Many military and civilian shooters already know of the Trijicon ACOGS legendary ruggedness, accuracy and ease of use. However, some may not be aware of the ACOG 4x32mm ECOS, which combines the world renowned fixed 4 power prismatic scope with a short range Ruggedized Miniature Reflex sight (RMR).
The Trijicon ACOG 4×32 Enhanced Combat Optical Sight (ECOS) offers a combination of close range CQB shooting and long-range target identification and engagement out to the maximum effective range of the weapon system it is mounted on.
The ACOG does not use batteries, it relies instead on a combination of fiber optic and tritium. The rugged forged aluminum housing shrugs off abuse and comes in flat dark earth. The whole system weighs only 15 ounces. That’s under a pound for 3 separate sighting systems. Additionally there is no need for back up iron sights on a rifle equipped with the ACOG ECOS, because there are already 2 forms of backup sighting systems integrated into the optic. The older version featured the Doctor micro red dot sight. All newer models come standard with the RMR. This optic also has back up iron or rain sights mounted next to the RMR. It is available in several reticle choices, featuring standard and illuminated Bullet Drop Compensating (BDC) options in tritium only and dual illuminated fiber optic.
The key advantage of the system is having the miniature red dot mounted piggy back to the fixed power optic allowing the operator to rapidly switch between mid-long distance firing and CQB threats without having to flip over a magnifier as with some red dot set ups, or throw a lever as seen in a variable magnification optic.
The system is much faster because you don’t have to move either hand. Rather you only have to reposition your cheek weld. With the RMR being mounted higher than the body of the optic it is more of a chin weld. This is easily overcome through training with the optic and once it has been practiced it becomes second nature working with the body’s natural alarm response, facilitating rapid heads up CQB shooting.
I have personally owned one of these optics and deployed with it since 2009. I have had zero issues with this system and in 8 years of ownership I only replaced the battery in the red dot sight once. I have drug it through swamps hunting pigs in South Carolina, hunted coyotes in Illinois, and put thousands of rounds downrange with this system. I personally feel it is the best compromise when a combination of CQB and long range shooting is required.
The only downside is the price which runs around 1500-1700 dollars, but for an optic I am willing to stake my life on, it is worth it. I recommend it without reservation for anyone looking for a do everything rifle optic.
About the Author
SFC Caleb VanVoorhis is an active duty Infantryman with 13 years of experience. He has spent 48 months deployed in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He also spent time as a Drill Sergeant, a High Risk Personal Security Detail team member, and as an Advisor. Van has an associate’s degree in criminal justice, and is an avid shooter and cross country runner. He enjoys spending his free time hunting, fishing, shooting and building guns or reading military history and small arms development.
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