In the vast world of optics, there’s a price point for everyone. Some enthusiasts are willing to spend thousands on an optic tough enough to withstand a nuclear blast. Others seek a low-cost option for a rifle they use for plinking or home defense. For those in the latter category, budget optics around the $50 mark offer an appealing choice. Today, we’ll compare two such options: the ATI Duo Sight and the Truglo Tru-Brite red dot.

I’m one of those guys who wants an optic, light, or some type of accessory on just about every rifle I buy. When I find a good deal on a cheaper rifle, I don’t really want to spend hundreds on an optic. It’s okay, in my opinion, to have a variety of optics for different purposes. Let’s see how these two stack up against each other and determine if they are even worth the money.

ATI Duo Sight

I first encountered the ATI Duo Sight through a combo sale with an ATI rifle. Admittedly, it was my first experience with an ATI optic. ATI, or American Tactical Imports, is known for its affordable firearms and accessories, making them popular among budget-conscious shooters. I was interested in trying out their polymer AR-15 and the optic that came with it. While I wasn’t really looking for an optic, a cheaper optic for a cheaper AR wasn’t a bad idea.

The Duo Sight is their entry-level optic aimed at providing an affordable yet functional solution for casual shooting. It has a straightforward design and both red and green dot options. Further, it features a 4 MOA dot, which is adequate for most plinking and home defense scenarios.

The optic’s aluminum body gives it a decent build quality despite its budget price. Mounting the Duo Sight on a 1913 Picatinny rail requires an Allen wrench (included with the optic) for the two cross-bolts on the base of the optic.

I found the Duo Sight adequate for short- to mid-range shooting with the ATI rifle. The green reticle is surprisingly clear, and there are three different radical styles to choose from.

The battery sits inside the dial, which turns the optic on and adjusts the brightness. This design isn’t great because it makes it hard to get the battery lid on and off. When you try to tighten the lid, the entire on/off knob turns instead. A lever located on the back of the optic allows you to switch from one style of reticle to another.

ATI Duo Sight Specifications:

• Reticle: Red/Green Dot
• Dot Size: 4 MOA
• Adjustment: Windage and elevation
• Construction: Aluminum
• Mount: 1913 Picatinny rail
• Battery: CR2032
• Battery Life: Approx. 500 hours (manufacturer’s claim)
• Weight: 7.8 oz
• Length: 3.1 in

Truglo Tru-Brite

The Truglo Tru-Brite has been in my arsenal for about three years now. I’ve used it on several AR-15 rifles and a semi-auto shotgun. While I wouldn’t rely on it for a battle gun, it has held up okay so far. Truglo makes a lot of low-priced gear, but I’ve been surprised at their quality for what you pay.

The Tru-Brite offers both red and green dot reticles, similar to the ATI Duo Sight. Its 5 MOA dot is slightly larger, but there is only one style of reticle, which is a simple dot design.

The optic is constructed from lightweight aluminum and fits securely on a 1913 Picatinny rail. No tools are needed to attach the optic to a rail, which is a nice touch. Like the ATI, the Tru-Brite runs on a 2032 battery, and its location is also inside the control/power dial. While the ATI control dial is on top of the optic, the Truglo dial is on the side. This makes it easier to use when mounted on the rifle.

In use, the Tru-Brite has held up well to recoil and regular handling. The dot brightness is okay, and the color options are a nice addition. While red is the most popular color, I kind of like green dots. They’re easier to see, especially in daylight environments.

Truglo Tru-Brite Specifications:

• Reticle: Red/Green Dot
• Dot Size: 5 MOA
• Adjustment: Windage and elevation
• Construction: Aluminum
• Mount: 1913 Picatinny rail
• Battery: CR2032
• Battery Life: Approx. 1,000 hours (manufacturer’s claim)
• Weight: 7.8 oz
• Length: 3.8 in

How do they compare?

Both the ATI Duo Sight and Truglo Tru-Brite are entry-level optics designed for budget-conscious shooters. They share several similarities, including red and green dot settings and how the battery is installed. They are both compact optics and retail for about $50.

Because of its design, the Truglo appears to be a little more durable when it comes to the amount of aluminum around the frame. However, I have noticed that the control/power dial on the Truglo feels loose. It’s been this way since I’ve owned it, and it still works fine, so I’m not sure if all models are like this or just mine.

In terms of battery life, the Tru-Brite does a little better than the Duo Sight, with a manufacturer’s claim of approximately 1,000 hours compared to the Duo Sight’s 500 hours. Both optics use the CR2032 battery, a common and easily replaceable power source.

The brightness adjustment on both optics offers multiple settings, but the Tru-Brite provides a bit more flexibility, despite the slightly loose-feeling knob. This could be a deciding factor for those who shoot in varying lighting conditions.

Regarding reticles, the Duo Sight offers multiple reticles, including a standard dot and circle. The Tru-Brite uses only a traditional dot reticle. Both optics performed well out to 100 yards, but I couldn’t keep them zeroed in beyond that.

A good deal for the price?

Both the ATI Duo Sight and Truglo Tru-Brite appear to be of decent quality in terms of their price point. They are suitable for plinking, home defense, and casual shooting. I will mention that neither one has an auto-on feature, which is something I like for home defense.

While neither would be my first choice for a battle gun, they provide reliable, budget-friendly options for those who don’t want to break the bank on optics. If you want a low-cost optic that you’d find on an entry-level AR, I think either one of these optics would work just fine.

There are things I like and don’t like about each one, but the price makes those complaints irrelevant to me. For $50, I don’t think you will find a better optic for your AR-15.