Another 1-6 LPVO (Low Power Variable Optic) review? Hasn’t everyone moved on to a 1-8, or even a 1-10?
In my case, I have definitely not moved on from the 1-6. In fact, a high-quality 1-6 can be perfect on an AR-15. Especially a 1-6 that is as tough as nails and has very high-quality optics.
Why would someone choose a 1-6 when you could choose a 1-8 or a 1-10? The answer is that the increased magnification offered by the 1-8 or 1-10 may not be worth the downsides. Those downsides include greater cost, more weight, blurrier view, and a smaller eye box. With the Trijicon VCOG 1-6×24, the view is clear, and the eye box is generous, even at max magnification. In many scopes that offer more magnification, you’re not actually seeing anything more than if that magnification topped out at 6X.
Is the VCOG tough as nails? Well, look at it! It’s forged from aluminum and appears to be just as tough as an AR-15. Additionally, the fact that the mount is forged into the body of the scope, so no rings are needed, seems like a very durable feature. Unfortunately, I’m not about to do a torture test on an expensive scope, so I’ll have to remain limited to, “seems like,” and, “appears to be.”
- The integral mount eliminates the time-consuming task of perfectly aligning and torquing a traditional mount and rings.
- Powered by one AA lithium battery that lasts 700 hours constantly on at illumination level 4 (out of 6).
- Integral dial fin, so there is no need to add a throw lever.
- The weight is substantial but not as bad as the beefy beauty appears. The VCOG weighs 28.35 oz. on my scale, but remember that weight includes the mount. The Nightforce NX8 1-8 and a Badger Condition One Modular Mount, together, weigh 24.35 oz. If the VCOG offers increased durability and simplicity over such high-quality competition, is that worth four more ounces? For me, it is.
Improvements to the Trijicon VCOG 1-6×24
What do I wish was improved on the Trijicon VCOG 1-6×24?
- The illumination should be brighter. Currently, it is merely daylight-visible. However, the segmented circle reticle goes a very long way toward making daylight-visible unnecessary. In fact, this first focal plane segmented circle is my favorite reticle, and I find it the easiest for fast target acquisition, even in bright daylight. For me, looking through the segmented circle is much more natural than looking around a super-bright dot.
- The illumination is somewhat visible from the objective end of the VCOG. For me, this is not a big deal, but it is certainly not a plus.
In summary, the Trijicon VCOG’s durability, fantastic optical quality, and ease of use more than make up for a little less magnification.
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