what sets it apart from the competition:
- Circle dot reticle
- One year warranty
- Fully multi-coated quartz lens
- 6061 Aircraft Grade Aluminum body
Once you get your hands on the Monstrum P332 Raven 3x, you’ll wonder how you didn’t pay twice as much.
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4. Meprolight Self-Powered Reflex Sight: Best Clone w/ Tritium
If you’re a prepper like me, then you want to make sure you have everything you need to survive off the grid.
You probably have all the day to day supplies covered, but have you considered what you’re going to use when the batteries in your usual rifle scope die?
You might have a way to charge it, but why take the risk?
Let me introduce you to the Meprolight Self-powered reflex sight.
This tiny little scope is an absolute workhorse and doesn’t need batteries or anything but itself to work.
It uses a combination of Tritium and fiber optics to provide you with a crystal clear sight day or night.
Looking for something a little more tech-savvy? Check out these awesome AK-47 scopes.
But if you’re looking for a scope that’s gonna work no matter what, then keep reading and I’ll show you why you need this one for your bug-out bag.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The glass is crisp and easy to see through, and the large objective lens lets you see everything through it.
The lens does have a green/blue hue to it though in order to be able to see the reticle more clearly.
If you prefer a clear lens and true colors, then this scope is going to take some getting used to.
During the day, this scope uses fiber optics to absorb ambient light.
That means the illuminated 5.5 MOA dot reticle is insanely bright and easy to see in bright daylight.
If you try shooting from a dim or covered area into bright light you’re going to see that the reticle gets severely washed out.
At nighttime though or in a completely dark area, the tritium creates its own light with an amazingly bright reticle.
I use this scope on the handgun I keep by my bed for home defense.
There’s no need to turn it on, as soon as I grab it I have a scope that’s ready to go.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The eye relief is completely adjustable with the Picatinny rail mount that it comes with.
That means you set it to your liking based on the weapon you put it on.
It can go anywhere from 10mm to 600mm.
Because of that, the eye box is phenomenal and it makes target acquisition extremely fast and easy.
Durability
This little workhorse is tough to top it off.
It’s waterproof and virtually weatherproof.
That means whether it’s -20 or 125 degrees outside, the Meprolight is still going to work.
Since it’s used by militaries worldwide, it’s also got an armored design which means it can withstand any abuse you throw at it.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
There’s no knobs, turrets, switches, or anything else on this scope.
It’s entirely self-contained and it just does what it does.
Within 100 yards, it’s a superb, no-frills sight.
Unless you have exceptional vision it’s not going to do you much good beyond that distance.
This is a scope meant for close combat and home defense situations.
Parallax & Magnification
It’s only got a 1x magnification, but it’s got a 30mm objective lens.
It was designed by Israeli Special Forces specifically for close-quarters combat.
The large objective lens allows you to keep both eyes open when you’re shooting, which is essential for situational awareness.
Sometimes, you’re going to need to see a lot farther than that.
In that case, it’s fully compatible with magnifiers, but if you prefer an all-in-one, then I recommend you take a look at these scout scopes.
Mounting & Rings
This scope doesn’t need any batteries, switches, or specialty mounts to function.
It’s always ready to go.
Plus it comes with its own quick-detach Picatinny rail mount, so there’s no need to buy a new one.
The cam system used to attach it is spring-loaded and can look tightened when it’s not though, so make sure you install it properly.
Is the Meprolight Self-Powered Reflex Sight worth it?
If you’re looking for a no-frills, no worries scope that can be used on any firearm in any situation, then this is the scope for you.
Let’s review the benefits:
- No batteries required
- Huge range of eye relief
- Waterproof and weatherproof
- Tritium illumination during the night
- Fiber Optic illumination during the day
- 30mm objective lens allows for both eyes to be open while shooting
On top of that, the tritium is guaranteed to work up to 10 years without any issues.
If you’re a prepper, survivalist, or just like to be prepared check out the Meprolight Self-Powered Reflex Scope for yourself.
Now It’s Your Turn
I hope you enjoyed my best ACOG clone and alternatives guide.
Now I want to turn it over to you:
Which clone will you pick?
Let me know by leaving a quick comment down below.