Here are 4 best ACOG alternative sights to check out.

These optics have great glass and reticle clarity for shooters with astigmatism. They feature practical reticle design for ranging target distance and fast acquisition.

Let's check them out

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ACOG Alternatives

Primary Arms SLX 3X Prism - Best Compact Size

acog alternative

This compact Primary Arms 3X prism optic is much shorter and compact. It's smaller ACOG alternative scope and it's much lighter and more affordable for new shooters.

Glass Etched Reticle Clarity - The PA 3X prism scope features the awesome ACSS Raptor reticle shooters love. Calibrated for 5.56mm, 308 or 9mm

No Battery Required - The eeticle stays on without battery

AutoLive - The motion sensor activates reticle illumination under low light if needed

NV Compatible - The optic has 3 different NV-compatible settings

  • Magnification: 3X
  • Objective Lens: 24mm
  • Reticle Type: ACSS Raptor
  • Eye Relief: 2.7"
  • Turret : 0.25 / click
  • Weight: 9.95 oz
New! Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x Prism Scope SPR-500 Color: Black, Finish: Low-Glare Matte, 31% Off  w/ Free Shipping

The Vortex Spitfire Gen 2 5X is a much lighter and ~30% more compact 3X prism scope than others on the market. This is a great ACOG alternative with 5X magnification.

650 Yards Enabled - Shooters can shoot up to 650 yards with holdover points at 5X magnification using illuminated AR-BDC4 reticle with 5.56 calibrated wind dot.

Bigger Eye Box - Get behind the sight fast with a lot of room to shift the eye inside the eye box without seeing tight scope shadow

Piggyback Red Dot - Add a 1X red dot on top of the scope to transition from magnified view to 1X. Only available for the 5X model.

Uses Aimpoint Micro Footprint - Use all available Aimpoint Micro aftermarket mounts

Features:

  • Magnification: 5X
  • Objective Lens: 25mm
  • Eye Relief: 2.7"
  • Reticle Type: AR BDC 4
  • Turret : 1 MOA / Click
  • Length: 3.6 inches
  • Weight: 10.3 oz

Trijicon ACOG 3.5X - Best Durability

Trijicon ACOG 3.5x35 Dual Ill Riflescope w/Mount, Green Crosshair .308 Reticle

Even though this guide recommends ACOG alternative, but we have to talk about the ACOG 3.5X model that features a much better eye relief performance than the original 4X model

Improved Eye Relief - The 3.5X model gives more eye relief distance for better cheek position.

Tighter Shot Groups - Same reticle and performance as the 4X ACOG

Various Reticle Options - We recommend the ACSS reticle for fast ranging and target acquisition.

Daylight Reticle Illumination - Fiber optics illuminates the reticle even in low light conditions as long as it's not completely dark.

  • Magnification: 3.5X
  • Objective Lens: 35mm
  • Eye Relief: 2.39"
  • Reticle Type: TA11 BDC
  • Turret : 0.33 MOA / Click
  • Length: 8 inches
  • Weight: 14 oz

ELCAN SpecterDR 1-4X - Best Dual Role Optic

acog alternatives
If you want what the U.S. special forces use in real world applications, the dual role (1-4X) ELCAN ACOG alternative with CQB and mid range shooting capabilities.


Built Like A Tank - Raytheon Technology built the ELCAN for the warfighters in the field as tough as their aerospace defense weapon systems to win fights. It survives drop, kick, bump, shear and other physical abuses to retain zero.

Dual Role Missions - Shoot like a red dot on 1X with generous eye box and 4X for Target ID, all in one package

1-4X Instantly -  Skip 2X and 3X that shooters don't typically need. Just flip the magnification between 1X and 4X prism scopes like a switch.

BDC Reticle - Calibrated for the NATO 5.56 up to effective 1000 yards (100 yd zero) with fast ranging scale to estimate target distance without a rangefinder

Clear Glass & Large FOV - On 4X feels like looking at the target on a 50" TV through the scope right in front of the eye.

Features:

  • Magnification: 1-4X
  • Objective Lens: 32mm
  • Eye Relief: 2.75"
  • Reticle Type: 5.56 BDC
  • Turret : 0.5/ Click
  • Length: 6.02 inches
  • Weight: 23.2 oz