Fiber Optic on TA31F cracking

[saleen]

I know it's probably just cosmetic, but I have a brand new TA31F that when I first took it out of the box a week and a half ago (surplus unissued --- cardboard box) I only noticed a single crack. I remember the guys who had these issued in OIF3 when I was overseas, and I recall some cracking evident by the end of the tour, but that was also after a year in the desert and ALOT of exposure to direct sun and heat.

I took mine out of the air conditioning to the 95 degree Texas heat a couple of times this week, and the whole thing is literally cracked from one end to another. No parts or pieces have fallen off of the clear shell, but I haven't really handled it either.

This is my first ACOG. I was never issued one in the service, and never really thought much about getting one until recently. Is this a common problem and will it continue until it disentigrates? Is there a kit to replace the clear sheath or should I just disregard it and drive on?

It seems that for such an expensive piece of kit, something like this shouldn't be ordinary, but maybe I'm wrong.




Saleen

[SHIVAN]

ACOG "cracks" are perfectly normal. If you notice anything leaking, that is not normal. It also will not effect anything on the operation of the optic.

I've had four, they were all cracked to one extent or another. The brightest one I had, a TA31F, had the most cracks.

[whiterabbit05]

I'd be pretty disappointed with cracks after spending that amount of coin.

But if it doesn't affect operation, then...

[SHIVAN]

Let me reiterate, it's completely normal. They are cosmetic only. If this is something that effects your OCD, do not buy one. If this is something that makes you lose sleep at night, sell the ones you have.

If the optic develops abnormal cracks that leak fluid, Trijicon will usually replace or repair them.

No big deal, no matter if it's $5 or $5000. See above.

[saleen]

Thanks for the info guys, I appreciate it.

Shivan,

If this is something that has been repeatedly addressed, I apologize for bringing it up again. I did do a search on the site first, but didn't find any previous threads so I posted it.

I know how irritating necro-topicing can be, and that was not my intent if I did it.


Saleen

[SHIVAN]

Saleen:

The thread is fine, we just don't need the "If I bought one..." stuff from people who don't own one. So I needed to be more emphatic in my second reply.

Yes this issue is widely known, and has been covered no fewer than 50 times on various forums, but honestly it's the first time I've seen it here.

I guarantee you will be Ok, so does Trijicon.

Ed

[xsnrg]

So I recently bought one also, haven't even been outside with it yet. I hear what you're saying SHIVAN, and I understand, however, whether it affects function or no, it should not happen on a $1200 product. Maybe acceptable on $100 knock-off, but I'd hope Trijicon is working on a fix for it or exploring different materials. Have they ever explained why they feel this is acceptable for cracks to be 'normal' and expected? Are you saying this happens even if the rifle is not dropped on the fiber tube? What causes it, sunlight? recoil? Has anyone figured out a way to lessen or prevent it? I've seen many that were cracked, but I always assumed it was from rough duty and hard knocks.

[SHIVAN]

Whether it should happen or not is completely irrelevant. It does happen, and it effects absolutely nothing. Well documented issue.

As I said, if this somehow makes a safe queen less desirable, then return it and get an S&B Short Dot.

I make that statement because I know that on an HD/training gun, police gun, or military gun this is going to be a non-issue once your rolling around with it, slinging up, banging it up through doors, and barriers, etc.

[Shotdown]

I've spoken to Trijicon about the cracking issues and they told me I could send it back and they'll replace the F.O. The new ones they are making are made from different material so they are less prone to cracking, if any at all. I haven't got around to sending mine but it's still functional.

[whiterabbit05]

Let me reiterate, it's completely normal. They are cosmetic only. If this is something that effects your OCD, do not buy one. If this is something that makes you lose sleep at night, sell the ones you have.

If the optic develops abnormal cracks that leak fluid, Trijicon will usually replace or repair them.

No big deal, no matter if it's $5 or $5000. See above.

I did state that if it didn't affect operation, I would be fine with it, was simply empathizing with the OP that I would be pretty disappointed too.

Funny how if this was a "cheap" optic, I would see the comment, "you get what you pay for." But if its a high end item, you get, "it's normal, doesn't affect operation."

It is pretty rude to jump on people and call them OCD when you don't like their opinion. I'd expect more from someone considered STAFF.

Out.