64 SEPTEMBER 2019 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN
TRIJICON ACCUPOWER
He found that if both eyes are kept open, one eye will
focus on whatever object the brain chooses while the
other can transpose a close-range image—or in this case a
brightly colored aiming point—onto it.
Trijicon imported its rst entry in the market, the
Armson OEG (Occluded Eye Gunsight), from South Africa.
The simple device used what is now referred to by the
company as the Binden Aiming Concept. In a nutshell,
it contained a glowing red aiming point, powered by the
radioactive isotope tritium. The “scope” was not intended
to be looked through, but rather used with both eyes
open with their focus on the target so that the brain
would superimpose the oating dot (placed between the
dominant eye and the target) on the target. It maximized
peripheral vision—awareness—and aiming speed, and
Trijicon hung its hat on that design and many iterations of
it for a couple decades.
During that time, however, the company released its
tritium-powered Night Sight for pistols, revolutionizing
the industry. The glowing tritium capsules contained in
the robust iron sights allow them to glow continuously for
more than 12 years so shooters can see to aim their gun in
low- or no-light conditions.
In 1992, the company released its agship ACOG optic
that soon won favor with militaries around the world for
its durability, versatility and effectiveness at close and
medium ranges in all lighting conditions. Current versions
remain the gold standard for battle optics, and there’s no
ner all-around four-power optic for everything from car-
bines to crossbows. Then, in 1998, Trijicon began offering
its AccuPoint line of variable-power ri escopes that utilized
a chevron-style reticle—the same one found in the ACOG—
that was the hallmark of Trijicon optics until recent times.
The chevron-shaped reticle was supremely effective, but
it was generally misunderstood by an American hunting
and shooting public that had cut its teeth on crosshairs.
Finally, however, Trijicon gave American hunters what they
wanted in full- edged variable-power, traditional-reticle
ri escopes. Concurrently, it made great advances and prod-
uct releases in mini-re ex sights for pistols, new ACOGs and
a half dozen other useful gunsights.
Today, the Wixom, Mich., company has fully invested in
the ri escope market, speci cally in the premium tactical
and long-range niche, with its AccuPower models that are
designed to challenge the current top-end competition,
such as Kahles, Leupold, Nightforce and others. No doubt
Trijicon has military contracts and the burgeoning preci-
sion ri e shooting sports market in its sights.
After testing Trijicon’s robust 4.5-30X 56 mm model
extensively, I can’t nd a major negative about it. Indeed,
like every Trijicon product I’ve used over the years, the
AccuPower is world-class in terms of optical technology and
quality of build. What follows is its full review.AccuPower 4.5-30X 56 mm
Most scope reviews begin the moment it’s installed on a
ri e, but not with the AccuPower; it begins with the box.
The articulated, thick cardboard box serves as a storage
container complete with custom foam cutouts that house
the scope and its accoutrements, including a battery,
ip-up lens covers, LensPen, Scopecoat and sunshade with
spare compartments for mounts. The large-format diagram
on the inside lid serves as a working owner’s manual with
all external parts and controls listed. While a box is just a
box, it foreshadows that Trijicon spared few expenses on
this optic, right down to its packaging.
In lifting it from the foam, the scope’s sheer size
becomes evident; it’s as large as modern ri escopes get
with its 56 mm objective lens, giant controls, 34 mm main
tube, 14.3" length and signi cant 36-oz. weight. Yet,
there’s a reason for its tube size, and that’s to maximizeThe 4.5-30X 56 mm AccuPower’s 34 mm main tube allows up to
100 m.o.a. of elevation adjustment and 50 m.o.a. for windage.
The ri escope is offered in both rst-focal-plane and second-focal-
plane models, and with either m.o.a.- or mil-based reticles.
The scope’s magni cation ring includes two ports for mounting a
throw lever, allowing shooters to con gure the Trijicon based on their
needs and equipement while still facilitating speedy adjustments.