Trijicon

Trijicon. An American manufacturer specializing in advanced firearm sighting systems, renowned for its self-luminous and battery-free aiming technology. Founded in Michigan, the company's products are widely used by U.S. military units, law enforcement agencies worldwide, and civilian shooters. Its innovations, particularly the Bindon Aiming Concept and Dual-Illuminated reticles, have significantly influenced modern combat optics.

History

The company was established in 1981 by optical physicist Glyn Bindon, who had previously developed sighting systems for South African forces. A pivotal early contract came with supplying the Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG) to the United States Marine Corps following rigorous testing at Quantico. This adoption cemented its reputation for rugged, reliable optics. Following Glyn Bindon's death in a 1993 plane crash, leadership passed to his son, Stephen Bindon, who continued to expand the company's military and commercial footprint. Key acquisitions, such as the AmeriGlo sight company, have broadened its product portfolio in the firearms industry.

Products

The product line is centered on several iconic series. The ACOG series of fixed-power telescopic sights remains a cornerstone, famously used by the United States Army and United States Special Operations Command. The RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) is a compact red dot sight popular for mounting on pistols and as a secondary sight on rifles. The MRO (Miniature Rifle Optic) and the SRO (Specialized Reflex Optic) cater to competitive and tactical markets. Other major lines include the VCOG variable-power scope, the RX handgun sights, and the REAP-IR thermal imaging scope.

Technology and Features

A defining technological hallmark is the use of tritium and fiber optics to create illumination systems that require no batteries. The Dual-Illuminated system, pioneered in the ACOG, uses ambient light via a fiber-optic strip and tritium for low-light conditions. The company also developed the Bindon Aiming Concept, which facilitates rapid target engagement with magnified optics. Later innovations include the Bright & Tough amber dot for the RMR and advanced coatings like HD for extreme durability. Their optics are rigorously tested to meet standards like the MIL-STD-810 for environmental resilience.

Military and Law Enforcement Use

Products have seen extensive combat use, starting with the adoption of the ACOG by the USMC in the late 1990s. This was followed by a major contract with the United States Army for the M150 Rifle Combat Optic during the Global War on Terrorism. The RMR is commonly issued to units like the FBI Hostage Rescue Team and the New York City Police Department's Emergency Service Unit. Internationally, these optics are used by allied forces including the British Armed Forces, the Australian Defence Force, and the Israel Defense Forces. The TA01NSN model ACOG is particularly iconic from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Legal and Controversial Issues

The company faced significant controversy in 2010 when it was revealed that some sights were inscribed with small Bible verse references, such as John 8:12. This prompted criticism from the Military Religious Freedom Foundation and led the United States Department of Defense to request the practice cease for equipment purchased with federal funds. The company agreed to provide modification kits. In a separate legal matter, Trijicon was a defendant in a 2006 patent infringement lawsuit filed by EOTech over holographic weapon sight technology, which was later settled out of court. These incidents have been noted in discussions about corporate ethics and government contracting.