Let’s dive right into our latest review, where we check out the Trijicon 1-8×28. Now, Trijicon isn’t just any brand that’s popped up overnight. These guys have been the talk of the town in the shooting community for quite a while. Known for delivering some of the sturdiest and most reliable scopes out there, Trijicon is a name that many sharpshooters swear by. And with this 1-8×28, they’re claiming to offer versatility, clarity, and ruggedness in one neat package. But does it live up to the hype? That’s what I’m here to uncover. Grab your range caps and let’s get into it!
My First Impressions
Unboxing the Trijicon 1-8×28 was like meeting someone with a surprisingly strong handshake. Right off the bat, the solid construction of this scope gave a reassuring nod to its durability. The hard-anodized aluminum body tells me this thing can withstand the bumps and bruises of the field. The sleek design, coupled with its matte finish, has a professional vibe. It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of look that means business and can blend in with your gear easily.
Getting it mounted was a breeze. The scope sat snugly on the rifle, and the initial setup was straightforward. The controls felt intuitive right from the get-go. Turning the magnification ring was smooth, with just the right amount of resistance, and the turrets had that satisfying tactile feedback with each click.
Bringing it up to the eye, the first glance through the glass was a pleasant surprise. The clarity of the lens was crisp, showcasing Trijicon’s reputation for quality optics. It’s like looking through a window on a clear sunny day, giving a promising prelude to the scope’s performance in the field.
If you are interested in my other reviews have a look at best scope for 6.5 Grendel or best 1-8x scopes.
Optics Quality
The heart and soul of any scope is going to be the quality of the optics. You’re buying a scope for the optics, so that should be one of the most important things on your list. The Trijicon 1-8×28 didn’t just step up to the plate, it rocked a home run. The clarity across the magnification range was something to write home about. Whether dialing it down to 1x for that wide field of view or cranking it up to 8x for a closer look, the image remained crisp and bright.
The lenses are fully multi-coated, cutting down glare and maximizing light transmission even when the sun decides to play hide and seek behind a cloud here and there. Color fidelity is also on point, which is a big check in the box for hunters who need to spot and identify game in varying light conditions.
The eye relief was generous, making it easy to get on target quickly without playing peek-a-boo with the scope. It’s one of those scopes that doesn’t fuss or demand a perfect cheek weld to give you a good sight picture.
For other Trijicon review, check my Trijicon VCOG review.
Reticle Performance
The segmented circle reticle here is a blend of simplicity and functionality. At 1x magnification, the reticle morphs into a clear, unobtrusive sight picture, making rapid target acquisition almost second nature. Crank up the magnification, and the reticle’s segmented circle and central aiming point become your trustworthy companions for those precise shots. The hash marks were handy for holdovers and windage adjustments, making compensation on the fly a less intimidating task.
The first focal plane (FFP) nature of this reticle is a cherry on top. Whether at 1x or 8x magnification, the reticle scales with the image, keeping the subtensions accurate. The illumination settings on this scope also added a layer of versatility. The option to switch between different brightness levels made adapting to varying lighting conditions a breeze. And let’s not forget the choice between a MIL or MOA reticle.
Turrets & Adjustments
The turrets on this scope felt like they were crafted with the user in mind. With tactile and audible clicks, each adjustment was a satisfying experience. The elevation and windage turrets had a low-profile design, keeping them snug and unobtrusive. Yet, they were easy to grip and turn, even with gloved hands.
Now, the adjustment values? Spot on. Whether dialing in for a long shot or making minor tweaks to your zero, the turrets tracked true. Resetting to zero was a straightforward affair, no Ph.D. required. The process is simple and intuitive, making it super-easy to spin those dials all day long, and still get back to your true zero with minimal effort. Additionally, the capped design of the turrets added a layer of protection, guarding against accidental adjustments that could throw off your aim.
Build Quality
Digging into the build quality it’s hard to ignore the longevity built right into this scope. The body of this scope is crafted from hard-anodized aluminum, giving it the kind of ruggedness that laughs in the face of adverse conditions. It’s also waterproof up to 10 feet and has a protective coating that wards off scratches and dirt.
The controls felt robust and the markings were clear and easy to read. We also can’t forget that it has a 34mm tube diameter, which not only offers a generous adjustment range but also contributes to the scope’s overall sturdiness. The Trijicon 1-8×28 build quality that’s ready to endure the rigors of the field, all while maintaining a sleek, professional demeanor. If you are interested to read more of my articles you can check out the best scope for 450 Bushmaster review
Real-Life Testing: A Day in the Field
Taking the Trijicon 1-8×28 out for a spin in the field was like taking a well-tuned sports car on an open road. The anticipation was high, and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint. As I set up on the range, the morning chill was still in the air. The first rays of dawn provided the perfect light to test the scope’s low-light performance. It provided a clear, bright sight picture as I took those first shots. The reticle illumination was just the right amount of bright, making target acquisition swift.
No matter what I was doing, transitioning between different distances and zoom levels was a cinch. From the wide open vista view of 1x to the up close and personal 8x, you can move effortlessly between the two. The turrets were a joy to work with, out in the field. Making adjustments felt intuitive, with each click bringing me closer to nailing those long-range shots. Then came the real test – enduring the recoil and maintaining zero. The Trijicon 1-8×28 clung to its zero like a loyal friend, shot after shot. The robust build laughed off the recoil, showcasing a level of dependability that’s worth its weight in gold for shooters that work with bigger calibers.
As the day wore on and the lighting changed, the scope continued to provide a crisp, clear image. As I packed up with the sun casting long shadows on the range, the Trijicon 1-8×28 had proven itself over and over again, no matter what challenges the field threw its way.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Durable Build: The hard-anodized aluminum construction of the Trijicon 1-8×28 ensures it can withstand the rigors of field use. It’s waterproof, shockproof, and seems to hold zero very well even after extensive use.
- User-friendly Adjustments: The turrets provide tactile and audible clicks, making adjustments precise and straightforward. The ability to easily reset to zero is a valuable feature.
- Versatile Magnification Range: The 1-8x magnification range is versatile for both close and mid to long-range engagements, making it a flexible choice for different shooting scenarios.
- Effective Reticle: The segmented circle reticle in the first focal plane (FFP) is simple yet functional, offering a clean sight picture for rapid target acquisition at low magnification and precise aiming at higher magnification.
- Illumination Settings: The adjustable illumination settings cater to different lighting conditions, enhancing the reticle’s visibility when needed.
Cons
- Eye Relief: Although the eye relief is generous, some shooters might find it to be on the shorter side, especially at higher magnification levels.
- Objective Lens Size: The 28mm objective lens, while keeping the scope compact, might not gather as much light as larger objective lenses, potentially limiting performance in very low light conditions.
Who Should Buy This Scope?
The Trijicon 1-8×28 is a powerhouse of a scope packed into a robust and user-friendly design. Its feature set caters to a wide variety of shooters, including hunters, competition shooters, recreational shooters, and those who need optics for a duty weapon.
- Hunters: With its versatile magnification range, durable construction, and excellent optical clarity, this scope is a reliable companion for hunters.
- Competitive Shooters: The quick magnification adjustments and clear reticle design make this scope a solid choice for 3-gun competitors or other shooting sports where speed and accuracy are paramount.
- Law Enforcement/Military Personnel: The rugged build and reliable performance of the Trijicon 1-8×28 make it a viable option for law enforcement or military use.
- Recreational Shooters: If you enjoy ringing steel at the range or participating in local shooting events, this scope provides the flexibility and performance to make your shooting experience enjoyable.
The Final Word
There’s no doubt that the Trijicon 1-8×28 is a highly dependable companion for a wide range of shooting endeavors. With its robust build, versatile magnification range, and user-centric features, it stands as a significant asset for both seasoned shooters and enthusiasts. Investing in this scope is a step towards precise, enjoyable, and reliable shooting experiences, making it a worthy addition to any firearms setup.
To find out more about rifle scopes have a look at my reviews on SWFA SS 10×42 or the best air rifle scopes.
Mike Fellon is an experienced firearms enthusiast and optics expert. He delivers unbiased and detailed rifle scope reviews. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He inherited his hunting passions after his father John – he was fascinated by his stories, hearing how much attention, focus, dedication and patience he invested in shooting every animal. When he was old enough, his father first allowed him to shoot some cans and bottles with his shotgun, and then took him hunting – it was love at first sight. Mike has never stopped shooting ever since.