An annual turkey hunt is a pastime that many people across North America enjoy. While turkey hunting is one of my favorite hunts, it can quickly turn into a frustrating experience if you are unable to hit your target. Adding a red dot sight to your shotgun can significantly improve your accuracy out on a hunt. The bad part is there are so many red dots on the market it can be tough to know which is best.
In this post, we’ll make shopping easy by revealing the best red dot scope for turkey shotgun hunting. After spending hours testing 5 different scopes, I determined that HOLOSUN – HS510C Red Dot was the best option. The combination of its rugged design, shake awake technology, great reticle design made it my favorite of the red dots.
We’ll also discuss many of the main factors to be considered when shopping for a brand new turkey hunting optic. These include brightness, durability, price and more!
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The Best Shotgun Red Dot Sights For Turkey-Hunting
After putting each red dot sight to the test, I determined that the following scopes have all of the features required of a good hunting shotgun. All you need to do is choose the shotgun red dot sight that matches your specific preferences and budget!
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- Best Value For Your Money
- Three Reticle Options
- Performs In All Weather Conditions
- Great Adjustability
- Low-Shine To Camouflage During Hunts
- Great In All Weather Conditions
- Budget Friendly
- Quick Target Acquisition
- Easy To Zero
Here are the 5 best turkey hunting red dot sights.
- HOLOSUN – HS510C Reflex Red Dot Sight
- Vortex Optics Crossfire Gen II Red Dot Scope
- Vortex Razor Reflex Red Dot Sight
- Aimpoint Micro S-1 Red Dot Reflex Shotgun Scope
- TRUGLO 30mm Dual Color Red Dot Scope
#1) HOLOSUN – HS510C Reflex Red Dot Sight
- Best Value For Your Money
- Three Reticle Options
- Performs In All Weather Conditions
- Bigger Optic - Takes Up More Rail Space
After testing all 5 of these optics it was obvious to me that the Holosun HS510C was the best option for turkey hunting. Turkey hunters use a red dot sight over traditional iron sights for fast target acquisition & better accuracy from close to medium range. This dot sight checks both of those boxes.
The 2 MOA center dot within a 65 MOA circle & unlimited sight eye relief is the perfect setup. In my hunting career, I have have killed 95% of my turkeys within 30 yards. However, with this sight I am easily able to lock in on a turkey and fire accurately up to 45-50 yards.
Not to mention the battery life is unmatech. Holosun uses solar power to get a battery life of up to 5 years. In all my years I have never seen a red dot last that long. From my perspective, the only real downside is the sight size. This turkey shotgun scope takes up quite a bit of space on my rail. If you’re a serious about turkey hunting, this is one of the best red dot sights on the market.
Is Holosun HS510C shake awake?
Yes, this sight has “shake awake”. The Holosun HS510C is a unique sight because it has a motion sensor that allows the device to “wake up” when it senses movement. This is a great feature for those who don’t want to have to remember to turn their sight on and off. In fact, this is why I also rated the HS510C to be one of the best 300 blackout red dot sights. The sight will also automatically turn off after a period of inactivity, so you don’t have to worry about it being on all the time and draining your battery.
Is Holosun better than Eotech?
Both Holosun & Eotech make great shotgun sights. They are both high quality and priced similarly. I have always found that EOTech’s are easy to zero. However, Holosun sights are generally smaller & lighter than Eotech optics. If you are interested in Eotech sights, check out our post on the EXPS vs XPS Series. Both sights would make a great addition to turkey shotguns.
#2) Vortex Optics Crossfire Gen II Red Dot Scope
- Great Adjustability
- Low-Shine To Camouflage During Hunts
- Great In All Weather Conditions
- Tight Adjustability Knobs
- Not Great For Astigmatisms
Vortex Optics designed the Crossfire Gen II Red Dot Scope to be extremely simple to use and incredibly reliable, which actually makes it the ideal sighting system for a turkey hunting shotgun. The 2 MOA red dot makes it really easy to acquire your target, which is perfect when you are out on a hunt.
The fact that it can also help you achieve pinpoint accuracy, even if your target is at a considerable distance, means it can help you improve your success rate while you are hunting turkeys. You should also learn how to sight in a shotgun with red dot to further improve your accuracy.
The fact it has a low profile and a lightweight yet incredibly durable exterior means you will not have to worry about damaging it while you navigate even the densest forests. In simple terms, it is a no-nonsense red dot scope that works just as well with a hunting shotgun as it would with a hunting rifle.
Is the Vortex Optics Crossfire Gen II Red Dot Scope Easy to Adjust?
One of the best features of this scope is how easy it is to make adjustments. Quick adjustments are even possible while you are out on a hunt and do not have access to tools or proper lighting. This is because the Crossfire Gen II Red Dot Scope uses adjustment dials with audible clicks for altering windage and elevation settings.
Each small click you hear means that the point-of-impact setting has been adjusted by one minute of angle. When you are out in the bush and see a target, this quick and easy adjustment system can be the difference between a missed shot and a successful hunt. Easy adjustability has made scopes for shotguns very popular for hunting!
The dials are even protected by a turret cap, so you will not have to worry about accidentally adjusting your scope as you navigate the brush. You can even remove the scope using just a coin or a flat-head screwdriver, so it really was designed to be as simple to operate as possible.
Can the Vortex Optics Crossfire Gen II Red Dot Scope Really Improve Your Aim?
While your skill and experience will always be the most important factors that determine your success rate while out on turkey shoots, the Crossfire Gen II can certainly help. The bright red dot is easy to see in all light conditions. It also makes it easy to sight your target, even if it is well camouflaged.
A simple illumination adjustment dial lets you change the ideal brightness setting for your particular hunt, so the scope works just as well at night as it does during the day. Anti-reflective coatings ensure that sunlight will not negatively impact your hunting experience. I also like that the battery is rated for over 50,000 hours of continuous use, so you will not have to worry about draining your battery if you are using your scope over a multi-day hunt.
#3) Vortex Razor Reflex Red Dot Sight
- Budget Friendly
- Quick Target Acquisition
- Easy To Zero
- Not Everyone Wants 3 or 6 MOA Dots
- Poor Battery Life On Max Brightness
I must say that the Vortex Razor Reflex red dot sight is one of my favorite budget-friendly scopes for turkey hunting. This red dot sight is super easy to use and mount, making it a great choice for hunters of all experience levels.
I tested this shotgun sight from 10, 20, 30, and 40 yards. Accuracy-wise…it is simply one of the best. I found that this sight performed great with high-recoil shotguns.
This sight lets a hunter get a clear sight picture & aim effectively with both eyes open. This is so important when you’re trying to take down a fast-moving target like a turkey. I would recommend the Vortex Razor Reflex red dot sight for anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly option that will help them shoot more accurately.
What is the difference between 3moa and 6moa?
The Vortex Razor comes with 2 different reticle size options: 6 MOA & 3 MOA. The explain it simply, the 6 MOA dot is larger than the 3 MOA dot.
- 3 MOA – Red dot appears to be 3 inches in diameter at 100 yards.
- 6 MOA – Red dot appears to be 6 inches in diameter at 100 yards.
There is no single “best dot size for turkey hunting”. It really comes down to personal preference. If you ask me, I prefer to use the 6 MOA dot scope for turkey hunting purely because I love accuracy from inside 40 yards.
#4) Aimpoint Micro S-1 Red Dot Reflex Shotgun Scope
- Twelve unique brightness settings
- Interchangeable mounting plates
- Shock- and vibration-proof for added stability
- More Expensive
- Heavier Red Dot
Aimpoint has a strong reputation for manufacturing compact hunting scopes that deliver outstanding performance. This Micro S-1 Red Dot Reflex Shotgun Scope is the ideal option for anyone that is looking for a high-quality red dot scope for their turkey hunting shotgun.
For starters, the battery on this shotgun sight has an outstanding lifespan of over five years of continuous use, so you will not have to worry about battery drain slowing down your next hunt. Assuming you turn the illumination feature off when the scope is not in use, there is a good chance the scope’s battery will outlast the lifespan of your shotgun!
Does the Aimpoint Micro S-1 Red Dot Reflex Shotgun Scope Have Multiple Settings?
Where some red dot scopes for shotguns simply have an on/off button, the Aimpoint Micro S-1 offers 12 unique brightness settings. This means you can fine-tune the brightness until it matches the exact light conditions when you are hunting. If you are hunting while the sun is behind cloud cover, or right before it sets, you can select one of the low brightness settings, which will let you spot your target without experiencing any sort of eye strain.
On the other hand, the brightest settings will allow you to still see your targets when the sun is fully shining on those daytime turkey hunts. No matter which setting you prefer, you will not have to worry about the battery draining, as the Aimpoint Micro S-1 comes with a high-end CR2032 lithium battery.
What Makes the Aimpoint Micro S-1 Red Dot Reflex Shotgun Scope a Good Option for Turkey Hunting?
Not only does it deliver 12 unique brightness settings, but it also has a low-profile design, so it will not make your shotgun excessively bulky. When you are out on a hunt, the last thing you want is for your scope to become a snagging point, so a low-profile design is a great feature.
Despite its small size, the Aimpoint Micro S-1 is also incredibly durable, as it has a carbon fiber rib mount. The scope itself is also housed in carbon fiber, so it is both incredibly strong as well as very lightweight. This combination means that it will not make it any more difficult to carry your shotgun into the bush.
Another reason why we believe it is the perfect red dot scope for a turkey hunting shotgun is the fact that it is completely waterproof. Some of the lower-quality scopes can suffer from corrosion damage, which is just not acceptable if you are planning to use your scope for hunts. Morning dew, rain, humidity, and even splashing water from stream crossings can all be an issue while you are out on a hunt, so you need a scope that can stand up to moisture.
Shock and vibration protection also ensure you can maintain a steady shot, no matter what your hunt throws at you. If you’re a fan of Aimpoint sights, you might also enjoy the Aimpoint Comp M5 vs T2 Sights. Overall, it is an outstanding red dot sight that is perfectly suited for the many challenges a turkey shoot can throw at you!
#5) TRUGLO 30mm Dual Color Red Dot Scope
- Budget Friendly Sight
- Incredibly Easy To Mount
- Waterproof and Fogproof
- Lower Durability
- Poor Glass Quality
The TRUGLO 30mm Dual Color Red Dot Scope was specifically designed for shooting at close and medium ranges, which is ideal for turkey hunting with a shotgun. It also has a compact design, so you will not have to worry about it adding too much height to your turkey shotgun and making it any less maneuverable.
Why is the TRUGLO Dual Color Red Dot Scope a Good Option for Shotgun Turkey Hunts?
One of the things we think really makes this scope well-suited for turkey hunting is the fact that it offers a wide field of view. When you are hunting for a bird that spends a significant amount of time on the ground, you need to be able to quickly scan a significant amount of ground. This scope makes this possible because it does not narrow your visibility.
It is also very compact and lightweight, which is helpful if your turkey hunt is going to involve a significant amount of trekking. We also like that it features descending diameter dots as a reticle, as this makes it easier to make shots at different distances.
Overall, it is an outstanding red dot scope that is perfectly suited to turkey hunting with a shotgun. The fact it also works extremely well for crossbow hunting might also be appealing to those that like to change things up.
How to Choose the Best Red Dot Scope for a Turkey Shotgun
Before we get into our top picks, we are going to quickly go over some of the factors you should take into consideration when choosing a high-quality red dot scope for a turkey hunt.
Choose a Red Dot Scope with Multiple Brightness Settings
Given the fact that improving visibility is one of the main arguments for installing a red dot scope on your turkey shotgun, it makes sense that you will want to choose a rifle scope that has adjustable brightness settings. And you want something with more distance consider using a rifle scope on shotgun for better range.
This allows you to fine-tune the settings to match the exact light conditions while you are out hunting, which is what you need in the best red dot sight. The best red dot scope has multiple settings that are easy to switch between, as this lets you quickly make adjustments as conditions change. If a thick cloud passes overhead while you are about to make your shot, you will want a rifle scope that allows you to quickly increase brightness with the touch of a button.
You should also make sure you are choosing a rifle scope that has a long-lasting battery, as a turkey hunt can be a fairly time-consuming activity. The last thing you would want is for the battery on your turkey gun to die on you while you are deep in the bush.
Always Pick a Scope That Has a Durable Exterior
Hunting can be a very rough and rugged pastime, so the last thing you will want is a fragile scope that can break if you accidentally knock it into a branch. Since you are hunting with a turkey shotgun, you will also want a scope that is designed to withstand the significant recoil force that will be generated when you pull the trigger.
The best options are made from durable materials that are lightweight enough to be a practical option for a hunting shotgun.
Choose a Red Dot Scope That Is Easy to Mount
Your new red dot scope will be of no use to you if it is not compatible with your shotgun. Not only will you want a scope that is designed to have a universal fit, but you will also want one that is easy to mount. The less complicated the mounting system is, the easier it will be to make windage and elevation adjustments while you are out in the field.
It will also allow you to take the scope off of your shotgun while you are out on a hunt, which some people like to have the option to do.
Can You Hunt Turkeys With Magnified Shotgun Scopes?
Yes, you can hunt turkeys with magnified shotgun scopes. Magnified scopes allow hunters to identify and shoot turkeys from longer distances than a standard red dot or reflex sight. One excellent option for a shotgun scope is the Vortex Strike Eagle. The is one of the 5 best shotgun scopes that is known for its clarity, versatility, and durability. With the right setup & some proper practice, a magnified shotgun scope like the Vortex Strike Eagle can be a great option for turkey hunters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size red dot is best for turkey hunting?
Are red dots good for turkey hunting?
Can you zero a red dot without shooting?
Can you mount a red dot on a shotgun?
The Bottom Line
Adding the right red dot scope to your hunting shotgun can make a world of difference. Not only can it help you find your next target, but it can also give you that added confidence boost that can help make your entire turkey hunt that much more enjoyable.
All of the options we highlighted above have the features that make a red dot scope right for a turkey hunting shotgun, so you can simply choose the option that meets your specific preferences. After testing all of these sights for turkey hunting, I think HOLOSUN – HS510C Red Dot was the best choice.
Once you have a red dot scope on your shotgun, spend some time using it at the range and really take your hunting skills to the next level!
- Best Value For Your Money
- Three Reticle Options
- Performs In All Weather Conditions
- Bigger Optic - Takes Up More Rail Space
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