Trijicon AccuPoint 3-9x 40mm Amber Triangle Post Reticle Rifle Scope Review

My first impression of Trijicon AccuPoint 3-9x 40mm Amber Triangle Post Reticle Rifle Scope

The Trijicon AccuPoint 3-9x 40mm Amber Triangle Post Reticle Rifle Scope, manufactured by Trijicon, promises rapid target acquisition in any lighting situation thanks to its unique illuminated amber triangle post reticle and battery-free illumination system. It aims to be a versatile optic for hunters and shooters alike, offering a clear aiming point without relying on batteries. But does it live up to the legacy of quality expected from Trijicon?

I’d been searching for a scope that offered both speed and precision in low-light conditions, primarily for early morning deer hunts where legal shooting light is at a premium. Many illuminated scopes rely on batteries, which can fail at the worst possible moment, leaving you with a useless optic. I wanted something dependable, with an intuitive reticle that would get me on target quickly.

Upon unboxing, the scope felt solid, with a reassuring weight of 13.4 ounces. The finish was clean, and the included accessories – LENSPEN®, lens caps, manual, warranty card, and logo sticker – suggested a well-thought-out package. The simplicity of the design was immediately appealing, a stark contrast to some of the overly complex tactical scopes I’ve handled.

I considered the Leupold VX-Freedom and the Vortex Diamondback before settling on the Trijicon AccuPoint. The Leupold was a strong contender, known for its glass quality, but the battery-free illumination of the AccuPoint won me over. The Vortex offered a similar price point, but I’ve always trusted Trijicon’s reputation for ruggedness and reliability.

Initially, I was optimistic but also slightly apprehensive. The amber triangle post reticle seemed like an innovative concept, but I wondered how it would perform in practice compared to more traditional reticle designs. The price tag of $656.99 also set a high bar of expectation; it needed to deliver top-tier performance to justify the investment.

Real-World Testing: Putting Trijicon AccuPoint 3-9x 40mm Amber Triangle Post Reticle Rifle Scope to the Test

First Use Experience

I first mounted the Trijicon AccuPoint on my trusted .30-06 hunting rifle and headed to my local shooting range. The weather was overcast with a light drizzle, conditions that often plague early morning hunts. I wanted to see how well the amber triangle performed in subdued lighting.

The initial sight-in process was straightforward, with the ¼ MOA adjustments being precise and predictable. The amber triangle was easy to see against the dark targets, even without the full brightness of direct sunlight. I appreciated the clarity of the glass, even at higher magnifications.

However, I immediately noticed an issue. As others have mentioned, the post reticle seemed to shift slightly upon recoil. This was disconcerting and immediately raised concerns about the scope’s ability to hold zero over the long term. After about ten shots, I was left with a different point of impact.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of testing, including multiple range sessions and a weekend hunting trip (thankfully, I didn’t have an opportunity to take a shot at a deer), my initial concerns were confirmed. The reticle shift persisted, becoming more pronounced with heavier recoiling rifles. This made consistent accuracy impossible.

The scope body itself held up well, showing no signs of cosmetic damage despite being subjected to rough handling in the field. Cleaning was simple, thanks to the smooth, durable finish. The lens caps provided adequate protection from the elements.

Unfortunately, the unreliable reticle undermined any potential benefits. The Trijicon AccuPoint failed to live up to my expectations and significantly underperformed compared to other scopes in its price range. In the long run, this optic isn’t one you can depend on to keep consistent zero.

Breaking Down the Features of Trijicon AccuPoint 3-9x 40mm Amber Triangle Post Reticle Rifle Scope

Specifications

The Trijicon AccuPoint 3-9x 40mm Amber Triangle Post Reticle Rifle Scope features a magnification range of 3-9x, offering versatility for various shooting distances. The 40mm objective lens provides a good balance of light gathering and overall scope size. The field of view ranges from 33.80 to 11.30 feet at 100 yards, providing a decent sight picture at different magnifications.

The eye relief ranges from 3.20 to 3.60 inches, which should be adequate for most shooters, but might be tight for those with heavy recoiling rifles. The scope utilizes a 1-inch tube diameter, making it compatible with a wide range of mounting options. It measures 12.40 inches in length and weighs 13.40 ounces, a relatively lightweight option for a variable power scope.

The reticle is an illuminated amber triangle post located in the second focal plane (SFP), meaning the reticle size remains constant regardless of magnification. Adjustment size is ¼ MOA at 100 yards, allowing for precise zeroing. The illumination is achieved through a combination of fiber optics and tritium, eliminating the need for batteries.

These specifications, on paper, suggest a capable and versatile scope. However, the shifting reticle problem overshadows any potential benefits these specs might offer.

Performance & Functionality

When it functions correctly, the Trijicon AccuPoint’s amber triangle reticle offers incredibly fast target acquisition, particularly in low light. The fiber optic/tritium illumination system works as advertised, providing a bright and clear aiming point without the need for batteries. The glass clarity is also excellent, providing a crisp and clear sight picture.

The most significant weakness is, undeniably, the shifting reticle. This issue makes it impossible to maintain consistent accuracy, rendering the scope unreliable for hunting or serious target shooting. While the magnification adjustment is smooth and the focus ring is easy to manipulate, these features are irrelevant if the point of impact changes with every shot.

Unfortunately, the Trijicon AccuPoint falls far short of expectations due to this critical flaw. This scope does not meet my expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Trijicon AccuPoint boasts a sleek and functional design, constructed from high-quality materials. The scope feels solid and well-built, with a durable finish that resists scratches and abrasions. The 13.4-ounce weight is manageable, and the overall size is compact enough for comfortable use on a variety of rifles.

The magnification adjustment ring is easy to grip and turns smoothly, even with gloves on. Similarly, the focus ring is readily accessible and provides a clear image across the magnification range. However, the ergonomic benefits are overshadowed by the unreliable reticle.

Durability & Maintenance

The scope body itself appears to be quite durable, showing no signs of wear and tear after weeks of use in various conditions. The lens caps provide adequate protection, and the LENSPEN® makes cleaning the lenses quick and easy. However, the internal reticle issue raises serious concerns about the scope’s long-term reliability.

It remains to be seen how long the tritium illumination will last, but given Trijicon’s reputation, it should provide years of service. However, even if the illumination system lasts a lifetime, the shifting reticle makes the scope essentially useless.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Trijicon AccuPoint comes with a Trijicon logo sticker, a LENSPEN®, lens caps, an AccuPoint manual, and a warranty card. There are limited customization options available directly from Trijicon for this particular model.

The 1-inch tube diameter makes it compatible with a wide range of aftermarket scope rings and mounts. While there are no direct customization options for the reticle itself, the versatility of the mounting system allows for easy integration with different rifle platforms.

Pros and Cons of Trijicon AccuPoint 3-9x 40mm Amber Triangle Post Reticle Rifle Scope

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Who Should Buy Trijicon AccuPoint 3-9x 40mm Amber Triangle Post Reticle Rifle Scope?

The Trijicon AccuPoint 3-9x 40mm Amber Triangle Post Reticle Rifle Scope should not be purchased until the manufacturer can correct the issue of a shifting reticle. Otherwise, this would be beneficial for Hunters needing quick target acquisition in low-light conditions.

Anyone seeking a reliable and accurate optic should skip this product. If you are using this scope on any rifle that produces a recoil, you should find a different product to use.

A reliable mounting system is essential, but even the best mounts cannot compensate for the internal reticle flaw.

Conclusion on Trijicon AccuPoint 3-9x 40mm Amber Triangle Post Reticle Rifle Scope

The Trijicon AccuPoint 3-9x 40mm Amber Triangle Post Reticle Rifle Scope promises a lot but ultimately fails to deliver on its most critical function: holding zero. While the amber triangle reticle and battery-free illumination system are innovative and potentially useful, the shifting reticle problem renders the scope unreliable and inaccurate.

At a price of $656.99, the value proposition is simply not there. The cost is not justified.

I cannot recommend this scope in its current state. The shifting reticle issue is a significant flaw that needs to be addressed by Trijicon before this optic can be considered a viable option for serious shooters or hunters. I recommend steering clear of this scope until improvements are made.

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