Not too long ago I had the chance to test a TruGlo TRU-BRITE 1-6X24mm series SCP TAC 1-6x24 30mm MIL 1PC tactical scope. This is a compact carbine scope designed for target engagements. When all was said and done the scope proved that a variable power product can be used for fast acquisition and quick transition to an extreme range shot.
Let’s run through the specs. The TRU-BRITE 1-6x24mm scope has a 24 mm objective lens and leaf spring click adjustments for windage and elevation. Waterproof and nitrogen filled, it was designed for fluid tactical environments. When dialed down to 1x, users can employ it with both eyes open. Of all the modern technological innovations in a combat sighting device, this aspect is probably the most useful; it lets a long range scope be used for close quarters.
TruGlo is well known for its extremely bright handgun sights. My EDC gun is equipped with their TFX sights, one of the fastest self-illuminating handgun sight products in the business. It’s worth noting the 1-6X24mm comes with a choice of a Duplex or a Power Ring Duplex mil dot reticle. This is a tactical illuminated reticle that gets the eye’s attention, allowing for quick alignment. True to the namesake, the bright center is easily seen in broad daylight.
I like my reticles with a lot of contrast over the target. I’m probably not alone. The dial on the left side of the scope allows the shooter to quickly choose between red and green and the amount of illumination is infinitely adjustable.
The off position has a tactile detent. You can set it so it can start at the brightest setting for one color and the lowest for the other. The illuminated reticle is somewhat visible out the front, too. However, if a person can see this they are definitely being “painted.”
My scope came mounted on a CNC machined monolithic tactical scope mount. This is an 8-screw single piece mount that distributes clamping pressure evenly on the two. It uses an Allen wrench clamp for the rail. This mount set the scope and a perfect level off the flattop. Not only did it provide plenty of clamping power, it gives the user plenty of room to adjust for eye relief.
The scope has a 3.75-inch eye relief and offers ample field-of-view at moderate magnification. More importantly, its brightness and low distortion by far outdistance the cost.
You’ll also find the 1-6X24mm comes with bullet drop compensation (BDC) turrets for 55-grain .223 rounds and 168-grain .308 rounds. Since I’m using my favorite MMC Armory over in 5.56, I selected the 55-grain BDC turret. These allow the shooter to zero the carbine, then use the automatic BDC settings when moving out to further ranges. The elevation adjustment turret works the same way. First, the gun is sighted by impact on the bullet. Then, the turret is placed on the “zero.”
The BDC elevation turret has settings all way out to 800 yards. This is a little ambitious for a 55-grain bullet. They can do it but I don’t recommend it. For law enforcement, stick to carbine distances.
Both BDC and windage turrets have locking mechanisms. In order to make changes in the windage or elevation, click the turret open by pulling it away from the scope barrel. Rotate and close. Thus, the turrets stay fixed on the scope and users can’t change settings by simply bumping them.
The windage/elevation adjustments are ½ MOA. The click adjustments are easy to feel, even with a gloved hand. While I was punching targets at 150 yards I ran the turrets around a few times from maximum to minimum elevation and right to left. A well manufactured scope will return to zero consistently. For the several range sessions my scope received, it always returned to zero.
I think a 6x scope is reasonable for military applications, but for law enforcement 4x is probably a more reasonable choice. If a tactical situation calls for a shot past 150 yards, it may be time to pick a different tool.
The good news is the fact that the TRU-BRITE 1-6X24mm is also capable of steering a .308 bullet—a good choice if the shot is longer than carbine distances. Succinctly, pick 1-4x for the .22 caliber carbine, 1-6x for .30 caliber.
Having said all this, my MMC Tactical Upper C14.7 can engage at 150 yards better than some can do at 25 yards. When coupled with my Lancer L15 receiver, one of the most solid (and unique) lowers on this planet, I have a fast handling tool that can do entry and duties that include providing overwatch. Coupled with the TRU-BRITE 1-6X24mm scope, I believe this may be the ideal drug interdiction combination, where officers do a little of everything at a running pace, and for a patrol rifle setup.
When testing law enforcement carbine optics, it is important to use the best quality, most reliable equipment as the platform. All of the other factors that surround other equipment have to be eliminated in order to test only the scope. This is one of the most obvious reasons why the MMC Tactical Upper was used in this test.
Let’s continue this ideal combination. I added three MFT products: the Backup Polymer Flip up Front Sight with Standard Iron Sight Elevation Adjustment (BUPSWF) and Backup Polymer Flip up Rear Sight with Windage Adjustment (BUPSWR), and Engage Tactical Pistol Grip (EPG) 16.
Now you know why MFT uses acronyms.
The BUPSWR and BUPSWF are sights made of polymer that use standard elevation and windage adjustment. They are pop-up sights, and have a simple low-profile shroud that completely covers them when not in use. Both sights weigh less than half an ounce apiece. If one is using backup sights for optic emergencies only, it is good to have them completely out-of-the-way until needed.
Unlike my other tests, I shot my own reloads. I used a 55-grain FMJ load that is the equivalent to similar law enforcement rounds. With it, I was able to consistently make a sinus cavity shot at 150 yards. I dialed the TRU-BRITE 1-6X24mm scope to 6x. At this power, the field-of-view was closed down a bit, but perfect for this application.
I had an opportunity to shoot from daylight to dusk. It has particularly good lowlight clarity and it gave me a chance to switch from an early morning red illuminated reticle to a late evening green and noticed a pretty clean image from edge to edge. If you own this scope, you should see the TruGlo name in the periphery of your reticle—I think this is a nice touch.
The scope has a front ring for focusing. It required a little adjustment when increasing or decreasing power, but the optics were pretty consistent. Using mil dots gives you a consistent reticle, if this is the type of reticle with which you have trained. However, I was never able to consistently use it for measuring distances unless it was for a quick follow-up shot.
The bottom line
A law enforcement officer needs to have reliable equipment that provides seamless operation. Additional perks include solid mounting system, smooth controls, quick adjustments, and appropriate coatings. The design and quality of the product is such that it gives the officer an increased level of precision. With an MSRP of $270, this scope is easily worth twice the price.
