Are you in the hunt for the best red dot sight for shotgun? If yes, look no further. In this post, we have a comprehensive review of the best red dot sights for shotguns suitable for every outdoor application.
Shotguns are made for close and medium-quarter shooting. As such, using a quality red dot sight will help better your performance no matter the application you are engaged in. It will aid in rapid target acquisition, increase the use of the firearm drastically, and make you a better shooter/hunter.
However, finding the best red dot sight for a shotgun is no easy task. There is a plethora of units out there which can make the selection process quite daunting, especially for first-time buyers. If you have been looking for the best red dot sight for your favorite shotgun to no avail, we are here to help.
We have compiled a detailed review of the top-rated and top-performing red dot sights that pair perfectly with nearly any shotgun out there. Without wasting any more time, let’s get started.
Best Red Dot Sights for Shotgun
1) Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sights
First up is the Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sight. Adding this micro red dot sight on your shotgun can help promote accurate shooting regardless of the activity you are engaged in. It provides a precise point of aim and ensures that you get shots on target rapidly.
With the 3 MOA reticle, the dot stays visible regardless of the lighting conditions or background. On top of that, the unit has a long battery life and 10 brightness settings to ensure optimal visibility in virtually all light settings. It also features a wide field of view that makes target finding a snap.
Another outstanding feature about the red dot sight is the durable construction. It boasts a ruggedized aluminum housing that is tough enough to withstand rough handling and whatever you throw at it. Better yet, the optic is sealed with O-rings to be moisture proof and dustproof.
The Venom red dot also features high-quality, fully multi-coated lenses which provide clean and brilliant target views from dawn till dusk. The other essential features included are 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustments, top load battery system and an auto-brightness mode.
Features
- 3 MOA dot reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Parallax free
- Water, dust and debris proof
- Robust aluminum housing
- Unlimited eye relief
- 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
- 10 brightness level
- Weaver/Picatinny mounting type
Pros
- Auto-brightness mode.
- Wide and clean field of view
- Lightweight and compact design
- Budget-friendly
- Unlimited, fully transferrable warranty
Cons
- The red dot is not crisp clear
2)Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope
The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 is arguably the best red dot sight for shotgun for the money. It is built with virtually every feature that you need to take full advantage of your shotgun and better your shooting skills.
The unit is made to be operable under any weather. It features nitrogen-purged fog proofing so the lens won’t fog up due to humidity and temperature change. Further, the optics are sealed with strong O-rings to stay dry even when it is raining or when you accidentally immerse it in water.
To complement the all-weather reliability, this red dot sight also features a precision-engineered housing to withstand rough handling in the field. Furthermore, it mounts with ease on most picatinny rails and you can use it with pistols and rifles not just shotguns.
This red dot sight also features a 3 MOA dot reticle with 11 different brightness settings for prime visibility in nearly any light setting.
Features
- Waterproof and fog proof design
- Matte black finish
- 1x magnification
- Shockproof construction
- 3 MOA dot reticle
- 11 brightness settings
Pros
- Easy on the wallet
- Multi-platform compatibility
- Easy to find the dot quickly
- Wide field of view
- Easy to mount and make adjustments
Cons
- The sight can fail when used with heavier rounds
3) Vortex Optics Viper Red Dot Sight – 6 MOA Dot
The Viper 6 MOA red dot sight is an excellent option for hunting due to its smooth operation. It is a simple to operate sight that is a perfect solution for handguns, shotguns and rifles as well.
Featuring a large 6 MOA red dot, the optic will get you on targets rapidly. The dot is large to see even for users with poor eyesight. Further, the power and illumination controls are conveniently placed to ensure ease of access for both right and left hand users. Better yet, the optic has a compact and lightweight design to ensure convenient mobility.
The red dot is built ready for rugged outdoor use. It has a shockproof construction for optimal performance in all conditions and hard anodized finish that keeps it scratch proof and rust resistant. It is also sealed with O-rings to prevent penetration of moisture, dust and debris which can affect its performance.
Furthermore, all Viper red dots feature fully multi-coated lens that optimizes light transfer for a clear and bright field of view. The lens also boasts an Armortek coating on the exterior surface which provides added protection from dirt and scratches.
Above all, this optic possesses 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustments which make sighting it in a snap.
Features
- 6 MOA dot
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Hard anodized finish
- Unlimited eye relief
- Shockproof and waterproof construction
- 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
- Armortek lens coating
Pros
- Admirable optical clarity
- Quick target acquisition
- Lightweight design
- Easily accessible control knobs
- Low height that allows for co-witness with iron sights
Cons
- You have to dismount it from the firearm to change the battery
- The buttons are a little hard to use
4) Sig Sauer SOR52001 Romeo5 1x20mm Red Dot Sight
The Sig Sauer Romeo5 is a 2 MOA red dot sight built to provide accurate aiming solution for any situation. It is designed to mount on any platform for optimal versatility and you can use it for hunting, competitive shooting and law enforcement as well.
The optic is operable during the day and at night as well. This is thanks to the 8 daylight and 2 night vision settings that offer visibility in all light settings. Furthermore, it features a motion activated illumination which offers enhanced battery life and maximum operational safety.
With the unlimited eye relief, the red dot makes target acquisition a walk in the park. It also boasts a robust 1x magnification that increases situational awareness and a SpectraCoat anti-reflective lens coating that reduces surface reflection to ensure optimal light transmission.
To top it all, the Romeo5 red dot sight has a dependable waterproof and fog proof rating for use even in harsh weather conditions.
Features
- Motion activated illumination
- 2 MOA red dot reticle
- 1x magnification
- Waterproof and fog proof
- 10 brightness settings
- Unlimited eye relief
- Integrated M1913 Picatinny interface
Pros
- American quality
- Night vision compatibility
- Long battery life
- Cost-effective
- Ideal for a plethora of applications
Cons
- Outer lens is reflective when viewed from an angle
5) Aimpoint Micro H-2 Red Dot Reflex Sight
When you are looking to improve your aim, you need a quality optic like the Aimpoint Micro H-2 Red Dot Reflex Sight. It will help you acquire targets quickly and deliver accurate shots down the range.
This unit brings to the table an advanced objective lens system which guarantees unmatched optical clarity by enhancing light transmission. It has a 2 MOA dot that offer great accuracy even at long ranges and 12 brightness settings for low light and day bright use. Moreover, it boasts unlimited eye relief that guarantees comfortable shooting and rapid target acquisition with or without eyeglasses.
With a mere weight of 3oz, the optic is ultra-light and portable. When it comes to battery, it runs on a single CR-2032 battery which provides up to 50,000 hours of constant operation. Best of all, it boasts multi-layer, anti-reflective lens coating that generate bright and clear image views in virtually all light settings.
Features
- 1x magnification
- Parallax free
- Submersible to 15feet
- Advanced objective lens system
- 2 MOA dot
- Standard mount for Picatinny and weaver rail
- Multi-layer, anti-reflective lens coating
Pros
- Lens covers included
- Unlimited eye relief
- Lightweight design
- Good battery life
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not night vision compatible
- High cost
6) Trijicon RMR Type 2 3.25 MOA Adjustable Reflex Sight
Another best red dot sight for shotgun on our list is the RMR Type 2 3.25 MOA Adjustable Reflex Sight. Carrying the highly-respected Trijicon name, this ruggedized mini reflex sight gives you the flexibility to engage in CQB situations and be able to switch back to a magnified optic quickly when shooting at extended ranges.
The optic features a crisp 3.25 MOA red dot which offers superior accuracy even at longer ranges. It has 8 brightness adjustable settings for visibility in different light settings and an automatic brightness mode that makes brightness adjustment a snap. For added convenience, the red dot has a lightweight design that enhances mobility and an automatic lock mode that prevents accidental adjustments when you are on the move.
When it comes to construction, the reflex sight is built to be virtually indestructible. It has a military-grade aluminum alloy housing that increases durability by diverting force of impact away from the lens. It also has a ruggedized battery contact and electronics which ensure reliable performance in harsh environments.
Features
- True color multi-coated lens
- 25 MOA dot
- Military-grade aluminum alloy housing
- Battery conservation mode
- Ruggedized and dependable electronic design
- 8 adjustable brightness settings
Pros
- Illumination in any lighting condition
- Lightweight design
- Night vision compatibility
- Multi-platform friendly
Cons
- Quality assurance is poor
7) Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight
Last but not least is the Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight. Adding this optic on your shotgun will aid in quick target acquisition and enhance your odds of placing the shot accurately.
The reflex sight is designed with an illuminated 65 MOA circle-dot reticle that comes with 10 brightness settings. Moreover, it has 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustments optimize precision shooting and an unlimited eye relief that aids in rapid target acquisition. This optic also has an anti-reflective coating that maximizes light transmission for bright and crisp image views.
Construction-wise, the optic features a rugged 6061-T6 aluminum body and a protective shield that cushions it from elements of nature. It also has an internal locking adjustment system to prevent accidental adjustments and an IP68 waterproof rating for use under rain, fog and mist.
Other essential features included are a 12-hour automatic shut-off, parallax corrected optical system and night vision brightness modes.
Features
- Illuminated red 65 MOA circle-dot reticle
- 12-hour automatic shut-off
- Robust 6061-T6 aluminum body
- Scratch resistant and anti-reflective optics
- IP68 waterproof, dust proof and shockproof
- Unlimited eye relief
- Integrated sunshade
Pros
- Night vision compatible
- Excellent durability
- Wide and clear field of view
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Poor battery life
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Criteria for Choosing the Best Red Dot Sight for Shotgun
Whether you are shopping for the first red dot sight for your shotgun or you are looking to get a new and upgraded unit, below are the important factors you should put into consideration before you settle on a specific product.
Durability
The first feature that the best red dot sight for shotgun should have is a robust housing. Shotguns are known to generate high recoil that can destroy a fragile optic. Look for a unit that rated to be shockproof and recoil resistance to stand up to recoil and anything you subject it to.
On top of that, ensure that you choose a unit that is built to be operable in any weather condition. It should be waterproof, dust proof and fog resistant as well. Furthermore, a model that has scratch resistant lenses and a hard anodized finish will enhance durability by offering added protection.
Image Quality
Like any other optic, the red dot sight you choose to get should offer superb image clarity. To achieve this, the red dot sight should possess high-quality glass, a large objective lens and quality anti-reflective lens coatings. The more lens coatings the optic boasts, the sharper, clearer and color-accurate the images will appear.
Dot Size
With red dot sights for shotguns, the size of reticle is an important feature to consider. Typically, the best dot size will depend on your preference and application.
Generally, a small sized red dot of 3 MOA and below will give you a more precise aiming point without obscuring the target. If you are after precision, choose a unit with a small red dot.
On the other hand, larger dots offer faster target acquisition as they are easier to see. If you suffer from poor eyesight, get a unit with a 4 MOA red dot or more.
Battery
The other important factor to consider is the capacity of the battery the red dot sight has. The higher the capacity the better. It will help you achieve the most out of the optic regardless of the brightness setting that you choose to use.
Other than the battery life, you should consider the availability of the battery when you need to do a replacement. Choose a unit whose battery is easy to find in the market.
Brightness
To get the most out of your red dot sight, you will want it to perform in virtually all light settings. To achieve this, you will need a unit that has a wide range of brightness settings.
Multiple brightness settings give you the flexibility to adjust the red dot based on the lighting conditions you find yourself in. Besides, some red dot sights have night vision settings that make them compatible with night vision devices.
Best Red Dot Sight for Shotgun FAQs
- Can you mount a red dot on a 12 gauge shotgun?
Yes, you can put a red dot sight on a 12-gauge shotgun. Doing so will boost your accuracy in the hunting field and help push the shotgun to its full potential.
- Can a red dot sight be used in the dark?
It depends. If the red dot sight has some of its brightness settings to be night vision compatible, then it can be used in the dark.
- Is a red dot worth it on a shotgun?
Absolutely. A red dot sight is one of the most valuable accessories that you should have for your shotgun. It can be really helpful for hunting, self-defense, competition shooting and home defense among other applications.
When you choose the right model, it will enhance the speed at which you acquire the targets and better your shooting accuracy as well.
Final Thoughts
The best red dot sight for shotgun will chiefly depend on the application you purpose to use it for and your preference. Identify your needs then channel your focus on finding a model that matches those needs in the best manner possible. Regardless of the red dot sight that you end up getting, it is our hope that this guide has pointed you in the right direction.