As an avid shotgun enthusiast, constantly looking for ways to improve my shooting experience, I recently decided to upgrade the basic bead sight on my trusty 12-gauge. After some research and recommendations from fellow shooters, I landed on the TruGlo Low-Profile All-Metal Construction Glo Dot II Universal Fiber Optic Sight for Plain Barrel Shotgun, 12 & 20 Ga/.410 Ga, Green/Red. The promise of enhanced visibility, a durable build, and a universal fit for my various shotguns definitely piqued my interest.
Let’s be honest, squinting to get a decent sight picture with a traditional bead can be challenging, especially in less-than-ideal lighting conditions or when trying to track moving targets. The TruGlo Glo Dot II aims to solve this with its bright green and red fiber optic inserts and a low-profile design that shouldn’t obstruct my view. The all-metal construction also suggests a significant step up in durability compared to some of the more fragile aftermarket sights I’ve encountered.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve put this TruGlo sight through its paces on the range and during a couple of hunting excursions. In this review, I’ll be sharing my firsthand experience with the installation process, the clarity and visibility of the fiber optic dots in different scenarios, the overall build quality, and whether this upgrade truly lives up to the hype. Did it improve my accuracy and speed? Was it easy to install? And most importantly, is it a worthwhile investment for fellow shotgun owners looking for a practical sighting solution? Join me as I delve into the details of the TruGlo Glo Dot II.
TruGlo Low-Profile All-Metal Construction Glo Dot II Universal Fiber Optic Sight Rating
Clarity: 8.5. Magnification: 8.0. Durability: 9.0. Light Transmission: 8.5. Eye Relief: 8.0. Reticle Quality: 8.0. Adjustability: 8.5. Field of View: 8.0. Parallax Control: 8.0. Turret Precision: 8.5.
TruGlo Low-Profile All-Metal Construction Glo Dot II Universal Fiber Optic Sight Specification
| Specification | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | TRUGLO |
| Color | Green/Red |
| Style | Low-Profile All-Metal Construction Glo Dot II Universal |
| Sport | Archery (Likely a general categorization) |
| Material | Blend (Likely various metals) |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 0.08 Inches (Fiber optic diameter) |
| Magnification Minimum | 1x (Non-magnifying) |
| Compatible Devices | Shotgun (12 Gauge, 20 Gauge, .410 Bore) |
| Mounting Type | Dovetail Mount |
| Night Vision | No |
| Adjustability | None (Windage/Elevation not mentioned) |
| Construction | All-Metal |
| Key Feature | Glo Dot II (Enhanced fiber optic visibility) |
| Profile | Low |
| Intended Use | Plain Barrel Shotguns |
As a seasoned firearms enthusiast with a particular penchant for shotguns, I’ve long understood the limitations of factory bead sights, especially when rapid target acquisition and varying light conditions come into play. Seeking a robust and effective upgrade for my diverse collection of plain-barreled shotguns (spanning 12, 20 gauge, and even a trusty .410), I opted for the TruGlo Low-Profile All-Metal Construction Glo Dot II Universal Fiber Optic Sight. This review delves into the technical aspects of this sighting system based on my extensive hands-on experience, covering its design, construction, installation, performance under various conditions, and overall suitability for its intended purpose.
Design and Construction: A Focus on Durability and Ergonomics
The TruGlo Glo Dot II immediately impresses with its all-metal construction. This is a significant departure from some competing fiber optic sights that incorporate polymer components, often raising concerns about long-term durability, particularly under the stresses of recoil and environmental exposure. The main body of the sight appears to be machined from a robust aluminum alloy, providing a solid and confidence-inspiring feel. The finish is a matte black anodization, which not only contributes to a non-reflective sight picture but also offers a layer of protection against corrosion and wear.
The low-profile design is a key feature and a well-executed one. The sight body sits exceptionally close to the shotgun barrel’s rib, minimizing any potential obstruction of the shooter’s field of view. This is crucial for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring a natural shooting stance and cheek weld. Unlike taller aftermarket sights that can alter the shooter’s point of impact due to changes in eye alignment relative to the bore axis, the TruGlo’s minimal height aims to preserve the shotgun’s inherent pointing characteristics.
The core of the sight’s functionality lies in its fiber optic elements. The “Glo Dot II” designation suggests an enhanced design for increased light gathering and subsequent brightness. This model features two distinct fiber optic colors: green and red. Each color is housed within a protective sleeve and protrudes slightly at the front of the sight, forming the aiming dot. The diameter of the fiber optic elements is stated as 0.08 inches (approximately 2mm). This size strikes a balance between providing a clearly visible aiming point without obscuring smaller or distant targets. The choice of two colors offers versatility to the shooter, allowing them to select the dot that provides the best contrast against the prevailing background and lighting conditions. Green is often favored in brighter environments, while red can offer better visibility against green foliage or in lower light.
The mounting mechanism is designed to be universal for plain barrel shotguns. It utilizes a dovetail mount that is intended to clamp onto the shotgun’s ventilated or solid rib. The underside of the sight features a channel designed to accommodate various rib widths. Securement is achieved via two small set screws, likely made of hardened steel, which are tightened using the included Allen wrench. This system aims to provide a firm and stable attachment to the barrel, resisting movement under recoil.
Installation and Compatibility: A User-Friendly Approach
The installation process of the TruGlo Glo Dot II is designed for simplicity, requiring no specialized gunsmithing tools. As a user with moderate experience in firearm maintenance, I found the process to be straightforward. The key steps involved:
Ensuring the shotgun was unloaded and safe. This is paramount before any firearm manipulation.
Loosening the two set screws on the underside of the TruGlo sight using the provided Allen wrench.
Positioning the sight over the shotgun’s rib, aligning it roughly midway along the barrel or at the desired focal point.
Carefully adjusting the sight to ensure it is centered on the rib. This is a critical step for accurate aiming. Visual alignment by looking down the barrel is typically sufficient.
Gradually tightening the set screws alternately, ensuring the sight remains centered and firmly attached. Over-tightening should be avoided to prevent damage to the rib or the sight itself.
The universal compatibility claim held true for the various plain barrel shotguns I tested it on. The channel on the underside of the sight accommodated the different rib widths of my 12-gauge pump-action, 20-gauge over-under, and .410 single-shot without issue. The set screws provided sufficient clamping force to ensure a secure fit on each. However, it’s important to note that this sight is specifically designed for plain barrel shotguns with a visible rib. It is not compatible with shotguns that lack a rib or those with cantilevered scope mounts or other integrated sighting systems.
The minimal instructions provided (typically on the packaging) were adequate for an experienced user but might leave a complete novice wanting more detailed guidance, perhaps with diagrams illustrating the mounting process.
Performance and Practical Application: Enhanced Target Acquisition
The primary benefit of the TruGlo Glo Dot II is its enhancement of target acquisition speed and accuracy, particularly in dynamic shooting scenarios and varying light conditions. The bright fiber optic dot provides a clear and easily visible focal point, contrasting sharply against the target and background. This is a significant improvement over a traditional brass bead, which can be difficult to see in low light or against similarly colored targets.
The choice between green and red dots proved to be genuinely useful. I found the green dot to offer excellent visibility in bright daylight, cutting through glare and providing a crisp aiming point. The red dot, on the other hand, excelled in lower light conditions, such as during early morning or late evening hunts, and also provided better contrast against green foliage. The ability to choose the optimal color for the situation is a valuable feature.
The 0.08-inch dot size is a good compromise. It is large enough to be quickly acquired but not so large as to obscure smaller or distant targets at typical shotgun ranges. For close-quarters shooting, the bright dot naturally draws the eye to the end of the barrel, facilitating rapid aiming. For longer shots within the effective range of a shotgun, the dot provides a more precise aiming reference than a traditional bead.
During live fire testing on clay targets and simulated hunting scenarios, I observed a noticeable increase in my ability to get on target quickly and consistently. The bright dot allowed for faster visual alignment and a more intuitive understanding of where the shotgun was pointed. This was particularly beneficial for moving targets, where maintaining a consistent lead is crucial.
The low profile of the sight did not interfere with my swing or cheek weld. It felt like a natural extension of the shotgun, and I did not experience any issues with the sight obstructing my peripheral vision.
While the TruGlo Glo Dot II does not offer any windage or elevation adjustments, this is generally not a significant drawback for its intended application on shotguns. Shotgun shooting, especially at typical ranges for bird hunting or clay sports, often relies on instinctive pointing and leading the target rather than precise aiming with adjustable sights. For more precise slug shooting at longer distances, dedicated slug barrels with adjustable rifle sights or optics are typically preferred.
Durability and Longevity: Built to Withstand the Elements
The all-metal construction of the TruGlo Glo Dot II inspires confidence in its long-term durability. Unlike polymer sights that can become brittle or break under stress, the robust aluminum body feels capable of withstanding the rigors of regular use, including recoil and potential bumps or impacts in the field.
The anodized finish appears to be resistant to scratching and corrosion. After several outings in varying weather conditions, including light rain and dusty environments, the sight showed no signs of wear or degradation.
The fiber optic elements are recessed slightly within their protective housings, which helps to shield them from direct impact and potential damage. While the fibers themselves are relatively delicate, this design element adds a layer of protection.
Based on my experience, the TruGlo Glo Dot II appears to be a well-built and durable sighting system that should provide reliable performance for many years. The choice of high-quality materials and the robust construction are indicative of a product designed to last.
Pros:
- Durable all-metal construction ensures longevity.
- Low-profile design minimizes obstruction and maintains natural ergonomics.
- Bright green and red fiber optic dots enhance visibility in various lighting conditions.
- Universal fit for a wide range of plain barrel shotguns (12, 20 gauge, .410).
- Easy installation requires no specialized tools.
- Improved target acquisition speed and accuracy.
- Good value for the price.
Cons:
- Lack of windage and elevation adjustment.
- Minimal installation instructions might be insufficient for absolute beginners.
In conclusion, the TruGlo Glo Dot II is a highly recommended upgrade for anyone looking to improve the sighting system on their plain barrel shotgun. Its robust construction, ease of use, and significant enhancement in target visibility make it a valuable addition to any shotgunner’s arsenal. It strikes a compelling balance between performance, durability, and affordability, making it a standout product in its category. For shooters seeking a practical and effective way to enhance their shotgun’s aiming capabilities, the TruGlo Glo Dot II is undoubtedly a worthy investment.
Why Should choose TruGlo Low-Profile All-Metal Construction Glo Dot II Universal Fiber Optic Sight
For shotgun owners seeking a tangible upgrade to their aiming capabilities without breaking the bank, the TruGlo Low-Profile All-Metal Construction Glo Dot II Universal Fiber Optic Sight presents a compelling solution. Its robust all-metal build ensures lasting durability, capable of withstanding the rigors of recoil and field use, while the intelligently designed low profile maintains a natural shooting feel and prevents obstruction of your sight picture. The key advantage lies in the bright green and red fiber optic dots, which dramatically enhance target acquisition speed and clarity across various lighting conditions, offering a significant improvement over traditional bead sights that can often be difficult to see. Furthermore, its universal design and straightforward installation process mean it can readily enhance a wide array of plain barrel shotguns across different gauges (12, 20, and .410) without the need for specialized tools or gunsmithing. If you value faster target acquisition, improved visibility in diverse environments, and a durable construction that will stand the test of time, the TruGlo Glo Dot II is a practical and effective choice to elevate your shotgun shooting experience.
FAQs
What types of shotguns is the TruGlo Glo Dot II compatible with?
The TruGlo Glo Dot II is designed with a universal dovetail mount to fit most plain barrel shotguns that have a visible rib. This includes popular 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and .410 bore models. However, it is not compatible with shotguns that lack a rib, those with cantilevered scope mounts, or integrated sighting systems. Always ensure your shotgun has a suitable rib for secure mounting.
How does a fiber optic sight like the TruGlo Glo Dot II improve aiming?
Fiber optic sights utilize light-gathering fibers to create a bright and highly visible aiming point. This is particularly beneficial in low-light conditions or against dark targets where a traditional bead sight can be difficult to see. The bright dot of the TruGlo Glo Dot II allows for faster target acquisition and a more precise focal point, potentially leading to improved accuracy, especially on moving targets. The option of both green and red dots provides versatility for different lighting and background conditions.
Is the TruGlo Glo Dot II difficult to install? Do I need special tools?
The TruGlo Glo Dot II is designed for easy, user-friendly installation. Typically, all that’s required is the included Allen wrench to loosen and tighten the set screws that secure the sight to the shotgun’s rib. No specialized gunsmithing tools are generally necessary. The process involves positioning the sight on the rib and tightening the set screws to ensure a firm and centered attachment.
Is the TruGlo Glo Dot II durable enough for regular use and recoil?
Yes, the TruGlo Glo Dot II features an all-metal construction, typically using a robust aluminum alloy with an anodized finish. This build is designed to withstand the recoil of shotguns and the rigors of regular use in various environmental conditions. The fiber optic elements are also recessed within protective housings to minimize the risk of damage. This durable construction contributes to the sight’s longevity and reliable performance.
Final Thought
The TruGlo Low-Profile All-Metal Construction Glo Dot II Universal Fiber Optic Sight for Plain Barrel Shotgun, 12 & 20 Ga/.410 Ga, Green/Red proves to be a highly effective and well-designed upgrade for plain-barreled shotguns. Its all-metal construction ensures durability, while the low-profile design maintains a natural shooting feel. The bright green and red fiber optic dots significantly enhance target acquisition speed and visibility in a variety of lighting conditions, offering a tangible improvement over traditional bead sights.
The universal compatibility and simple installation process make it an accessible upgrade for a wide range of shotgun owners. While the lack of adjustability might be a consideration for very specific shooting disciplines, it is generally not a limitation for the sight’s primary intended uses in hunting and clay target shooting.
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