Trijicon Accupower 1-8×28 Review

Trijicon has been producing top-quality scopes since the early ’80s and quickly became one of the industry leaders through the manufacturing of high-grade, robust gun optics. In fact, my first-ever rifle scope was a Trijicon 4×32 TA01 ACOG – the same scope that was selected by the United States Special Operations Command for use with the M4 in 1995 – and I loved it.

Over the years, I have used scopes from a range of other companies…

But very few of them stack up to Trijicon branded optics. This is where the Trijicon Accupower 1-8×28 comes up. I had been on the search for a variable-powered scope and was considering a few options. I reached out to a few of my Military friends, and they suggested I try this model, and I am grateful they did.

After a month of testing, I can safely say that this is one of the best scopes I have ever had the pleasure of hunting with. So let’s jump in and see what makes it a great choice in my in-depth Trijicon Accupower 1-8×28 Review.

trijicon accupower 1 8x28 review

Specifications

  • Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
  • Field of View, Angle: 20 – 2.5 degrees
  • Magnification Type: Variable
  • Magnification: 1 x – 8 x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 28 mm
  • Reticle Type: Illuminated RS27-C-1900027 MOA Segmented Circle Crosshair
  • Illumination Color: Green or Red
  • Illumination Type: LED
  • Tube Diameter: 34 mm
  • Tube Color: Black
  • Weight: 25 oz (708 g)
  • Dimensions: 10.8 inch (274 mm) by 2.7 inch (68.6 mm) by 3.1 inch (78.7 mm)
  • Eye Relief: 4 – 3.9 inches (101 – 99 mm)
  • Adjustment Type: MOA
  • Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
  • Range of Adjustment: 100 MOA
  • Battery Life: 32 hours
  • Shockproof: Yes
  • Fogproof: Yes
  • Water Resistance Level: Up to 10 feet
  • Finish: Matte
  • Warranty: 5 Years

The scope is packed away in a sturdy box with a snug foam insert that keeps it fitted securely, ensuring no shipping damage. The box also contains:

  • Trijicon Logo Sticker (PR15)
  • Microfibre Lens Cloth
  • Set of Lens Caps
  • AccuPower Manual
  • Warranty Card

Magnification and Reticle Type


The Trijicon Accupower 1-8×28 employs a first focal plane reticle which uses a military-style crosshair. Most Trijicon scopes use this mil-style crosshair, and for good reason!

These segmented mil-style crosshairs are extremely useful in range estimation and is very precise. The special holdover points allow the shooter to quickly gauge the range of anything scoped and also help to address bullet drop and wind drift.

In terms of magnification, this scope allows for anywhere from 1x – 8x. As the reticle is located on the first focal plane, the holdover points stay accurate no matter what magnification level the scope is set to.

Good eye relief…

The 4 – 3.9 inch eye relief makes the Trijicon Accupower 1-8×28 rifle scope very safe to use, even with high-caliber ammo or high-recoil rifles.

You can choose between either a red or green illumination for the reticle. I decided to go with red which I found does a great job of standing out against any background. This is powered by a more than capable CR2303 lithium battery which lasts for up to 32 hours at max power, and even longer at lower settings. It also recharges in less than four hours.

trijicon accupower 1 8x28

This illumination can be a little hard to see in full sunlight unless set to the highest setting of 11 but does work particularly well in low light conditions. You can also combine it with night vision goggles, but remember to keep it set at low power.

Setting, off, setting, off…

One feature that really sets this scope apart from the competition is how easy it is to switch the illumination on and off. With most illuminated scopes, you have to click the dial all the way to the off position and then click back, hoping to land on the same level of illumination. For me, at least this is super annoying.


Not the case here!

Trijicon have combated this issue by placing an “off” position in between each power level. Confused? Don’t be! Say you have the reticle illuminated to the 9th setting – instead of clicking nine places backward to turn it off, then nine clicks forward to return to your favored illumination level – all it takes is one single click up or down to turn off the power.

Elevation, Windage, and Parallax

The Trijicon Accupower 1-8×28 rifle scope takes care of these adjustments with a turret for each. All three come capped and easy to use with bare hands or gloves.

For windage and elevation, each click equates to a 0.25 MOA (Minute of Angle) adjustment, which makes for extremely precise changes.

When it comes to parallax…

In general, the majority of shooters won’t need to make changes to the parallax on this scope as the magnification is not that powerful, even at the highest setting. Still, better to have the option than not, I guess. But, in all honesty, I hardly felt the need to make parallax adjustments.

the trijicon accupower 1 8x28 review

Build Quality

Just like every other Trijicon scope I have ever used, the build quality on the Trijicon Accupower 1-8×28 long gun scope is nothing less than top-shelf. There’s a couple of reasons that Trijicon scopes are the first choice for most of the US military, with the construction and materials used being high on that list.

The tube itself is crafted from a single piece of hard-anodized aircraft-grade aluminum which protects the internal glass (fully multi-coated broadband anti-reflective) against almost anything. Trijicon have used nitrogen to purge the interior and used military-grade O-rings to seal the whole assembly.

Fog and shockproof – and waterproof to 10 feet!

This all combines to result in a highly versatile scope that you can use almost anywhere without having to worry about it breaking or fogging up.

To top it all off, the Trijicon Accupower 1-8×28 rifle scope is backed by a full 5-year warranty.

Mounting Options

In terms of mounting, I recommend using a set of 34mm rings. If you don’t already own a set, check out these ones, I would recommend the Steiner T-Series Scope Rings with Bubble Level, High 30mm – Riflescope Mount Rings for Precision Optical Alignment and Accuracy, which are the ones I use, and they do a great job. I especially like the inbuilt spirit level.

You can get away with using marginally smaller or larger rings, but it’s best to avoid this if possible. You can also opt for a rail mount system, but this will add to the weight.

Ideal Operating Range

The Trijicon Accupower 1-8×28 rifle scope has been designed to outclass other scopes in the 500 to 700-yard range but will work perfectly up to 1000ish yards. I do most of my hunting at about 500 yards making this scope perfect for me!


Trijicon Accupower 1-8×28 Pros & Cons

Pros

  • FFP reticle.
  • Waterproof to 10 feet.
  • 5-year warranty.
  • Mil-style crosshair.
  • Top-quality materials.
  • Fully multi-coated broadband anti-reflective glass.
  • An “off” feature between each illumination setting.
  • Green or red illuminated reticle.
  • 32-hour battery life at max power.
  • Fogproof and shockproof.

Cons

  • Heavy.
  • Illumination could be slightly brighter for day use.

Looking for High-quality Scope Options?

Then check out my in-depth review of the Trijicon VCOG 1-6×24 Riflescope.

Or, take a look at our comprehensive reviews of the Best Scopes for AR15 under 100 Dollars, the Best Scopes for M&P 15-22, the Best Air Rifle Scopes, the Best Rimfire Scopes, the Best Mil Dot Scopes, the Best 308 Rifles Scopes, the Best Deer Hunting Scopes, the Best 300 Win Mag Scopes, or the Best Scout Scopes you can buy in 2023.

The Wrap-up

This scope is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the best hunting optics I have ever reviewed. It’s also perfect for tactical use and provides all you need for competition rifle shooting. It is versatile, rugged, sturdy, and designed to last.

If you are only going to buy one scope for the rest of your life, make it the Trijicon Accupower 1-8×28!


Happy and safe shooting.

4.9/5 - (69 votes)
Home » Gun Scopes » Trijicon Accupower 1-8×28 Review
About Gary McCloud

Gary is a U.S. ARMY OIF veteran who served in Iraq from 2007 to 2008. He followed in the honored family tradition with his father serving in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam, his brother serving in Afghanistan, and his Grandfather was in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Due to his service, Gary received a VA disability rating of 80%. But he still enjoys writing which allows him a creative outlet where he can express his passion for firearms.

He is currently single, but is "on the lookout!' So watch out all you eligible females; he may have his eye on you...

Leave a Comment