The Best Optics for Shotguns

Most casual firearm users do not consider using anything other than the traditional adjusting iron sights on shotguns. Shotguns are generally seen as just point-and-pull triggers that anyone can use anywhere. However, shotgun red dot sights can be highly advantageous to shotgunners in certain shooting applications.

Best Optics for Shotguns: Our Top Picks

A potent and helpful weapon is a shotgun. It can be used to hunt various animals, from squirrels to bears, by changing the type of ammunition. It is best used at close range, so it is essential to have a short-range shotgun scope or reflex sight.

A red dot sight is an excellent addition to your shotgun. This works well in all weather conditions and gives you a simple reticle. A bullup shotgun is designed for rapid-fire shooting in close quarters, so adding a red dot makes sense. Your shotgun will handle more quickly, shoot more accurately, and be ready to use rain or shine when you have the proper red dot.

GGD RMR Red Dot Sight


Look no further if you’re looking for a high-quality red dot sight for your shotgun. But if you don’t want to spend too much money, you should check out this sight from Gun Gear Depot. It has a strong build and is made from high-quality materials. The lens is also perfect and delivers excellent resolution. It can handle low light conditions well, and the LED red dot is very bright.

This scope has 1x magnification, which is good for defending your home. The rails and lens casing can withstand the recoil of a shotgun, and the scope will stay zeroed in.

This site is perfect for shotguns. It has a 3V CR2032 lithium battery and comes with a cleaning cloth, box, 1913 mount, and Glock mount so that it can fit on more handgun models. It is also very affordable and rugged. This site is excellent for turkey season because of its rheostat-controlled brightness feature.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Compact, strong optics
  • Green/red reticles
  • High-quality materials to Mil-Spec standards
  • Fast target acquisition

Cons

  • Only 1x magnification
  • Only one color

SIG Sauer Romeo 5


The SIG Sauer Romeo 5 is an excellent value for the money. It is less expensive than other red dot sights, but it is just as bright, adjustable, and durable. Its IPX-7 waterproof rating is also superior to most of its rivals.

That said, the red dot on this picture was not made by SIG Sauer but by Holosun. Holosun makes the sights for SIG Sauer. Motion Activated Illumination is one of the SIG Sauer Romeo 5’s most intriguing features. That is, as long as the sight is activated, it will turn off after an extended period of inactivity. However, when it detects motion, it will automatically turn back on (such as when you pick up the rifle sights),

This feature is helpful because it means you don’t have to worry about turning the sight on and off. It will turn off automatically after some time so that the battery life will last longer. However, the motion-activated illumination system won’t work when the sight is turned off. So make sure always to leave it on.

This sight also comes with a Co-Witness Riser Mount, which helps clear space so you can still see your open sights or flip-up sights while using the sight. To put it another way, you can turn off the red dot while still aligning your rifle’s rear sights with the front sight via the sight picture.

The SIG Sauer Romeo 5 is affordable for those needing a high-quality, bright, adjustable, and durable red dot for their semi-automatic rifle.

Pros

  • Multiple brightness settings
  • Fairly priced
  • Comes With Motion Activated Illumination
  • 40,000-hour continuous battery life
  • Designed to attach to Picatinny rails
  • Very compact and lightweight
  • Very durable construction
  • Ships with co-witness riser mount

Cons

  • Only 1x Magnification

EOTech 512 Holographic Weapons Sight


This shotgun reflex sight is great if you want something better than what you expect. It is a good choice for shotguns because it covers all the needs of someone in different situations, like in a tactical or hunting scenario.

This EOTech holographic sight’s reticle has a 65 MOA ring with a 1MOA red dot. It makes it easy to target your enemy quickly. The site also has a large rear aperture window that gives you a wide field view. You can adjust the reticle’s brightness to 20 different levels to see it clearly in any condition.

This site is very durable. It is made of high-quality aluminum and will not easily get knocked off or damaged. It is also waterproof- you can even submerge it in water up to 10′, and it will still work correctly. This site is also straightforward to install on any gun with a Picatinny or Weaver-style rail.

The windage and elevation adjustments on this variable scope are excellent. You can make them if you know you will precisely shoot at a longer distance. They are clearly labeled, so you will know what to do. The sight adjustments hold well, so your shots will not change during normal use of the scope/firearm.

This shotgun optics has a very long battery life. It also has an auto-reticle shutdown that helps to conserve battery life. In terms of holographic sights, this model is heavier and longer in overall length than other models. It is not an issue when used alone. Still, space may be limited if you want to mount a magnifier or other accessories.

Pros

  • Excellent reticle illumination
  • Extremely rugged and weather resistant
  • Fast target acquisition
  • Holds zero

Cons

  • It takes up a lot of rail space.

Aimpoint Micro T-2 Sight


The Aimpoint Micro T-2 is the best shotgun red dot sight on the market. It is more expensive than most other sights, but it is worth the price. The lenses are not perfectly matched, but they are still better than most other sights. You will get excellent light transmission and a clear image in any lighting situation.

This shotgun red dot sight is highly durable. It is made of aluminum and has been hard anodized. It means it can stand up to bumps, scrapes, and recoil. It is also very compact and light. It weighs only 3.7 ounces, which makes it nearly weightless.

The reticle is illuminated, and you can switch it to 8 brightness levels. The reticle will stay crisp at all brightness levels. It makes it good for use in different light settings. It also works well with night vision equipment, making it perfect for tactical use.

It is a true 1X scope that allows you to see with both eyes. It makes it easy to shoot accurately. It also has a wide field of view, even when you are focusing solely on the scope. In addition, this good scope is fog and waterproof. It can be submerged in water up to 80’ and still work well. Plus, the battery life on this scope is incredible. You will not need to change the batteries for hundreds of hours.

It is an overall good red dot sight. It is simple to use and install. You won’t have to worry about losing accuracy once it’s mounted and zeroed in.

Pros

  • Light and compact
  • Incredible optics and reticle
  • Very durable
  • Shock, water, and fog proof
  • Excellent battery life
  • Easy to mount and use

Cons

  • It costs some money.

Trijicon RMR Shotgun Optic


If you want to go as light as possible, the Trijicon RMR is a good choice for an optic. Shotguns are simple weapons that have a limited effective range. They work well when used up close. You don’t need a large optic to make them effective.

The Trijicon RMR is a small, red dot sight that is also very tough. It is widely used by the military and has been proven to work well. The Trijicon RMR has a dot that is easy to see and quick to find. If you use slugs instead, it is also compact enough to be accurate. You can move more quickly and accurately thanks to this dot and micro-optic combination, and—what’s even better—your platform doesn’t gain much weight.

The Trijicon RMR is a reticle sight system that responds to any brightness level. You can see the reticle clearly, no matter what time of day it is. A single CR2032 battery powers the Trijicon RMR, and regular use can extend its life to two years.

The Trijicon RMR is a tough and waterproof optic that can handle being shot tens of thousands of times. It’s well-made, rugged, and can withstand rain and recoil without any problems. It’s an excellent choice for mini red dot sights on shotguns because it’s lightweight and low profile.

TruGlo Tru-Tec 30mm


The Tru-Tec 30mm red dot is an excellent choice if you are looking for an affordable optic that is also easy to use. This new tactical line from TruGlo is impressive, and the 30mm size makes it perfect for handguns or rifles.

This red dot shotgun scope is very easy to use on a shotgun. It is long, strong, and straightforward to control. The 2 MOA reticle is exceptionally sharp. A red dot with a small MOA is ideal for downrange slug or buckshot firing.

There are benefits and drawbacks to the smaller dot. Smaller dots like these are simple to use at longer ranges or on smaller targets, though bigger dots are typically faster to get on target. The Tru-Tec would be ideal for someone who uses a shotgun for hunting.

The CNC-machined Tru-Tec is a fogproof, waterproof, and shockproof design. The device has a side-mounted battery compartment that houses a single CR123A battery. For low and high light levels, the Tru-Tec has 12 brightness settings. The tiny dot’s broad range of view made it simple to observe small wildlife like rabbits, squirrels, and even birds. The dot is also accurate enough to fire slugs 150 yards at deer. Of course, the dot is still handy with buckshot.

The Tru-Tec is ready to work without any extra work from you. It is easy to use on any shotgun. The design is simple, which makes it strong. Anyone can use it without needing special instructions.

The controls are simple and easy to understand–two buttons that do what you expect them to do. The adjustment caps are attached so you don’t lose them, and the integral mount makes it easy to connect to any standard shotgun scope rail.

It works well and has been tested tough. TruGlo optics are not made for use in the military, but the Tru-Tec is more than capable of handling the home defense.

Burris FastFire 3


If you want a less expensive micro red dot sight, the Burris FastFire 3 is a good choice. This small, light red dot sight is designed for quick shooting, and shotguns are excellent weapons for quick shooting. The Burris FastFire 3 can replace the front iron sight/bead sight on a standard shotgun.

Burris produces a variety of different mounting system options. Specialized shotgun mounts that let you mount the optic in-between the stock and receiver fall under this category. This gives you a shotgun-friendly, extremely low-profile sighting option. You will perform better in low light than any other bead sight or iron sight because it perfectly lines up with the front bead sight of your typical shotgun.

It is possible to mount the FastFire on conventional shotgun scope rails. There are three manual settings on the Burris FastFire 3: low, moderate, and bright. Additionally, an automatic mode monitors the surrounding lighting conditions and modifies the reflex optic’s elevation and reticle.

The automatic setting is very responsive. It makes the light change quickly. The 3 MOA version is easier to catch and more adaptable. The 8 MOA version might be suitable for close-range shooting, but it might be too large for slug shooting. The FastFire three is a small, dependable shotgun accessory that works great.

Burris FastFire 3


If you want a less expensive micro red dot sight, the Burris FastFire 3 is a good choice. This small, light red dot sight is designed for quick shooting, and shotguns are excellent weapons for quick shooting. The Burris FastFire 3 can replace the front iron sight/bead sight on a standard shotgun.

Burris produces a variety of different mounting system options. Specialized shotgun mounts that let you mount the optic in-between the stock and receiver fall under this category. This gives you a shotgun-friendly, extremely low-profile sighting option. You will perform better in low light than any other bead sight or iron sight because it perfectly lines up with the front bead sight of your typical shotgun.

It is possible to mount the FastFire on conventional shotgun scope rails. There are three manual settings on the Burris FastFire 3: low, moderate, and bright. Additionally, an automatic mode monitors the surrounding lighting conditions and modifies the reflex optic’s elevation and reticle.

The automatic setting is very responsive. It makes the light change quickly. The 3 MOA version is easier to catch and more adaptable. The 8 MOA version might be suitable for close-range shooting, but it might be too large for slug shooting. The FastFire three is a small, dependable shotgun accessory that works great.

Vortex Viper Red Dot Sight


Vortex is a brand that is known for providing value and performance. We chose the Viper Red Dot Sight for our best-value red dot for shotguns. This low-profile red dot is excellent for co-witnessing with iron sights. It features Vortex’s reliable anti-reflective coatings on all of its air-to-glass surfaces. Plus, it’s parallax-free and offers unlimited eye relief.

The Viper red dot sight is shockproof to withstand your shotgun’s heavy recoil. However, there is one downside- you need to remove the optic or the rear sight when adjusting its windage and elevation knobs. It would have been better if it was located at the top or side.

Holosun HS510C


Holosun optics are some of the best Chinese optics available. They are professional-grade designs suitable for home defense or tactical shotguns, not cheap and subpar. A holographic red dot optic with an Eotech-inspired reticle is called the HS510C. A 65 MOA ring surrounds a 2 MOA dot in the center of this reticle. Additionally, you can switch between combinations containing only dots, rings, and only dots.

If you often switch between slugs and buckshot, a scope with a dot for slugs and a ring for buckshot could be helpful. This would allow you to take precision shots at close range with the slug and then use the ring to estimate your shot spread at a more extended range when using buckshot.

The Holosun HS510C has two ways to power it. You can use solar power or batteries. Solar power works 90% of the time, and the batteries work the other 10%. The power system switches smoothly between solar and battery power. The battery lasts 50,000 hours, which is a lot of time. The titanium alloy used to create the Holosun HS510C. It is sturdy and has a frame that resists shock, making it simple to put on and take off. For how well it is made, it is also reasonably priced.

This optic is good for pump actions, semi-autos, and single shots. It is more tactical, but it can also be used for hunting. The HS510C is waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof. Plus, it has a great warranty.

Bullpup Guns are great for many purposes. People use them for home defense, the police, and the military. They can also be used for hunting, 3-Gun competitions, trap shooting, and skeet shooting. Putting the right optic on your gun can make a difference in how well you do.

Shotgun Optics Buyers Guide


Durability

If you’re using a reflex sight or red dot shotgun sight on a shotgun, you’ll need to ensure that the firearm can handle the recoil from heavy loads.

Many of these sights use electronics. You must pick a sight that can absorb the recoil without losing function or your zero setting. It would help if you used slugs or a choke to produce a tight pattern. If you are shooting loads with a widespread pattern, then holding zero is not as important. Regardless of how many rounds you fire, the sights on our recommended list won’t break under the force of the recoil.

Lenses

These sights were explicitly made to increase precision and readability in dim lighting. Lenses should be scratch-proof and abrasion-resistant while still allowing the most light through.

True 1X

You will not be shooting anything over 100 yards away for most shotgun purposes. These sights are designed to help you aim more precisely and shoot in different light conditions more accurately. They also allow you to keep both eyes open, a standard component of a true 1X sight. These sights were explicitly made to increase precision and readability in dim lighting. Lenses should be scratch-proof and abrasion-resistant while still allowing the most light through.

Red Dot

The reticle must be clear and sharp at all light levels, regardless of the type of sight you use. It takes away from the benefits of using shotgun sights if it is blurry. In addition, it is essential to be aware of the range of available brightness settings. Adjusting the brightness quickly in the field can be very helpful.

Additionally, you should be aware of the battery life of these scopes and keep a rough estimate of the amount of life you have used. High-quality sights will have battery lives measured in the hundreds of hours. Nonetheless, you must take charge as well. For long-term cost savings and battery life, some scopes feature automatic shutoffs.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Best Optic For Shotgun

Is a Red Dot Good for a Shotgun?

Shotguns can be very accurate. It is especially true when you use a red dot sight. It will help you shoot faster and more accurately. You will be able to handle any situation you might encounter better.

Can You Put an Optic on a Shotgun?

The ventilated rib of a shotgun is the ideal place to install an optic mount, and TRUGLO provides mounts for both locations. The rib mount installation offers shooters an excellent way to install a mount on a shotgun that does not have pre-drilled receiver holes for this type of mounting.

What Is the Function of Rear Sight?

The rear sight is used to aim the gun. It is typically more advanced than the front sight and helps you line up the gun with the target.

Do You Need Backup Iron Sights?

Sights are not necessary on a rifle only for target shooting or hunting unless your optic breaks. But on a rifle for survival or defensive purposes, you want the backup iron sight available just in case your primary optic fails.

Are Ghost Ring Sights Good on a Shotgun?

Ghost ring sights are best used with shotguns(or rifles). Shotguns and ghost rings are better for close combat than other sights because they’re faster and more accurate. It makes them good together for short-range shooting.

How Important Is a Peep Sight?

Using peep sights can help you stay accurate when shooting your bow. Like any sport, it is important to stick to the basics and have a routine. Changing your anchor point without realizing it can be easy, drastically reducing your accuracy.

Are Fiber Optic Sights Worth Getting?

Fiber-optic sights can be used on handguns and shotguns. They work well as front sights on shotguns. With a handgun, you might use them as back or front sights.

What Is the Proper Relationship Between the Front and Rear Sights?

The front and rear sights must be aligned with the target. When aligned correctly, the front sight will be in the middle of the rear sight, and both sights will be level with each other.

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