More than a year ago, at WMASG, we have informed about the USMC project to replace the ACOG sights with a new scope with variable zoom.

This has now came to pass and Marines have been training since January this year with the Trijicon VCOG 1-8×28 scopes, purchased by the Corps as part of the Squad Common Optic program, mounted on their M27 IAR rifles. The optics, apart from IAR rifles, are also designed for mounting on the M4 and the M4A1.

According to available reports, Marines appreciate the ability to change the magnification in the new scopes, a feature that they could not use when using the ACOG 4X32 sights with has constant magnification. This adjustment makes it possible to fire more precisely over longer distances. The new sight is also equipped with a QD mount, which ensures quick installation on a weapon without the need to use and transport additional tools.

Furthermore, the sight is not adapted to a specific type of ammunition (as is sometimes the case with scopes with similar parameters), which ensures efficient firing with the currently used 5.56x45mm ammunition - the M855 and the M855A1 and its possible future successors. The rifles equipped with the new SCO sights are to reach their full combat capability in 2022.

Sources: thefirearmblog.com, soldiersystems.net