7 Best ACOG Clones and Alternatives [Complete Buying Guide]

The Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) riflescope is good for both short and medium-range shooting and allows a wider field of view than your usual closed rifle scope.

Yet, the Trijicon ACOG Scope will cost you at least $3,000 for the cheapest versions.

So I made a buying guide for the best ACOG clones and alternatives that are available in the market now.

These budget ACOG clones won’t burn a hole in your wallet and should provide at least a similar performance compared to the high-end tactical Trijicon ACOG.

Under the same testing conditions, I’ve found these scopes perform at the same level for a fraction of the price.

Best Value

Sig Sauer Bravo5

• Magnification: 5x
• Diameter: 32mm
• Eye Relief: 2.2 in

Check Best Price

Best Overall

Vortex Optics Spitfire

• Magnification: 3x
• Diameter: 32mm
• Eye Relief: 2.8 in

Check Best Price

Best Budget

Ozark Armament BDC

• Magnification: 4x
• Diameter: 32mm
• Eye Relief: 3.5 in

Check Price on Amazon

Top 7 Picks for Best ACOG Clones – Full Reviews

1. Vortex Optics Spitfire 3x Prism Scope

BEST OVERALL

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on Cabelas «

The Vortex Optics Spitfire 3x Prism Scope model is their take on making the best ACOG clone without breaking the bank.

It’s constructed well with quality coated lenses, so you can be sure that you have consistent fast target acquisition while on the move.

Specifications and Features

The Vortex Optics Spitfire Prism Scope is the best ACOG clone, named due to the EBR-556B reticle being etched directly onto the prism.

The reticle provides range references and bullet drop compensation from 0-500 yards.

I’ve found red illuminated to be ideal in bright lights and green to work in low-light conditions.

The illuminated reticle is battery-powered, which should last several hundred hours at minimum power.

Brightness adjustments are easy to do with the mounted dial for better power management.

This scope includes a fast-focus eyepiece so you can easily adjust the focus of the best ACOG clone depending on the conditions you’re in.

The multi-coated lens provides anti-reflective effects and adapts to any situation, even in low light!

You can mount this scope on different rifles at a 40-millimeter mounting height, thanks to its multi-height rail mount system.

The lens can manage a reliable 3x magnification with an eye relief of about 2.8 inches, roughly average for ACOG scopes.

The eye relief is not as much as in other scopes, but it’s passable.

The two Picatinny rails can house an additional offset auxiliary sight, like a reflex or red dot, for those tricky, quick close-quarter moments.

I’ve been able to stay in the fight longer, seamlessly aiming across multiple environments by simply shifting my eye from the ACOG clone to my backup sights.

Overall Impression

Overall, the Vortex Optics Spitfire 3x Prism Scope ACOG clone is a fantastic piece overall if you don’t mind paying a premium.

You’ll get the reliable performance that the best ACOG clone can give.

Plus, you’ll be covered by Vortex’s LIFETIME warranty program! No need for a receipt or anything, and FREE of charge!*

*Obviously, some repairs require a fee, but this is still a pretty good guarantee on their end.

2. Sig Sauer Bravo5 5x30mm

BEST VALUE

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Amazon «

In terms of construction, the Sig Sauer Bravo5 is every bit as technologically advanced as the Trijicon ACOG.

It’s rugged yet sleek where it counts, making sure to remove any pesky snag points that might come in contact with your gear.

Specifications and Features

The Bravo5 uses a magnesium alloy housing, keeping it LIGHTWEIGHT while giving its lens much-needed protection.

It’s even certified IPX-8 water-proof and fog-proof, so you don’t need to worry about moisture messing up the lens!

Its objective lens is probably one of the BEST in the market.

Sig Sauer’s Megaview System guarantees a wider field of and less distortion while aiming due to its specialized lens shape.

The Bravo5 relies on battery power instead of fiber optics for its illumination.

Luckily, it manages power consumption with its MOTAC, or Motion Activated Illumination, which can sense motion, automatically illuminates your scope, and powers it down when it’s stable.

For daytime reticle use, you can manage over 20 different brightness settings to better suit your lighting conditions.

It even has two night-mode settings similar to standard night vision devices.

I’ve been able to do it in dark and low-light conditions as it delivers excellent night vision.

The illuminated scope uses a horseshoe dot reticle, which includes markers for bullet drop compensation, as well as windage and elevation.

The scope has a fixed 4x magnification as well as a 30mm objective lens.

The eye relief on the scope is measured at 2.2 inches, which gives you a great field of view of roughly 53 feet at 100 yards.

It’s mainly fixed on rifles like an AR-15 through the main rail mount body. I was able to install it in a matter of seconds.

It also includes an auxiliary Picatinny rail mount for an additional red dot sight. Enjoy fast target acquisition with this riflescope setup regardless of distance.

Overall Impression

The Sig Sauer Bravo5 is probably the next best competitor brand after the iconic Trijicon ACOG scopes.

Although pricey, it can’t be skipped on a list of best ACOG clones as it probably comes CLOSEST in terms of attention to detail and technological advancement to Trijicon.

If you can spend a bit but not as much for the Trijicon original, you can be happy that Sig Sauer has options for your AR-15 (or any rail-system rifle you have).

You even have the advantage of Sig Sauer’s 5-year warranty program, so your usage is essentially protected by Sig Sauer themselves.

3. Ozark Armament 4x BDC Illuminated Reticle Rifle Scope

BEST BUDGET

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Check Price on Amazon «

Homegrown products are sometimes known for their extensive attention to detail, or at least Ozark Armament is.

Their 4x BDC Illuminated Reticle Rifle Scope model is their entry into the ACOG alternative market, and it’s the cheapest one on this list by far.

Specifications and Features

The Ozark Armament, despite being my budget pick, includes many features that are normally found in more expensive scopes in the market.

The reticle is completely battery-powered, as expected.

You can’t expect to pay just roughly $60 and get tritium in your scope (the isotope of Trijicon with a half-life of 12 years uses for their illuminated reticle).

Be ready to change batteries often if you’re not used to power management not normally found on

Still, the lens is also specially treated to be dust-proof, water-resistant, and fog-proof, making the scope viable in both humid and cold environments.

The illuminated reticle scope features a 4x fixed-magnification, a very generous 3.5-inch eye relief, and toolless mounting systems for its main body and an auxiliary Picatinny mount for an added red dot sight.

Everybody loves having options. I sure do.

It leans towards the heavy side, though, at around 1.5 pounds.

While it isn’t going to start dragging down your shoulders, you can expect to feel like you have just attached something hefty to your gun.

With enough practice, I find that you’ll be able to adjust quickly to the weight difference.

Overall Impression

The Ozark Armament 4x BDC Rifle Scope, titled “Rhino” on their official page, is a good choice for beginner gun enthusiasts looking to start investing in better scopes for their rifles.

It’s rugged enough for most hunting and shooting situations you’ll find yourself in, while being relatively easy to manage due to its rail system mounting.

4. Monstrum Tactical 3×30 Ultra-Compact Rifle Scope with Illuminated Range Finder Reticle

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Amazon «

You might be pleased to know that the Monstrum Tactical 3×30 Compact Riflescope is a fantastic entry-level ACOG alternative!

It gives the performance of a high-end ACOG scope while staying within a low $100 level.

Specifications and Features

The Monstrum riflescope, despite coming in at an affordable price, comes with its own glass range finder reticle with its own range finder markings. 

This reticle sure comes in handy in VARIABLE ranges, especially when out hunting.

It is convertible from red/green t-dot with adjustable brightness levels to better suit your environmental illumination levels.

Despite its price, I’ve found that it doesn’t provide a low-quality reticle view.

This compact scope is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, as one of the best ACOG clones and alternatives one can only hope for.

It should also be able to take a beating considering most of the time, you’ll be carrying your rifle on its sling. 

The ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT aircraft-grade aluminum it uses should certainly help in that regard.

I mean, the last thing you want is a brick hanging on top of your rifle. When I had this on my AR, it was as if I barely had a sight mounted.

The lens can go as far as 4x fixed-magnification, far enough for most mid-to-long-range uses while being able to take advantage of the wide field of view.

It is small, durable, and housed in a strong aerospace alloy that can withstand punishment while remaining light.

It also has a fairly generous eye relief of about 3 inches, more than enough to avoid getting a black eye from the recoil.

Overall Impression

The Monstrum Tactical Ultra-Compact rifle scope is a sturdy and affordable rifle scope that brings you close to the Trijicon ACOG experience.

It includes a range finding and bullet drop compensator reticle, but these markings may prove distracting to some users, especially hunters.

Still, this compact scope remains incredibly clear and accurate.

I was able to keep zeroed in for plenty of uses so that I don’t have to worry about my scope losing its balance on a trip.

The fact it comes in at just shy of $100 is just one more reason to make this one of the top ACOG alternatives on the market.

5. Wipboten Rifle Scope 4×32 True Fiber Red Illuminated Crosshair BDC Riflescope

BUYING OPTIONS:
» DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER «

The Wipboten True Fiber Red Illuminated rifle scope is probably the best ACOG clone for a budget as it comes at about a fraction of the price.

Let’s see why.

Specifications and Features

This scope stands out for its usage of actual fiber optic illumination for daytime brightness mitigation.

For those of you who may not know, Trijicon themselves have a useful guide that breaks down like this:

“A fiber optic is a thin, transparent fiber that is used to transmit light. The true fiber optic collects available light and concentrates the light transmission at the end of the fiber to illuminate the reticle.”

Not only are you getting a clone of a Trijicon feature, but you also get to save by using natural light instead of an AA battery in your scope. 

Two wins, great!

Regarding durability, the Wipboten has an aluminum alloy housing and scope body that is fog-proof, shockproof, and water-resistant.

The aircraft-grade aluminum alloy body keeps this scope LIGHTWEIGHT enough to mount on your rifle without any added encumbrance.

It’s a simple mounting that doesn’t include any additional railing, but it really doesn’t need to when considering its already very low price point.

You’ll be able to get a 4x fixed-magnification as well as a 32mm objective lens. 

A large field of view is just what you need, with an eye relief at 2.75 to lessen your chances of scope-eye.

Overall Impression

Despite not having more web presence, the Wipboten is a good scope for users who don’t want to rely so much on battery power for illumination.

The generous eye relief is also good for those who want to keep from getting injured while switching targets quickly.

It also comes in at just north of $140, well within a reasonable price range.

If anything, the NO-FRILLS approach to design should entice some shooters out there but also alienate others.

If you’re a no-frills kind of shooter, maybe the Wipboten riflescope is the budget scope for you.

6. Terminus Optics 4×32 Chevron Reticle Red Fiber Riflescope

BUYING OPTIONS:
» DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER «

The Optics 4×32 Chevron Reticle Red Fiber Riflescope still finds its way to my buying guide for the best ACOG clone due to its all-purpose capabilities and fiber optics.

Specifications and Features

Terminus Optics has a great rugged construction that’s made of an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy.

It also maintains a multi-coated lens, offering the standard requirements of fog-proof, water-proof, shock-proof, and just generally weather-proof.

The Terminus Optics 4×32 Riflescope uses fiber optics to collect ambient light from your surroundings to power its chevron reticle.

You won’t need to worry about battery life as this battery-free illuminated reticle operates fully on this captured light.

I’ve found it to work EXCELLENTLY during the day!

The chevron reticle is an interesting choice here. It’s what the military uses – it looks like an upside-down V. 

So you get the reticle that the military most uses, which should entertain some of you guys going for the completely authentic look.

The TA51 mount, a variant used for Picatinny rail systems, can be switched out for other rail systems, like the NATO rail system or Dovetail scope bases.

The Terminus Optics has a narrower space for short eye relief, coming at just 1.5 inches; it takes a bit of a closer look to get an accurate view.

The scope can be adjusted to 33 feet, giving you a comfortable field of view at 100 yards.

It’s a relatively light scope, something we want from ACOG alternatives, despite its rugged and durable metal body.

Overall Impression

Terminus has made a solid contender for a reliable ACOG replica that uses fiber optics instead of traditional batteries.

Though this also means that in areas with low light, you may not expect strong brightness on your reticle as well.

Still, it is a fantastic multi-coated lens and parallax-free scope that keeps you accurate with windage and elevation markers.

Pick one up if you’re keen to see how this ACOG alternative will fare for you.

If you want something with more generous eye relief, you might want to choose another model.

7. Crushunt 4×32 Red Chevron Glass Etched Reticle Riflescope

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Check Price on Amazon «

Crushunt caters to different recreational shooters and is particularly well-liked for their adherence and similarity to top-of-the-line gun accessories.

Their 4×32 Red Chevron Etched Glass reticle rifle scope is their take on an ACOG clone, providing great 4x magnification and fiber optics for their reticle illumination.

Specifications and Features

CLARITY and ACCURACY are key features to look for in any ACOG clone buying guide!

Crushunt’s Chevron ACOG clone is a FANTASTIC entry with its etched chevron reticle, proving accurate and stable target acquisition in different situations.

It can also provide clear and bright daytime shooting due to the illuminated reticle powered by the fiber source collecting ambient light.

In dim light scenarios, the crosshairs remain visible, so you don’t need to worry about losing visibility due to the fiber source being unable to collect light.

Like all the ACOG-type scopes on this list, the Crushunt is DURABLE in its construction, keeping it everything-proof!

Just remember this is still an ACOG clone, so any deliberate damage may cause actual dents to the rifle scope.

The Crushunt 4×42 rifle scope has an eye relief distance of roughly 1.5 inches.

Not the most generous, similar to the Terminus rifle scope, but still enough for an experienced shooter.

The 4x magnification should give you a wide field of view at around 100 yards.

Keep in mind this is a fixed magnification, so you may need to switch to a side red dot sight if ever you find yourself in sudden changes of the focal distance.

Overall Impression

If you want an up-to-standard Trijicon ACOG clone without breaking the bank, Crushunt is one brand to look at.

Though it may not be using tritium, at least you don’t need to worry about battery life or illumination management. 

The reticle illumination on this model is superb.

It may be an option useful for some, but if you do most of your shooting in the daytime,  you won’t have much to worry about.

What is an ACOG Scope?

ACOG stands for Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight.

These scopes were designed to be mounted on a Picatinny rail for AR rifles.

Glyn Bindon, the founder of Trijicon, meant for this scope to be used with BOTH eyes open, which allows faster target acquisition and less time aiming.

ACOGs are commonly used in medium-range shooting by military personnel with a fixed magnification of 4x, with others ranging from 1-6x.

These scopes also excel in low-light shooting environments, thanks to their illuminated reticle.

Are ACOG Clones and Alternatives Any Good?

In my experience, some scopes can do everything the Trijicon ACOG can do but for a fraction of the price.

So I would say yes, a clone is a good alternative! However, there are some noticeable differences between an original ACOG and a clone.

For starters, the lower price may sometimes reflect in the quality of the optics, meaning regular scopes won’t be as clear.

It’s not exactly a deal-breaker, but some users may want their optics to match that of an original ACOG.

Another is the mere fact that ACOGs allow a shooter to shoot with both eyes open, while a regular scope doesn’t.

As a result, there may be a significant difference in target acquisition and focus on the target.

Additionally, budget ACOG clones do not have the same durability and brightness as the original, as they do not use fiber optic illumination.

Despite all these differences, there is no reason not to use an ACOG clone, especially if you cannot afford it.

Some ACOG clones, or even regular scopes, for that matter, are just as good at delivering quality performance for lower prices.

But if you have the budget for a Trijicon ACOG, you will not regret investing in one!

How to Choose the Best ACOG Clone or Alternative

Assuming you do not have the funds to invest in an original Trijicon ACOG, choosing a clone or replica may be the next best thing.

In that case, let me break down some important factors to consider when choosing one.

Durability

Regardless if it’s a regular scope or a Trijicon ACOG, you want your scope to handle all the harsh external conditions when hunting.

Since Trijicon ACOGs are unmatchable in durability, you must find the next best thing.

I recommend finding a scope made of aircraft-grade aluminum or magnesium alloy; these are strong, lightweight materials that can take a beating!

They will also allow your scope to last a LONG time, no matter how much wear and tear it goes through.

Magnification

Most ACOGs have a fixed magnification of 1x or 4x, while others can go up to 6x.

Either way, depending on what kind of shooting you will do, you want a magnification that allows you to see your target clearly and give you a wide enough field of view.

1x magnification is enough for close-range shooting, but as you increase your distance, magnifications like 4x or 5x will do the job just fine.

Battery Life

Since Trijicon ACOGs run on fiber optics illumination to power the reticle, you must find a clone that matches that or at least comes close.

Some clones have battery power for about 100-500 hours, depending on the maintenance.

Price

Last but not least, the reason you are buying a clone in the first place is because of the affordable price.

However, do not settle for the cheapest one because chances are it is also cheaply-made as well.

Triijicon’s original ACOGs can set you back thousands of dollars. If you are looking to save money, try to find clones that are cheaper but still maintain high-quality.

Otherwise, you might as well get the real thing.

Why Use an ACOG Scope?

You may have heard the term ACOG scope before, but have you ever really delved into the history of the original ACOG scopes?

What Is Trijicon?

Well, to start, Trijicon, the main and original manufacturer of the ACOG scope, was created by Glyn Bindon.

Glyn introduced an aiming technique called the “Bindon Aiming Concept,” which essentially keeps both eyes open while aiming down the sights.

Since then, Trijicon has been manufacturing their original Trijicon ACOG scopes, most of which use fiber optics and the tritium isotope instead of relying on the battery life of reticle illumination.

This Trijicon optic comes in a variety of shapes and specifications, as well as options to switch reticle shapes and colors (red/green being common color modes to switch between).

Because the Trijicon ACOG scope is so advanced, they happen to sell this Trijicon optic at relatively high prices, keeping most uses to high-end military and specialized police forces.

What Is the “Bindon Aiming Concept”?

Traditional scopes usually require the shooter to keep their non-aiming eye closed so they can focus on target acquisition.

With ACOG scopes, however, you have the ability to keep both eyes open for better situational awareness.

How the lens is formed allows you to quickly shift focus from your dominant aiming eye to your auxiliary awareness eye, keeping you safer in dangerous scenarios.

I particularly like multi-coated lenses for advanced combat optical gunsights because they offer more protection and are more durable.

Because of this open-eye aiming concept, the scope generally has a pretty wide eye relief space, going as far as 3 inches with some variants, which is great and comfortable for precise target shooting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an ACOG Better Than a Red Dot?

It depends on your distance.

ACOGs are better for medium-range shooting, while red dots excel in short-range shooting.

If you are going for something quite far, ACOG is the way to go.

Does ACOG Work at Night?

Yes!

ACOGs are useful and effective in low-light AND pitch-black shooting conditions, thanks to the reticle, which adjusts according to the light levels so it’s easier to see.

Is ACOG Better Than EOTech?

In my experience, yes.

I prefer using ACOGs over EOTech holo sights as the latter tends to power down more often.

ACOGs, on the other hand, have holographic sights beat in terms of durability and longevity.

Conclusion

Even if the real Trijicon ACOG scope is out of your price range, you can at least find other similar riflescopes in the market that can deliver the same experience that the Trijicon ACOG battle scope can give.

My top pick in this best ACOG clones and alternatives list is the Vortex Optics Spitfire 3x Prism Scope because of its undeniable features and qualities.

But if you’re on a tight budget, then the Ozark Armament 4x BDC Illuminated Reticle Rifle Scope is another good choice.

FINAL TIP: If you’re looking for scope mounts for your AR15, you can also read my article on the Best AR15 Scope Mounts for some options.