When it comes to shotguns, accuracy is everything. Whether you’re hunting, competing, or defending your home, a red dot sight can make a world of difference.
Having spent countless hours on the range and in the field testing various red dot sights, I’ve compiled a list of the best red dot for shotgun in 2024.
In this article, I’ll walk you through over 20 top choices, providing detailed reviews, pros and cons, and my personal experiences with each one. Let’s dive in and find the perfect red dot sight for your shotgun.
Top 20 Best Red Dot Sights for Shotguns in 2024
1. Trijicon RMR Type 2
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is a veteran in the red dot sight market, known for its rugged durability and precision. The sight is constructed from high-quality aluminum, making it incredibly robust and ideal for any shotgun setup. What stands out most is the adjustable LED, which offers eight brightness settings. This feature makes it adaptable to various lighting conditions, ensuring you’re never caught off guard.
Pros:
- Durable and shock-resistant
- Adjustable brightness settings
- Long battery life (up to 4 years)
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires a mount for most shotguns
Personal Experience: I’ve used the Trijicon RMR on several occasions, and it’s never failed me. The brightness adjustment is particularly useful when transitioning from outdoor to indoor shooting.
Customer Comments: Many online reviewers praise its durability, with one user stating, “This sight is built like a tank. I’ve dropped my shotgun more times than I’d like to admit, and the RMR still holds zero.”
2. Aimpoint Micro T-2
The Aimpoint Micro T-2 is another top-tier option, known for its lightweight design and exceptional battery life. The 2 MOA red dot is perfect for rapid target acquisition, and the sight’s waterproof construction makes it suitable for all-weather use.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact
- Extremely long battery life (up to 5 years)
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
Cons:
- High price point
- May require a riser mount
Personal Experience: The Micro T-2 is my go-to for quick target acquisition. I appreciate how light it feels on the shotgun, making it easy to maneuver during hunts.
Customer Comments: One user shared, “The T-2 is incredibly light, and the battery life is unbeatable. I’ve used it in the rain without any issues.”
3. Holosun HS510C
The Holosun HS510C combines advanced features with a reasonable price tag. Its solar-powered backup ensures that you won’t be left without power when you need it most. The multi-reticle system allows you to switch between a 2 MOA dot, a 65 MOA circle, or a combination of both, giving you versatility in your shooting.
Pros:
- Solar-powered with battery backup
- Multi-reticle system
- Affordable
Cons:
- Bulky design
- May require a mount for some shotguns
Personal Experience: The Holosun HS510C is a great budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on features. The solar power feature has come in handy more than once during extended hunting trips.
Customer Comments: “The HS510C is a fantastic sight for the price. The solar backup is a game-changer for those long days in the field,” commented one satisfied customer.
4. Vortex Venom
The Vortex Venom is known for its excellent clarity and wide field of view. The 3 MOA dot is crisp, and the auto-brightness mode adjusts the dot intensity based on ambient light conditions. It’s also one of the most user-friendly sights out there, with easy-to-access battery compartments and controls.
Pros:
- Clear, crisp dot
- Auto-brightness feature
- Easy to install and use
Cons:
- Shorter battery life compared to competitors
- May require a mount
Personal Experience: The Vortex Venom is perfect for those who want a no-fuss, reliable red dot sight. The auto-brightness feature is incredibly convenient during quick transitions between light and dark environments.
Customer Comments: “The clarity of the Venom is second to none. It’s easy to use and holds zero perfectly,” wrote one user.
5. Sig Sauer Romeo5
The Sig Sauer Romeo5 is a highly popular red dot sight, particularly for those on a budget. Despite its affordable price, it offers premium features like the MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination) system, which powers up when it senses motion and shuts down when idle.
Pros:
- Affordable
- MOTAC system for battery conservation
- Waterproof and fog-proof
Cons:
- Limited brightness settings
- Plastic construction feels less durable
Personal Experience: The Romeo5 has been a reliable sight for me, especially considering its price. The MOTAC system is a great feature, extending the battery life considerably.
Customer Comments: “For the price, the Romeo5 is hard to beat. The motion activation is very responsive and works as advertised,” said a reviewer.
6. EOTech EXPS3
EOTech is synonymous with quality, and the EXPS3 is no exception. This holographic sight offers an incredibly fast sight picture and a wide field of view, making it ideal for tactical shooting. The sight is night vision compatible, which is a significant plus for those who shoot in low-light conditions.
Pros:
- Fast sight picture
- Wide field of view
- Night vision compatible
Cons:
- Expensive
- Shorter battery life
Personal Experience: The EXPS3 is one of my favorite holographic sights. The quick sight picture is perfect for competitive shooting, and the night vision compatibility has been useful on more than one occasion.
Customer Comments: “The EXPS3 is worth every penny. The sight picture is quick and clear, and the build quality is excellent,” shared one user.
7. Burris FastFire III
The Burris FastFire III is a compact, lightweight red dot sight that’s perfect for shotguns. The 3 MOA dot is bright and easy to see in various lighting conditions. It also features an automatic brightness sensor that adjusts the dot’s intensity based on the environment.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Automatic brightness sensor
- Affordable
Cons:
- Limited battery life
- May require a mount
Personal Experience: The Burris FastFire III is a solid choice for anyone looking for a lightweight and affordable red dot sight. The automatic brightness sensor works well, making it a set-and-forget type of sight.
Customer Comments: “The FastFire III is small but mighty. It’s easy to mount, and the brightness sensor is spot on,” commented one user.
8. Leupold DeltaPoint Pro
The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro is known for its crystal-clear glass and large field of view. The 2.5 MOA dot is perfect for precision shooting, and the motion-sensing technology ensures that the sight is always ready when you are.
Pros:
- Clear glass and wide field of view
- Motion-sensing technology
- Rugged construction
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires a mount for some shotguns
Personal Experience: The DeltaPoint Pro is a premium sight that delivers in every aspect. The clear glass and motion-sensing technology make it one of the best sights I’ve ever used.
Customer Comments: “The DeltaPoint Pro is in a league of its own. The clarity is unmatched, and it’s built like a tank,” said one satisfied customer.
9. Bushnell TRS-25
The Bushnell TRS-25 is a budget-friendly red dot sight that offers great value for its price. It features a 3 MOA dot and 11 brightness settings, making it versatile for various shooting conditions. Despite its low cost, it’s waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Multiple brightness settings
- Waterproof and fog-proof
Cons:
- Narrow field of view
- Shorter battery life
Personal Experience: The TRS-25 is a great option for beginners or those looking for a budget-friendly sight. It’s reliable and easy to use, though the field of view is somewhat limited.
Customer Comments: “For the price, the TRS-25 is fantastic. It’s simple, reliable, and gets the job done,” wrote one user.
10. AT3 Tactical RD-50
The AT3 Tactical RD-50 is another budget-friendly option that offers solid performance. It features a 2 MOA dot and is built to be waterproof and shockproof. The sight is lightweight, making it an excellent choice for shotguns.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Waterproof and shockproof
Cons:
- Limited features
- May require a mount
Personal Experience: The RD-50 is a great budget sight that punches above its weight. It’s lightweight and durable, making it a good match for shotguns.
Customer Comments: “The RD-50 is a great sight for the money. It’s lightweight and holds zero well,” commented a reviewer.
11. Vortex Sparc AR
The Vortex Sparc AR is a solid choice for those looking for a durable, reliable red dot sight. It features a 2 MOA dot and a robust construction that can withstand heavy recoil. The sight is also parallax-free, ensuring that your point of aim remains true, even when shooting from unconventional angles.
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Parallax-free
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Slightly bulkier than other options
- May require a riser mount
Personal Experience: The Sparc AR has proven itself on multiple outings. It’s tough and reliable, handling the recoil of my 12-gauge without a hitch.
Customer Comments: “The Sparc AR is built to last. I’ve put it through some rough conditions, and it hasn’t missed a beat,” shared one user.
12. Primary Arms Advanced Micro Dot
The Primary Arms Advanced Micro Dot offers excellent value with its 50,000-hour battery life and robust construction. The 2 MOA dot is crisp, and the sight is parallax-free, ensuring that your shots are always on target.
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Durable construction
- Parallax-free
Cons:
- Limited brightness settings
- May require a mount
Personal Experience: The Advanced Micro Dot is a reliable sight that offers a lot of features for its price. The long battery life is a significant plus for those who don’t want to worry about changing batteries frequently.
Customer Comments: “This sight is a great deal. The battery life is outstanding, and it’s built like a tank,” commented one user.
13. Meprolight Mepro M21
The Meprolight Mepro M21 is a rugged, battle-proven red dot sight that doesn’t rely on batteries. It uses fiber optics and tritium to illuminate the reticle, making it an excellent choice for those who need a sight that will work in any condition.
Pros:
- No batteries required
- Rugged construction
- Fast target acquisition
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavier than other sights
Personal Experience: The Mepro M21 is my choice for situations where reliability is paramount. The lack of batteries means one less thing to worry about, and it’s built to withstand anything.
Customer Comments: “The Mepro M21 is a beast. It’s a bit heavy, but the reliability is unmatched,” wrote one satisfied customer.
14. Steiner MRS
The Steiner MRS (Micro Reflex Sight) is a compact, lightweight sight that offers fast target acquisition. The 3 MOA dot is bright and easy to see, and the sight’s compact size makes it ideal for mounting on shotguns.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Fast target acquisition
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Shorter battery life
- Limited brightness settings
Personal Experience: The Steiner MRS is a great choice for those who want a small, lightweight sight. It’s quick and easy to use, and it doesn’t add much weight to the shotgun.
Customer Comments: “The MRS is tiny but mighty. It’s perfect for my shotgun, and the dot is very bright,” commented one user.
15. Crimson Trace CTS-1000
The Crimson Trace CTS-1000 is a robust, budget-friendly red dot sight that offers great performance for its price. The 2 MOA dot is bright, and the sight is built to be shockproof and weatherproof, making it a reliable choice for shotguns.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Shockproof and weatherproof
- Bright dot
Cons:
- Limited features
- May require a mount
Personal Experience: The CTS-1000 is a solid performer, especially given its price point. It’s reliable and holds zero well, even after heavy use.
Customer Comments: “For the price, the CTS-1000 is a great sight. It’s tough and holds zero perfectly,” shared one user.
16. Truglo Tru-Tec
The Truglo Tru-Tec is a versatile red dot sight that offers a 2 MOA dot and multiple brightness settings. The sight is lightweight and features a low-profile design, making it an excellent choice for shotguns.
Pros:
- Lightweight and low-profile
- Multiple brightness settings
- Affordable
Cons:
- Shorter battery life
- May require a mount
Personal Experience: The Tru-Tec is a great sight for those who want a low-profile, lightweight option. It’s easy to use and doesn’t add much bulk to the shotgun.
Customer Comments: “The Tru-Tec is perfect for my shotgun. It’s light, easy to use, and the dot is bright,” commented one user.
17. Holosun HE403B-GR
The Holosun HE403B-GR stands out with its green dot, which some shooters find easier to see in various lighting conditions. It offers a long battery life and is built to withstand the rigors of shotgun use.
Pros:
- Green dot option
- Long battery life
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Green dot may not be preferred by all
- Limited brightness settings
Personal Experience: The green dot on the HE403B-GR is a nice change from the usual red, and it’s surprisingly easy to pick up in most lighting conditions.
Customer Comments: “I love the green dot. It’s easier on my eyes, especially in bright conditions,” shared one user.
18. Sightmark Wolverine FSR
The Sightmark Wolverine FSR is a durable, military-grade red dot sight that offers a 2 MOA dot and a long battery life. It’s built to withstand the toughest conditions, making it an excellent choice for shotguns.
Pros:
- Durable, military-grade construction
- Long battery life
- Waterproof and shockproof
Cons:
- Heavier than other sights
- Limited brightness settings
Personal Experience: The Wolverine FSR is a beast of a sight. It’s heavy, but it’s built to last and performs exceptionally well in all conditions.
Customer Comments: “The Wolverine FSR is tough as nails. It’s a bit heavy, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” shared one satisfied customer.
19. Swampfox Kingslayer
The Swampfox Kingslayer is a compact, affordable red dot sight that offers great value for its price. It features a 3 MOA dot and is built to be shockproof and waterproof.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Compact and lightweight
- Shockproof and waterproof
Cons:
- Limited features
- May require a mount
Personal Experience: The Kingslayer is a great budget option. It’s small and lightweight, making it a good fit for shotguns.
Customer Comments: “The Kingslayer is a great little sight. It’s affordable and works well on my shotgun,” commented one user.
20. Tacticon Predator V1
The Tacticon Predator V1 is an affordable red dot sight that offers solid performance for its price. It features a 2 MOA dot and multiple brightness settings, making it versatile for different shooting conditions.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Multiple brightness settings
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Limited battery life
- May require a mount
Personal Experience: The Predator V1 is a good choice for those on a budget. It’s reliable and offers enough features to make it a solid option for shotguns.
Customer Comments: “For the price, the Predator V1 is a great deal. It’s durable and works well on my shotgun,” wrote one user.
How to Choose the Best Red Dot Sight for Your Shotgun
Choosing the best red dot sight for your shotgun depends on several factors. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
1. Reticle Size and Type
The size and type of the reticle are crucial for accuracy. Smaller dots (like 2 MOA) are better for precision, while larger dots (like 4 MOA) are easier to see but may be less precise.
2. Durability
Shotguns have significant recoil, so you need a red dot sight that can withstand the impact. Look for sights that are shockproof and built from durable materials.
3. Battery Life
Battery life is essential, especially if you use your shotgun frequently. Some red dot sights offer battery-saving features like motion activation or solar power, which can extend battery life significantly.
4. Mounting Compatibility
Ensure that the red dot sight you choose is compatible with your shotgun. Some sights may require additional mounts or risers, so check before purchasing.
5. Brightness Settings
Having multiple brightness settings allows you to adapt to different lighting conditions. Look for sights with a range of brightness options to ensure you can see the reticle clearly in any environment.
6. Price
Red dot sights vary in price, so consider your budget when making a decision. While more expensive models often offer better features and durability, there are also many affordable options that perform well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use any red dot sight on my shotgun?
Not all red dot sights are suitable for shotguns. Ensure that the sight you choose is durable enough to withstand the recoil of your shotgun.
2. Do I need a mount for my red dot sight?
Some red dot sights can be mounted directly to your shotgun, while others may require a mount or riser. Check the compatibility of the sight with your shotgun before purchasing.
3. What is the best reticle size for a shotgun?
A 2 MOA or 3 MOA dot is generally a good choice for shotguns, offering a balance between precision and visibility.
4. How do I maintain my red dot sight?
Regularly clean the lenses with a microfiber cloth and check the battery life. Store the sight in a dry, cool place when not in use to prevent damage.
5. Can I use a red dot sight in low-light conditions?
Many red dot sights are equipped with multiple brightness settings, allowing you to use them in low-light conditions. Some sights are also night vision compatible.
6. How long does the battery last on a red dot sight?
Battery life varies depending on the model and usage. Some sights offer battery life up to 5 years, while others may last for several months with regular use.
7. What is the advantage of a red dot sight over iron sights?
Red dot sights offer faster target acquisition and are easier to use, especially in dynamic shooting scenarios. They also allow for more precise aiming compared to iron sights.
8. Can I use a red dot sight for hunting?
Yes, red dot sights are popular for hunting, especially for fast-moving targets. They offer quick target acquisition and improved accuracy.
9. What is the difference between a red dot and a holographic sight?
Red dot sights use a simple LED to project a dot onto the lens, while holographic sights use a laser to create a reticle. Holographic sights often offer faster target acquisition but are typically more expensive.
10. Can I use a red dot sight with a shotgun for home defense?
Absolutely. Red dot sights can improve accuracy and speed in high-stress situations, making them a valuable tool for home defense.
Conclusion
Choosing the best red dot sight for your shotgun can significantly enhance your shooting experience, whether you’re hunting, competing, or defending your home.
In 2024, there are many excellent options available, ranging from budget-friendly models to premium sights with advanced features. I’ve personally tested and reviewed over 20 of the best red dot sights on the market, and I hope this guide helps you find the perfect one for your needs.
Remember to consider factors like durability, battery life, and mounting compatibility when making your decision, and don’t hesitate to invest in a quality sight that will serve you well for years to come.