Trijicon VCOG 1-8 the USMC's rugged LPVO

In this Hatchet Cast Episode, Eric & Roy discuss the Trijicon VCOG 1-8 Mil reticle. this optic was provided to BHTG by Optics Planet. Go check out their store and use discount code: BHTG to save 7%, which includes all Trijicon products. Best three ways to support us is to come train with us, pick up some gear from our website and from our affiliates using the links and codes below. Make sure you follow Barrel & Hatchet on our other social media platforms to stay up to date on what is happening in the Barrel & Hatchet community. Welcome to Barrel & Hatchet Trade Group.
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[@joshc2293]

Active duty marine grunt. My unit transitioned from the M4A1 with ACOG/RMR to the M27 with VCOG/RMR about two years ago. I’ve deployed operationally with both optics and have opinions, but I bought a VCOG for personal use, not the ACOG If that means anything.

[@alexhill4727]

I've stuck with the ACOG because that's what I've had since, ooooh about 2005.

[@danrugbyman]

That definitely means something

[@Furiouspenguin27]

What did you prefer about the vcog over the acog/rmr?

[@Mrgunsngear]

Similar to my experience in my review 🇺🇸

[@barrelandhatchet]

Yeah it is def an optic that is pricey but will last you 3 generations of issued weapons.

[@doktorfaustus]

@@barrelandhatchet That might ordinarily be the case. However,, you know what they say happens if you lock a Marine in a room with three, steel ball bearings...

[@ExplorinInTheWoods]

Army and I bought one and I love mine. Using the 5.5 KRAM spacer raises it over my laser and it has been super durable, it works great on 1x in the shoot house but it also has been great shooting out to distance. I’ve taken it out to 600m. The glass is super clear and multiple teammates have said it’s better than the atacr 1-8 and for sure better than those dirty siggers.

[@RichardSaling]

I am a former Marine. At 54 and many years of just Iron sights, I finally upgraded to a scope and went with this vs the acog or eotech red dot and magnifier. I love being able to go from close to long range. I spent a few days testing it and it's well worth all of the hype.

[@mostlycloudy3069]

love the drum beats in the intro. very nice!

[@BasementOps]

I would rather use a red dot in my BasementOPS. The vcog has to much magnification without parallax adjustment, which makes my microwave look blurry 😐 .

[@barrelandhatchet]

That would be every LPVO over 6x. And the lack of parallax in LPVO’s and the reticle choices as well as the eye box at max power leaves LPVO’s wanting. Hence why we shoot 2-10/ 2.5-15 scopes on our GPR/ SPR with a top red dot

[@dbut5427]

My dream Optic, the one with mil and wind holds.

[@starspangledmanlet6999]

11 here, got one on my M4 and it works like a dream. Usually keep it on 3 time and it works great, definitely a game changer especially when it comes to target ID or call for fire

[@eriklambert3809]

I still run a USO dual focal plane 1-8, regrettably they dont make it anymore. I have been looking at newer 1-8s. But it has to be a durable as training and hunting can take a toll. I may have to put this one on the short list

[@awsomedude9111]

sweet, one of the optics I have been considering to be the most durable besides the acog. TA11 3.5x/5.5x/6x are models looking into. I would totally buy this if they had it in fiber optic SFF/FFP, also wish the triangle post reticles were was upside down with Accupoint scopes.

[@Spencebot42]

I took a 1-6 VCOG to Afghanistan in 2018-2019; the thing is bombproof, has great glass, and is so freaking heavy i have yet to find a permanent home for it in my personal collection upon returning home. I have never been so conflicted on any optic before. I love it too much too get rid of, but can't figure out why I'd choose to use it for any other reason than going to war. And even then, the reticle choices suck like all trijicons.

[@barrelandhatchet]

did you guys have the SCO, with the mil christmas tree reticle?

[@Spencebot42]

@@barrelandhatchet No, I'm Army so it was all RCO TA31s. The VCOG I used was my personal optic. One guy was running a Vortex Razor 1-10, but everyone else was ACOGs *My VCOG was the 55gr BDC model

[@joshc2293]

I’m running g one on a BCM 14.5 enhanced lightweight. The balance is excellent.

[@nateez3898]

I have the primary arms Plx 1-8 c and it’s great especially at 1x. Lighter than the Trijicon and more applicable to the standard non combat user. It does get tight after 5x but training just like anything else is required. Having a constant cheek weld with a proper optic height will make you a very formidable opponent.

[@l337l0gan]

I wish they would make the reticle brighter in the plx 1-8 c. If they did that it would be the best lpvo on the market right now no questions asked. I mean it's already in the discussion, but I'm not sure it can truly take the #1 spot yet

[@philliplopez1501]

Very much would like to hear your thoughts on the VCOG vs your Credo 2x10 with top dot setup. Like everyone, the housing on the VCOG tempts me...even at that price But, function, cost, weight, etc. Make me continue to consider the Credo Any thoughts would be helpful Phil

[@jungckh]

This isn’t related to the VCOG (except for a possible comparison) but would love to see a review from B&H on the Leupold MK5HD 2-10 and how it compares to other high quality scopes in the 1-8, 10 / 2-10, 15 category. 🤞🏻

[@SlimeSquare]

The Marine Corps moves two steps forward by eliminating the heavy and ever-so-finicky M249, and by upgrading individual infantryman PPE to be on par with SOCOM, but then one step back by transitioning to what is ultimately a 13lb rifle once the Knights Armament Suppressor, Harris bipod, and 30 round magazine are attached. To me, the individual infantryman would've been better served by adopting the Geissele Super Duty 14.5" with a revised Trijicon ACOG in 5x, and possibly the Surefire RC2 Mini, or a newer K sized suppressor. I love the VCOG, but when you slap it on a 416, slap on a 22oz can, a bipod, a 45 lb ruck, and a 60mm mortar tube, I can assure you movement to contact is going to suck really fucking bad.

[@barrelandhatchet]

True. Ounces equal lbs

[@MadRhetorik.]

A 45 lb ruck is being generous. I’ve hiked with 80lb packs along with humping a 50 cal. Talk about being fucking miserable for 20 miles.

[@boygonewhoopdataZZ]

Well they have been trying to get it into service since 2009 and movement to contact isn't going to be bad when we're the only ones running 4x+ optics. Which is how Americans had such a high survival rate in ambushes in the Middle East, that ACOG and accurate fired destroyed the whole fire superiority doctrine

[@mh3225]

old comment i know, but the only reason why they were allowed to adopt the M27 in the first place was because it was supposedly just a replacement for the m249, of course the USMC pulled a pro gamer move and just fielded them service wide, so just buying -insert rifle here- instead really wasnt an option as you needed to sort of way to make it look like a new dedicated support weapon. Adopting a new service rifle requires an act of congress, and I believe and inter-service trial which means their asses would have just ended up with whatever the army wanted even though they were the ones that requested the trial. Didnt work out so bad for the corps as the Army is adopting that new monstrosity of a rifle with 20 rd capacity, and its 10 lbs SLICK. The VCOG made a ton of sense at the time, as the marine corps was using 3 different rifles, with 4 different types of ammo. The VCOG with the MRAD reticle allows you to slap it on to any combination of these systems, and its actually durable enough to be issued to 5 marines one after the other, it being future proof for any new weapon or round that will be adopted.

[@heinrichfuhrmeister1244]

Lol people who made the decisions dont have to ruck with those gears. Honestly, m27 w/vcog should just be a dmr/saw gun, and everyone else should just use block 2 w/acogs

[@offcourseoverland]

Would love one of these on my LMT MARS-H system.

[@ThatGuy-kf7fo]

Would love to see a comparison to the 1-6 Vcog. It’s a lot lighter and I don’t need the extra magnification so it interests me more.

[@danrugbyman]

I think the same thing. I'd love to see them compare the two. I'm leaning toward the 1-8 over the 1-6 vcog not because of magnification but because of field of view at full magnification. Ive heard its pretty tight feeling on the 1-6. Also I believe the 1-8 is only aboit 3 oz heavier than the 1-6, both with mounts.

[@doktorfaustus]

@@danrugbyman I'm afraid you've been misinformed. The weight difference between the VCOG 1-6 vs. the 1-8 is closer to 10 oz. It is quite noticeable.

[@danrugbyman]

@@doktorfaustus I know most folks think that but the 1-6 WITH mount and battery is 28.3 oz. The 1-8 WITH mount and battery is 31.5 oz. I ordered a 1-6 so maybe I'll weigh it when I get my hands on it. I chose the 1-6 for its smaller profile

[@danrugbyman]

@@doktorfaustus My 1-6 VCOG w/ mount and battery weighs 28.1 oz. That's just 3.4 oz less than the 1-8.

[@doktorfaustus]

@@danrugbyman Alright, you all made me pull out my scale. I got 26.7 oz, with battery and mount (I have it on a Geissele mount, which may explain the discrepancy). Less than yours, but still much more than I thought. For some reason it feels lighter than that to me, but I suppose the numbers don't lie.

[@HawkBlackUS]

I’d be curious to see y’all compare this to the ATACR 1-8 as the NX8 has a fairly restrictive eye box compared to both the ATACR and the VCOG in my experience.

[@boygonewhoopdataZZ]

NX8 is a compact LPVO, ATACR and VCOG are full size LPVOs

[@doktorfaustus]

@@boygonewhoopdataZZ Precisely why a comparison of the 1-8 VCOG to the ATACR is more appropriate than comparing it to the NX8, which makes a lot of trade-offs in the pursuit of small size and light weight.

[@dbut5427]

3 mo later finally ordering the VCOG SCO

[@sadboi314]

You can probably throw a reptilia rof sar on a vcog to piggyback a red dot. It's a ring mount, 34mm version should do.

[@notyoaveragejosay1577]

Sweet 👕

[@fubar1217]

Throw "fin" on the magnification adjustment.

[@prestonwalsh4293]

I wouldn’t mind trying one out if it had markings on the dials.

[@Mrboodraven3]

Really think the elcan 1.5-6 with a dot on top would be a good alternative to lpvo

[@cm-pr2ys]

Can you guys take a look at the Red Right Hand Recce IAR?

[@davepayne2024]

Great

[@mojo4376]

It should come in a BDC model for both 5.56 and 7.62.

[@aaa3d473]

The 1-6 does

[@Rockytofu]

Lit

[@eddiecruizeify]

You're like the best gay couple in the gun community. Especially when you cross play like Metal Gear Solid(snake eater). By the way there is a remake coming!

[@KotaMW]

Jesus 😂😂

[@barrelandhatchet]

🤣🤣wtf lol

[@mitchellbryars9338]

Brass Facts broke their VCOG running it on a SCAR 17. The reticle became canted. The SCAR is known as the optics killer though.

[@ronsmith9251]

Have you compared this to a Credo 1-8? I only ask because I’ve heard they’re very similar in performance to the VCOG SCO.

[@ysince95]

I wanna meet that guy who came up with the designated V”COG” ^^ definitely a MARINE^^

[@barrelandhatchet]

hahaha

[@andrewcopeland1517]

I haven’t seen the SRO’s price go down yet during this sale

[@andrewcopeland1517]

It’s actually gone up twice during it lol

[@ae86sexydori]

@@andrewcopeland1517 Lowest I've seen is $450 at Primary Arms

[@barrelandhatchet]

🤷‍♂️

[@saltaddict685]

👍

[@J4Gbaby]

I'm going on vacation next month and want to stop by the shop, but I can't find the address.

[@styxrf]

I upgraded to this from a Vortex razor 1-6. Between the mount and the bombproof nature of optics the Marine Corps buys (which is where I got my first taste of the vcog)... this thing fucks. Here's my unboxing if you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGGolJivq8uHprM

[@styxrf]

Also great video guys! Love your content!

[@JRios-bi1px]

Can you do a video on moa vs mil and why you chose mil over moa?

[@barrelandhatchet]

That would be a good one

[@JRios-bi1px]

Thanks glad I could help, I like hearing your perspective on alot of this stuff because it brings forward ideas that I haven't seen alot if other guntubers cover, I look forward to seeing your perspective on the subject.

[@doktorfaustus]

@@JRios-bi1px My short take on why MRAD are better than MOA: MOA are based on the entirely arbitrary division of a circle into 360 degrees, each of which is divided into a further arbitrary 60 minutes. I think the main reason it gained popularity is because 1 MOA accidentally corresponds to about 1 inch at 100 yards (that is not its definition, nor a precise correspondence). MRAD on the other hand (aka mils) are based on a universal, mathematical constant (𝛑) and an object of a known measurement which subtends 1 mil is precisely 1,000 times that measurement away; this works for all units (feet, yards, meters, cubits, what-have-you). It is truly universal, to the extent that an alien who arrives from Beta Centauri could be handed a scope with a mil reticle and would understand how it works.

[@ExtremeSquared]

Mrad "pre-loads" the trigonometry calculations into the unit if that makes sense. The reason the military uses it is because they don't want to try teaching trigonometry to a bunch of marines. Nobody wants that.

[@mattbroct]

If Emp - does the cross hairs still display ? Thx

[@bennyknot]

Why does everyone think there is a rubbery coating on acogs and vcogs??? It's very smooth, high quality anodizing on very smooth, high quality forged aluminum.

[@scottclaiborne5123]

VCOG or ATACR?

[@tstrongarm77]

the old battery roll...

[@KevinPenn-cd9bx]

I am on a rural county swat team and we have no snipers or Dmrs at this time. I am running an Acog with piggy back Rmr and trying to fill that void. Looking to upgrade optics to the led Acog or 1-6 Vcog for a finer aiming point. Is the Vcog enough better at range to be worth the loss in durability. Thx in advance.

[@barrelandhatchet]

I would recommend the trijicon credo 2-10

[@barrelandhatchet]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGPZpaVsg9qrmcU

[@turdferguson2863]

I wonder if this would be too tall on the FAL...

[@anthonyjimenez9725]

Cheek riser ftw

[@dreSwift1]

Just a question but do you all assume you will get into fire fight Engagement beyond a 100yds in the U.S

[@l337l0gan]

Just a question, but do you assume you will get in a gunfight at all in the US ? We hope for the best but prepare for the worst

[@justinmurray4652]

If you've been paying attention to Russia and China you'd know the answer is a hard yes

[@HoocH1130]

I suppose it all depends on your philosophy of use. I see a lot of comments comparing it to other LPVO's like the PLX. I see complaints about it's weight, It's eye relief, It's reticle options, etc; I suppose if your only foresight is as an ordinary civilian range ninja, the VCOG fails a lot of the check offs. I on the other hand am thinking with the foresight of what LPVO is going to last me the longest and be the most durable, when I can't order another LPVO from Amazon or Optics Planet, or even be able to order anything that is rifle oriented. With the decline of everything in this nation and the anti-gun laws waiting in the wings (example WA state.) These are rational worries to have, not just wack job notions or or tin foil hat conspiracies. I would bet on the VCOG over anything from Primary Arms or Vortex. How long do you think a 400.00 - 1,000.00 optic is going to last in a grid down scenario? How long will your Vortex Razor last when you can't mail the optic back and take advantage of their warranty? Yes, LEO's and some Military use the Vortex Razor. What if you don't have a FOB to go back to or an Arms Room or Supply SGT. to get another optic from the U.S. Military's giant supply chain? This is the foresight I'm using when choosing my optics and for me the VCOG fits the Bill.

[@Furiouspenguin27]

The perceived slight durability gain isn’t really worth it to me when the odds of me doing anything to destroy my lpvo are pretty low, even in shtf. I’d rather have a more usable optic and take yours when you lose

[@rickypickles2219]

anyone here own one? how is the 1x on it? looking at this or an atacr 1-8

[@DefZen343]

had it for over 3 years now, i mostly shoot 2gun and Dmr style matches with it. 1x has been beautiful for me, eye relief and eye box is generous. depending on how bad your eyes are(my eyes are bad) you will have to adjust the diopter while looking through it with both eyes open till your eyes see the same image. this will make your reticle blury but its not a problem out to 300 or so yards. i mark my diopter for 1x shooting and for a clear reticle for 400+ distance shots. Distance shooting is also good 👍 ive cleared 750 yard full size ipsc targets and 4 inch plates at 230 yards(sub 2moa target) at matches. no parallax knob so you have to be conscious about keeping your eye centered in the scope. no experience with the NF, heard very nice things about them. Vcog is heavy, turrets and illumination sucks. Love the scope though 😁

[@boygonewhoopdataZZ]

You want a circle dot or you want a daylight bright dot that is horrendous to use if you run out of battery?

[@ErrorCode-1]

I heard it cant hold up to a Scar-H

[@joshzimmerman12]

As an 0311 with experience… it could be the perfect optic for its role, but for some reason they chose a terrible reticle and the eye box was meh, i have personally ran 400$ lpvos with better reticles and eye boxes, fox those and its great, otherwise the acog rco and sdo are simply better tools

[@joshzimmerman12]

This is personal opinion… to me i just don’t like the reticle

[@barrelandhatchet]

We’re you guys running the Christmas tree mil reticle

[@NavySooner]

If Brass facts can break this thing then how do they expect crayon eating Naval Infantry not to destroy it like it’s a toilet at Taco Bell? For it’s looks it like that girl growing up that was kinda chubby and had a snaggle tooth that for some reason you found yourself stroking to once a week.

[@alexhill4727]

He's a goober with autism, and we don't abuse our equipment. That's a meme and not real life.

[@michaelpro2800]

No experience with it