First of all, you should know the reasons for searching for the best red dot scope for turkey hunting. The red dot sights will let you aim sharply and quickly at the target. And, you are not going to miss down on any clear shot. In your turkey hunting experience, you may have probably come up with competitive speed shooters using optics on their handguns to increase percentages. Out in the market, you may come up with the majority of red dot sights that will not magnify clearly. So, we have made specific research on the best five red dot scopes.
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Sight Optics Buyers Guide
The optic technology has advanced dramatically and you have to consider some important notes before purchasing the one. The essential points that I have discussed in selecting the best ones are as follows:
Durability
Here a question comes of your firearm’s heavy loads that can produce the right amount of recoil. Thus, it is vital that your sight is built to afford that recoil and will not function off your zero ratings. Durable sights can withstand even punishing recoil load after load. I have included all those such sights in the list given below.
Cost
This is the next thing I have focused upon. Well, the cost factor should be viewed in combination with the quality factor. A less expensive product may not give you such quality performance, whereas an expensive product also sometimes weigh down on quality issues. So, I have added only those sights in the list that have both quality performance as well as affordability issue as per your budget.
Mounting
You are going to get different styles of mounting options on sights. These are also necessary to consider so that your firearm can get easily suitable to it. There are weaver style mounts, low/high Picatinny mounts, etc. to choose from. The ones I have mentioned below contains added mounting. Otherwise, you can also purchase a separate mounting from your scope.
Lenses
The obvious thing you should check is the clarity of lenses. It should have the ability to provide a clear view, even in low light settings. The key features of right lenses are better light transmission plus scratch as well as abrasion resistant. Like, multi-coated lenses provide a comprehensive, unobstructed view, and some lenses even come with a sunshade to eliminate that shine.
Battery Life
Extended battery life is a much better option to be considered before buying. I have individually viewed this feature in all of my sights on the list. Some of them provide extended battery life, whereas others give a handsome amount of battery life up to 50000 hours. Moreover, our top pick is a battery free sight.
Types Of Shotgun Optics
Let us have a brief look at the optics technology out there in market including red dot sights. Hunters on their shotguns use few different optics.
Scopes
I have used the word red dot scope. And, all my listings consist of red dot sights with batteries except one. It is the main difference between a scope and a holographic sight like red dot sights. Regarding their structure, scopes are slightly longer and thinner than usual sights. They take in use LED instead of batteries. When it comes to reticles, the sky is the limit for scopes. Hunters can select from various designs ranging from simple to diamond-shaped dots.
Prism Sights
As the name indicates, the sights use prism instead of lenses to form the image. These sights are commonly referred to as red dot sights. The one I have included in the list uses a lens cap system. These type of optics featureless or no magnification. The structure of prism sights is pretty well suited for shotgun use. Its reticle design varies from etched to illuminated. Some hunters prefer to go for the etched design that doesn’t entirely rely on batteries. It is advised to go for a model with no magnification in case of close range or moving targets.
Reflex
The working process of reflex sights goes like that aiming point will project onto a lens which reflects it towards the shooter. However, there are no eye relief requirements on reflex sights, and they offer no magnifications being suited only to close distances. You may find two main types of reflex sights, i.e., exposed and tube-style. The exposed style features a small window upon which the aiming point is projected. On the other hand, tube style sights take two lenses in use that is equipped with a beam of lights used to project the aiming point.
Holographic Sights
Being similar to reflex models, these sights provide an aiming point by taking the use of a laser to illuminate the holographic film deferred between plates of glass. The other thing is that they employ batteries which make them a bit expensive as compared to other sights. But, for the precise and clear shots, the holographic sights are one of the preferences of some hunters. My list includes holographic sights with red or green dots also.
Understanding Picatinny And Weaver Style Base Of The Mounting
The two styles of bases are very similar in some aspects and different in others. Weaver style base of mounting prevails there from many years and proves to be the best option for those hunters who prefer low profile mount. These style of mount generally offers rugged mounting base. They may be available in one piece or two-piece set. Whereas, Picatinny rails have slightly broader or deeper slots than weaver mounts. The slots have standardized spacing and typically extend down the length of the rail.
Picatinny rails also offer many advantages such as you can shift to another slot or use an extension base in case you won’t get the desired eye relief. Well, the extension base is possible in two piece set. It is possible that any weaver style can work on both Weaver style and Picatinny rails. However, there may be the case that some manufacturers make Picatinny specific mounts.
Purpose Of Recoil Key In Mounts
There is some amount of play in slots of both, i.e., Picatinny and Weaver mounts. It is recommended to push both rings forward the muzzle. The purpose of the recoil key is to keep the scope from moving. The scope wants to stay in place when the firearm recoils back into the shooter’s shoulders. It is similar to putting your car in reverse and giving it some throttle. The exact principle applies to rings. After you push the rings forward, the recoil key seated against the front of the slot will stop any potential for movement.
5 Top Picks Of Best Red Dot Scope For Turkey Hunting
1 - Trijicon RMR 7 MOA Dual-Illuminated Amber Dot Sight
About The Product
It is a honey yellow colored dot sight by Trijicon. The model is available in different colors ranging from Black, Flat Dark Earth, OD Green to Sniper Gray. It consists of fiber optics and tritium that can illuminate the reticle with no or low light situations. The Black colored sight is available in different styles of mounting options to choose from. It has a flexible option with 1 MOA per click having an amber dot up to 7.0 MOA.
Why Buy This Product
Trijicon is best known in the industry for providing field-tested solutions since its existence from 1981. Buyers love its battery-free solution. With the help of clear glass and amber dot, you will be quickly able to grasp the shot much better. You can easily adjust its brightness level in contrast to prevailing light conditions. The sight is built to be used for shotgun, rifle, pistol, carbine or as a secondary sight attached to a magnified optic. The multi-coated layer of the lens prevents to have too much change in target area color.
Key Features
Trijicon has presented it with different color models ranging from OD Green, Flat Dark Earth, Black to Sniper Gray.
It has adjustments as one click is equal to one MOA.
This dual-illuminated sight consists of Tritium and Fiber Optics.
Tritium helps to illuminate the amber colored reticle even in low light situations, and fiber optics provides easy adjustability of brightness levels.
The elevation range goes up to 150 MOA total travel.
Along using it with rifle, shotgun, pistol or carbine, it can be also be used as a secondary sight attached with a magnified optic.
The sight comes with different types of mounting adaptors ranging from Picatinny rail to ACOG Add-on etc.
Pros
Cons
2 - Sig Sauer SOR52001 Romeo5 1x20mm Compact 2 Moa Red Dot Sight, Black
Image source: opticsplanet.com
About The Product
It is a solid aluminum built sight by Sig Sauer. The compact red dot sight provides the best aiming solution for any situation. AnM1913Picatinny low mount riser with a 1.41” riser mount is included in the sight. Its sensing motion illumination extends the battery life and also save it when not in use. The red dot is measured at 2 MOA with ten illumination settings that can withstand all conditions of day and light and just by adjusting them.
Why Buy This Product
However, there is no use of immediate battery replacement because of extended battery life of 40,000+ hours due to the motion sensor, but for the ease of the user, they have built a CR2032 side battery loading for easy replacement. For up to 1 meter, it has a complete water immersion capacity with an exclusive fog-proof performance. It comes with a spectra coat lens coating that will help to minimize surface reflections along with providing a superior light transmission. Moreover, customers are fully satisfied with its easy setup and zeroing.
Key Features
The bright red dot is 2 MOA with ten illumination settings of day and night vision.
It consists of CR2032 side battery loading with a spectra-coat lens coating.
The motion sensor helps extend the battery life up to 40,000+ hours.
An M1913Picatinny low mount riser with a 1.41” riser mount is included in the sight.
This sight is recognized with an IPX-7 rating, which means it can immerse water up to 1 meter and also provides an excellent fog-proof performance.
Pros
Cons
3 - Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope, 1x25mm, Black
About The Product
Bunshell presented a shockproof as well as a waterproof scope. It dramatically enhances the performance through interior built nitrogen that ensures fog proofing. The model is TRS-25 that comes with a 3 MOA red dot reticle. An adjustment dial is also on the top side of the scope by which you can tune brightness up to 11 levels. The rubber scope cover for protection of lenses is also provided with the scope. Mounting is best at low Picatinny.
Why Buy This Product
You may like the extended battery life of the scope with unlimited eye relief. The scope is made up of sturdy metal housing and can be used for a wide range of activities including shooting or chasing long beards in hardwoods. The matte finish also looks attractive to the eyes. Moreover, Bushell is widely known for producing exclusive red dot sights. The adjustment range of sight can go more than 70 MOA. This amber coated view comes with a CR2032 battery.
Key Features
It is a matte finished red dot sight measured at 3 MOA.
It consists of a sturdy metal housing within filled nitrogen for fog proof performance.
The bright amber lens will help you identify a difference between a brown critter and a brown tree.
With the side adjustment dial, up to 11 brightness settings can be done.
Rubber scope cover for protection is also provided for the lenses.
It is 100% waterproof and shockproof.
This 3 MOA red dot sight comes with CR2032 battery support.
Pros
Cons
4 - Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sights
About the product
Here is our next best alternative to red dot sight. It is a bright colored red dot sight by Vortex Optics being available in both 3 MOA and 6 MOA. They have made the use of sideloading battery CR1632. On the other hand, you can either switch it to auto mode or change the dot’s intensity controls through 10 brightness settings. It may prove to be the best option if you want a sleek design optic for your shotgun or rifle as the case may be.
Along with its attractive design, the sight’s overall performance is good to be considered with a bright colored red dot. The Picatinny mounting system will help you set it up quickly. The battery life can be extended up to 30,000 hours if used at lower settings. Otherwise, you can easily use the sight for about 150 hours at high settings. It just works flawless no matter you go turkey hunting with 20 gauge, 12 gauge or rifle. After being of low height as compared to other red dot sights, there is no difficulty in targeting at all.
Key Features
This bright red colored dot sight is available in two measurements 3 MOA and 6 MOA with 1 MOA per click.
Aside from adjustment dial with ten brightness settings is also included.
It is built with side loading battery CR1632 so that you need not remove the sight to change the power source.
With high brightness settings, the battery can be taken to use for 150 hours, and with low settings, battery life can be extended up to 30,000 hours.
It comes with a Picatinny rail mounting system for easy and quick setup.
Pros
Cons
5 - TRUGLO GOBBLE-STOPPER 30mm Turkey Hunting Dual-Color Dot Sight
About The Product
Truglo has structured it with sturdy aircraft-grade aluminum material. This specific sight gives you two reticle options of red and green at the same time with five choices of brightness settings. For extra protection from glare, a detachable sunshade is also included. A primary, as well as spare 3V-CR2032 batteries, are also provided with the scope. And, for additional lens protection, lanyard or lens cap system is designed. Reticle dots are measured at 3 MOA. Regarding mount, it has an integrated Weaver-style mounting for easy implementation.
Why Buy This Product
The Realtree APG Camouflage pattern of the sight attracts most of the buyers. Plus, the view includes all recognized features of red dot series. An additional spare battery storage compartment is also provided. Although it looks somewhat big and hard, it is lightweight to mount and setup. The featured reticle is specially designed for turkey hunting. At the same time, it is a pocket-friendly option to be considered. The multi-coated lens allows for more than 95% light transmittance.
Key Features
It is a Realtree camouflaged sight with options of red or green dot reticle measured at 3 MOA.
With attached small adjustment dial on the top, you can make up to five brightness settings.
A main, as well as a spare 3V-CR2032 battery with additional compartment for a spare battery, is also included.
A detachable sunshade is also included to have extra protection from glared lenses.
Lens cap/Lanyard system is there for additional coverage.
The mount type is integrated weaver style.
Pros
Cons
Reasons For Investing In Quality Red Dot Optics
Assuredly, you did not need investment on quality red dot sight while turkey hunting with a bow. Well, even with most of the hunters using a shotgun or other firearms, the case is like that, “Why should we invest our money on this secondary thing?”This old school logic may remain valid for those hunters who keep their shots at reasonable ranges and do not wish to pay for quality optics. But, I can give you seven legitimate reasons for investing insights despite all odds.
1 - Make Precise And Clear Shots
Especially with the red dot sights, it becomes super easy for hunters to make clean shots. They have to see the dot on turkey’s vitals. As new turkey ammunition, advances in shotgun optics have these quality optics a valuable tool ever. However, in the market, you can go for either magnified sights or red dot sights. But, I have specially made a list of best red dot sights for turkey hunting.
The red dots are highly recommended holographic sights for handguns, rifles, and shotguns. As usual, turkeys come from weird positions. So, with the help of a red dot, the shot becomes infinitely more manageable.
2 - Better Eye Relief
Aging eyes? If yes, then you do need to worry at all as red dot sights are better options for eye reliefs. You can maintain a target focus, and a dot will float simply into view. I often hear that hunters get excited at the moment and focus on the bird rather than the bead. But, with the red dot, it’s pretty tough to miss between you and the bird. Combination of camo patterned red dot sights with that of best ground blinds for turkey hunting will also allow a convenient relief to your eyes as these are exceptionally dark areas.
It means that sights are better to use even if you are hunting from a blind. It will provide the fundamental aim and ease to your shot.
3 - Kill More Turkeys In Number
After practicing gun patterns with different loads and selecting the best shot size for turkey hunting, you can even kill the number of turkeys with a combination of best red dot scope. It gives you such a confidence that you started thinking that a turkey can also be killed at 70 yards. Fundamentally, my point of understanding here is that with the right type of loads and shots, you can shoot a massive amount of turkeys with the help of bright dot sights.
4 - No Worries Of Batteries
I have made a list of those red dot sights whose batteries can last long for your entire turkey season. It is mandatory to see the battery life and extended battery life is a plus point in the sights. So, you need not worry about battery life and freely use the scope for a successful hunt. For those hunters who suffer from battery life can see our list.
5 - Easy Zeroing
The quality red dot sights can hold to zero very easily. After choosing the target range and right turkey load, set your scope to zero to have a tight pattern. Even though 30 yards is the ideal range to shoot turkeys, you can yet hit the turkeys far beyond 30 yards with easy zeroing of scopes. Setting up a scope to zero lets you have a blend of both a tight pattern with a close choke selection. A humbling whiff can quickly occur if you don’t care to aim.
6 - The Latest Version Of Optics Are Easy To Mount
A few years ago, it was challenging to mount the scope on shotgun’s receivers. But if we look at today’s market, they are flooded with latest versions of optics with different styles of mount such as Picatinny rails, weaver style mounts, etc. that are so easy to mount. Even most of the dedicated turkey guns come directly with a Picatinny rail from factories.
7 – No Side Effects
Just think of numerous side effects, and I can debate on each. If you logically with a rational mind, then you will able to find zero limitations of red dot scopes. They are not heavy rather lightweight. You are going to get quality material in return of investment that will lead to a successful turkey hunt with precise and clear shots. Moreover, batteries last longer, and even you can extend their life with low settings on a case of no use. So, there are countless benefits of using sights if they are giving you a successful hunt journey.