Review: TRUGLO Rifle Scopes and Sights

I have used TRUGLO products for many years, always with good results. While the warranty is good, I have never had the occasion to send a product back. This is despite dropping the combat lights from time to time and generally not babying the equipment.

I am something of an accuracy nut when it comes to rifles and enjoy firing the 6.5 Creedmoor and 7mm-08 rifle—and getting the most out of them. I also own a number of accurate and reliable AR-15 rifles that deliver surprising accuracy.

Some of these rifles wear TRUGLO sights. While I find the Omnia as an example ideal for AR rifle use, I have also found hunting rifle scopes such as the Intercept offer good performance.

When you own and test so many rifles, economy is a real concern, but so is performance.

TRUGLO Intercept Rifle Scope

Let’s look at the Intercept first. The Intercept offers a bright image, generous eye relief, and an illuminated glass-etched reticle for optimum clarity and contrast.

With the choice of a precise duplex reticle or an MOA-based bullet drop-compensating reticle, the Intercept provides options for all hunting styles.

Aggressively machined grip surfaces, covered turrets, and an included neoprene scope cover are designed for practical and effective use when operating conditions are less than ideal.

I like the TRUGLO Intercept and it will be riding it on my long-serving Savage 110 Storm for some time.

Features and Specifications

• Available in 3-9x43mm (TG8539BI, TG8539BIB) and 4-12x44mm (TG8541BI, TG8541BIB) magnification ranges
• Glass-etched reticle can be used without illumination (black crosshairs)
• Water-resistant / Fogproof / Nitrogen gas-filled
• Specially formulated multi-coating provides maximum brightness, clarity, and contrast
• Aggressive grip machining on control surfaces (zoom ring and turret caps) for easy use with winter gloves
• Protective caps cover fingertip-adjustable windage and elevation turrets
• Available with a duplex reticle or an MOA-based bullet drop-compensating reticle
• One-screw turret dial design to easily slip the dial back to zero after making an adjustment
• Rubber-coated speed-focus eyepiece
• Generous eye relief ( 3.75 – 4.10 inches)
• Durable, scratch-resistant, non-reflective matte finish
• Neoprene scope cover included
• Lifetime limited warranty

TRUGLO Omnia Rifle Scope

The TRUGLO Omnia is mounted on one of my favorite personal AR-15 rifles.

Recently, I was privileged to test-fire among the first 6.5 Creedmoor offerings by SIG Sauer Elite ammunition. A 130-grain bullet at 2850 fps is sure to offer a good effect on deer-sized game at longer range.

The Creedmoor is a flat shooter and SIG’s ammunition makes the most of the caliber. I topped the Savage with the TRUGLO scope. It was a simple matter to dial in the zero, using less than ten rounds to super-tune the load at 100 yards.

I like to zero the rifle for an inch to an inch and a half high at 100 yards. This allows the shooter to be dead on at 150 yards or so, but it takes shooting to confirm the zero, which I have. At this range, the Savage/SIG combination will turn in MOA groups all day.

Moving to the ADCOR rifle with TRUGLO Omnia, I loaded several UTG Pro 30-round magazines. (You can read a review of these magazines here.)

I also had on had the PMAG with side window. These magazines feature a side window and offer real utility. It is nice to tell at a glance if the magazine is fully loaded.

I loaded the magazines with SIG Sauer Elite .223 Remington ammunition. A great advantage of the Omnia is that when the scope is set at the lower magnification setting, the scope may be used with both eyes open.

Firing with both eyes open with the point of aim and the target—all in focus on the same plane—makes for real speed and accuracy. For use at a longer range, crank up the magnification and you are on target easily.

I like the Omnia for use to 200 yards or a little beyond. I am probably a bit over 1200 rounds with this rifle and scope combination with excellent results.

Features and Specifications

• Multi-coated lenses for enhanced clarity and contrast
• 30mm tube for increased turret adjustment range and increased brightness
• Locking target turrets prevent accidental adjustment
• 1/2-MOA target turrets and MOA based reticle for simplified adjustments, tracking, and holdover
• Included APTUS-M1 mount for a strong hold and ideal mounting position on modern sporting rifles
• Illuminated All Purpose Tactical Reticle (A.P.T.R.) for precision measurement without a crowded sight picture
• Hardcoat anodized matte finish
• Nitrogen gas-filled, fog-proof construction
• Water-resistant and shock-resistant
• Illuminated glass-etched reticle
• Leaf-spring turret control for positive and responsive click adjustments
• Generous eye relief

TRUGLO 30mm Red Dot Sights

When choosing a red dot sight, the primary focus is on a reliable red dot that fits our budget. For general purpose use, hunting and home defense, there is the TRUGLO 30mm red dot.

This value option is easy to use well, a great sight for beginners, effective for home defense and affordable. I own more than one and keep one mounted on my home-defense shotgun.

I have enjoyed using the 30mm red dot and learned which intensity setting to use in each light condition. The ability to quickly change the setting is appreciated.

Unlimited eye relief means that you simply look through the sight, not attempting to focus on both a sight and the target, but simply superimpose the red dot on the target. It is possible to use the red dot with both eyes open.

For those that practice shooting with both eyes open, this is a formidable option. The windage and elevation knobs are covered with protective covers and adjustment is easy enough by simply twisting the covers.

I have mounted the TRUGLO 30mm on AR-15 rifles with excellent results. A lot of expense is saved by making the 30mm red dot of plastic rather than metal. Tactical and functional are the watchwords for this red dot.

Features and Specifications

• Reticle: 5 MOA
• 11 position rheostat—this is a wide degree of adjustment from dim to bright light on the dot, depending on personal preference and the available light.
• Unlimited eye relief—no matter where you mount the sight, eye relief isn’t a problem.
• The lens is multi-coated for maximum light transmission. There is also an anti-reflective coating to avoid reflection that may affect the sight picture.
• For proper adjustment, there are both windage and elevation adjustment. This allows precise sighting in for rifles and shotgun slugs.
• TRUGLO also rates the 30mm red dot as shock-resistant to 1000gs.
• The 3v CR2032 battery is included.
• There is a lifetime limited warranty.
• This unit weighs only 6.9 ounces.
• The unit turns off in four hours if left on.

TRUGLO TRU•TEC Micro Red Dot Sights

I have also used the TRU•TEC Micro Red Dot on the Ruger 22/45 pistol. This is a very useful low-profile lightweight red dot.

The MICRO incorporates favorite features of the TRU•TEC line in an ultra-lightweight and versatile profile, including digital push-button brightness control and an idle auto-off system to save battery life.

Features and Specifications

• 3–MOA Red•Dot reticle for fast acquisition
• 23mm x 17mm multi-coated objective lens
• Digital push-button brightness controls
• 10 brightness settings
• Compatible with optic-ready pistols
• Common lug and bolt pattern for
• Maximum compatibility (Eotech®, Docter®, Insight®, Meopta®, etc.)
• Locking windage and elevation adjustments
• Ultra-lightweight (just over 1oz. )
• CNC–machined from aircraft-grade aluminum
• Unlimited eye relief
• Auto-off feature preserves battery life
• Water-resistant (sealed o–ring design)
• Shock–resistant/fog–resistant
• Picatinny rail mount included
• ABS hardshell cover included
• Battery included (3V–CR2032)

Take a hard look at TRUGLO optics. Chances are they will fill the need for less outlay than you would have imagined.

Do you own any TRUGLO sights or scopes? Let us know which ones in the comments below.