My first impression of TruGlo Gobble Stopper 1x 30mm Matte Black Red Dot Sight
Turkey hunting. The quiet dawn, the anticipation, the subtle movements – it demands precision. I needed an optic that could deliver in low light and help me quickly acquire my target. The TruGlo Gobble Stopper 1x 30mm Matte Black Red Dot Sight promises to do just that with its specialized reticle and dual-color illumination.
For years, I’ve relied on traditional iron sights, but my aging eyes craved something better. I’d been searching for a red dot that wouldn’t break the bank but still offered the features necessary for a successful turkey hunt. I considered the Vortex Crossfire and the Bushnell TRS-25, but the TruGlo’s turkey-specific reticle and included sunshade swayed me. Unboxing the Gobble Stopper, I was immediately impressed with its solid feel and matte black finish. It felt well-built. I was excited to mount it on my shotgun and see how it performed in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting TruGlo Gobble Stopper 1x 30mm Matte Black Red Dot Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
I zeroed the TruGlo Gobble Stopper at my local range, a small, no-frills setup nestled in the woods. The dual-color reticle was easy to adjust, and I quickly dialed it in for 30 yards. I appreciated the red dot’s crispness, even under the bright midday sun. I also tested it during a drizzly morning session, the sunshade proving invaluable in cutting down glare.
The TruGlo was surprisingly intuitive to use. It took minimal time to adapt to acquiring targets with a red dot versus traditional sights. The illuminated ring, representing a 24” circle at 30 yards, proved to be a very useful visual aid for judging range. My only initial concern was the battery life, something I vowed to monitor closely in subsequent hunts.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the TruGlo Gobble Stopper has proven to be a reliable companion. I’ve taken it on three turkey hunts in varying conditions – from crisp, clear mornings to foggy, damp afternoons. The sight consistently held zero, even after a few bumps and scrapes in the thick brush. The matte black finish has held up surprisingly well, showing minimal signs of wear.
Maintenance has been a breeze; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth after each hunt is all it takes. Compared to some of the pricier red dots I’ve used in the past, the TruGlo has outperformed my expectations in terms of ruggedness and ease of use. I found it to be especially useful when I encountered some hogs, the clarity of the sight let me quickly acquire the lead and make an ethical shot.
Breaking Down the Features of TruGlo Gobble Stopper 1x 30mm Matte Black Red Dot Sight
Specifications
- The TruGlo Gobble Stopper offers 1x magnification with a 30mm objective lens. This provides a wide field of view for quick target acquisition.
- Its field of view is 68 ft at 100 yds, ensuring you see the entire scene.
- The sight features unlimited eye relief. It allows for flexible mounting positions and comfortable shooting.
- It uses a 3 MOA dot size. This provides a precise aiming point without obscuring the target.
- The TruGlo is 5.83″ in length and weighs 8.10 oz. These dimensions offer a compact and lightweight package.
- It has a matte black finish. This minimizes glare and offers a sleek look.
- It is powered by a CR2032 battery. This type is easily replaceable and common.
- The TruGlo Gobble Stopper boasts a specially designed reticle for turkey hunting. It includes an illuminated ring representing a 24″ circle at 30 yards, helping with range estimation.
- It has a dual-color reticle illumination (red and green). This allows users to adjust based on ambient light conditions.
- The TruGlo Gobble Stopper includes a detachable, extended sunshade. This minimizes glare from the front lens, providing clearer visibility.
- It includes flip-up lens caps and a lanyard system. These protect the lenses and keep the sight readily available.
- The TruGlo includes a spare battery storage compartment. This adds convenience while in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The TruGlo Gobble Stopper excels at its intended purpose: turkey hunting. The illuminated reticle is incredibly helpful in low-light conditions, allowing for confident shots at dawn and dusk. Accuracy is excellent, especially at typical turkey hunting ranges (20-40 yards). The simplicity of the design makes it easy to use.
However, the dot can bloom slightly at higher brightness settings. This makes it less precise for very small targets at longer ranges.
Design & Ergonomics
The TruGlo Gobble Stopper’s build quality is impressive for its price point. The aluminum body feels solid and well-constructed. The weight is manageable. The sight doesn’t add excessive bulk to your firearm.
Mounting the sight is straightforward using standard Weaver or Picatinny rails. The included flip-up lens caps are a nice touch, providing added protection for the lenses.
Durability & Maintenance
The TruGlo Gobble Stopper seems built to last. The matte black finish is scratch-resistant. So far, it has withstood the rigors of multiple hunts. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lenses and a battery replacement when needed.
Given the price, I wouldn’t expect it to withstand extreme abuse like a military-grade optic. But, for typical hunting conditions, it appears to be quite durable.
Accessories and Customization Options
The TruGlo Gobble Stopper comes with the detachable sunshade and flip-up lens caps. There aren’t many customization options beyond that. However, the sight is compatible with various aftermarket risers and mounts, allowing you to adjust the height and positioning to your preference.
I found the included accessories to be sufficient for my needs. I didn’t feel the need to add anything extra.
Pros and Cons of TruGlo Gobble Stopper 1x 30mm Matte Black Red Dot Sight
Pros
- Affordable price: Excellent value for the features offered.
- Turkey-specific reticle: The illuminated ring aids in range estimation.
- Dual-color illumination: Red and green options for various lighting conditions.
- Durable construction: Holds up well under normal hunting conditions.
- Easy to use: Minimal learning curve for beginners.
Cons
- Dot bloom at high brightness: Can affect precision at longer ranges.
- Battery life: Requires monitoring, especially with frequent use.
Who Should Buy TruGlo Gobble Stopper 1x 30mm Matte Black Red Dot Sight?
The TruGlo Gobble Stopper is perfect for turkey hunters seeking an affordable and effective red dot sight. It’s also well-suited for beginners looking to upgrade from traditional iron sights. Hunters on a budget who need a reliable optic will also be happy.
Those seeking a high-end, precision optic for long-range shooting should skip this product. If you’re engaging in extreme hunting or tactical scenarios you should also avoid it.
A must-have accessory is a supply of extra CR2032 batteries.
Conclusion on TruGlo Gobble Stopper 1x 30mm Matte Black Red Dot Sight
The TruGlo Gobble Stopper 1x 30mm Matte Black Red Dot Sight is a solid performer at an unbeatable price. It delivers on its promise of providing a turkey-specific optic that enhances target acquisition and accuracy. Its specialized reticle, durable build, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for any turkey hunter.
The TruGlo Gobble Stopper is a great choice at $46.99. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable, reliable red dot sight for turkey hunting. Take your turkey hunting to the next level with the TruGlo Gobble Stopper!