10 Best Red Dot Sight for Tactical Shotgun in 2024 | Keep Focus On Target

Mounting a red dot sight on your shotgun can seem unusual or even unnecessary. This is mainly because they are considered weapons for short-range shooting. However, using a scope opens you up to a world of various possibilities.

When paired with a red dot sight, your aiming accuracy increases greatly. Not only is this useful to tactical situations but also for hunting quick animals like turkey or deer. The red dot allows you to line up your shot precisely, even when your target is moving.

Investing in the best red dot sight for tactical shotgun requires tons of research. To save your time, we have compiled a list of our top picks. So without further ado, let’s check it out!

Benefits Of Using Red Dot Sights On Shotguns

Picking out a red dot sight that suits your shooting needs can bring you tons of other benefits other than enhancing your aim.

• Quick Focus

As a hunter, you will come across many situations in which you haven’t been able to take an accurate shot because of awkward positioning. Readjusting or taking a quick shot can be difficult in these cases. However, with the help of a shotgun sight, you can easily look through the scope and use the crosshair to aim.

The way these sights are designed offers the best comfort when aiming while placing emphasis on quick scoping capabilities. When paired with your shotgun, sights will come in handy in very critical situations.

• Visibility

Hunting knows no day or night when you feel the need to go out in the woods. While it might be easy to get clear shots during the day, visibility is a major challenge at night. Using a shotgun red dot sight makes it easier for you to place your crosshair in dark situations, even when you can only see the silhouette of your target.

This gives you somewhat of an upper hand over fast-moving targets. Not only are you camouflaged, but with a scope attached, you have better chances of hitting the target in a single shot.

• Low Maintenance

Another benefit that doubles as a reason for purchasing a red dot sight are its maintenance-free operation. Be careful when choosing your preferred scope, as some do require maintenance. Most cheap red dot sights face longevity issues when they aren’t handled with care.

On the other hand, the sights which cost more tend to have a wider range of features while also requiring little to no maintenance. Even if you don’t use your scope religiously, it won’t hurt to have some extra help in case you need it.

The 10 Best Red Dot Sight For Tactical Shotgun Reviews

So without making you wait for longer, here are our top picks for tactical shotgun sights. We hope the following will help you choose the sight that suits you best.

1. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope

Starting off our list, we have this red dot riflescope from Bushnell. With versatility in its core, the scoped sight can be used for all sorts of shooting activities.

Bushnell excelled in itsability to make heavy-duty sights. Only the best quality metal goes into manufacturing each sight. This is the ideal material to withstand the wear and tear your sight will face when it is exposed to outdoor conditions.

Featuring an easy to mount design, the sight will attach itself onto most Picatinny rails. This makes it compatible with a number of well-known tactical shotguns and rifles alike. For those of you who are new to hunting, attaching this sight will be a piece of cake.

What’s more, the Trophy TRS-25 offers you 11 different brightness settings. This is very useful in low light situations where visibility can be challenging. Adjusting the brightness will only require you to turn the dial according to your needs.

When hunting in the woods, you need to be prepared for all the things mother nature might throw at you. And so, you need a sight that is resistant to water and fog as they can cloud your lens. The TRS-25 features a nitrogen purged waterproof and fogproof, which blocks out any sort of moisture from seeping into the sight.

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2. Sig Sauer SOR52001 Romeo5 2 Moa Red Dot Sight

Compact and durable are two words that describe this next red dot sight from Sig Sauer. Romeo 5 is well-known in the world of rifles for its innovative features and battery efficiency.

Right out the box, you will notice the heavy-duty aluminum construction of the sight. In order to give you effortless aiming performance, the sight has been made to be lightweight. This way, no extra weight is being added to your shotgun. The Aluminum is much lighter than other kinds of metal and is also durable.

Sig Sauer’s newest innovations in the Motion Activated Illumination (MOTAC) feature. The Romeo 5 is truly one of the top options for the best red dot for shotgun when it comes to battery efficiency.

The MOTAC system is programmed to sense movement around the device and turn it on automatically. When kept still for long hours, the sight will turn itself off.

In addition, the lens has anti-reflection coatings to prevent any sort of scratches that might hinder visibility. The Spectracoat not only reduces the chances of scratching it also maximizes light transmission to give you clear fields of view.

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3. Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sights

Venom 3 from Vortex Optics is great for those of you looking into sights with unique design and a good lineup of features. The body of the sight comes with bright white decals that make it stand out.

For starters, we should place emphasis on the years of experience that Vortex Optics possesses in this field. Venom 3 is just another proof of their expertise.

This red dot sight is specifically designed for medium-range shooting, making it perfect for any tactical shotgun. The 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustment settings offer a personalized shooting experience.

When looking for the best red dot sight for shotgun deer hunting, you will always need to place a keen eye on the brightness settings. This sight comes with tenadjustable settings that let you control the light intensity according to your surroundings.

Furthermore, the lens has a range of coatings to prevent any sort of scratches or damage. The design of the lens gives you a wider field of view than most red dot sights in the market. You will truly get some good first-time shots using this sight because of the clarity and easy to control settings.

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4. CVLIFE 1X22X33 Reflex Sight

Hunters need to be well adjusted to aiming at fast-moving targets. The animals will never sit still for you, so you need to shoot right and shoot fast. The 1X22X33 sight from CVLife focuses mainly on quick aiming with its wide field of view.

Whenever you purchase a scope, you shouldn’t have to spend hours trying to figure out how everything works. This sight has an overall easy to use design with dials and knobs that make using it a breeze.

In addition, you can use the reticle knob to easily switch between four different kinds of crosshairs. This aids the versatility of the sight as it lets you test out other types of reticles, allowing you to thoroughly choose one that’s right for you.

Furthermore, you will be able to change the color of the reticle as well! The sight comes with the two most basic color options, red and green. This aids the flexibility as each color of the crosshair is well suited to a specific lighting condition.

For example, in dark situations, using the red crosshair will give you better results thanthe green one.

Moreover, unlike certain red dot sights in the market, the 1X22X33 does not feature a tube design. The tube body restricts your field of vision to help you focus on your shot. Since you’ll be using a shotgun, the wide field of vision helps you line up your shot easier.

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5. HOLOSUN HS403C Solar Red Dot Micro Sight

Hate having to run out of power when lining up your shots? Well, the Holosun HS403C packs two power systems, so you never run out (at least not anytime soon).

To begin with, the brand Holosun has always tried to stay true to itsname. Trying to integrate the use of solar power into all of their products has allowed them to make quite a name in the market.

The HS403C allows you to switch from battery power to solar power. This is a great option to have in case of emergencies when your battery fails you.

Moving on, the size of the red dot is 2 MOA, which is actually more than adequate for your tactical shotgun. Packed into an Aluminum alloy shell, the sight is very lightweight and durable. The seal around the creases isso secured that the sight claims to be entirely waterproof while holding the zero after multiple rounds.

Surprisingly, the sight not only features tenbrightness settings for the day but also two separate ones for nighttime as well. Night Vision settings are important when you’re hunting in low light or even at no light at all.

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6. Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Reflex Sight

With relentless performance as their tagline, Leupold sights are living examples of top-notch performance without any compromise. The DeltaPoint Pro is so well designed that it will put even the best reflex sight for shotgun to rest. Let us tell you exactly why this has made it to our list.

For starters, the sight comes with a new generation motion sensor technology. Much like the MOTAC system in Sig Sauer’s Romeo 5 sight, this sensor will automatically detect motion and switch your red dot on.

Don’t worry about turning off your sight after use because the DeltaPoint will do that on its own. Programmed to shut off after 5 minutes of inactivity, it saves you tons of battery life.

What’s more, Leupoldhasintegrated a brightness sensor within sight to detect which setting would be most appropriate. In most sights, you would have to adjust the brightness with dials and knobs, but this one does it for you. If you don’t like the auto-adjustment feature, you have the option of tweaking it manually.

Moving on, high-quality sights need to be weather resistant. Made of high-quality Aluminum alloy, the body of the sight is well sealed to prevent any moisture from seeping in. So you can choose to go to the coldest parts of the world or even the hottest without having to worry about the performance of your sight.

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7. Feyachi RS-30 Reflex Sight

This next reflex sight from Feyachi is quite versatile when it comes to mounting it on different firearms. Capable of attaching to both a weaver and Picatinny mount makes it compatible with firearms of all sorts.

To begin with, the RS-30 comes with a dial that lets you alternate between 4 different reticles. The reticle plays an important role in the aiming accuracy and comfort of the shooter. So, you can experiment with each reticle pattern and find one that suits you best.

In addition, the 40-millimeter reflex lens provides a crisp and clear view ofyour target. Also, the large lens allows you to maintain your situational awareness with a wider field of view. Having a wider field of view can give you an edge as quick aiming is key when taking down fast targets.

Moreover, the all-metal build ensures a long lifetime and shock resistance. Placing a sight onto your tactical shotgun, exposes it to heavy recoil, which can damage the sight after firing a few rounds. But with the RS-30, you can keep firing as much as you want without running your sight to the ground.

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8. Predator V3 Micro Red Dot Sight

The Predator V3 by Tacticon has been around for much of recent years. Take it from us;it has most certainly made its way up the ladders. Constructed with only the best quality materials, this sight was built to last you for the long haul.

For starters, the reflex sight is well adapted toany sort of lighting condition you are in. Low or harsh lighting conditions are no match for the adjustable brightness settings within the Predator V3. The 11 presets for brightness are well optimized to give you the best clarity and the brightest 2 MOA red dot.

In addition, you can easily mount this device to your rifle or shotgun as it fits in both Picatinny and Weaver rail sections. This saves you costs as you don’t have to buy separate sights for different rifles. Also, this rids you of any compatibility issues you might face with the sight.

Moreover, you can easily adjust the elevation and windage according to your surroundings in order to get precise shots. Using the dials, you will be able to obtain a perfect zero in no time.

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9. AT3 Tactical ARO Micro Red Dot Sight

For those of you looking into sights that are compact but do not compromise on the features packed into them, this next red dot sight should be a treat.

The ARO Micro Red dot sight from AT3 Tactical offers clear on-target shots and long-lasting battery life. Packed within the body is a multi-coated lens that keeps your vision clear while keeping the bright 3 MOA dot placed in the center.

What’s more, the sight is very versatile, as it can fit itself onto rifles, pistols, and shotguns. Compatible with only Picatinny mounts, this sight will easily slide on without much hassle. Once you place it, you won’t even have to take it off to reload batteries as it features a top-loading system.

Furthermore, it features a very compact design with a weight of only 1.8oz. This is perfect for hunters that need to keep moving and take loads of shots in awkward positions. Adding extra weight or length to your shotgun can bring you to a place of discomfort when taking quick shots.

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10. Ade Advanced Optics RD3-009-2 Red Dot Sights

After releasing in 2014, Ade Advanced Optics has made quite the name in the market by providing their customers with high-quality sights that have outperformed some of the longest-running brands. The RD3-009-2 is another addition to their set of red dot sights, and we certainly believe it will not fail you.

For starters, they have reinvented their designs in order to give you a more sturdy sight. This not only means that it can perform better, but it is resistant to any shocks your tactical shotgun might throw at it.

What’s more, elevation and windage levels are fully adjustable in this sight, giving you the power to tweak it to your needs. You also have the ability to lock your settings in place, eliminating the need to readjust after every shot.

The lenses have been polished to exact geometries, which will rid any chances of parallax errors, giving you a clear and crisp view. As the build quality is sturdy, you can rest assured that water and fog will not be able to meddle with your sight at all.

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Buyer’s Guide For Red Dot Sights

Before you run off to buy what you think is the best red dot sight for tactical shotgun, there are certain factors you need to consider.

Let’s check them out!

Lens Quality

The lens is hands down one of the most important parts of your red dot sight. Other than allowing you to see your target and aim better, it should also enhance visibility in low light settings.

The best quality scopes will maximize the light transmission to give you a clearer shot. Also, the lens needs to be resistant to scratches;else, you wouldn’t be able to see through them clearly after years of use.

Durability

As with most gun components, you need to thoroughly analyze the durability features. Since you’re spending quite a bit on trying to purchase the right scope, you need it to last you for the long haul.

Red dot sights, along with other scopes, have electronics within them that can malfunction due to the recoil of your tactical shotgun. You need to pay attention to the scope’s ability to handle the recoil while maintaining your shotgun’s zero settings.

Battery Life

A scope can go weeks without the need to change batteries. It all depends on the configuration you use when hunting. For instance, having high brightness settings will consume more battery power.

At the end of the day, you will need to keep a close eye on how much power you have consumed. Your best bet is to always carry an extra battery just in case. Newer versions of the sights usually come with features like auto shutdown, which reduces battery consumption.

True 1X Capabilities

This goes without saying that tactical shotguns are short-range weapons. The red dot range goes beyond your shotgun’s range of a little over 100 yards. And so, you should check for true 1X sights to maximize comfort and precision.

These sights will enhance your shooting experience in a wide range of lighting conditions. Also, you wouldn’t even need to squint when taking your shot, which is a basic component of the true 1X sights.

Red Dot Sight vs Holographic Sight

When we begin to compare red dot sights to holographic sights, we must first understand the main differences between the two. With a clear concept of the distinguishable traits each possesses, you will be able to choose one that suits you best.

• How Are They different?

Generally, red dot sights run simple mechanics whereas, the holographic sights are far more complex. Using an LED emitter, a beam is sent towards the front glass, which reflects back to you as a dot or reticle.

As for holographic sights, LED emitters are replaced with a setup of lasers and mirrors to relay the hologram to your eyes.

• Size

The simplicity in the configuration of red dot sights allows them to be compact in size. Mounting a lightweight red dot sight on your tactical shotgun will give you quick aiming without carrying extra weight.

As for holographic sights, they tend to be larger in size to make space for the mirrors. Unlike the red dot, these sights are not available in handgun mountable versions.

• Power Usage

By now, it should be pretty evident that the red dots use the least bit of power when compared to holographic sights. The LEDs used in the sight use only a fraction of the power it takes to fuel the lasers in the holographic sights.

And so, you can expect to use your red dot sight for almost upto 3 to 4 years! But the holographic sight will only give you around 500 to 1000 hours of battery life.

Reflex Sight vs Red Dot Sight

The red dot sight and reflex sight have been in close comparison for the longest time. However, you must understand that the reflex sight is also a type of red dot sight.

Surprising right? Well, let us clear the confusion. Basically, every sight you see that uses a red dot is a red dot sight. It is like an umbrella term under which we can place the holographic, prism, and also the reflex sights. Any sight using a red dot is a red dot sight.

• How Are They Different?

As we have already mentioned above, the red dot sight has a built-in LED emitter, which sends a beam to the front glass to display the dot. The mechanics in a reflex sight are not vastly different.

Similar to the red dot, it has an LED thatprojects the light onto the lens. The light creates a dot that is reflected from the lens onto your eyes. Yes, we know, it’s almost as simple as the red dot sight.

• Size

Reflex sights come in tons of different sizes due to the simplicity of their inner mechanics. Unlike the holographic sights, the red dot and reflex sight come in compact and lightweight forms.

The old school tube design of the reflex sight houses all the components well enough while taking up the listed amount of space on your mounting rail.

• Power Consumption

The rate at which both the sights consume power is somewhat similar, given the fact that they work in similar ways. You can expect to obtain some bit of extra power on your red dot if you really want to compare, but it won’t be that significant of a gain.

Red Dot Sight vs Scope

Since we are talking about using red dot sights on a tactical shotgun, you should know that scope is not the best option. The difference between the red dot and scope is the magnification power. The lens on the scope will have a magnifyingpower to give you a closer shot at a target that is far away.

You already know by now how short the shotgun shooting range is when compared to rifles. The magnifying characteristic of the scope would be a hassle rather than an advantage in this case due to the heavy recoil.

• Size

As the scope offers magnification, the body is shaped like a long tube. The higher the magnification power you choose, the longer the scope size. What you need to also take into account is the weight. Unlike red dots, scopes can be quite heavy due to their high-quality build.

Red dots are much more compact and portable when compared to scopes. The body of the scope tends to take up loads of space on your rail, even if it is a basic 2x scope. But with red dots, you have enough space to add tons of other accessories after mounting them.

• Battery Usage

Much like the holographic sight, a scope can only last about a few hundred hours. Unlike the efficient battery consumption of the red dot sight, scopes need to use more power to give you a clear field of vision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Should I use a scope on my shotgun?

Shotguns, by default, are short-range weapons. This omits the need for a scope as you will experience heavy recoil. Using scopes will not benefit you as the shotgun range is not that high.

2. Is the Red dot sight better than a reflex?

A reflex sight is one version of a red dot sight. While they run similar mechanics inside, which one is better depends entirely on the user.

3. Which red dot sights are the military using?

Most of the sights used in the military are supplied by either EOTech or Aimpoint. This entirely depends on the type of weaponry they use and their own set of requirements.

4. What distance should I zero my red dot sight?

50 yards is the optimal distance to zero for a beginner as well as intermediates.

Final Verdict

Indeed it is a tough spot you’re in when choosing the best red dot sight for tactical shotgun. However, the first step is to know the purpose you will be using the sight for and listing down some of your basic requirements. After that, it should be easy to come to a decision.

We don’t usually play favorites, but the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 red dot sight is a good choice for anyone. Given the high-quality lens construction and adjustable brightness features, this is one sight that will stay with you for the long haul.

In any case, all the sights listed above are well built and tested to give the best shooting experience. We hope this article will help you choose the right red dot sight for your shooting needs.

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