I grew up on pre-fiber optic ACOGs, and they were awesome back then. Dudes essentially had a choice between ACOG’s and Comp M’s for their M4’s and Mk46’s. Very durable, and had the stubby iron sights on top in case of failure. Most guys were reasonably fast with them even up close. The reticle is one of my favorites, because the hash marks represent 18” width at the distance they are marked for, so range estimation and sight picture are a single operation.
I always liked the lack of a need for batteries, because when the Comp M was a little newer, Unit SOP had you changing batteries rather frequently. I also broke some early Comp M’s on machine guns, so it took years to convince me that battery powered things can be trusted. That’s right, dear users of M4c, at one time I did not trust Aimpoints. Speaking of broken optics, the one thing that I always hated was worn out adjustment knobs on ACOGs. Very frustrating zero experience.
When the Dr red dot was a thing, the utility of the ACOG went up exponentially. And still pretty light for a rugged, military optic.
Note that every positive thing I have said so far is centered on military use. For a civilian? “Wait, you want how many hard earned dollars for an ancient fixed 4x that I nearly have to touch my eyeball to? No, thanks.”
Even for SOF, low power variables are a better option at this point. And for my personal weapons, if I’m going to spend that much, it will be a modern variable power.
For regular Joes, issued a beater gun that they won’t have enough respect for, perhaps the ACOG is still a good option due to its simplicity and ruggedness.
Just my rambling 2 cents on the ACOG’s proper place.
RLTW
Former Action Guy
Disclosure: I am affiliated PRN with a tactical training center, but I speak only for myself. I have no idea what we sell, other than CLP and training. I receive no income from sale of hard goods.
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