So four weeks ago I ordered a Trijicon TA33G-H ACOG from botachtactical.com for the low low price of only $816 shipped taking advantage of their 10% stimulus discount. After several phone calls to contact Dan, one of the customer service agents, the sight was on it way. It arrived five days later in a custom pelican case with enclosed lens pen, warranty card, scope coat, TA60 mount, and instruction manual. I quickly removed the TA60 mount and replaced it with the Larue Tactical LT-105 throw lever mount to facilitate changing optics as I now have almost accumulated a full SOPMOD kit for the 556.
...First impressions were that this is the best glass I have ever owned, with a bright and well defined green reticle that really stands out against everything but my roommates 1970's ugly green living room paint. The stadia lines under the horseshoe dot are easy to see and the 3 power magnification is just enough to ensure target ID out to around 600 yards.
...As always the Larue mount works perfectly
.....Reticle Calibration....
This reticle is calibrated for the M855 62gr with a BC .304 @ 2900fps which will also work with 55gr FMJs @3000fps out to 400m, 68gr BTHP @2760fps out to 600m, and 75grBTHP @2675fps out to 600m.
....Ranging System....
It has an integrated ranging function in that width of the horseshoe, the gap in the horseshoe, and the stadia lines for 4-600m are equivalent to 19" at each of their corresponding distances.
Simply put, average shoulder width(19") is measured using these different marks and when you find the one that fits, pull the trigger.
It works well, actually having tried it on IDPA targets out to the full 600m.
......Range Time........
Zeroing.... Within 5 shots the sight was zeroed without the use of a boresighter at 110 yards(100meters) using 55gr. Federal .223 bulk ammo @ 2742fps.
Shooting at variable distance......
Using a 12"x12" gong at 200m(219yards) I tested the BDC reticle and found that this ammunition needs to use the 300m mark for shooting 200m, and provided consistant hits from an unsupported position. The same at 300m(328yards) using the 400m stadia line held at the base of the target. 400m(437yards) gave a hit rate of 90% holding the 400m stadia line two inches above on the target. 500m(546yards) was slightly more difficult and was accomplished in a 4mph 1/4 value wind by holding the 600m stadia line on target and windage compensated at the edge of the 500m stadia line. Hit rate was 75% at this distance which I was very pleased with.
Given that this data is using ammo not calibrated to the BDC, it is not a great representation of how simple and quick this optic is, but I also tried it with the above 68gr BTHP load and it was right on the plate at all distances barring wind compensation. So no need to worry, Trijicon got this one right.
Close range....
After running 50 rounds through the rifle and training on the sight, I found it was only 0.4 seconds slower than my EoTech and the parallax does not seem to be a big deal given the low magnification and generous eye relief.
......Conclusions......
I am extremely pleased with this optic and the money I spent on it. It weighs in at a light 9 ounces with the LaRue mount and 11 ounces with the included TA60 mount, compared to the Eotech 552 @ 11.5 ounces. Not much difference I realize, but the ACOG has 600m capability if the shooter does. This is the optic that's stays on the 556 for ready use and I don't see that changing any time in the future. I love it and you won't be disappointed.
......Notes......
Butler Creek Flip ups are OBJ#9 and OBJ#1
Edited: for the use of proper grammar and spelling
(I spells like a 4th grader) :lol:

...First impressions were that this is the best glass I have ever owned, with a bright and well defined green reticle that really stands out against everything but my roommates 1970's ugly green living room paint. The stadia lines under the horseshoe dot are easy to see and the 3 power magnification is just enough to ensure target ID out to around 600 yards.

...As always the Larue mount works perfectly
.....Reticle Calibration....
This reticle is calibrated for the M855 62gr with a BC .304 @ 2900fps which will also work with 55gr FMJs @3000fps out to 400m, 68gr BTHP @2760fps out to 600m, and 75grBTHP @2675fps out to 600m.
....Ranging System....
It has an integrated ranging function in that width of the horseshoe, the gap in the horseshoe, and the stadia lines for 4-600m are equivalent to 19" at each of their corresponding distances.
Simply put, average shoulder width(19") is measured using these different marks and when you find the one that fits, pull the trigger.
It works well, actually having tried it on IDPA targets out to the full 600m.

......Range Time........
Zeroing.... Within 5 shots the sight was zeroed without the use of a boresighter at 110 yards(100meters) using 55gr. Federal .223 bulk ammo @ 2742fps.
Shooting at variable distance......
Using a 12"x12" gong at 200m(219yards) I tested the BDC reticle and found that this ammunition needs to use the 300m mark for shooting 200m, and provided consistant hits from an unsupported position. The same at 300m(328yards) using the 400m stadia line held at the base of the target. 400m(437yards) gave a hit rate of 90% holding the 400m stadia line two inches above on the target. 500m(546yards) was slightly more difficult and was accomplished in a 4mph 1/4 value wind by holding the 600m stadia line on target and windage compensated at the edge of the 500m stadia line. Hit rate was 75% at this distance which I was very pleased with.
Given that this data is using ammo not calibrated to the BDC, it is not a great representation of how simple and quick this optic is, but I also tried it with the above 68gr BTHP load and it was right on the plate at all distances barring wind compensation. So no need to worry, Trijicon got this one right.
Close range....
After running 50 rounds through the rifle and training on the sight, I found it was only 0.4 seconds slower than my EoTech and the parallax does not seem to be a big deal given the low magnification and generous eye relief.
......Conclusions......
I am extremely pleased with this optic and the money I spent on it. It weighs in at a light 9 ounces with the LaRue mount and 11 ounces with the included TA60 mount, compared to the Eotech 552 @ 11.5 ounces. Not much difference I realize, but the ACOG has 600m capability if the shooter does. This is the optic that's stays on the 556 for ready use and I don't see that changing any time in the future. I love it and you won't be disappointed.
......Notes......
Butler Creek Flip ups are OBJ#9 and OBJ#1
Edited: for the use of proper grammar and spelling
(I spells like a 4th grader) :lol: