A question about ACOG's

[mastiffhound]

I have been looking at ACOG's (real, not non Trijicon crap) and have some questions. I would just like some clarification that's all.

1. The TA01NSN model doesn't come with the fiber optic cable, is it a terrible thing to to not have the fiber optic cable?

2.Is the TA31CH really worth the extra $200 or so? I know that Trijicon warranties the tritium for 10 to 15 years has anyone on M4carbine had the tritium burn out? If it did, how long did it actually take to happen?

3. Worrying that the tritium might burn out, is this the reason that Trijicon came out with the battery powered ACOG? The main problem is it's only warranted for 5 years.

Thanks for the time gentlemen, any other observations or insight that you have will be much appreciated!

[BrigandTwoFour]

Most will tell you to avoid the TA31 due to the short eye relief. You are better off with a TA33 or TA11.

The fiber optic is what illuminates the reticle brightly and makes the reticule much quicker to pick up. It's not absolutely necessary, but I would rather have it than not.

Tritium doesn't burn out. It has a radioactive half life to where it decays into helium. Eventually, this decay causes the illumination of the reticule to fade. That takes about 11 years. The fiber optic will still work just fine when light is shined on it. If the illumination totally breaks (like a break in the fiber optic) then you still have a black reticule (like the TA01).

[mastiffhound]

double post

[mastiffhound]

Most will tell you to avoid the TA31 due to the short eye relief. You are better off with a TA33 or TA11.

Thank you for the Advice! I'm now looking at the TA11J model. Has anyone had the tritium decay to the point that it's not transmitting light anymore here on M4carbine? Any other advice or experience is greatly appreciated.

[sammage]

The reasoning behind the battery powered ACOG is due to tritium being a controlled substance in certain markets.

[RSviper]

Be aware that without the fiber optic cable, you won't see an illuminated reticule during the day time. The tritium will glow in low light, but the reticule will be black during the day. If you want the glowing reticule, you'll need that fiber optic cable.

I own the TR-24 scope that you can cover the fiber optic with an adjustment on the scope. With the fiber optic covered the reticule is black during the day.

You might have already known this, but the way your question was worded it led me to think you weren't aware of this.

[BrigandTwoFour]

Thank you for the Advice! I'm now looking at the TA11J model. Has anyone had the tritium decay to the point that it's not transmitting light anymore here on M4carbine? Any other advice or experience is greatly appreciated.

The tritium will always decay, it just takes more time than most people use an optic for.

Even if it does decay, Trijicon will recharge it for you. I've heard varying numbers on what it costs to do, but given the amount of ammo you've shot through it over that amount of time, it's probably a relatively small amount of money.

[mastiffhound]

Even if it does decay, Trijicon will recharge it for you. I've heard varying numbers on what it costs to do, but given the amount of ammo you've shot through it over that amount of time, it's probably a relatively small amount of money.

Thanks, I didn't know that Trijicon would recharge it for you. That is really great. That was one of the reason's I even looked at the battery powered ACOG.

[Kain]

I have a TA01NSN, and I do love it. Rugged, accurate, and it is worth every penny to me. Now, it is only tritium and for my purpose for the optic, a DM type set up, it is just fine. However, if I were to want something more all around I think the models with the fiberoptic would have a decided advantage. In all honesty, if you can try before you buy, at least look through them mounted on a rifle and see what works for you.

Also, I do believe Trijicon will replace the tritium, however I do think they usually charge for it.