The ACOG has spent four decades being the optic with the reticle built for one cartridge. Trijicon has now gone a new way, adding MRAD reticle options to the 4x32 and 3.5x35 ACOG. They have my interest, so the question is: should I go with a dual-illuminated or an LED configuration?
The point is flexibility. A traditional ACOG reticle carries bullet drop compensation calibrated to a specific trajectory, which works beautifully until the rifle or the ammunition changes. The new MRAD reticles are not tied to a single cartridge or a predetermined trajectory.
Consistent MRAD subtensions let the shooter work out elevation and wind holds for their own firearm and ammunition combination, then apply the same aiming methodology across intermediate-caliber carbines, suppressed platforms and other weapon systems.
Moving between supersonic and subsonic loads is where this matters most, since that is exactly the situation a fixed BDC reticle handles worst.
The reticles came out of Trijicon's Voice of Customer process, built on direct feedback from users in the field who wanted more flexibility across different platforms, calibers and ammunition types.
Everything else is the ACOG you already know. It remains the official medium-distance engagement optic of the Marine Corps and U.S. Special Operations Forces, with more than one million units produced, and the design has always been aimed at hit potential in all lighting conditions through reticle illumination, a compact body and durability.
The new MRAD reticles are offered in four part numbers:
- TA31-C-100832
- TA02-C-100833 in 4x32
- TA11-C-100806
- TA110-C-100807 in 3.5x35
For anyone whose interest runs the other way, toward reticles built for a specific cartridge, Trijicon went in that direction only weeks ago. TFB covered the new .223 and 9mm PCC RTR reticles for the ACOG Compact line, which came out of the same Voice of Customer process but took the opposite approach, with BDC holds to 700 yards for .223 and to 300 yards for 9mm PCC, calibrated for 115-grain supersonic and 147-grain subsonic loads from an 8-inch barrel. Between the two announcements, Trijicon now covers both philosophies within the same optic family. I guess it shows how different customers are when it comes to their (believed) needs.
Do you prefer a rough caliber-specific BDC reticle or MRAD subtensions you work out yourself?
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