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

ammo on table in shape of infinite loop
ammo on table in shape of infinite loop

The Infinite Argument: 9 mm vs. .45 ACP

We’re never going to end the seemingly eternal debate about whether 9 mm or .45 ACP is the best option for a defensive handgun, are we?

Review: Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway

Survival rifles have generally been chambered for relatively anemic rimfire cartridges, but the Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway ups the power without sacrificing portability.

The Armed Citizen® April 13, 2026

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

How the Mainstream Media is Changing on Guns

Given the record low public trust in mass media, what is its future, and is there any chance market forces could make its treatment of the Second Amendment fairer?

Number of New Suppressor Makers Increasing Rapidly

Companies that traditionally did not offer suppressors are adding them to their lineups at a scalding pace—including some major leaguers.

First Look: Steiner ATLAS Aiming & Illumination System

The Steiner ATLAS (Advanced Tactical Laser Aiming System) is a comprehensive, rifle-mounted aiming and illumination system in a lightweight magnesium-alloy body.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.