Trijicon VCOG Scopes

Trijicon VCOG Scopes

The Trijicon VCOG range brings first-focal-plane optics, AA-powered illumination, and a forged aluminum housing to a choice of 1-6×24 and 1-8×28 configurations. The most useful differences are the reticle, adjustment units, included mount, and equipment package. A similar exterior does not mean two models have the same reticle calibration or accessories.

Choose the Magnification and Reticle

The 1-6×24 models offer either caliber-specific reticles or universal angular scales. In this selection, the red caliber-specific patterns cover .223 / 55-grain, .223 / 77-grain, and .308 / 175-grain designations. Segmented-circle and horseshoe-dot layouts are separate choices, and not every calibration is represented in both patterns. The universal options include red or green MOA segmented-circle reticles and a green MIL segmented-circle reticle.

The 1-8×28 models provide a higher maximum magnification and a 28 mm objective. Standard reticles combine a segmented circle with a crosshair and center dot, in either MOA or MRAD. SCO models use the MRAD Segmented Circle Enhanced pattern, which adds a graduated grid below the center. These universal angular reticles are different from the cartridge-specific patterns in the 1-6x range.

All of these VCOG configurations place the reticle in the first focal plane. Its apparent size changes with magnification, while its markings remain proportional to the image. The adjustment units still matter: the 1-6x caliber-specific models in this collection use 1/2-MOA clicks, the universal MOA models use 1/4-MOA clicks, and the MIL model uses 0.1-MIL clicks. The 1-8x MOA versions use 1/4-MOA clicks; MRAD versions use 0.1-MRAD clicks.

Compare Mounts, Finishes, and Included Equipment

The TA51 is a thumbscrew flattop mount, while Trijicon Q-LOC packages use a quick-release mount. SCO packages in this collection include the LaRue Tactical LT799 mount. Each uses the VCOG’s integrated mounting interface, so these packages do not require conventional scope rings.

Finish alone does not identify the package. The FDE FIR-265 Cerakote MOA and standard MRAD models include Q-LOC mounts and Tenebraex flip caps. The FDE SCO includes the LT799 mount, flip caps, and a soft carrying case. The black SCO also includes flip caps and a soft case, but those accessories should not be assumed to come with every black 1-8x model.

Illumination and Battery Choice

VCOG illumination uses one AA battery rather than fiber optics or tritium. The 1-6x models have six brightness settings, with lithium-AA runtime ratings of 700 hours for red illumination and 1,400 hours for green illumination at setting 4. The 1-8x models have 11 settings, including two night-vision settings, eight daylight settings, and one extra-bright setting. Their lithium-AA rating is 633 hours at setting 6. These are setting-specific ratings, not promises of the same runtime at every brightness level.

Explore Related Trijicon Scopes

For other variable-power designs, browse Trijicon LPVO scopes. The broader Trijicon rifle scopes collection includes additional magnification ranges and optic families.

Trijicon VCOG FAQs

Are VCOG scopes first focal plane?

Yes. The 1-6×24 and 1-8×28 configurations covered here use first-focal-plane reticles. The reticle changes apparent size with magnification while maintaining its scale relative to the image.

What is the difference between MOA, MIL, and MRAD?

MOA and milliradians are different angular measurement systems. MIL and MRAD refer to milliradians in these product descriptions. A caliber-specific VCOG reticle is a separate choice: its cartridge and bullet-weight designation identifies a particular calibration, even when its adjustments are measured in MOA.

What does the VCOG SCO package include?

The black and FDE SCO configurations include the MRAD Segmented Circle Enhanced reticle, a LaRue Tactical LT799 mount, Tenebraex flip caps, and a soft carrying case. They also include a lithium AA battery, LENSPEN, manual, and warranty card. These are distinct packages from the standard MOA and MRAD crosshair-dot models.

Do I need separate scope rings?

No conventional scope rings are required for the packages described here. They include a TA51, Q-LOC, or LT799 mount that works with the VCOG’s integrated mounting interface. Mount type varies by exact model.

Can a VCOG use an alkaline AA battery?

Yes. These models accept a lithium or alkaline AA battery and include a lithium AA. The published runtime figures quoted here apply to lithium batteries at the specified brightness settings.

Does every 1-8×28 VCOG include flip caps?

No. The FDE configurations and black SCO package include Tenebraex flip caps. The standard black TA51 and Q-LOC packages in this collection include a mount, lithium AA battery, LENSPEN, and documentation, but not flip caps.