I have long been intrigued by Trijicon's tactical sighting systems used the world around by military and law enforcement agencies. Well known for tactical applications, it wasn't until later in life did Trijicon produce a scope specifically for hunters--the Accupoint. Available in four models (1.25x4, 3x9, 2.5x10 and 5x20), they all share one commonality--an illuminated aiming point. However, instead of relying on batteries Trijicon did what they do best and stuck with tritium and fiber optics for a 24-hour-a-day visible sight that never runs out of juice. Like all Trijicon sights, they are created with superb optics, rugged construction and a design (specifically in low or no power models) that is meant to be as quick to employ as iron sights.

While I liked what I saw when I handled the scope, when it comes to equipment the only real test is in the field, and of all the "fields" in the world Africa may be the most demanding. To test Trijicon's Accupoint I figured the Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe would be strenuous enough. Since Cape buffalo and possibly elephant were my main objective I decided to equip my Ruger M77 chambered in .416 Rigby with a 1.25x4 power Accupoint. The 24mm objective sat low on the action, and with nearly five inches of eye relief, eyebrow-busting is a non-issue.

After thousands of miles of travel I arrived at the proving grounds. After checking the scope, which was still on, we headed afield. The first animal I encountered was a bush pig. Hiding under some dense jess bush out of the midday sun, his tawny red coat blended in perfectly with the shadows and branches. Through the scope he appeared clear and well-defined. When my PH Mike Payne said "take him" the glowing red triangle settled for a brief second and the pig simply tipped over, dying on the spot.

While the bush pig provided a good test, the Accupoint came into its own when we encountered my buffalo. As luck would have it we trailed the herd for the better part of the afternoon, only to find them in the last hour of the day. In the increasing shadows of evening picking the right spot on a black hide against a dark background with a black reticle is difficult. The illuminated red triangle on the Acupoint stood out like a becon in the night. Hit hard in the shoulder, the bull charged. The wide field of view and the single point of aim allowed for fast follow up shots. Would I have been better off with a shallow "V" express-style sight? Possibly, but who can say? I do know the Accupoint was the fastest scope I have ever used and I was glad to have it on my rifle.

Over the course of the next 14 days, impala, warthog and baboons all fell at various distances out to nearly 275 yards making this scope much more effective than traditional iron sights.

Overall, the scope worked as it should. It was fast to the eye, the illuminated triangle always bright regardless of light conditions (and can be custom-tuned with the included shade over the fiber optics). The one-piece anodized aluminum construction was rugged dealing with multiple plane rides, numerous baggage handlers, (who I am sure handle firearms cases with the utmost care) and hundreds of miles of rough roads.

There is always an ongoing debate between dangerous game hunters as to what is better: iron sights or scopes. While the right answer is as varied as the end user, the actual game and place hunted, Trijicon has come pretty close to offering the best of both worlds with its Accupoint line of hunting scopes.