[Explained] Do All ACOGs Have Tritium?

Magnified optics such as the ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight), is great for hunting, home defense, target shooting, etc. It is used in the military as well. Most ACOG models have a tritium reticle system that adjusts the brightness based on how much light is available.

But not all ACOG has tritium. Newer versions of ACOGs have fiber optic illuminated reticles that are visible in daylight as well. Some models even have dual illumination that has both tritium and fiber optics. There are even some that have LED and batteries which is very uncommon in ACOGs.

Here in this article, we will go into more detail about the tritium in ACOGs and also show you which models of ACOG have tritium.

Why Don’t All ACOGs Have Tritium?

As stated before, most ACOGs are made of tritium and do not need a battery. The tritium absorbs light and then illuminates the reticle in low light. So, it is easier to see the reticle at night time. But it is not as visible in the daytime. This makes it difficult to use in the daylight.

So, now the newer models switched to using fiber optics instead of tritium. It is more visible in both daytime and nighttime. So now most people prefer fiber optics. ACOGs are known to not need any batteries. But some models have LEDs and batteries as well just so they can see better.

Which ACOG Models Have Tritium?

The first ACOG models released in 1987 are known as the TA01. This is the only known model to have tritium. Some variations such as the TA01A and TA01B also feature tritium in their reticles. These models only light up at night and at other times you will only be able to see the black reticle. 

The TA01 is the first-ever Rifle Combat Optic (RCO) of the US military, specifically the US Marine Corps. It is the world’s most combat-proven optics. It’s shock resistant and also waterproof. This makes it extremely durable in any situation.

Along with its tritium reticle, the TA01 ACOG’s other noticeable features include 600 yards of effective range and a field of view (FOV) of 36.8 ft. Its eye relief is 1.5 in. (38.1mm) and it also has bullet drop compensation. But the tritium definitely makes TA01 ACOG one of the best optics to use at night.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How long does the tritium in an ACOG last?

The tritium in ACOG last for about 10-15 years. But it starts to fade after about 12 years.

Is an ACOG radioactive?

ACOG contains the radioactive material called Tritium. But it is not as harmful as you may think. It allows for nighttime illumination and that is all it is used for. It does not harm human eyes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, not all ACOGs have tritium and only a few models do because of the niche of tritium. But it does fulfill the niche to its full potential. We hope we were able to help you understand whether all ACOGs have tritium or not. If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us in the comments.