Inside Trijicon: The Legacy of the ACOG

by
posted on June 3, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
American Rifleman TV is in Wixom, Mi., at the home of Trijicon Inc., detailing the Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight. Watch the above video for details.

Title screen for video that says, "American Rifleman, Trijicon: Legacy of the ACOG"

Little did he know, prior to 1981, that his “side job” of peddling gun sights would lead to a revolutionary concept with more than one million units sold. Millions of Americans, home defenders, peace officers and Soldiers have chosen to rely on Glyn Bindon’s Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG).

Patent drawing of an ACOG optic.

The marvel behind the ACOG design is the Bindon Aiming Concept (BAC) that enables its users to maintain target focus without loss of peripheral vision by allowing both eyes to remain open. The addition of a brilliant aiming point comprised of Tritium and fiber optics further set Trijicon’s ACOG into its own class.

Remote camera image of a man shooting a rifle with a tan scope attached.

The battery-free ACOG is a U.S.-made, fixed-magnification optic built from forged aluminum. Trijicon supplies premium glass within its ACOG and each unit is hand-fitted and tuned for function and reliability. The advantage to this combat optic is the use of radioactive isotopes that yields a radio-luminescent light source. The easy-to-use optic has been a complete game-changer for the U.S. Military as its Rifle Combat Optic.

Forged aluminum in the shape of a rifle optic.

As years advanced for Trijicon and its ACOG, line extensions came to market with magnification enhancements and the inclusion of battery-powered LED aiming. Furthermore, Trijicon branched off into manufacturing reflex sights intended for close-quarter engagement that eventually found place on military and police handguns, too.

Woman in a factory assembling a Trijicon optic.

The RMR is reflex sight built of aluminum with a specialized and patented housing shape to increase the durability of the small optic—it isn’t always about the looks. Whether battery or Tritium powered, Trijicon’s RMR features true-color, multi-coated lenses and an aiming dot that is easily adjustable and provides the shooter with increased target focus while improving accuracy.

Trijicon RMR aluminum housings lined up and tightly packed together.

Two optic lines wasn’t enough for Glyn Bindon and his team at Trijicon. The company has expanded and demonstrated its ability to engineer products that resonate with armed citizens, military personnel, police, hunters, long-range shooters, archers and hobbyists. Follow along with the American Rifleman TV crew for a behind-the-scenes glance at the manufacturing and legacy of Trijicon.

Latest

Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical Spx Gotw Web
Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical Spx Gotw Web

Gun Of The Week: Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX

We’re on the range in this video getting a closer look at one of Mossberg’s most recent defense-oriented scatterguns, the 940 Pro Tactical SPX.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 15, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Classic Clones: The Century Arms Centurion 11 & 14 Pistols

Based on the iconic Model 1911 and Browning Hi-Power designs, the Century Arms Centurion 11 and 14 pistols are affordable clones that make these classic designs available to the masses for an affordable price.

Celebrate The Shooting Sports In August

Grab a friend, invite a newcomer and share some fun on the firing line in August, which is National Shooting Sports Month. The celebration, designed to attract newcomers and rekindle the passion in experienced gun owners, is in its ninth year.

Rifleman Review: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Rimfire Classic

Springfield Armory introduced a complete line of bolt-action .22s in 2023, and the Rimfire Classic is one of the most traditionally styled versions available, but it comes with a number of great design features.

Smith & Wesson Doubles Down On Rimfire: The M&P 22X & FPC 22LR

Two of Smith & Wesson's recent introductions include the Folding Pistol-caliber Carbine (FPC) and its .22 WMR-chambered M&P handguns. Now, both platforms are available for the popular .22 Long Rifle chambering.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.