How do you spot a Facog?

B

blueskies

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
77   0   0
Location
Vancouver
I might be buying an Acog sight from someone that I do not know.

There are evidently many good fakes out there so does anyone know how to tell a real Acog from a Facog?
 
No tritium, off colour anodized finish, fit and finish. I believe you can also track it via the serial number through Trijicon.
 
Yes you can call Trijicon and they will determine origin. Generally many markings will be missing, but I have seen some very convincing copies.
 
Yes if its legally purchased model- no ITAR issues- but it depends on the scope on how it got to Canada also you need the right paper work to send it back.
 
blueskies said:
Thanks for the tips. If the Tritium is used up will Trijicon replace it?
Click to expand...
The tritium is good for anywere between 15 to 20 years before it shows signs of age'ing. So if he says the tritium is dead and doesn't have a warenty card or better yet a end user certificate take it as a HUGE grain of salt when thinking about buying it.
Better yet what model is it and can you get a pic of it? Plus how much is he asking to sell it for?
 
Satain said:
The tritium is good for anywere between 15 to 20 years before it shows signs of age'ing. So if he says the tritium is dead and doesn't have a warenty card or better yet a end user certificate take it as a HUGE grain of salt when thinking about buying it.
Better yet what model is it and can you get a pic of it? Plus how much is he asking to sell it for?
Click to expand...

You sure? I thought it was about 10-12 years max? Half as bright at about 6 years.
 
here's the info on the back package of a set of Trijicon 'Bright & Tough' series pistol night sights.

"Standard green rear dots glow brightest, while optional orange* or yellow dots provide contrast."

"*Orange Tritium lamps are guaranteed for 5 years. Non-warranty lamps can be replaced for a nominal fee."

Different coloured gas has different properties so the brightness quality over time will be different as well....

So the approximate half-life of H3 (tritium) is 12.3 years, so that simply means that 1/2 of the ionizing energy of the molecule will dissipate in 12.3 years. After this time they will be 1/2 as bright as before, and after another 12.3 years they will be 1/2 as bright again,so on and so forth. (or for what ever the specific time span of the half-life, of the particular isotope).
 
Last edited:
Those only apply to Night Sights Enthalpy, if you read their fully warranty it says their fibre optic scopes w/ tritium are warranted for 15 years, non-fibre optic scopes (TA01 etc.) are 12 years.
 
USP said:
You sure? I thought it was about 10-12 years max? Half as bright at about 6 years.
Click to expand...

Green tritium is the longest lasting at 12 years (half life).

This means that after 12 years, it will be half as bright as when it was made.

Amber tritium is the shortest half life at 5 years.

I cant remember what the Red is.

EDIT:

my mistake, amber is good for 12, orange is only good for 5
 
Last edited:
CarbineOne said:
Those only apply to Night Sights Enthalpy, if you read their fully warranty it says their fibre optic scopes w/ tritium are warranted for 15 years, non-fibre optic scopes (TA01 etc.) are 12 years.
Click to expand...

warranty doesn't mean half life.

and it is only has a longer warranty because of the fiber optic. The tritium still has a finite half life.
 
From Trijicon Website

Bolding is mine.

Trijicon® Product Authenticity
Trijicon® proudly manufactures high quality self illuminated aiming systems that are trusted by professionals
around the world. In an effort to assist our loyal customers in verifying that the aiming systems that they are
purchasing are genuine Trijicon® products we recommend the following;

1.Deal with established, reputable Trijicon® vendors.
2.Look for the registered trade marks that will be on the sight and accompanying documentation such
as the packaging material, instruction manual and warranty card.
3.Most genuine Trijicon® products contain tritium and will be so marked as per governmental regulations.


Disclaimer for Purchasing USED Trijicon Products

Any Trijicon product purchased in the second-hand (USED) marketplace should be considered a "buyer beware" situation. Trijicon cannot confirm nor deny that any product is legitimate when being purchased in the USED marketplace. There are various reasons why a potential purchaser of any USED product should be cautious. These include many fakes or forgeries of products, as well as the possibility of the USED product being stolen goods. Please do not contact us to determine if a potential purchase is authentic. We can only determine authenticity if we have the product in-hand at our factory. Trijicon strongly recommends purchasing new Trijicon products from an authorized Trijicon retailer.
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Donster 125 said:
Green tritium is the longest lasting at 12 years (half life).

This means that after 12 years, it will be half as bright as when it was made.

Amber tritium is the shortest half life at 5 years.

I cant remember what the Red is.
Click to expand...

Looks like I am running out of time on my amber then
 
Does it come with any accessories? When I bought one for my AR in the EE a couple years ago it came with a case, cleaning pen, cover and mount. A fake would be unlikely to include those, but a real one could just as easily be without them (some dealers part out the kit and charge extra for it).

Also on the TA31F type scopes, and perhaps others, the clear tube holding the fiberoptic cracks over time which is completely normal. Not sure if a fake would go into this detail.
 
41 Colt said:
Does it come with any accessories? When I bought one for my AR in the EE a couple years ago it came with a case, cleaning pen, cover and mount. A fake would be unlikely to include those, but a real one could just as easily be without them (some dealers part out the kit and charge extra for it).
Click to expand...

the case should be a pelican one. IIRC, Trijicon and Pelican have a partnership deal.

EDIT:

My mistake, i just checked now. It is the orange tritium that is only good for 5 years. Green and yellow are good for 12:

I know that it seems short, but that's what i read off Trijicon's website:

Green and yellow sights are warranted for 12 years. The orange lamp only carries a 5 year warranty.
Click to expand...

http://www.trijicon.com/faq.cfm#f6
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom