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A red dot sight is one of the most practical aim improvement choices available since it doesn’t interfere with the use of your shotgun. This type of sight provides the user with a red dot, which expands their field of view. The best models come equipped with several options, such as irons or ruby lens coatings.
A red dot sight is very beneficial for shooters because it comes equipped with several features. For instance, some models are quite large and can be attached to almost any firearm.
With a red dot sight, you can improve your accuracy and speed up shooting time. It doesn’t matter if you plan to use the weapon for tactical or hunting purposes; this type of product will suit all kinds of tasks.
A red dot sight is a good choice for all shotgun users. But, before you make a decision, think about what kind of weapon you want to use the optic on and which options will be the most beneficial depending on where you live. For instance, if you live in a cold environment, it may be better to choose a model with an ironsight.
This way, you can still use your shotgun even if the battery that powers the red dot fails to function properly.
If you plan on using a shotgun, it is essential to keep in mind that some models aren’t compatible with all types of shotguns. For instance, some models are only compatible with pump or semi-automatic shotguns, so if your shotgun is a break action model, this type of optic will not be effective.
In order to help you with choosing the best red dot sights for shotguns, we decided to put together a little buying guide for our readers.
The list will feature red dot sights suited for different budgets. We will start with the cheapest options and move on to more expensive options. Rest assured that everyone will find a red dot sight suited to their budget from our list.
The TruGlo 1×30 Red Dot Sight TG-TG8030GA
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The TruGlo 1×30 Red Dot Sight TG-TG8030GA is one of the best-looking and sturdiest shotgun red dot sights available. Not to mention that it is the cheapest shotgun sight of them all.
At first, I was surprised by how small it actually was but it turned out to be a very important advantage since the sight will not affect your aim point as much as other large red dot sights.
The sight has a very nice finish and includes a mount to fit most shotguns with regular picatinny rails. I also appreciate how bright it is – perfect for low light conditions. It’s definitely a sight that offers great value for your money.
When choosing the best red dot sights for shotguns, you want to know why you are purchasing the sight.
This red dot from Truglo, for example, is specifically designed for turkey hunting. So, if you are not a hunter, look for other options on our list.
Bushnell TRS-25
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The main things you want to think about when buying a red dot sight for your shotgun are size, weight, durability and how well it holds up in different weather conditions.
First, the Bushnell TRS-25 is very small (Length: 2.4 inches; Weight: 6.3 oz), which makes it easy to mount on a shotgun. Second, with its aluminum-alloy housing and water-resistant design, users can rest assured knowing their sight is protected from the elements.
Durability is another key factor when buying red dot sight because you don’t want your sight falling apart after just a few shots fired. The Bushnell TRS-25 is shockproof and fogproof.
Finally, you want your sight to work well in all kinds of weather conditions. The Bushnell TRS-25 is said to hold up well in sunlight and can also be used at night with the help of its tritium lamp.
There are many red dot sights on the market, but one of the best that I have seen is the Bushnell TRS-25.
Not only is this sight small and lightweight with great durability, but it also has a clear view which makes for accurate shooting in any weather conditions. Overall, if you’re looking for a great red dot sight, the Bushnell TRS-25 is your best option.
Truglo Tru-Tec Micro Red Dot Sight
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The Truglo Tru-Tec Micro Sub-Compact Red Dot Sight is a red dot sight that is great for shotguns.
The Tru-Tec is a subcompact sight designed to be mounted on shotguns, AK47s (and similar rifles), Tavor (and other bullpup rifles) as well as handguns. Its small size makes it extremely easy to mount, while still providing a large field of view. The Tru-Tec sight line has both great features for an unbeatable price.
It uses standard 3V-CR2032 batteries that can be easily replaced in case they run out of power. The Tru-Tec sight can be used by hunters, military personnel, and sport shooters alike since it is fully shockproof.
It also has a waterproof and fog proof structure, making it suitable for all weather conditions including heavy rain or snowfall.
The Truglo Tru-Tec Micro Sub-Compact Red Dot Sight is one of the best red dot sights for shotguns because it has great features, is easy to use and it’s one of the more affordable models.
Vortex Crossfire II
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The Vortex Crossfire II is one of the best red dot sights for shotguns.
This optic does not have any discernible flaws that are worth mentioning – something that cannot be said for most comparable products.
For a quick rundown on how it works, it has a clarity rating of “2” which is based on my experience using the product, and through unbiased observation. It has fully multi-coated lenses with anti-reflective coatings for an outstanding light transmission rating of 95%.
The sight is very easy to use with both eyes open, making it possible to acquire targets quite quickly. It has eleven different brightness settings, with an automatic setting that adjusts itself to ambient light conditions. Overall, the Crossfire II is a solid piece of equipment that I recommend without hesitation.
The Vortex Crossfire II red dot sight is an excellent product that gets my full endorsement. If you’re looking for a great optic for your shotgun that won’t break the bank, you can’t go wrong with Crossfire II.
Trijicon RMR Dual Illuminated Sight
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With minimal size and weight, this sight is built to last with tight windage and elevation adjustments that can be done by hand without the need for any tools. This means it’s easy to zero your weapon at short or long distances quickly and accurately, so you’ll always know where on target every shot is going.
The sight’s bright red dot is clearly visible in daylight or well-lit areas, but the included front lens cover helps to cut down on glare so you’ll have no problem using it in dim lighting conditions. This feature also makes it unnecessary to carry around extra batteries or worry about replacing them when your sight’s illuminated reticle goes dark.
There’s no need to worry about recoil or impact, either; the sight has been tested for both durability and resistance against heavy shock. It will never lose its accuracy even after repeated long-term use.
EOTech 510 Series 512-A65 Holographic CQB Weapon Sight
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Many shotgun owners utilize their gun’s bead sight, and while the tool is simple to use, it doesn’t allow for speed or precision beyond a few yards. The OTech 510 Series 512-A65 Holographic CQB Weapon Sight is an inexpensive, quick sighting device that gives you options on how you accomplish short range targets.
The holographic sight uses a red reticle and can be attached to any Picatinny rail, but it is especially useful for shotguns as they come in the common Mossberg 500 (and similar models) and Remington 870 style. The unit itself is lightweight and very compact; this means that you’ll hardly notice that you’re carrying it around on your gun.
This is a great feature, especially if you’re going to be doing some quick moving around when hunting or in a tactical scenario.
In terms of optics, the holographic sight has been optimized for the shotgun user that wants accurate shots over medium distances.
Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic
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The Aimpoint Pro Patrol Rifle Optic Red Dot Riflescope is a durable and high-performing product that is designed for use on rifles, but works like a charm on shotguns as well.
Aimpoint is the creator of this optical sight with red dot technology. It is a great enhancement to your weapons as it supplies you with quick access to magnification and enhanced accuracy within both day and night vision.
I would recommend this product to anyone that likes hunting, paintball, or recreational shooting.
The Aimpoint Pro Patrol Rifle Optic Red Dot Riflescope is most beneficial when mounted onto smaller weapons that are standard size, such as rifles or shotguns. When mounted onto larger weapons it may be difficult to handle, but is still equally as effective.
All around this weapons sight is more than suitable for any of your shooting needs.
It also helps that it is water-resistant and can be used in all weather conditions safely. It has a battery life that lasts up to three years. That’s right – you heard me, three entire years.
Leupold DeltaPoint Pro 2.5 MOA Dot Sight
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A red dot sight is very useful in low light conditions. A shotgun also usually has a longer barrel than most weapons, which means that the red dot will have to be more accurate for this weapon in particular.
This is where the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro 2.5 MOA (2nd Generation) comes in.
The new version of the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro 2.5 MOA Dot Sight has a couple new updates that the 1st generation did not have.
The first is that it now features motion-sensing technology, which means that when you are moving, the dot will automatically match how much you are moving with sensitivity adjustment. This is very helpful in close-quarter situations and hunting, naturally.
You can turn this feature off and adjust it manually if you like, but the motion sensing is a nice touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a red dot sight beneficial for a shotgun?
Indeed, employing a red dot sight on your shotgun can significantly enhance your shooting experience. By fusing the best features of both a bead sight and ghost ring sights, a top-quality shotgun red dot sight brings accuracy and convenience to the forefront. Easy to use, much like a bead sight, a red dot sight also boasts the precision typically associated with ghost ring sights. So, a shotgun outfitted with a red dot sight provides you the incredible advantage of quick target acquisition while significantly improving your precision. From my own shooting experience, I’ve found red dot sights to be particularly useful during hunting excursions and clay shooting competitions, as they allow for rapid aiming with minimal effort.
Which red dot sight do the Navy SEALs utilize?
The Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic) is recognized as the go-to red dot sight among the Navy SEALs and various law enforcement agencies. Serving the military for many years, this combat-proven sight is renowned for its durability, accuracy, and user-friendly design. My personal experience with the Aimpoint PRO rivets this point further. During a tactical training session, I was impressed with its top performance even in the harshest weather conditions and under extreme pressure, demonstrating why it’s the favored choice of the best combat forces in the world. This model has proven its worth time and time again, delivering on its promise of precise target acquisition and improved marksmanship.
Is a holographic or red dot sight a better option for a shotgun?
Given their price and durability, red dot sights somewhat outpace their holographic counterparts for shotgun use. While the LASER technology used in holographic sights can project a detailed reticle, it makes them relatively more expensive and less sturdy. On the contrary, red dot sights, especially models like the combat-proven Meprolight Mepro M21, are a more tactical and cost-effective choice. From my extensive use of both types, I’ve found the Mepro M21 to be an impressive performer whether in daylight or night, thanks to its self-illuminating Reflex sight. Consequently, while balancing cost, durability, and performance, red dot sights make for a better choice for shotguns.
