As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality optics that can enhance my hunting experience. When I got my hands on the Trijicon RS29 Accupower 4-16×50 riflescope, I knew I had found something special. This scope combines Trijicon’s legendary durability with impressive optical performance in a versatile package perfect for hunters and long-range shooters. Let me break down why this scope has earned a permanent spot in my hunting kit and why it might be the perfect addition to yours.
Optical Clarity That Wows
The first thing that struck me when I looked through this scope was the exceptional clarity and brightness of the image. The fully multi-coated lenses transmit light extremely well, providing a crisp, high-contrast sight picture even in low light conditions. I’ve used this scope from dawn to dusk and the edge-to-edge clarity is impressive throughout the magnification range.
Speaking of magnification, the 4-16x zoom range hits a real sweet spot for hunting applications. At 4x, you get a nice wide field of view for tracking moving game. Crank it up to 16x and you can easily place precise shots at extended ranges. The zoom ring has just the right amount of resistance – easy to adjust but won’t budge accidentally.
One aspect that really impressed me was the generous eye relief, ranging from 3.6 to 3.7 inches across the entire magnification range. This is particularly beneficial when using high-recoil calibers or shooting from awkward positions in the field. I never had to worry about scope eye, even when taking quick shots in high-pressure situations.
- CONFIDENT AIMING IN ANY LIGHT: Battery-free, illuminated reticles are “always on” using tritium/fiber optic technology to automatically adjust to lighting conditions
- EDGE-TO-EDGE CLARITY: Fully multi-coated, broadband, anti-reflective glass provides excellent light transmission, true detail and color with zero distortion
- QUICK & EASY ADJUSTMENTS: Crisp, precise, windage/elevation adjusters require no tools; Capped or zero stop adjusters ensure no accidental shift
Rugged Reliability
If you’re familiar with Trijicon, you know durability is a hallmark of their optics. The RS29 Accupower lives up to that reputation with a rock-solid construction that can handle harsh field conditions. The 30mm scope tube is made from aircraft-grade aluminum that’s been nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed for fogproof and waterproof performance.
I’ve taken this scope on several hunts in less-than-ideal weather and it’s performed flawlessly. The finish seems very resistant to scratches and abrasions as well. While I haven’t purposely abused this optic, I have no doubt it could handle some accidental drops or bumps without issue.
One hunting trip in particular stands out – we got caught in an unexpected downpour that lasted hours. My hunting buddy’s cheaper scope fogged up completely, but the RS29 remained crystal clear throughout the ordeal. It’s this kind of reliability that gives you confidence in the field.
Precise Adjustments
The RS29 features capped turrets for windage and elevation adjustments. Under the caps, you’ll find precise 1/4 MOA click adjustments that provide a satisfying tactile and audible response. I found it easy to dial in my zero and make field adjustments as needed.
One minor gripe is that the turrets are made of a high-impact polymer rather than metal. While I haven’t had any issues, I would prefer metal turrets on a scope in this price range. That said, the capped design does provide good protection and keeps your zero safe from accidental bumps in the field.
The side-mounted parallax adjustment is a nice touch, allowing you to dial out parallax from 10 yards to infinity. This really comes in handy for precision shooting at longer ranges. I’ve found it particularly useful when shooting from unconventional positions or at steep angles – situations that often arise in real-world hunting scenarios.
Illuminated MOA Reticle
The RS29 I tested came with Trijicon’s MOA crosshair reticle. It features 2 MOA hash marks on both the horizontal and vertical stadia. I found this reticle to be clean and uncluttered while still providing useful reference points for holdovers and windage corrections.
The center portion of the reticle is illuminated in either red or green (mine was red). With 11 brightness settings, it’s easy to dial in the perfect illumination for any lighting condition. I especially appreciate the intermediate “off” positions between each brightness level – no need to cycle through all the settings to turn it off.
This illuminated reticle has proven invaluable during low-light hunting situations. During one evening hunt, I was able to clearly see my crosshairs against a dark-furred boar in the fading light – a shot that would have been much more difficult with a non-illuminated reticle.
Second Focal Plane Design
It’s worth noting that the RS29 Accupower is a second focal plane (SFP) scope. This means the reticle size remains constant as you zoom in and out. While some shooters prefer first focal plane (FFP) scopes for long-range work, I find the SFP design well-suited for hunting applications.
The constant reticle size means it never becomes too fine and hard to see at low magnifications, which can be an issue with some FFP scopes. Additionally, the math for holdovers is straightforward – simply use the reticle as marked at maximum magnification, or make easy adjustments for lower powers.
Real-World Performance
I’ve had the opportunity to use this scope on several hunts as well as at the range. For deer hunting, the optical clarity and low-light performance have been outstanding. Even in the dim light of early morning, I can clearly see antler tines and make positive target identification.
The durability has also proven itself in the field. On one rainy hunt, the scope got thoroughly soaked but never fogged up or lost zero. The capped turrets also kept water and debris out of the adjustment mechanisms.
At the range, I’ve been impressed with the tracking of the adjustments. After zeroing, I’ve run through several box tests and found the point of impact to return to zero reliably. The reticle subtensions also proved to be accurate, allowing for confident holdovers.
One particularly memorable experience was during a prairie dog hunt. The versatile magnification range allowed me to quickly transition between close and far targets, while the precise adjustments and clear optics helped me connect on some impressively long shots.
Mounting and Accessories
The RS29 Accupower comes with a set of lens covers, which are functional but not particularly impressive. I’d recommend investing in some higher-quality flip-up caps for better protection. The scope doesn’t come with rings, so you’ll need to purchase these separately. I’ve had good results with Trijicon’s own 30mm aluminum rings, but any high-quality 30mm rings should work well.
For those interested in long-range shooting, Trijicon offers custom elevation turrets calibrated for specific loads. While I haven’t personally used these, they could be a valuable addition for shooters who frequently engage targets at known distances.
Battery Life and Illumination
The illuminated reticle is powered by a single CR2032 battery, which is easily accessible via a coin-slot cap on the illumination dial. Trijicon claims a battery life of 31 hours at maximum brightness, but in real-world use, I’ve found it lasts much longer when using moderate brightness settings.
One feature I particularly appreciate is the auto-off function, which turns off the illumination after 6 hours to conserve battery life. This has saved me more than once when I’ve forgotten to switch it off after a hunt.
Is It Worth the Investment?
With an MSRP around $900, the Trijicon RS29 Accupower isn’t a budget optic. However, I believe it offers excellent value for the serious hunter or shooter. The optical quality rivals scopes costing hundreds more, while the rugged construction ensures it will provide years of reliable service.
If you primarily shoot at known distances and like to dial your elevation, you may prefer a scope with exposed turrets. But for hunters who value simplicity and reliability, the capped turret design makes a lot of sense.
Ultimately, this scope hits a sweet spot of optical performance, durability, and versatility that make it well-suited for a wide range of hunting and shooting applications. If you’re in the market for a do-it-all hunting scope that can also reach out for longer shots when needed, the Trijicon RS29 Accupower 4-16×50 deserves a hard look. It’s become my go-to optic and I think many other hunters will find it meets their needs perfectly as well.
Pros:
- Exceptional optical clarity
- Rugged, weatherproof construction
- Versatile 4-16x magnification range
- Accurate and reliable adjustments
- Illuminated reticle with multiple brightness settings
- Generous eye relief
- Made in Japan with Trijicon’s quality control
Cons:
- Polymer turrets (though protected by caps)
- Higher price point than some competitors
- Basic included lens covers
Final Thoughts
After extensive use in various hunting and shooting scenarios, I can confidently say that the Trijicon RS29 Accupower 4-16×50 is a top-tier riflescope that lives up to the Trijicon name. Its combination of optical excellence, rugged reliability, and thoughtful features make it an excellent choice for serious hunters and shooters.
While it may require a bit more investment upfront, the performance and durability of this scope make it a worthwhile long-term investment. It’s the kind of optic that you can mount on your favorite rifle and trust for years to come, through all kinds of hunting conditions.
So if you’re ready to upgrade your hunting rig with a truly premium optic, give the Trijicon RS29 Accupower 4-16×50 a serious look. It might just be the last hunting scope you’ll ever need to buy. Your eyes (and your hunting success) will thank you!