TruGlo Ignite Red Dot Sight 1x22mm 2 MOA Dot Reticle Black TG8322BN Review

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Let’s Talk About TruGlo Ignite Red Dot Sight 1x22mm 2 MOA Dot Reticle Black TG8322BN

The TruGlo Ignite Red Dot Sight 1x22mm 2 MOA Dot Reticle Black TG8322BN is a no-frills, budget-friendly optic designed for shooters seeking a simple and reliable red dot sight without breaking the bank. TruGlo aims to deliver a user-friendly experience with its push-button brightness controls, wide field of view, and unlimited eye relief, all housed in a durable aircraft aluminum body. Is it a game-changer? Probably not. Does it offer a usable aiming solution at an attractive price point? That’s what I set out to discover.

I was looking for a red dot sight to mount on a dedicated .22LR AR-15 build for cheap practice. I wanted something functional but didn’t need all the bells and whistles of higher-end optics. The TruGlo Ignite caught my eye due to its price and reputation for being a decent entry-level option.

Unboxing the TruGlo Ignite, my first impression was of a relatively lightweight and compact optic. The aircraft aluminum housing felt reasonably solid, though the included mount seemed a little flimsy. It was a basic package, but the sight itself appeared well-made for the price.

I also considered the Sig Sauer Romeo5 and the Holosun HS403B. Ultimately, the price of the TruGlo Ignite won me over for this particular build, but I knew I was potentially sacrificing some features and durability. I was hoping for a solid, functional optic, and that’s it.

My initial excitement was tempered by the cheap mount. I was hoping it wouldn’t immediately fail during my first range session. Overall, I was cautiously optimistic.

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Real-World Testing: Putting TruGlo Ignite Red Dot Sight 1x22mm 2 MOA Dot Reticle Black TG8322BN to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the TruGlo Ignite at my local outdoor range on my .22LR AR-15, and the weather was sunny and mild. I ran through several magazines at distances ranging from 25 to 50 yards. Zeroing was straightforward, and the 2 MOA dot was crisp and easy to see against the paper targets.

The push-button brightness adjustments were simple, and I appreciated that the sight remembered my last setting when powered on. However, the included mount immediately started to loosen after about 50 rounds. I torqued it down again, but I knew I had a problem.

The biggest surprise was the mount failing so quickly. That raised immediate concerns about the optic’s suitability for anything beyond a casual plinking session.

Extended Use & Reliability

After the initial range session, I quickly realized the factory mount was not going to cut it. Following the advice of other reviewers, I replaced it with a Midwest Industries T1 mount. That dramatically improved the stability and reliability.

With the upgraded mount, the TruGlo Ignite held zero consistently through several hundred rounds of .22LR. There are no signs of any significant wear or tear on the optic itself. Cleaning has been minimal, just a quick wipe-down of the lens after each session.

Compared to my experiences with higher-end red dots like Aimpoint or EOTech, the TruGlo Ignite obviously doesn’t offer the same level of robustness or advanced features. However, for a .22LR plinker, it exceeded my expectations once the mount was addressed. This optic performs as I expect a budget item to perform.

Breaking Down the Features of TruGlo Ignite Red Dot Sight 1x22mm 2 MOA Dot Reticle Black TG8322BN

Specifications

Manufacturer: TruGlo.
Magnification: 1x, offering a true 1:1 sight picture for both-eyes-open shooting.
Objective Lens Diameter: 22mm, providing a decent field of view for quick target acquisition.
Reticle: 2 MOA Dot, a good balance between precision and visibility for various target sizes and distances.
Emitter Type: Enclosed, protecting the emitter from the elements.
Magnification Type: Fixed, as is typical with red dot sights.
Red Dot Sights-Footprint: Not Applicable (uses a standard Picatinny mount).
Size: 22mm, referring to the objective lens diameter.

These specifications indicate a basic, entry-level red dot sight intended for close to medium-range shooting. The 2 MOA dot is suitable for most applications. The fixed magnification simplifies usage, and the enclosed emitter enhances durability.

Performance & Functionality

The TruGlo Ignite performs adequately for its intended purpose. The 2 MOA dot is clear and bright, allowing for quick and accurate target acquisition. Brightness settings are easily adjustable via the push-button controls.

Its primary weakness is the subpar factory mount. It requires immediate replacement for any serious use. Otherwise, the sight itself is reliable and holds zero reasonably well, especially after the mount is swapped out.

It meets my expectations as a budget-friendly optic for a .22LR plinker. It does not exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The TruGlo Ignite features a simple, functional design. The aircraft aluminum housing feels reasonably durable, and the optic is lightweight and compact. The push-button controls are easy to access and operate, even with gloves.

There is virtually no learning curve. The sight is very easy to use.

Durability & Maintenance

With the upgraded mount, the TruGlo Ignite seems reasonably durable. I don’t expect it to withstand heavy abuse, but for casual shooting, it should last for a decent amount of time. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lens.

The long-term durability remains to be seen, but so far, it has held up well. As a cheap red dot, I would expect to need a replacement after 5 years, or 10,000 rounds.

Accessories and Customization Options

The TruGlo Ignite comes with a basic Picatinny mount, which, as previously mentioned, is its weakest point. Aftermarket T1-style mounts are readily available. This allows for a significant upgrade in stability and durability. The optic itself does not offer any other customization options.

It is compatible with any T1-style mount, making it easy to find a suitable replacement. Additional accessories, such as lens protectors, can also be added if desired. This is important, as a durable mount will ensure that this affordable optic stays secure.

Pros and Cons of TruGlo Ignite Red Dot Sight 1x22mm 2 MOA Dot Reticle Black TG8322BN

Pros

Affordable price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious shooters.
Clear and bright 2 MOA dot allows for quick and accurate target acquisition.
Easy-to-use push-button controls for brightness adjustments.
Lightweight and compact design, suitable for a variety of firearms.
Compatible with readily available T1-style mounts for enhanced stability.

Cons

Subpar factory mount requires immediate replacement for any serious use.
Lacks advanced features such as auto-on/off or shake-awake functionality.
Durability may not be on par with higher-end red dot sights.

Who Should Buy TruGlo Ignite Red Dot Sight 1x22mm 2 MOA Dot Reticle Black TG8322BN?

Conclusion on TruGlo Ignite Red Dot Sight 1x22mm 2 MOA Dot Reticle Black TG8322BN

The TruGlo Ignite Red Dot Sight 1x22mm 2 MOA Dot Reticle Black TG8322BN is a decent budget option that gets the job done, provided you immediately replace the mount. Once you address that critical flaw, you’re left with a usable and reliable red dot sight for recreational shooting.

The price is definitely justified, considering its performance after the mount upgrade. While it lacks the advanced features and extreme durability of higher-end optics, it offers a good value proposition for those on a tight budget.

I would recommend it with the explicit caveat that the factory mount must be replaced. If you’re willing to invest a little extra in a better mount, the TruGlo Ignite can be a surprisingly capable optic. Don’t let the cheap mount discourage you, but definitely don’t use it. Grab a TruGlo Ignite, swap the mount, and start hitting your target.