You may ask yourself, “why do I need the best shotgun scope?” Let’s put you in the situation. You have, for example, a Benelli 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun that you really like. It’s light, balanced, and allows you to make quick and precise shots. But what is the problem? It falls short for the beats, and you don’t want to use it for fear of losing a piece in a slightly long cast.
The truth is that you can use a shotgun to go to a skeet shooting, for example, and not return empty-handed. And what we can expect from this type of weapon and ammunition is a good shot at 100 yards. In this article, we will see the best models of red dot or shotgun scopes, and we will analyze everything you need to get one. For a shotgun scope to be of good quality, it must meet a few technical criteria such as magnification, objective diameter, and field of view, which are all three factors for the success of your shots when hunting or shooting.
More features: 1/4 MOA finger click; 6061-T6 Aircraft Quality Aluminum; Twilight Light Management System; waterproof and fog-proof
The Leupold models belonging to the VX-Freedom range are the best choice for hunters and shooters looking for a quality scope while spending as little as possible. The American brand makes available to hunters and shooters a series of scopes that will provide the best images with contrasting colors at an unbeatable price.
The Leupold VX-Freedom offers superior performance to other models in the same price range. This is due to the use of high-quality materials, such as 6061-T6 aeronautical aluminum for the scope body.
The lenses of the Leupold VX-Freedom offer great image clarity with unbeatable sharpness thanks to the brand’s own Twilight Max treatment, with which the user will be able to see more in low light conditions.
The Leupold model VX-Freedom 2-7×33 1-inch, mounts a reticle Firedot Duplex. It is made of aircraft aluminum, providing strength and lightness.
This model of scope has been subjected to the so-called Punisher, a machine manufactured by Leupold that simulates the recoil of a weapon. Each model is subjected to 5,000 hits, and each hit has a force three times that of a .308 Win caliber rifle. It has a military-grade protective coating, protecting the visor from scratches, dirt, water, and fingerprints. It is extremely durable. The reticle (FireDot Duplex) in the second focal plane is illuminated.
More features: waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof; fully multi-coated optics; second focal plane reticle; XD lens elements
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 scope is very versatile. Its various magnifications make it to be suitable for both hunting and shotgun competitions. Its use is primarily intended for AR rifles. This scope has a tactical reticle that allows ballistic calculations. Also, the reticle is in the foreground focal plane. Hence, the reticle increases in size proportionally as the user increases the magnification of their viewfinder.
The scope’s reticle is kept in the background and is suitable for ballistic calculations at maximum magnification. This is extremely advantageous for intuitive close-up shots and long-range calculations, which will be used at maximum magnification.
This scope has a 100 MOA of travel by turning the elevation and drift turrets when adjusting the scope, assuming 44 MOA of adjustment for each complete rotation. Although its variable magnifications allow this scope to be useful at multiple distances, this viewfinder achieves the sharpest and most accurate image from 91 meters away. In terms of resistance, this visor is purged with nitrogen, avoiding fogging and thermal contrast during use.
More features: 0.25 MOA adjustment click value; fully-coated optics; rubber eye-guard; non-reflective matte finish
The Truglo Scope is an excellent model for hunters looking for deers and turkeys. It is made from aircraft-grade aluminum to provide durable, scratch-resistant material in a matte, non-reflective finish. So it is optimal for hunting and shooting. This model is one of the best shotgun scopes on a budget.
It has fingertip lift as well as roll adjustments. This is one of the best shotgun scopes for shooting turkeys as well as deer.
Objective lens diameter measures 32 millimeters. The magnification can be adjusted four times and it has a diamond ballistics reticle. The tube diameter is 1 inch and the exit pupil measures 8 millimeters. A linear field of view of 24 feet can be achieved at just 100 yards.
It can handle a 3-inch mag shotgun well as it is designed for increasing shotgun recoils. It’s one of the best turkey shotgun scopes.
More features: aircraft-grade aluminum construction; fully multi-coated optics; second focal plane reticle; precision-glide erector system
The Vortex Diamondback Rimfire is constructed from a single block of 7075 aeronautical aluminum, trade named Ergal. It’s a material formed by an alloy of aluminum and zinc mainly used in aeronautical constructions. This makes the body solid, resistant to shocks, and recoil that produces the weapon after the shot. It has an opaque surface with low reflection and helps to camouflage the shooter’s position. Its dimensions reach a length of 29.46 cm for a weight that is around 403 gr.
The magnification ranges from a minimum of 2X to a maximum of 7X. The lens pack can be described as ‘a good lens pack.’ It’s a 35mm diameter lens with a Precision Glide system. This ensures the components of the lens/zoom mechanism slide smoothly and cleanly through all ranges of magnification. It has a field of view ranging from 64.3 to 19.3 Feet/100 yards.
The focusing system with Rapid Focus eyepiece allows you to focus quickly and uniformly. The lenses are completely multi-coated. This increases the brightness and maintains excellent color fidelity.
The reticle is placed in the second focal plane also called the Second Plane. It allows you to always maintain the same magnification of the reticle even when you change the zoom.
Thanks to the Argon gas inside, it allows the use of the product without ever suffering from lens fogging.
More features: second focal plane reticle; fully multi-coated optics; IPX7 waterproof
The Styrka S3 Shotgun Scope has a 2–7x32mm magnification and objective diameter. Sold for a reasonable price, it provides crisp and bright views in all types of weather during outdoor hunting. The riflescope has a lightweight but durable aluminum material that is aircraft grade.
This ensures it is waterproof and fog proof in all types of conditions. The optical system is fully multi-coated and brings about the maximum brightness, sharpness, contrast, and clarity. It has an MOA reticle and a fast-focus eyepiece.
You can use it to hunt upland birds and waterfowls.
More features: second focal plane reticle; IPX-7 waterproof and fogproof; anti-reflective optical coating; innovative KinETHIC kinetic energy transfer indicator; motion-activated illumination
The Sierra3BDX system, you will understand, is intended for hunters on the approach or the lookout, especially in the mountains. You just need to identify your object, measure the distance between you using the rangefinder, press a single button (the one that allows you to take the measurement) and you’re done.
The rangefinder communicates the distance to your optics which will automatically calculate the arrow of the bullet and therefore the correction to be made. The blue light point on the bezel is displayed fixed when the bezel has correctly recorded the range finder measurement.
The luminous redpoint, initially present in the center of the cross, will then move on the longitudinal axis. Note that an adjustment ring on the scope allows the parallax to be adjusted, and thus ensure an even more precise shot. You just have to turn it in increments of 100m.
The BDX system makes long-range shooting really simple and can open the door to new horizons for hunters who are not particularly used to it.
More features: waterproof and fog proof; side-adjustable windage and elevation; fully-coated optics; extra rigid shockproof construction
This Barska model is a compact contour scope with a black matte finish. The 2×20 Scope has a 30/30 reticle with an MOA adjustment. Resistantly built, it is waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof. The optics are fully coated and its two-time magnification ensures adaptability to a lot of shooting activities.
The contour scope provides low magnification which ensures it’s perfect for close-range shootings with the pistol, crossbow, or a Rimfire.
Compact in dimensions, the parallax settings are relatively low and offer a clear advantage for hunters and shooters.
This has a 10-millimeter eyepiece and a field of view of 100 yards that can be gotten at 10.5 feet.
More features: fully multi-coated optics; 1/4-inch windage and elevation adjustments; waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof; 11 dot brightness intensity settings; fast-focus eyebell; limited lifetime warranty
Perfect for shooting deers, the Mueller Multishot Waterproof scope is a 2-7x32mm device that was designed for those who need the versatility in a multifunctional scope.
Ideal for a crossbow or crossbow for any big game, the riflescope can be mounted on any firearm. This is thanks to the versatile reticle features. You can use it as a bullet drop compensator or rangefinder for muzzleloaders and slug guns. The dot is designed for large games such as bears, elk, and deer. However, sighting with this is the same as any standard rifle scope.
At the price level of highly crafted scopes with unparalleled accuracy, the Mueller model is available for half the price of most models. It features an ocular lens with a larger diameter for an even wider field of view.
Take for example you’re looking for the best pump shotgun scopes for Mossberg 500 shotguns, then you have to look at the devices in a completely different dimension. A shotgun scope is not like any other on the market. In this section, we’ll elucidate further on everything you need to buy a shotgun scope.
Some of the advantages of mounting a riflescope on a shotgun include the fact that the reticles allow you to identify your target without having to play guessing games.
With these scopes, you are not tempted to get up to check the movement of the bird or other game animal. As many hunters have learned, this is one of the main reasons for losing that seemingly safe bird. It never hurts to have a clearer vision of your goal.
Whether you’re looking for the best shotgun scopes for turkey hunting or whitetail, a sight can improve your game to the point where you’ll wonder how you managed without one. Although installing a scope on your weapon can add a small amount of weight, it more than makes up for it by making your hike through the woods or entering a shotgun competition that much more profitable and worthwhile.
There are a few factors and characteristics that will determine whether you will be completely satisfied with your new scope. Compare the different telescope models very precisely, using the following aspects, which we will explain in detail below:
The magnification range and objective diameter are important numbers to watch out for. The diameter of the lens is given in millimeters. Compact glasses also have a smaller lens. This is not necessarily a disadvantage. While being able to aim and shoot quickly is important to you, a compact shotgun scope like the Barska 2x20mm 30/30 Ret. Compact Contour Scope is very useful. Goggles suitable for in-car hunting have a relatively small lens diameter of 24 to 30 millimeters.
The larger the lens, the brighter it is. A larger lens is especially ideal for hunting and stalking.
The magnification is the zoom factor. It is a key issue before buying a scope. If you don’t need the telescope to observe but only to shoot, a maximum magnification of eighteen times is sufficient.
For long distances, a magnification factor of up to 24 or more is very good for observing your target. For relaxed shooting: If you shoot at a high magnification at short distances such as 300 meters, you will rock yourself.
This means you can see how your stopping point changes due to your breathing and muscle tension. They start to fight it. This is called “tipping”. With lower magnification, you just shoot more relaxed.
The field of view ranges from models to models. However, a field of view of 30 yards at 100 yards out at about four inches of eye relief is ideal.
The eye relief implies the distance between your eyes and the scope during use. A scope with eye relief is ideal for spectacle wearers. The average distance accepted by the industry is around 3½ inches.
A shotgun scope or red dot doesn’t have to be as long as other traditional scopes. An ideal length ranges from the eight inches of the TruGlo 4x32mm Shotgun Scope and the 12 inches of the Sig Sauer Sierra3BDX 2.5-8x30mm Rifle Scope. Remember that when the scope is too long, it contributes to the weight.
You can recognize a good reticle by the fact that the bars, threads, and lettering are still clearly recognizable, even in poor lighting conditions. Additionally, you should be able to capture the target accurately. This means that the center of the reticle should be easily recognizable. The reticle bars should not be too thick, to cover the image as little as possible. Fine lines are the best, but they are visible.
Choosing the right thermal reticle for your weapon’s scope can make the difference between a successful or missed shot. You take every step of the hunt seriously, making key decisions before the object leaves the aisle: wear a suitable model, get in and see your favorite optic, and find the perfect place to set up.
Tip: A good thing is a reticle with illumination, which you can adjust to suit the ambient light. Also, a distance estimation scale is a very useful feature.
For outdoor use or all-weather use, don’t settle for anything with water permeability. From the Styrka 2-7x32mm S3 Shotgun Riflescope, Barska 2x20mm 30/30, to the Mueller Optical 2-7x32mm Multishot Riflescope, we’ve seen that a good shotgun scope must be water-sealed. It must also be shock and fog proof.
Always treat yourself to a luminous point! The first time you have an adjustable illuminated dot in the middle of the reticle, especially when it gets dark, that’s a real revelation and you don’t want anything else, because the gray in the (almost) night multiplied by the fine reticle is added to the unstructured background blurs, potentiated with the excitement of a detected movement. And now the fine luminous point comes into play. Here, it is important to pay attention that the dot (luminous point) can best be adjusted continuously from brightly bright for hunting in the blazing sun of midsummer to thin glowing for hunting in almost darkness.
Here we have to come back to the image level. For integrated illuminated dot reticles, we expressly recommend the 2nd image level for the reticle. The small illuminated dot should not change its size when the magnification is turned up and thus not cover the entire body of the game.
The part in your rifle scope is the part where you look through into. With a fast or quick focus eyepiece, you’ll have faster diopter settings. With this type, you can simultaneously adjusts the diopter settings to rotate in favor of your eyes, the reticle, as well as the image.
Our Editor’s Choice is the Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 1-inch Riflescope. We like how it offers superior performance due to the use of very high-quality materials, such as 6061-T6 aeronautical aluminum for the scope body. The lenses of the Leupold VX-Freedom also offer great image clarity with unbeatable sharpness thanks to the brand’s own Twilight Max treatment.
Our Premium Pick is the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 Riflescope. It is a very versatile scope. Its various magnifications make it to be suitable for both hunting and shotgun competitions. Its use is primarily intended for AR rifles.
The TruGlo 4x32mm Shotgun Scope is one of the best shotgun scopes you can choose if you want the best value for money. The Truglo Scope is an excellent model for hunters looking for deers and turkeys. It is made from aircraft-grade aluminum to provide durable, scratch-resistant material in a matte, non-reflective finish.
About us 
Contact Us