Let’s Dive into Trijicon Accupoint 5-20×50 Sunshade
The Trijicon Accupoint 5-20×50 Sunshade is designed to mitigate glare and improve visibility in bright conditions, ensuring a clearer sight picture. Offered by Trijicon, a well-respected name in the optics industry, this simple accessory promises to enhance the performance of your Accupoint scope by blocking unwanted sunlight.
I was searching for a solution to the persistent issue of glare impacting my accuracy during late afternoon hunts. The sun’s low angle often washes out the target, turning a clear shot into a frustrating guessing game, so I needed a reliable sunshade.
Upon unboxing the Trijicon Accupoint 5-20×50 Sunshade, my initial impression was of simple, functional design. Its matte black finish and lightweight construction suggested a no-nonsense approach, prioritizing utility over aesthetics.
While there are other sunshades available, I specifically chose the Trijicon model due to its reputation for quality and guaranteed compatibility with my Accupoint scope. Generic sunshades can often have fitment issues or use subpar materials, which I wanted to avoid.
Initially, I was optimistic that this would solve my glare issues; however, upon seeing user feedback citing incompatibility, I was apprehensive. I hoped the online issue was just an isolated incident, but my excitement quickly turned into cautious curiosity.
Real-World Testing: Putting Trijicon Accupoint 5-20×50 Sunshade to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Trijicon Accupoint 5-20×50 Sunshade at my local shooting range on a sunny afternoon, simulating the conditions I typically encounter during hunts. The range offers various target distances, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the sunshade’s effectiveness.
Unfortunately, I immediately realized the user feedback was correct: the sunshade does not fit the 50mm Accupower scope, despite both being Trijicon products and sharing a 50mm objective lens diameter. This rendered the entire test moot, as I couldn’t even attach the sunshade.
The primary issue was the threading; it simply wasn’t compatible with the Accupower, making attachment impossible. I was incredibly disappointed, as the product description indicated compatibility with the Accupoint line, but didn’t explicitly state if it only meant Accupoint and not Accupower.
Extended Use & Reliability
Given the immediate incompatibility, there was no extended use. The product couldn’t be mounted, so it wasn’t possible to assess its durability or maintenance requirements.
As this accessory was unusable, it’s impossible to draw a meaningful comparison with previous experiences. My frustration stemmed more from the misleading product description and the lack of cross-compatibility within the Trijicon ecosystem.
Breaking Down the Features of Trijicon Accupoint 5-20×50 Sunshade
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Trijicon. The Trijicon brand is well-known for quality optics.
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm. This is meant to fit 50mm objective lenses on compatible scopes.
- Condition: New. The sunshade arrives in pristine condition.
These specifications are crucial because they determine the sunshade’s physical compatibility with the intended scope and how effectively it blocks light. A proper fit is paramount for optimal performance.
Performance & Functionality
If compatible, the Trijicon Accupoint 5-20×50 Sunshade should reduce glare and improve contrast in bright conditions. Without a proper fit, these potential benefits are completely negated.
The primary strength is that if it fits the intended scope, it would likely perform as expected in reducing glare. However, the glaring weakness is its limited compatibility, rendering it useless for many potential users.
Design & Ergonomics
The sunshade is a simple, cylindrical design made from a lightweight material, likely aluminum. This keeps weight to a minimum while adding some durability.
It’s designed for easy attachment via threading. However, the threading is the primary point of failure here due to compatibility issues.
Durability & Maintenance
The sunshade appears durable enough to withstand typical field use, offering decent protection against minor impacts and scratches. It should be easy to clean with a soft cloth and requires minimal maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Trijicon Accupoint 5-20×50 Sunshade itself doesn’t offer much in terms of accessories or customization options. It is a standalone accessory designed to be used with compatible Trijicon Accupoint scopes.
It’s important to note that, based on my experience and user feedback, compatibility with other brands or even other Trijicon models (like the Accupower) is not guaranteed.
Pros and Cons of Trijicon Accupoint 5-20×50 Sunshade
Pros
- Potential to reduce glare and improve visibility in bright conditions if it fits.
- Lightweight and durable construction.
- Simple and easy to install (again, if it fits correctly).
- Made by Trijicon, a reputable brand known for quality optics.
- Provides some physical protection for the objective lens.
Cons
- Incompatible with some Trijicon scopes, despite similar objective lens sizes (specifically the Accupower).
- Limited compatibility information, potentially leading to purchase errors.
- Overpriced for what it is, considering the compatibility issues.
Who Should Buy Trijicon Accupoint 5-20×50 Sunshade?
The Trijicon Accupoint 5-20×50 Sunshade is perfect only for users who have a confirmed compatible Trijicon Accupoint 5-20×50 scope and are experiencing glare issues in bright conditions.
Anyone with a Trijicon Accupower scope, or any other scope model outside of the specifically confirmed Accupoint 5-20×50, should skip this product.
A must-have modification would be a clearer product description that explicitly lists all compatible and incompatible scope models.
Conclusion on Trijicon Accupoint 5-20×50 Sunshade
The Trijicon Accupoint 5-20×50 Sunshade promises to be a useful accessory for reducing glare and improving visibility. However, its severely limited and poorly communicated compatibility makes it a risky purchase.
At $33.39, the price isn’t exorbitant, but it’s still too much to spend on an accessory that might not even fit your scope. The value proposition is completely undermined by the compatibility issues.
Personally, I cannot recommend the Trijicon Accupoint 5-20×50 Sunshade without a significant caveat: ensure, beyond any doubt, that it is compatible with your specific scope model. Otherwise, you’re likely wasting your money and adding to the growing pile of frustrated user reviews. Do your research and verify compatibility before clicking that “buy” button.