10 Best Red Dot Scope for Turkey Shotgun – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

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Turkey shotguns are long-barrelled guns specifically built to shoot turkeys. Power delivery being the main focal point in their design, these shotguns have a strong recoil which makes it tough for hunters to hold the aim.

Ergo, a red dot scope is as necessary a piece of equipment for fowl hunters as it is for other target shooters. The red dot sight that appears on the aimed target helps to shoot with more precision and stability than without it.

When buying a red dot scope for a turkey shotgun, there are a lot of different features to consider. As such, with the numerous options available in the market, choosing one can be pretty overwhelming.

This article is meant to provide valuable and detailed insight on the 10 best red dot scope for turkey shotgun to help you pick the right one. But first, let’s do a quick comparison of the scopes on our list.

Here is a bonus tip for avid hunters: Best Hunting Binoculars Buyer’s Guide and Reviews

Best Red Dot Scope for Turkey Shotgun: A Quick Comparison Table

IMAGEPRODUCTFEATURESPRICE
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope• Long-lasting battery
• Nitrogen purged fog proofing
• Multiple brightness settings
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Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescope• Dead-Hold BDC reticle
• Has zero-reset turret
• Argon purged fog proofing
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TRUGLO 4x32mm Compact Rimfire and Shotgun Scope Series• Diamond reticle specially designed for shotgun hunting
• Durable, scratch-resistant finish
• Compact and lightweight
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Holosun HS510C 2 MOA Dot & 65 MOA Ring Open Reflex Circle Dot Solar Power Holographic Red Dot Sight• Titanium-alloyed hood
• Powered by both battery and solar
• Long-lasting battery
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TRUGLO GOBBLE-STOPPER 30mm Turkey Hunting Dual-Color Dot Sight• Dual-color reticle illumination
• Lightweight and easy to mount design
• Long eye relief
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Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight Gen II• Night-vision compatibility
• Long-lasting battery
• Multiple illumination settings
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Sightmark Mini Shot M-Spec LQD Reflex Sight
Riflescope
• Ambidextrous digital switch
• Fully waterproof
• 12-hour auto-shutoff
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AT3 Tactical RD-50 PRO Red Dot Sight• Parallax free design
• Long eye relief
• Waterproof and shockproof
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Burris Fastfire III with Picatinny Mount
e
• Choice between one automatic and 3 settings of manual brightness
• Convenient battery access with auto time-out feature
• Compact and lightweight construction
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Feyachi RS-30 Reflex Sight• Wider lens aperture with wider field of view
• Four pattern reticles to meet different needs
• Co-witness with Iron Sight
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What is the Need to Use Red Dot Scope for Turkey Shotgun?

Scopes, or sights, are optical devices with lenses to look through at a target. Installed on firearms such as shotguns and rifles, they have a reticle at the center of the crosshairs which allows the users to aim accurately.

Red dot sights are the best among shotgun sights for hunting turkey and other such big game fowls. A crisp red dot appears at the center of the user’s field of vision and the turkey shotgun can then be used to shoot with precision.

Interested in rifle scopes? Check out this review of the 10 best rifle scopes under $1000.

Here are the 10 best red scopes for a turkey shotgun, through our research and analysis:

1. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope

Quick Summary

  • Long-lasting battery
  • Nitrogen purged fog proofing
  • Multiple brightness settings
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope, 1x20mm, Black

The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope is one of the contenders for the best red dot scope for turkey shotgun, and not without cause. With a 3 MOA reticle that is adequately illuminated at all times, amber-bright optics, and incredibly fast target acquisition, this riflescope is built to deliver accurate shots. To help the scope stay free of moisture and fog in humid conditions, the interior is nitrogen purged. In addition to this, the o-ring seal makes the optics waterproof even when fully immersed in water.

It has a shockproof construction. This means that it can take multiple strong recoils as well as impact abuse for a long time. Moreover, the rubber scope cover provides additional protection to the exterior of the lens.

Aside from the durable design and accuracy, another selling point of this red dot is its versatility. It is perfectly compatible with a wide range of guns. The Bushnell TRS-25 is easy to mount and works well with most Picatinny rails. So you can use it not only with your turkey shotgun but also rifles or AR-15s with similar high-level performance on each.

The brightness settings on the scope are easy to adjust with the round adjustment dial. Also, there are eleven different illumination options for accurate vision in a range of lighting conditions. All these features make the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Scope one of the very best in its class.

What We Liked
  • Compact and sturdy design
  • Good performance in low-light conditions
  • IPX7 rated water resistance
  • Versatile mount compatible with a wide variety of guns
  • Precise windage and elevation adjuster
What We Didn't Like
  • Maximum illumination setting is not as bright as it should be

2. Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescope

Quick Summary

  • Dead-Hold BDC reticle
  • Has zero-reset turret
  • Argon purged fog proofing
Vortex Optics Diamondback 1.75-5x32 Second Focal Plane Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle (MOA)

Ideal for fowl shooting guns such as the turkey shotgun, this scope has a fast-focus eyepiece which allows for obtaining a quick shot on a moving target. The Dead-hold BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) reticle substantially reduces the need for guessing bullet holdover as well as windage at long distances. This lets you get precise shots even during long-range shooting and hunting activities.

For crystal clear target images in most levels of brightness, the anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass optics are a tremendous help. They increase light transmission giving you a crisp and clear sighting of your aim. Furthermore, the second focal plane reticle maintains the same-sized appearance on the red dot scope.

Another handy feature is the zero-reset turret. With this, the metal-on-metal precision turrets allow zero-reset after every sight-in. This ensures that tracking with the scope is not only accurate but fairly easy.

Speaking of the build, the Vortex Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescope has a solid one-piece tube with an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction. Such a durable design makes the scope resistant to recoil, aside from keeping it in perfect shape even after long years of wear and tear. Overall, the Vortex Optics Diamondback is a very good choice for turkey hunters who look to chase their fowl through thick woods and rough terrain.

What We Liked
  • Fast focus eyepiece for quick reticle focusing
  • Highly durable construction
  • Argon gas purging prevents fogging-up of internal glasses
  • Anti-reflective glass coating
What We Didn't Like
  • Recoil-pad makes the eye relief slightly inadequate

3. TRUGLO 4x32mm Compact Rimfire and Shotgun Scope Series

Quick Summary

  • Diamond reticle specially designed for shotgun hunting
  • Durable, scratch-resistant finish
  • Compact and lightweight
TRUGLO 4x32mm Compact Rimfire and Shotgun Scope Series, Diamond Reticle, Black

The TRUGLO 4x32mm Compact Rimfire is designed specifically for shotgun hunting. As such, if you are looking for the best red dot scope for turkey shotgun, you can consider buying this.

What makes it a great fit for turkey hunting is its diamond reticle which is centered on the crosshairs. Additionally, the diamond reticle model has a Realtree finish which is perfect for providing camouflage while shooting turkey and deer.

For the construction of this sight, TRUGLO has used a one-piece design built with aircraft-grade aluminum. Aluminum not only makes it durable but also pretty lightweight and compact. Even the matte finish, which is scratch-resistant, adds to the robustness of the scope.

The lenses are fully coated for maximum brightness and at the same time provide superior contrast. Light transmission is heightened while glare gets reduced due to the coatings.

What We Liked
  • Rubber eye guard for eye protection against recoil
  • Diamond-shaped reticle for pinpoint accuracy
  • Easy range gauging for shooting deer and turkey
  • Adequate eye relief
What We Didn't Like
  • Zero retention could have been better

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4. Holosun HS510C 2 MOA Dot & 65 MOA Ring Open Reflex Circle Dot Solar Power Holographic Red Dot Sight

Quick Summary

  • Titanium-alloyed hood
  • Powered by both battery and solar
  • Long-lasting battery
HOLOSUN - HS510C Reflex Red Dot Sight for Longer Barrels (2 MOA Dot, 65 MOA Circle)

If an exceptionally long-lasting battery is the criteria that clinches the title of the best red dot scope for turkey shotgun according to you, go for the Holosun HS510C Red Dot Sight.

Its solar failsafe technology employs sunlight as a secondary power source. This keeps it up and running even when the battery dies. It also has an advanced LED that shuts off during periods of motionless activity. Aside from this, there is an auto-brightness adjustment feature for matching the ambient lighting, dimming itself in low illumination. All this gives the Holosun HS510C Reflex Circle a remarkable battery life.

The hood is titanium-alloyed and shock resistant to make it a highly durable product. Additionally, it has a built-in QD mount, so there is no need to invest in extra mounts when you buy this scope. The integrated mount allows for a smooth mounting as well as removal experience.

For easy target acquisition, the scope has a multi-reticle system. This allows the user to turn on or off some sections of the reticle to have the ideal reticle for the job at hand.

Another notable feature of this red dot sight is related to its advanced LED technology. Simply pick up the scope or move it a little and it turns on. Called Shake Awake, this is an interesting feature that comes in handy when the user needs to aim quickly and has no time to push a button.

What We Liked
  • Wide field of view
  • Dual power compatibility
  • Up to 50,000 hours of operation on a single battery
  • Multi-reticle system for quick and easy target acquisition
  • Little to no parallax
  • Long eye relief 
What We Didn't Like
  • Quick detach base might get a little loose after repeated uses

5. TRUGLO GOBBLE-STOPPER 30mm Turkey Hunting Dual-Color Dot Sight

Quick Summary

  • Dual-color reticle illumination
  • Lightweight and easy to mount design
  • Long eye relief
TRUGLO Red Dot Dual-Color Sight 30mm Gobble-Dot APG

Having turkey hunting in the name itself, this scope by TRUGLO is crafted to aid hunters of the big game. With its dual color reticle illumination, spotting the dot against any background becomes a straightforward task. Avid turkey hunters will love the camouflage pattern of the finish which makes it easy to use the gun, being unnoticed by the target.

For added convenience, while hunting during the day, the scope has a detachable sunshade. This extended shade helps to remove glare from the front lens so that the sun doesn’t interfere with your sight. Furthermore, the lenses on this sight are multi-coated which allows more than 95 percent light to pass through while simultaneously reducing glare.

Features that count towards its longevity include an integrated lanyard system that prevents the loss of screw-down caps. Also, the see-through flip-up lens caps protect the lenses from getting scratched or damaged.

While the scope is ideal for turkey shotguns, it is also compatible with handguns, airguns, rifles, and crossbows.

What We Liked
  • Spare battery included in package
  • Adjustable rheostat for brightness control
  • Waterproof and fog-proof design
  • Parallax free
  • 2x optical zoom
What We Didn't Like
  • Some users complain of fogging-up of the lenses in humid weather

6. Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight Gen II

Quick Summary

  • Night-vision compatibility
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Multiple illumination settings
Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight Gen II - 2 MOA Dot , Black

The frame of the Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight Gen II is crafted out of aluminum making it tough and lightweight. With a hard-coat anodized matte finish, this sight can be trusted to last through several rough usage cycles.

The reticle size as well as brightness control is a plus point of this scope. At long distances, small reticle sizes fare better in terms of accuracy as well as target acquisition. For this reason, the Vortex Optics Crossfire’s 2 MOA red dot provides an excellent bang for the buck. In addition to that, the eleven different brightness settings prove adequate for most lighting conditions.

What impressed us the most about this sight, though, is the simplicity of the design as well as operation. There is a single dial to turn the reticle on and off and set the brightness. Two additional dials adjust the windage and the elevation with audible clicks. For shooters who like to use straightforward gadgets that don’t require one to be particularly tech-savvy, this is an ideal scope.

Mounting the Crossfire is pretty easy too. There are two mounts, one high and the other low, which can be used according to requirements.

All in all, these features make the Vortex a suitable choice for users looking to buy the best red dot scope for turkey shotgun.

What We Liked
  • Eleven brightness settings with night-vision compatibility
  • Simple no-nonsense design that is easy to use
  • Tactical mounts for different positions
  • Comes with Vortex’s VIP lifetime warranty
What We Didn't Like
  • Brightness knob has to be turned all the way back to arrive at the first setting

7. Sightmark Mini Shot M-Spec LQD Reflex Sight

Quick Summary

  • Ambidextrous digital switch
  • Fully waterproof
  • 12-hour auto-shutoff
Sightmark Mini Shot M-Spec Lqd Reflex Sight, Black, 2.2' x 1.34' (SM26043-LQD)

The Sightmark Mini Shot M-Spec LQD is an ultralight red dot scope with an easy to mount feature. LQD stands for Locking Quick Detach and, as such, the Mini Shot takes mere seconds to remove. Even the battery is simple to remove and can be changed without having to take the scope off the gun.

Sightmark’s product is suitable for both right-handed as well as left-handed operation. This is made possible by the presence of two identical buttons on both sides, pushing either of which activates the sight. Similarly, to adjust the brightness settings, you need to press either the up or down button. These simple-to-use buttons make operating the scope a breeze.

Another noteworthy aspect of the Mini Shot M-Spec LQD is its low power consumption. It has a 12-hour auto shut off mechanism which powers down the battery when not in use for that duration. This helps in extending battery life by quite some margin.

What’s more, the red dot sight allows for a very fast shooting experience. Coupled with the 3 MOA dot reticle, the windage and elevation click adjustments help in quick target acquisition. Also, there is no need for additional tools to zero-in.

In short, these features, added with the sight’s versatility of use, make it a strong contender for the title of the best red dot scope for turkey shotgun.

What We Liked
  • Dual LQD bases for perfect eye alignment with every use
  • Keeps zero repeatedly and accurately
  • Easy on/off button function
  • IP67 rated waterproofing 
What We Didn't Like
  • Buttons could have been a few sizes larger

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8. AT3 Tactical RD-50 PRO Red Dot Sight

Quick Summary

  • Parallax free design
  • Long eye relief
  • Waterproof and shockproof
AT3 Tactical RD-50 PRO Red Dot Sight with 1' Riser - for Lower 1/3 Cowitness with Iron Sights - 2 MOA Compact Red Dot Scope

If you want an affordable scope that also performs well, the AT3 Tactical RD-50 Pro Red Dot Sight can be a great choice for you. Its optical performance is excellent owing to the high-quality, multi-coated amber lenses it has. Furthermore, the wide aperture allows for both-eyes-open shooting and a large field of view.

Since the red dot sight is compact with the length being under two and a half inches, other equipment can easily be mounted alongside it. This makes it a versatile and widely compatible device. You can use it with hunting rifles, turkey shotguns, or even handguns.

Additionally, the design of the AT3 Tactical RD-50 scope is waterproof, with sealed housing which protects the internals from water damage. Even the circuitry is resistant to shocks, thus serving to increase the life of the sight. And thanks to its matte black finish, scratch-resistance can be noted during rough use.

One of the best things about this scope is its suitability for a wide variety of shooting scenarios. Three levels of mounting, low, medium, and high make this possible.

What We Liked
  • 11 different brightness settings for optimal visibility in varied lighting conditions
  • Aircraft-grade aluminum used in construction
  • Large side knobs for greater ease of use
  • Remarkable battery life on lowest brightness setting
  • Three mounting options 
What We Didn't Like
  • No night vision compatibility

9. Burris Fastfire III with Picatinny Mount

Quick Summary

  • Choice between one automatic and 3 settings of manual brightness
  • Convenient battery access with auto time-out feature
  • Compact and lightweight construction
Burris FastFire III Reflex Red Dot Sight for Rifles, Pistols and Shotguns

When you look for something more compact than ultra-compact, that is when you arrive at the Burris Fastfire III. Without compromising on the field of view, this sight has a tiny body. Not only does this mean that the sight is lightweight but also that it can be mounted along with additional shooting equipment if need be.

The controls on the Fastfire are simple enough to use. There is one button on the left that turns it on and another button to manually cycle through three brightness settings. On the right, there is another small button for adjusting windage while the one on the top tweaks the elevation. The battery is easy to access and has an auto time-out feature that shuts off the scope after 8 hours of disuse.

As for the red dot, there are two options to choose from. Those who intend to use it on a rifle or for taking perfectly accurate shots can pick a 3 MOA dot. On the other hand, the 8 MOA dot is suitable for short-range shooters and it gives a faster as well as easier acquisition.

Lastly, the Picatinny mount that it ships with is easy to install. Its recoil grooves offer great protection against eye damage and thus make buying the Burris Fastfire III with the mount a no-brainer.

What We Liked
  • Shockproof design to withstand recoil abuse
  • Compatible with shotguns as well as hunting rifles
  • Parallax free design
  • Crystal clear lenses for sharp images
  • Waterproof roof keeps the lens clean 
What We Didn't Like
  • Battery replacement might be a little slow and difficult for some users

10. Feyachi RS-30 Reflex Sight

Quick Summary

  • Wider lens aperture with wider field of view
  • Four pattern reticles to meet different needs
  • Co-witness with Iron Sight
Feyachi RS-30 Reflex Sight, Multiple Reticle System Red Dot Sight with Picatinny Rail Mount, Absolute Co-Witness

Another compact scope on this list, the Feyachi RS-30 Reflex Sight is perfect for users who want their red dots to line up with their iron sights. Its ideal co-witness feature is adjustable and can be conveniently used on an AR-15 in addition to turkey shotguns.

Installation is a breeze on either Picatinny or Weaver rails. A built-in riser to raise the back of the sight allows the co-witness feature to align with the iron sight in front. Not only does this aid in speedy target acquisition, but it also provides accurate shooting experiences.

Coming to the reticles, there are four options to choose from along with 5 brightness settings. These brightness levels cover most illumination scenarios ranging from dimly lit conditions to super bright situations. Furthermore, wide-view lenses allow a greater field of vision.

Talking about the lenses, they are of high quality. What’s more, they are multi-coated, for glare reduction. Also, their fog-proof coating prevents them from getting clouded with mist on humid days.

What We Liked
  • Integrated mount for easy installation and removal
  • One button controls on and off as well as brightness levels
  • Low power consumption leads to a long battery life
  • Ships with three extra batteries apart from the ones installed on the sight 
What We Didn't Like
  • Not free from parallax

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Buying Guide: Best Red Dot Scope for Turkey Shotgun

Choosing from so many quality scope options with numerous different features on offer is not an easy task. However, there are some specific things that characterize a good red dot scope for turkey shotgun firing. These are:

  • Type of Reticle

A reticle is essentially the red dot itself. For this reason, its size, type, and accuracy matter a lot.

A diamond reticle is specially designed to aid in turkey and deer hunting, so any scope that has it should qualify as a good red dot scope for turkey shotgun.

Dual colored reticles are great for spotting the dot against any background. This is a handy feature for hunters and allows them to shoot with precision in dense forests as well as open grounds.

BDC reticles also help in quick and precise shooting as they remove the need for guesswork over bullet holdover and windage.

The size of the reticle comes into play while shooting at varying distances. A large reticle is easier to spot and gives better accuracy for a target placed a short distance away but will obscure the target at longer ranges. In the case of long distance targets, smaller reticle sizes allow for proper visualization of the target which naturally leads to more accuracy. However, it might be difficult to see in brightly lit surroundings.

  • Size of the Scope

For turkey shotguns, the size of the scope decides what additional accessories you can use with it. To illustrate, if you want co-witness with an iron sight, a small red dot scope will suit your purpose. A larger scope will only take up extra space and not fit in behind the iron sight.

  • Battery

Occasional hunters might not be very keen on long-lasting batteries but regular users should give preference to scopes with good battery life.

Another issue related to batteries that must be considered is availability. Locally available batteries can be replaced promptly and comparatively easily. On the other hand, if the battery can only be ordered online, its replacement might take some time.

  • Style

Red dot scopes come in two styles, open and tube. Open or window style allows for a better scope of vision with a wider viewing field. As an added advantage, you can use two-eye aiming because of the wide design. Aiming with two eyes greatly increases accuracy and repeatability which means that you can shoot quickly and move on to the next target in no time.

The downside to this style is that it leaves the lens exposed to external elements. This increases the chance of damages occurring and reduces longevity.

In contrast, a tube design offers a limited scope of vision but has more protected internals. Due to this, the scope becomes resistant to water as well as dust. All this contributes to a longer life for the red dot.

Conclusion

The search for the best red dot scope for turkey shotgun can be challenging. Nevertheless, with proper consideration of individual preferences along with key features that are listed in our buying guide, choosing a suitable red dot scope doesn’t have to be all that difficult.

To sum up, this detailed review of the 10 best red dot scope for turkey shotgun should provide you with enough ammo (figurative, of course) to select the right scope for yourself.

Read reviews on more scopes here.