My first impression of TruGlo Ignite 1x 2 MOA Black Red Dot Sight
The TruGlo Ignite 1x 2 MOA Black Red Dot Sight promises a blend of affordability and functionality, targeting shooters looking for a reliable optic without breaking the bank. TruGlo has long been a player in the optics market, known for providing accessible options. This particular red dot boasts a 2 MOA reticle, digital brightness controls, and a cantilever mount.
For years, I’ve relied on iron sights and higher-end optics, often finding myself needing something practical for close-quarters drills on my AR-15. I sought an optic that could provide quick target acquisition and clear visibility in varying lighting conditions. My previous experience with budget red dots left me skeptical, with complaints about flimsy construction and inconsistent brightness.
Upon unboxing, the TruGlo Ignite 1x 2 MOA Black Red Dot Sight felt surprisingly solid. The aluminum housing gives it a reassuring heft, and the black finish looks clean and functional. Its cantilever mount is a welcome inclusion, especially considering the price point.
Compared to a Sig Sauer Romeo5 (a proven performer) and a Bushnell TRS-25 (another budget option), the TruGlo Ignite occupies an interesting middle ground. The Romeo5 has a more refined feel, but at a higher cost; the TRS-25 is cheaper but feels less robust. I chose the TruGlo Ignite hoping for a good balance between performance and value.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The build quality seemed decent, and the 30mm objective promised a good field of view. My main concerns centered on the dot clarity and battery life.
Real-World Testing: Putting TruGlo Ignite 1x 2 MOA Black Red Dot Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range session with the TruGlo Ignite 1x 2 MOA Black Red Dot Sight took place at an outdoor range, simulating different lighting scenarios. I mounted it on my AR-15 and zeroed it at 50 yards. The initial zeroing process was straightforward, with easily adjustable turrets.
The red dot was clearly visible in bright sunlight, although I had to crank up the brightness settings. In overcast conditions and later in the evening, lower settings provided a crisp, defined dot. I ran through several drills, focusing on speed and accuracy at close to medium ranges.
There were no immediate issues; the sight held zero, and the digital brightness controls were easy to operate, even with gloves. However, I did notice slight distortion around the edges of the lens at higher brightness levels.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the TruGlo Ignite 1x 2 MOA Black Red Dot Sight has held up reasonably well. The finish shows some minor wear marks from handling and storage, but nothing significant. It has proven more durable than I initially anticipated.
Cleaning the lens is simple, and I haven’t experienced any fogging issues. I typically wipe it down with a microfiber cloth after each range session. Battery life seems adequate; after several hours of use, the original AAA battery is still going strong.
Compared to my higher-end optics, the TruGlo Ignite doesn’t offer the same level of optical clarity or ruggedness. However, for its price point, it’s a reliable and functional red dot that has exceeded my expectations for recreational shooting.
Breaking Down the Features of TruGlo Ignite 1x 2 MOA Black Red Dot Sight
Specifications
- The TruGlo Ignite 1x 2 MOA Black Red Dot Sight features 1x magnification, making it ideal for close-quarters engagements and rapid target acquisition. The lack of magnification allows for both-eyes-open shooting, enhancing situational awareness.
- Its 30mm objective lens provides a generous field of view (68 ft at 100 yds), allowing for faster target acquisition and easier tracking of moving targets. A larger objective lens gathers more light, improving visibility in low-light conditions.
- The 2 MOA red dot reticle offers a good balance between precision and speed. This size dot covers 2 inches at 100 yards, which is small enough for accurate shots but large enough to quickly acquire the target.
- It is constructed with aluminum housing, giving it a decent level of durability while keeping the weight down to 11 ounces. This construction makes it suitable for use in a variety of conditions, and the weight won’t significantly affect the balance of your firearm.
- The sight uses a AAA battery, making it easy to find replacements. The sight has 8 brightness settings controlled via digital push-buttons.
Performance & Functionality
The TruGlo Ignite 1x 2 MOA Black Red Dot Sight performs its intended function as a close-quarters optic adequately. Its accuracy is acceptable for its intended use, providing consistent groupings at shorter distances.
The digital brightness controls are easy to use, even with gloves on. The memory function that recalls the last used brightness setting is also a useful feature. The dot clarity is good at lower brightness settings but can exhibit some distortion at higher settings.
The TruGlo Ignite largely meets expectations for a budget red dot sight. It’s not going to compete with high-end optics, but it offers decent performance for recreational shooting and training.
Design & Ergonomics
The TruGlo Ignite 1x 2 MOA Black Red Dot Sight boasts a relatively compact and lightweight design. The aluminum construction gives it a solid feel without adding excessive weight to the firearm.
The digital push-button controls are intuitive and easy to access. The cantilever mount provides a secure and stable platform. It is user-friendly with a simple interface and straightforward installation, making it easy to adapt to.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum housing provides decent durability, and the nitrogen-filled glass helps prevent fogging. The sight should last for several years with proper care and handling.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lens and periodic battery replacements. Replacing the battery is easy and requires no tools. The removeable lens caps adds extra protection for storage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The TruGlo Ignite 1x 2 MOA Black Red Dot Sight comes with a cantilever rail mount, making it ready to mount on any Picatinny rail. The removeable lens caps are a nice addition for protecting the lenses during storage and transport.
The sight is compatible with most AR-15 platform firearms. Users can add aftermarket lens protectors for enhanced durability. While there aren’t extensive customization options for the Ignite itself, its compatibility with standard rails allows for a wide range of mounting options.
Pros and Cons of TruGlo Ignite 1x 2 MOA Black Red Dot Sight
Pros
- Affordable price: The TruGlo Ignite offers a budget-friendly entry into the world of red dot optics. For beginners and casual shooters, it provides a solid value proposition.
- Clear 2 MOA dot: The 2 MOA red dot provides a good balance between accuracy and speed, suitable for close to medium-range engagements. Quick target acquisition makes it efficient for different applications.
- Digital brightness controls: The digital push-button controls are easy to use and offer a wide range of brightness settings, making it adaptable to different lighting conditions. The memory feature is a convenient touch.
- Cantilever mount included: The included cantilever mount is a bonus, saving users the additional cost of purchasing a separate mount. This makes it an “out of the box” ready option for most AR platform firearms.
- Lightweight design: At just 11 ounces, the TruGlo Ignite won’t add significant weight to your firearm, maintaining good balance and handling characteristics. Extended use will not fatigue the user as much as heavier options.
Cons
- Dot distortion at high brightness: At higher brightness settings, the red dot can exhibit some distortion, affecting clarity and potentially reducing accuracy. This limitation can be a drawback in very bright conditions.
- AAA battery: While AAA batteries are readily available, they may not offer the same battery life as other battery types used in higher-end optics. Keeping spare batteries on hand is a necessity for prolonged use.
Who Should Buy TruGlo Ignite 1x 2 MOA Black Red Dot Sight?
The TruGlo Ignite 1x 2 MOA Black Red Dot Sight is perfect for recreational shooters, AR-15 enthusiasts on a budget, and beginners looking for an affordable entry into red dot optics. It’s a great option for plinking, target practice, and close-quarters training.
This product may not be suitable for professional users, law enforcement, or individuals who require extreme durability and optical clarity. Those who prioritize maximum battery life or need a sight for long-range precision shooting might also want to consider higher-end options.
A must-have accessory would be a quality set of lens protectors to further protect the optic.
Conclusion on TruGlo Ignite 1x 2 MOA Black Red Dot Sight
The TruGlo Ignite 1x 2 MOA Black Red Dot Sight delivers solid performance at an attractive price point. While it doesn’t compete with top-tier optics in terms of clarity and ruggedness, it offers a reliable and functional option for recreational shooters and those on a budget.
At $149.99, the price is justified by the included features, ease of use, and decent build quality. It represents a good value proposition for its intended purpose.
I would personally recommend the TruGlo Ignite to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable red dot sight for their AR-15 or other compatible firearm. If you’re seeking a dependable optic without emptying your wallet, the TruGlo Ignite 1x 2 MOA Black Red Dot Sight is well worth considering. Go ahead and give it a try; you might be surprised by what you get for the price.