ACOG question

PhilB

PhilB

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Hi guys, so from all of my reading and questions on here and a couple other forums I have decided to go with a TA31 ACOG with donute reticle for my next tour.

Having made that decision I have a couple of questions. First off is it worth spending the money on a Larue mount for the ACOG? I know that Larue mounts are awesome but is there any problems with the normal mount that it comes with?

Secondly, I am planning on buying the ACOG from a guy on another forum for a pretty good deal. My question is, is there any issue with buying an older ACOG i.e. one manufactured in 2003 or 2004? Is there any difference between that and a brand new one? How fast does the tritium degrade? Also is there any effect on the fiber optic over time?

Thanks very much for the help guys, just want to be completely informed before I buy.
 
I changed mine to the LaRue mount, all his stuff is "top shelf". Its money well spent!. The LaRue mount uses "levers" instead of the "screw on" attachment of the factory mount.
 
There shouldn't be an issue with buying a unit that's a couple of years old.
The units are tough...wear, apart from cosmetic issues, shouldn't be a problem.
The tritium's half life makes it useful for at least 7-8 years...
(If you're straining to see the reticle, it's time to put the NVG's on!)
The Larue mount is the cat's ass...the standard mount works fine, but the Larue
is much more secure and easier to remove in a hurry.
 
First off great choice for an optic you'll find it well worth the price.

The factory TA51 thumbscrew mount works and will hold zero if you measure your torque precisely. I have no experience with LaRue products but I hear their mounts are outstanding. If you plan on switching optics frequently you might find it useful, reverting to backups will be quicker with a throw-lever type mounts as well (heaven forbid the ACOG does fail, which it won't since heaven does actually forbid it from failing - check out the inscription on the tube ;)).

The tritium will normally operate up to 20 years but Trijicon guarantees it at 15, so you should be fine even if it is an older model. Besides the tritium illumination is useful only in virtual darkness, it's so dim. The fiberoptic plastic housing should be intact and undamaged for the collector cell to work properly so just check for any major damage to that component. Hope this helps.
 
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Now that you are set on the TA31, here's a tip that I learned from Greentips...

The fiberoptic light gathering bar is effective. Too effective sometimes. I remember that at Connaught on a sunny day, that donut got fuzzy. So as I rested the mag on the ground, I held the pistol grip with my right hand and my left hand cupped over the fiberoptic bar. Just like Greentips said... it's too bright.

So just like GT did, I took some black electrician's tape and covered about half of the bar. The tape is easily removed for low light conditions, easily replaced for daytime ops (new tape, eh?) since most of us will likely have a roll of tape in our bug out kit. The tape also prevents scratches to the fiberoptic bar especially when begin bounced around in a carrier (I'm a M113A1 kinda guy).

Now I was in contact with the Trijicon folks in Michigan and I asked them about the slight cracks that develop in the clear plastic of the light gathering fiber optic bar. They mentioned that some of the cracks will show up with age, but they are not detrimental to the effectiveness nor function of the bar. Enough said. Besides, that part is easily replaced. Just gotta get an RMA number from them and you are good to go.

Better yet, I was in touch with them about retro-fitting my wife's TA31 Donut scope with the wire secured zero adjusting caps and they said, "Sure, send the unit to us." For a nominal fee, they will install the wire secured caps on your TA31 or TA31 just like the caps on my TA31 RCO M4. Yeeeeha. Howzat for customer service ?

Hope this helps.....
 
I have an interesting situation there that bears further investigation... over this weekend! Just purchased THREE Glocks, all relatively new. A G17, a G21 and a G22. (The Glock cases have got to go... even the newer cliplock cases leave much to be desired in terms of locking). Anyway, here's the story.... my G17 appears to have non-Trijicon sights on it, yet night sights... while the other two have Trijicon sights on them. The latter two are SIGNIFICANTLY brighter in the darkness than the G17, so I am determined to find out if what I have is failing sights due to age or if there is indeed a difference in performance. Either way, the G17 has got to get fixed up to match the performance of the Trijicons. Love them Trijicons!

Being a newbie, I am now wondering if the addition of a laser sight would be an asset to finalize and perfect my sight picture on the pick up. Or perhaps even one of those new high tech and high power flashlights that will stroble to throw the perp off balance. (Or am I giving him a better target?).

Last thought.... wonder if adding Trijicon sights to my 870 Tactical shotgun is worth the investment; this is the place with the fellows that know from first hand hands on.... WELL GUYS?

I tend to think that just the sound of one being racked up in the 870 should be sufficient to put fear into the hearts of anyone listening who knows they are a potential target.

And last but not least... do the manufacturers generally stand behind their products in terms of these night sights? Or do they do the pro-rating thing like bed mattresses? I am tempted to send the G17 sights back to the manufacturer for replacement (perhaps when I am stateside this summer to save the shipping hassles). Suggestions?

TIA

MDL
 
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