Best Red Dot for Shotgun – 2021 Round-up

Are you looking to improve your shooting accuracy and wondering how to improve your aim? 

It’s best to shoot with both eyes open in a tactical situation, and when you need to acquire targets fast, you need a red dot sight

That’s why we’re here to tell you about the best red dot for shotgun.

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Best overall
  • Features parallax-free 1x magnification to allow accurate both-eyes-open shooting
  • Compact and lightweight, without affecting firearm handling or balance
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  • Best value for the money
  • Red and green dot color lets shooters choose to their personal preference
  • 6,000-hour battery life at minimum brightness setting / 300 hours at maximum brightness
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  • Best red dot scope for turkey shotgun
  • Sealed, reflex-style sight designed to provide quick target acquisition
  • Designed for both eyes open shooting for maximum situational awareness
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  • Best red dot sight for shotgun deer hunting
  • Make adjustments without changing your sighting position with easy-to-use illumination and power controls
  • Features 10 brightness settings allowing for clear targeting in any background color or light level
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  • Best red dot sight for the money
  • Eliminates reflection and avoids compromising your position with a high-tech emerald coating
  • Provides superior clarity and target acquisition while being adaptable for any weather
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  • Designed using law enforcement and military intel
  • The sealed design makes it snow/rain/mud/sand/dustproof, and cutting edge lens coatings improve dot shape and clarity
  • Features front and transparent rear protective flip-covers and comes with integrated mount
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What Is a Red Dot for Shotgun, and What Is It Used For?

A red dot optic is excellent in close quarters, especially in low light, allowing shooters to gain a sight picture faster than magnified optics. A red dot also keeps users’ shooting eye from being strained because it lets you shoot with both eyes open. A red dot is also built to last and designed to improve your accuracy.

What Should I Look for When Buying a Red Dot for Shotgun?

Having the right red dot sight for your shotgun can make or break your hunting experience, so it’s important to keep these three items in mind when choosing the best red dot sight for you.

Good Visuals

The best red dot for shotgun should provide a bright picture, no matter how dark or bright your surroundings. Red dot sights are for shooting with both eyes open, so magnifiers aren’t required.

Sturdy Lenses

A good set of lenses in a red dot sight should allow maximum light transmission, even in dimly lit areas. Lenses should also be sturdy enough to withstand being knocked around some without moving or being scratched. The best lenses are at least fog resistant, if not shockproof, and weatherproof.

Durability

A red dot sight should be able to absorb the shock from recoil. They should be easy to zero and should also hold the zero setting easily, even after hours of firing.

Review of the Best Red Dot for Shotgun

Don’t settle for the first red dot you find. We’ve made a list of some of the best red dot optics available. Keep reading to find out more about the best red dot for shotgun!

Top Pick

Burris FastFire III Red Dot Reflex Sight

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers say that this red dot sight is both affordable and high-quality. They also report that it’s easy to zero, and the zero isn’t affected by recoil. Users have also enjoyed how lightweight it is and how easy it was to install on their shotgun. One issue that arose for customers is that the battery cap is difficult to maneuver, making it hard to replace the battery.

Why It Stands Out to Us

This sight has simple controls and is versatile for several types of guns, including rifles, pistols, and shotguns. It’s easy to aim and acquire targets faster with the bright red dot. The light sensor auto-adjusts to your environment and includes three manual brightness settings. 

This model offers unlimited eye relief and has high-grade, durable optical glass. This sight also stands out because Burris optics come with a Forever Warranty and will be repaired or replaced, no questions asked, without charging you or needing a receipt. 

Bottom Line

This sight is the best because of the low-light auto adjust, how easy it is to change the battery via the top access, and its shockproof durability against years of recoil. This sight is also versatile and fits on several different types of guns.

Best Budget Option

Vortex OPMOD StrikeFire II 4 MOA Red/Green Dot with Cantilever AR-15 Mount

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers have loved how easy this sight is to set up and use. They also reported that recoil doesn’t make it lose its zero, either. They loved the visibility of the dot and how it changes color, but don’t like that there’s not a clear switch that denotes “red” or “green.” Customers are pleased this sight also comes with an unlimited lifetime warranty.

Why It Stands Out to Us

This sight comes in an exclusive tan color and offers a unique feature that allows users to switch between a green or red dot. This sight features a flip-up lens cap, and the battery is easy to install and replace. Its glass doesn’t condensate or fog in hot or cold temperatures and has fully multi-coated lenses for protection. 

This red/green dot is parallax-free, and the adjustable dot intensity lets users choose from ten varying illumination settings, with the lowest two being night-vision compatible. This sight also maximizes its battery life with a 12-hour auto-shutdown feature. 

Bottom Line

This red/green dot is waterproof, weather-resistant, and the sturdy construction stands up against recoil and impact. It’s lightweight, compact, and has extensive battery life. Its glass surfaces are also covered with multiple anti-reflective coatings to increase light transmission.

Best Red Dot Scope for Turkey Shotgun

Trijicon MRO 1x25mm Reflex Sight w/2.0 MOA Dot Reticle

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

According to recent buyers, this sight is built like a tank. They love that it’s easy to mount and has uniquely designed turrets. They’ve also reported that it has a long battery life and a wider objective lens, which is good for countering the feeling of looking through a tube. For users, the only downfall is this sight doesn’t come with a lens cap.

Why It Stands Out to Us

This compact, solid sight with multiple settings makes it easy to adjust the dot illumination, so it works great in bright daylight and with night vision. The brightness, windage, and elevation adjustment knobs are easy to use. The window is big, the glass is high quality and high clarity, and the red dot is crisp. 

This sight functions well, even in rough conditions, and it holds its zero perfectly. The sight’s low profile also allows excellent peripheral vision. You may need to buy the lens cap separately, but it’s hard to beat this red dot’s value for an overall moderate price. 

Bottom Line

The field of view sets the Trijicon MRO apart from other red dot sights. It has quick target acquisition, zero retention, and the glass clarity is comparable to more expensive models. Overall, it’s a great red dot for the price.

Best Red Dot Sight for Shotgun Deer Hunting

Vortex Venom 1×26.5mm Red Dot Sight

 

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers report that this sight is easily mountable, easy to zero, and even holds zero with recoil. They love how crisp the image and dot appear, as well as the manual or automatic brightness options so everything can be set exactly how they like it. Customers also report that changing the battery is easy and doesn’t require removing the entire sight.

Why It Stands Out to Us

This sight is lightweight, easy to install, and easy to use. It has high-quality glass, and the red dot is easy to locate. The larger window size makes target acquisition faster and easier, especially for those who have waning eyesight. 

This sight is built like a tank and comes with a low profile mount. The intuitive auto-brightness adjustments are a nice bonus as well. Overall, this sight stands out because you can adjust the ten brightness settings without moving the sight, and the battery loads from the top, making it easy to change.

Bottom Line

This sight is high in value while being low in price. It’s rugged with a hard anodized finish and is both waterproof and shockproof. Not to mention this red dot sight comes with an unlimited lifetime warranty.

Best Red Dot Sight for the Money

Leapers UTG 5th Gen 4” ITA Red/Green Dot Sight w/2 QD Mounts & Lens Caps

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers love that the sight comes with flip-up cover caps, as well as an adjustable mount. Users have noted that it holds zero well and will remain zeroed in after removal and re-installation. They also like getting to choose between having a red or green dot but don’t like that the sight doesn’t automatically turn off.

Why It Stands Out to Us

This sight is lightweight, compact, and easy to mount on strong, steady, quick detach mounts. It’s easy to zero without tools, and it’s easy to change its battery. The optics are clear, and the brightness settings are fully adjustable. 

This sight also lets users pick between a red or green dot. It comes with everything you need, and the adjustments are easy to understand. The adjustment turrets can also be locked, which is especially great when using this sight on rifles with heavy recoil. Overall, this sight is one of the most affordable and accurate options available.

Bottom Line

This sight is compatible with shotguns, pistols, and rifles. It’s great for hunting, competition, and tactical shooting. It’s easy to customize with two different mounts, and the emerald coating keeps users camouflaged. Overall, this sight is high in value while being low in price.

Aimpoint Micro T-2 Red Dot Sight

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers have reported this sight as being lightweight yet super durable. They love the easy installation and sturdy metal thread inserts, too. Users report being able to shoot accurately without needing magnification, thanks to this sight. The only downfall of this sight is that it’s a bit more expensive than some others on the market.

Why It Stands Out to Us

This sight is made of high strength aluminum and is ideal for tactical applications. This sight is rugged and able to withstand extreme conditions while also being user friendly. It comes with a transparent rear and front flip-up lens cover and features reinforced turrets. 

This sight also features eight daylight settings and four settings compatible with night vision. It has a great battery life, is parallax free, and offers unlimited eye relief. You can use it as a standalone sight or even with larger thermal or magnifying optics. This product stands out because it’s high in quality and it increases your aiming confidence.

Bottom Line

Although it’s on the pricier side, this sight is worth it. The dot is crisp, has a long battery life, and is sealed against all elements. This sight also comes with a two-year warranty.

What Do I Need to Know Before Buying a Red Dot Shotgun?

There are a few key things you need to know about buying a red dot shotgun.

Your Weapon

It’s important to make sure that the red dot sight you choose can withstand the recoil from your weapon and not lose zero. You should also make sure that you are able to mount your red dot on your weapon without issues.

Batteries

The battery of your red dot should be easy to change, and you should be able to buy replacements easily. Also, consider the battery life when choosing the best red dot for a shotgun.

Size

Red dot sights take up space and can add weight to your weapons. It’s important to look for red dot sights that are lightweight and compact to not inconvenience yourself when shooting.

Price

Although it’s usually true that you get what you pay for, some optics are both valuable and affordable. It’s best to shop around and check out reviews before making your final decision. Luckily our guide above gives you a great place to start.

Conclusion

Hopefully, now you feel better prepared to select the best red dot for shotgun. Just remember to look for a red dot that is dependable, sturdy, and easy on your eyes.

People Also Ask

There are so many things to consider when buying a red dot for your shotgun. If you still have questions, hopefully, the following answers will help clear things up for you!

What’s Better—Red Dot Or Holographic?

Holographic sights are more complicated and expensive, so red dot sights are really the way to go. They’re more affordable, smaller, and more powerful in comparison to holographic sights.

Do You Really Need Night Sights?

Though technically not necessary, night sights are certainly helpful to have, especially in the chance of shooting in low or no light. Night sights make your life easier and, in some cases, may be just the thing to take your shooting from so-so to extremely accurate.

Joseph Fox

Joseph Fox

Joseph Fox writes on a variety of topics ranging from reloading ammunition to gun cleaning. He has been featured on various publications like thetruthaboutguns, Sofrep & many more. Joseph is also the founder of Gunloading, where he reviews different types of reloading & firearm products available on the market.