JJAirsoft ACOG With Mini Red Dot

Operator7

28 Feb 2013

What if you could have a mid/long-range and short range optics solution that is easy to alternate and readily available in just one package? Well, this combo of an ACOG 4x32 replica with a mini red dot mounted on it from JJAirsoft is exactly that.

But exactly how good is it and how can it be useful for you as an Airsofter?

DESIGN AND FEATURES

The JJAirsoft ACOG with Mini Red Dot is based on the real steel combo from Trijicon who, after seeing soldiers on the battlefield adapting red dots to their scope in order to have a way to engage close range targets, decided to mount a small red dot optic on top of their popular ACOG 4x32 scope.

There are some design differences, especially regarding the mini red dot which is somewhat different to the RMR from Trijicon, but it works great anyway.

On the ACOG the biggest difference from the original is the brightness adjustment knob which doesn’t exist on the real one, and the batteries cap. Apart from that it’s pretty much spot on!

So not only you’ll get a compact magnified scope with a very nice range, but you’ll also be getting a close range reflex red dot that can be used separately on another gun! All you need to do is simply unscrew two screws and mount the mini red dot on the included mount which is compatible with most Picatinny rails.

This for me is one of the top features of this product: you get two sights in one sleek package!

JJAirsoft have also included an aluminum rear sight that can be screwed to the ACOG so that you have your backup sights.

The color of the whole combo is a very cool matte Tan coating which seems to be quite lasting and doesn’t scratch off easily.

The combo adds a little weight to your AEG, around 470 grams, and if you use just the mini red dot it’s a very lightweight solution, so you have the power to choose to run light and fast, say in CQB games or run the whole combo and have more range in your optics.

LENS AND RETICLE

The ACOG lenses are very clear and their wide diameters make them a pleasure to use. The diameter is considerably wider than the one you will find on those ACOG replicas without magnification where you only have a red or green dot. There is however a narrow angle where you can see through without getting the image cut off, but this is quite standard in most ACOG replicas.

The crosshair reticle on the ACOG sight has the bullet drop compensator ranging with some markings, which adds some nice realism.

The coolest thing about this reticle is the fact that it’s also illuminated, so you can either use the standard black crosshair or the illuminated red or green crosshairs which remain very crisp and clear.

The only thing I would have preferred here was the possibility to have only the center portion of the crosshair illuminated, just like the real one.

When it comes to the mini red dot, the reticle is a little more blurry and less sharp, but to compensate it has an automatic brightness control which is managed by a sensor placed in the front of the sight. The only downside to this is if you lose or forget to use the cover when you are done using the sight and leave it in a well-lit location, the batteries will just drain out since there’s no off button on the sight.

Apart from that, it works pretty well and has enough brightness to be used outdoors under the bright sunlight.

The lens on the mini red dot has a very light tint and its quite clear presenting no distortion.

Only the lens on the mini red dot has some flash, but this is quite normal and JJAirsoft seem to have been able to reduce it when comparing to other reflex red dots out there.

OPERATION

Operating the ACOG sight is very simple because it’s always ready since the black crosshair doesn’t require any batteries. But if you want to switch to the illuminated crosshairs, all you have to do is dial a knob on the left hand side of the sight, cycling through the 5 levels of brightness on both the red and green colors.

The mount is also very simple to install being that both screws are quite large and wide so that you can un-mount or reposition the ACOG easily even wearing gloves, and it provides a very secure fit.

Adjusting the windage and the elevation is, just like in any airsoft replica achieved by removing the caps using the dial to adjust on every click.

There’s another cap on the bottom part of the ACOG near the mount which reveals the battery compartment that provides power to the ACOG crosshair. This takes three LR754 batteries included with the ACOG, plus another set of 3 batteries also included in the package.

Now the mini red-dot comes already mounted and uses a CR3230 battery. This operates on a very similar way their reflex red-dot I have reviewed earlier because it has a light sensor which detects the ambient light and adjusts the dot brightness accordingly.

It is bright enough to operate on the brightest days and perhaps only in some darker environments, say inside a house, it might get too dim. It would be interesting if there was a way to override the sensor whenever the user wanted to.

Adjusting the windage and elevation of the red dot requires you use a small flat head screwdriver conveniently included in the package. Here you don’t get that nice click indicator but adjustment is quite easy nevertheless. To adjust windage you will use the screw on the right side of the red dot. And if you wish to adjust elevation just use the screw on the top back.

The sensor system has one upside which is you just remove the plastic cover and you’re ready to go! But imagine you forget to cover it again for a long period of time, what will happen is it will use up the battery without any need. So you either use the cover or in case you lose it or just want to pause during a game and don’t have it with you, you have to cover it say with a piece of cloth so it’s not on all the time.

If you will not be using the mini red dot for a long period of time, JJAirsoft recommend that you remove the battery. So always keep this in mind.

In case you want to use the mini red dot on another gun, all you have to do is use the included Allen wrench and unscrew the mount from the ACOG. Fortunately, JJAirsoft have included a metal rear sight which can be as easily mounted on the ACOG.

The next step is to mount the mini red dot on the included 20 mm rail mount, which must be fastened using the same Allen wrench provided.

Now the mount is rather low profile so I believe that this mini red dot will work far better on an SMG or even on some pistols rather than on any rifles which because of their barrel length will most certainly make it harder to use. Even on my MP7 I had an adaptation period since I would have to raise the gun higher or lower my cheek in order to see the dot. But once I adapted myself to this new reality it has proven to be great especially on CQB scenarios.

One of the nicest things about this combo is the possibility it offers of the user being able, in less than a second, to transition from a mid/long range sight to a short range red dot. Without any effort, clumsiness or unnecessary weight which some of the hybrid systems add.

BUILD QUALITY AND MATERIALS

The ACOG has a very sturdy build common to most Airsoft replicas. The lenses shows no imperfections or dirtiness inside (believe me I have had some ACOG’s that came with dirt inside the lens). There’s an O-ring on each cap that covers the windage and elevation adjustment dials so that no dust o water might jam or damage the system and the quality and finish of the Tan paint is just awesome and doesn’t come off easily.

The mini red dot, which is logically less rugged than the ACOG has, nevertheless, a metal construction. And the hood, which is also made of metal, seems very sturdy too and thanks to its size and shape it offers some protection to the lens.

CONCLUSION

This is perhaps the best solution for those who want to have the ability to quickly transition from an ACOG to a close range sight. The simplicity and speed this combo provides without adding much more weight is the beauty of this whole solution. This, coupled with very well built sights and clear lenses with sharp graphics makes this JJAirsoft product a must have for those who like to run a good set of optics on their Airsoft guns.

The fact that you can use the mini red dot separately only makes this combo even more worthwhile since it might even save some money if you have an SMG lacking an optics solution.

Also the ACOG’s four times magnification comes very handy to follow your bb’s in midair to see if you are hitting your targets, to adjust your hop-up, and even to identify enemies from afar.

JJAirsoft manufactures these both in Black and Tan, and with quick release mount or just like the one I reviewed with screws.