Seasoned Contributor for Minuteman Review and teaches over 100 shooting classes a year.
At SHOT Show 2017 in Las Vegas last year, Trijicon released a new product meant to fill the gap between the 1-4X/1-6X scopes, and the more specialized 2.5-10X. Called the AccuPower, the 1-8X28 bridges the hole and allows the average shooter to get a bonus magnification over and above the standard 1-4X or 1-6X.
Is It Worth Your Money?
TRIJICON ACCUPOWER 1-8X
PROS
CONS
If you ever shoot with magnification or have ever found yourself in the unenviable position of just needing to get a little bit closer, then you’re going to like this product.
That bonus 2X at the top is just enough to pull in front of the pack. You’re going to spend a bit on this product, but it’s well worth the price.
Scope Review and Breakdown
FEATURES
The best feature of this model is a multi-purpose reticle. It sports not only the segmented circle for accuracy at close range, but it has an MOA reticle as well for longer distance at the higher magnifications. It can also accommodate multiple calibers, ammunition weights, and barrel lengths.
It’s an FFP scope – first focal plane reticle. That means that subtensions and drops remain the same at any magnification. While there’s certainly a school of thought that prefers the second focal plane, or SFP, setup, the AccuPower is an excellently made FFP.
It’s a significant, weighty unit; there’s no way around that. With a 25-ounce weight, 34mm tube and 28mm objective, you’re going to see a difference in the weight and handling of your rifle.
The weight indeed isn’t insurmountable; you’ll just need to get used to the more massive package. Some practice time in the range will mitigate the extra weight and get you up to speed.
It comes in either a red or green LED option, run by a single CR2032 lithium battery. There’s no tritium on this unit, but it’ll still work very well in a low-light or no-light scenario with the LED. Moving to battery power also drops the price considerably while still offering a versatile product for the average shooter.
With 11 different brightness settings, you’ll have no trouble finding the best one for any lighting situation. The dials are pull-out-and-turn, meaning you won’t be able to accidentally bump it into a setting you don’t want it in.
SPECIFICATIONS
EASE OF USE AND RELIABILITY
The durability of this model is about what you’d expect from Trijicon; it’ll hold zero even under abuse.
Reliability is slightly less than the battery-free tritium units that the brand offers, but you’re paying a lot less because of it.
It’s easy to use, and the combination segmented/MIL reticle means it’s versatile whether you’re shooting long range or up close and personal.
It has a highly forgiving exit pupil so you can use it in both eyes open CQB applications, as well as magnified distance situations.
BATTERY LIFE
It runs on a single battery. The company says the battery will last slightly more than 31 hours of operation at maximum brightness, so on a mid-level illumination, you’ll see longer battery life.
Cost
The AccuPower 1-8X is far less expensive than comparable tritium units; it runs over $1500 but is still in the affordable range, and offers a good value for the versatility it has.
Who is this Scope for?
Type of Shooter
This unit was designed as a duty unit for law enforcement, but its features make it uniquely suited as a ‘one size fits all’ for hunters, competitors, home defense, or even just plinking.
It does well at close range and longer distances, up to the maximum effective range of the weapon.
Type of Gun
You’re going to see these in the standard 5.56/.223 AR platforms but they’re just as suitable for a .308 or many other types of rifles.
Final Verdict
Trijicon Accupower 1-8X
The AccuPower 1-8X28 is a reliable product, even without the expensive tritium vials.
Between the classic Trijicon forged aluminum housing to the superior glass and variable magnification, it’s a fantastic all-around unit.
There is always a time and place for specialized optics, especially on special-purpose weapons, but for a basic product that does its job in a variety of lighting that can still handle multiple targets at multiple distances, the AccuPower is an excellent addition to the market.
No unit can be all things to all shooters, but this one is designed to be most things to most shooters – and it manages to pull that off nicely.
At slightly over $1500, it’s not cheap, but it’s an investment in accuracy and versatility that you won’t be sorry you made.
Other Options Worth Looking At
The Vortex Razor Gen II 1-6X24 is a worthy competitor to the AccuPoint. It mixes the fast target acquisition of a red dot sight with the high performance of a mid-range model, and for slightly less money than the AccuPoint.
The Razor II offers true 1X at the lowest setting, as well as extremely clear 6X magnification, allowing for self-correction at up to 1000 yards. It’s an SFP reticle, however, so the drops are only valid on the 6X setting, and it’s just as heavy as the Trijicon model even without the extra 2X.
The Primary Arms 1-8X24 is another SFP option that runs for well under $500. It’s calibrated for 5.56 or .308, with 12 brightness settings and a lifetime warranty.
Other Models from the Manufacturer
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