TRUGLO continued to expand its offering for sights and optics at the annual SHOT Show this year. Two of the new items that caught our attention were the TRU-TEC 20mm and TRU-TEC 30mm red-dot optics. The 20mm version is a nice compact red dot that won’t add a lot of weight to your rifle, but will still provide excellent aiming and reflex shooting capability. The 30mm version not only has a wider optic lens but a larger overall body as well.
TRUGLO offers a wide range of optic enhancements for rifles, shotguns, handguns, compound bows and crossbows. In addition, TRUGLO has ventured into optic/laser combinations, as well as a few firearm accessories.
New TRUGLO TRU-TEC Red Dot Optics
The new 20mm TRU-TEC optic is a direct competitor with the highly popular “micro” optics that have been the rage in the last few years. The 20mm TRU-TEC comes with an amazing 2 MOA reticle dot, which makes the TRU-TEC one of the smallest dot options on the market. Smaller dots are highly preferred by many shooters, as they provide enough aiming point at close ranges, but also do not overly cover targets at longer distances.
The 20mm TRU-TEC will come with optional high riser or low riser mounts for personal preference, along with a rubberized removable lens cover. The CR2032 3V battery is included.
TRUGLO TRU-TEC 20mm Specifications
- (2) MOA reticle for precision aiming
- 20mm objective lens
- Digital push-button controls
- Multiple brightness settings
- Battery included (3V-CR2032)
- Ultra-long battery life
- Includes auto-on and auto-off features
- Ultra-lightweight/compact design
- Shock resistant to 1000g
- Waterproof/fog proof
- Click windage and elevation adjustments
- Wide field of view
- Unlimited eye relief
- Integrated Weaver/Picatinny-style mounting system
- Includes both low and high mounting bases
- MSRP: $221.00.
TRUGLO TRU-TEC 30mm Specifications
- (2) MOA reticle for precision aiming
- 30mm objective lens
- Digital push-button controls
- Multiple brightness settings
- Battery included (CR123A)
- Operates for thousands of hours on single battery
- Programmable auto-off feature
- Click windage and elevation adjustments
- Integrated lanyard system prevents loss of screw-down W/E caps
- Optional laser – green or red
- Wide field of view
- Unlimited eye relief
- Flip-up lens caps
- Ultra-durable design
- Shock resistant to 1000g
- Waterproof/fog proof
- Quick-detach mounting system
- Mounts to standard Picatinny or Weaver-style rails
- MSRP: $233.00.
The 30mm TRU-TEC optic has the larger optic lens allowing more light, and a greater overall sight picture. The 30mm optic will also come with the amazing 2 MOA reticle dot, and will have flip-up lens caps instead of removable ones. The 30mm TRU-TEC offers two additional features that many shooters may prefer. First, the 30mm optic has a quick-detach mounting system, instead of the more traditional bolt mount.
Additionally, the 30mm TRU-TEC will have the option of coming with a high-efficiency semiconductor laser diode. The 30mm optic is larger, and slightly heavier than the 20mm version, and also uses the more expensive CR123A battery (one included in purchase). However, TRUGLO claims the TRU-TEC 30mm will operate for “thousands of hours” on one battery.
Red-Dot or Reflex Optics
In the last 10-15 years there has been an explosive expansion on the availability, options, and use of red-dot optics, sometimes referred to as reflex optics. What was once a very limited field with Aimpoint and EOTech the primary leaders, has now become a vibrant and rich market with multiple manufacturers and every increasing options.
There are many benefits of using a red dot optic over traditional “iron sights”. Traditional sights require the alignment of the front post with a set sighting picture on the rear sight. If the shooter is simply target shooting, zeroing the “iron sights”, or otherwise having fun, this type of sighting system is not bad at all. Militaries around the world have been using “iron sights” on their issued rifles for hundreds of years, and in many combat situations have done so with remarkable success.
However, recently almost every major military in the world has been partially or fully implementing their rifles with some form of red dot optic. Whether for military purposes, law enforcement, home defense or competition there are several very valid reasons to move into the 21st Century in optics selection.
- Red dot optics are point and shoot
- Red dot optics allow a much faster target acquisition
- Modern red dot optics are lighter in weight, reducing heft concerns
- Battery technology has greatly improved, providing much longer optic life
- An increased market has drastically reduced prices of red dot optics
- Glass, coatings, and structural manufacturing have made red dot optics extremely tough
- Many red dot optics come with some form of MOA adjustments for longer shots.
Recently I read an article reporting the U.S. Marine Corps was making a major move to outfit the new M27 DMR with a red dot optic only, even eliminating the standard A2 sights that have been a part of the M16/M4/AR-15 design since inception. Though the pictures in the article do show folding back-up iron sights (BUIS), the concept of eliminating BUIS entirely is a bold step in future optic selections. If you read the comments to the article several who claim recent Marine Corps experience attest that the majority of new basic training is on using red dot optics, with only cursory training on “irons”.
Final Thoughts
TRUGLO has made some impressive advancements and moves into the red dot optic arena. The new TRU-TEC 20mm and 30mm optics have some incredible features, and I’m really impressed with the 2 MOA reticle dot. The pricing on the TRU-TEC optics are also very affordable and competitive.
The BlueSheepDog Crew have not had the opportunity to test out these new optics, but we have been able to shoot previous TRUGLO red dots. From all appearances these new options should make a great selection for any shooter.