Trijicon TR20 AccuPoint 3-9×40 Review: Battery-Free Hunting Scope Tested

When my nephew asked me to help him pick out his first “serious” hunting scope last fall, I knew we needed something that would work from dawn to dusk without fussing around with batteries. That’s when I remembered the Trijicon TR20 AccuPoint 3-9×40 sitting in my safe – a scope I’d bought three years ago but hadn’t given the thorough workout it deserved. With deer season approaching and some long-overdue testing on my agenda, I figured it was time to see what this tritium-powered optic could really do.

What follows is my honest assessment after putting this scope through the wringer on everything from early morning elk hunts to precision rifle practice sessions.

Why You Should Trust Me?

I’ve been handling firearms for over 25 years, and in that time I’ve tested more scopes than I care to count. From budget hunting optics to tactical glass that costs more than most people’s rifles, I’ve learned what separates the reliable performers from the pretty paperweights. My background spans competitive F-Class shooting, where a tenth of an MOA matters, to hunting everything from prairie dogs to brown bears across North America.

These days, I spend my time teaching newer shooters the fundamentals while continuing to test equipment that crosses my bench. What I value most is gear that works when you need it to work – whether that’s during a crucial competition stage or when you’ve got one shot at a trophy bull that’s been dodging you all season.

How I Tested the Trijicon TR20

This AccuPoint found its permanent home on my Tikka T3x in .308 Winchester – a rifle that consistently shoots sub-MOA with my preferred handloads using 168-grain Sierra MatchKings. Over the past year, I’ve logged approximately 350 rounds through this setup, including two hunting seasons, several precision matches, and extensive range sessions in various lighting conditions.

My testing focused heavily on the scope’s battery-free illumination system, since that’s its main selling point. I deliberately sought out challenging lighting scenarios – those critical dawn and dusk hunting periods where most scopes struggle. I also put the tracking through rigorous box tests and verified zero retention after transport and temperature changes.

Trijicon TR20 AccuPoint 3-9×40 Review

Trijicon TR20 AccuPoint 3-9×40 Specs

Specification	Value
Magnification	3-9x
Objective Lens	40mm
Eye Relief	2.2-3.8 inches
Field of View	33.8-11.3 ft @ 100 yards
Tube Size	1 inch
Click Value	1/4 MOA
Adjustment Range	50 MOA
Length	12.4 inches
Weight	13.4 ounces
Waterproof	10 feet

My Test Results

Field Test	Measurement	Notes
100yd Group Size	0.7 MOA	Average of 6 three-shot groups
300yd Group Size	1.1 MOA	Average of 4 three-shot groups
500yd Group Size	1.4 MOA	Best of 3 five-shot groups
Tracking Test	0.3 MOA	Box test over 30 MOA square
Illumination Test	8/10	Excellent in dawn/dusk conditions
Zero Retention	Excellent	No shift after 350 rounds/transport
Temperature Test	Very Good	Tested from -10°F to 95°F
Durability Test	Excellent	No issues after field use/drops

Testing conducted using Tikka T3x in .308 Winchester with handloaded 168gr Sierra MatchKing ammunition.

Optical Performance & Reticle

The glass quality on this AccuPoint impressed me more than I expected for a scope in this price range. Edge-to-edge clarity is solid, though not quite in the same league as premium European glass. Color rendition is natural, and I’ve had no issues identifying game at distances out to 400 yards during legal shooting hours. The mil-dot reticle I tested is clean and uncluttered – perfect for hunting applications where you need quick target acquisition without visual distractions.

Where this scope truly shines is in marginal lighting conditions. During a November elk hunt in Colorado, I was able to clearly see and accurately place shots on steel targets 30 minutes before sunrise when my buddy’s battery-powered scope had already gone dark. The tritium illumination is subtle but extremely effective, providing just enough glow to define the center of your reticle without overwhelming your night vision.

Turret System & Tracking

The capped turrets are a smart design choice for a hunting scope. They’re low-profile enough to avoid snagging on vegetation, yet easy enough to adjust when needed. The clicks are positive and audible – not the crispest I’ve felt, but certainly adequate for field adjustments. What impressed me most was the tracking accuracy during my box tests. Multiple 30 MOA squares showed excellent repeatability with minimal deviation.

The 50 MOA total adjustment range is sufficient for most hunting applications, especially when paired with a 20 MOA rail. I was able to zero at 200 yards and still have enough adjustment left to reach out to 600 yards with my .308 loads. The return-to-zero function works smoothly, though I only use it occasionally during range sessions.

Magnification Range & Parallax

The 3-9x magnification range hits the sweet spot for general hunting applications. At 3x, you get enough field of view for close-quarters shots in thick timber, while 9x provides sufficient magnification for precise shot placement out to reasonable hunting distances. The power ring turns smoothly with just the right amount of resistance to prevent accidental adjustment during carry.

Parallax is fixed at 100 yards, which works fine for most hunting scenarios. I found it acceptable from 75 yards out to 400 yards without any noticeable point-of-impact shift. Beyond that distance, you’ll want to be more careful about consistent cheek weld and eye placement, but honestly, most hunters won’t be taking shots much beyond 300 yards anyway.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

Eye relief is generous and forgiving throughout the magnification range. I never had issues with scope bite, even when testing with some stout .300 Winchester Magnum loads. The eye box is reasonably forgiving, making it easy to acquire a proper sight picture quickly – crucial during those brief moments when game presents a shot opportunity.

One thing I particularly appreciated was how consistent the eye relief remains across the magnification range. Some variable scopes get finicky at the extremes, but this AccuPoint maintains a usable sight picture whether you’re dialed to 3x for brush shooting or cranked up to 9x for longer shots.

Build Quality

Trijicon’s reputation for durability is well-earned, and this AccuPoint lives up to that standard. The 6061-T6 aluminum construction feels substantial without being overly heavy. The hard anodized finish has held up remarkably well despite three years of hunting abuse, including a memorable tumble down a rocky slope in Montana that left me with scrapes but the scope unscathed.

Sealing appears excellent – I’ve used this scope in torrential rain, fog, and even a surprise snowstorm without any internal fogging. The lens coatings have proven durable, showing minimal wear despite regular cleaning and field use. My only minor complaint is that the turret caps can collect debris if you’re not careful, but that’s pretty standard for capped systems.

Mounting & Accessories

For this setup, I used the following components:

• Leupold PRW 1-inch rings (medium height)
• Picatinny rail with 20 MOA cant
• Trijicon flip-up lens covers
• Standard lens cleaning kit

Performance Scores

Category	Score	Notes
Optical Quality	22/30	Good clarity, excellent in low light
Durability	24/25	Outstanding construction and reliability
Usability	18/20	Intuitive controls, great illumination
Value	11/15	Premium price but unique features
Features	9/10	Battery-free illumination is game-changing
Total Score	84/100	Excellent performer for serious hunters

See how I test and rate scopes. Learn more

Advantages:

• Battery-free tritium/fiber optic illumination system
• Exceptional build quality and durability
• Excellent low-light performance
• Reliable tracking and zero retention
• Perfect magnification range for hunting

Drawbacks:

• High initial cost for a 3-9x scope
• Limited adjustment range compared to tactical scopes
• Fixed parallax may limit precision at extreme distances
• Glass quality good but not exceptional for the price

How It Compares Against Similar Optics

Model Comparison	Magnification	Optical Quality	Build Quality	Features	Value	Overall Rating
Trijicon AccuPoint	3-9×40	Very Good	Excellent	Excellent	Good	84/100
Leupold VX-5HD	3-15×44	Excellent	Very Good	Very Good	Good	86/100
Vortex Razor LHT	3-15×42	Excellent	Very Good	Good	Very Good	83/100
Zeiss Conquest V4	3-12×56	Excellent	Excellent	Very Good	Good	87/100

The Leupold VX-5HD offers superior glass quality and more magnification range, but lacks the AccuPoint’s unique battery-free illumination system. In side-by-side testing during dawn hunts, the Trijicon’s illuminated reticle remained usable longer than the Leupold’s battery-powered system, which eventually dimmed as temperatures dropped.

The Vortex Razor LHT provides excellent optical performance at a more reasonable price point, but it’s also significantly lighter, which some hunters prefer for long-distance backpack hunts. However, its illumination system relies on a battery, and the turrets aren’t quite as robust as the Trijicon’s.

The Zeiss Conquest V4 edges out the AccuPoint in pure optical quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The German glass is noticeably clearer, and the larger objective gathers more light. However, it lacks any illumination system and costs significantly more, making the AccuPoint a better value for hunters who prioritize the always-ready illuminated reticle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tritium illumination last?

Trijicon warrants the tritium for 15 years, but it has a half-life of about 12 years. In practical terms, you’ll get useful illumination for at least a decade, and it gradually dims rather than suddenly failing. The fiber optic portion works indefinitely as long as ambient light is available.

Is this scope suitable for dangerous game hunting?

Absolutely. The low 3x magnification and generous eye relief make it perfect for close-quarters work, while the bombproof construction can handle the recoil from large calibers. I’ve personally used it on brown bear hunts in Alaska without any concerns about reliability.

How does the illumination compare to battery-powered systems?

The tritium provides a subtle, consistent glow that’s perfect for hunting. It won’t wash out your night vision like some overly bright battery systems can. During daylight, the fiber optic component provides additional brightness that automatically adjusts to conditions.

Will this work for competitive shooting?

For hunting-style competitions, absolutely. For precision rifle competitions requiring long-range work, you might want something with more magnification and a wider adjustment range. This scope excels in field conditions rather than on the precision shooting line.

Which reticle option should I choose?

The mil-dot reticle I tested is versatile for both hunting and range work, though keep in mind it’s a second focal plane so the dots are only accurate at 9x. For pure hunting applications, the standard duplex or triangle post reticles offer faster target acquisition in thick cover. If you’re planning to use holdovers for longer shots, stick with the mil-dot or consider practicing with whichever reticle you choose so you know your holdover points at different magnifications.

Final Words

After a year of putting the Trijicon TR20 AccuPoint through its paces in both hunting and competition environments, I can confidently say it’s earned its place in my permanent collection. The battery-free illumination system alone makes it worth considering – there’s real peace of mind in knowing your reticle will be visible whenever you need it, regardless of battery condition or temperature extremes.

Yes, you’ll pay a premium for the AccuPoint name and technology, but in return you get a scope that simply works. The glass is good enough for any ethical hunting shot, the construction is bombproof, and the unique illumination system provides a genuine tactical advantage in low-light conditions when most game is active.

For serious hunters who demand reliability above all else, particularly those who hunt in challenging environments or during marginal light conditions, the TR20 AccuPoint deserves strong consideration. It’s not the cheapest option, and it’s not loaded with tactical features you might not need, but it does what it’s designed to do exceptionally well. Sometimes that’s exactly what you want in a hunting scope.