Top 4 Red Dot Sights For Turkey Hunters

When I thought about red dot sights for shotguns, I used to wonder what the point was if you don’t have to be precise? Well, after today, I realize what the point of that is and why it’s something to consider.

I mainly hunt with my Stoeger M3500 for all bird hunting, including turkey season. It hasn’t gone great this season with the M3500, but I think it’s mostly my fault. For starters, wild turkeys are one of the most instinctive animals we have roaming around North America. Secondly, the shotgun is heavier than a normal pump-action shotgun, so holding it up longer can wear your arms down.

For these reasons, I’m going to mount a Sig Romeo5 Compact Red Dot Sight on my Stoeger for faster target acquisition while turkey and duck hunting. This blog provides you with some of the best deals on Red Dot Sights currently on the shelves. Good luck and Happy Hunting!

Why Do I Want A Red Dot Sight on My Shotgun?

My shotgun is almost 8 lbs. loaded and is a beast to hold up unsupported for very long. It’s also longer than many other turkey hunting shotguns because it’s meant for waterfowl. However, the front rd fiber optic sight works well and is easy to see in all lighting. A Red Dot Sight is easily attached to most receivers on modern shotguns, including my Stoeger. I’ve learned so far in my early turkey hunting career that there is a reason why most hunters want a light and shorter shotgun, especially hunting in Timber.

However, the benefits of using a semi-auto shotgun that’s capable of firing a 3.5" magnum shell make up for the weight and length. The addition of a Red Dot Sight allows me to avoid stressing my arms by holding up the shotgun too long. Having a Red Dot Sight is probably unnecessary for most shorter than 49" pump-action shotguns, but it’s very beneficial to Enertia-Driven shotguns, such as the Benelli, Franchi, and Stoeger.

The amount of time I save while tracking a Tom through the timber allows me to wait longer to raise my shotgun. Always error on the side of caution and raise your weapon before you think you’re going to see him. I am not proud to admit that I’ve spooked many birds by raising my shotgun from my sling to my shoulder. A Red Dot Sight essentially makes everything easier and will give you more confidence in your point of aim, which will allow you to take quick shots. 

Sig Romeo5 Compact Red Dot Sight

The Sig Romeo 5 is a versatile and affordable red dot sight for almost any weapon platform. If you’re going to choose a Red Dot Sight for your shotgun, I’d go with a 2 MOA, but you will still get results with a 4 MOA. One thing to consider when you’re turkey hunting is that you most likely won’t make any shots over 60 yards for sure, most people won’t go past 50 yards. When you’re hunting in the timber, you’re going to have to take further shots than you would in open areas (At least been my experience). My first bird last season was at around 55 yards, but even with a 4 MOA dot, I’m going to center my spread around 2" from either side of the turkey’s neck. 

The Sig Romeo 5 provides unlimited eye relief and has a parallax-free point of aim to allow both eyes open and rapid target acquisition. The CR2032 battery will last around 40,000 hours of continuous use. One of my favorite features is the MOTAC feature that shuts the optic down when there is no motion in front of you and automatically turns it on when there is something in front of you. The feature that really decided it for me (besides the price) was the NVG compatibility for night hunts for predators or pests, such as coyotes or wild boar. 

One of the big questions to have answered is how far the MOTAC feature will reach and how much movement does it take to turn on? The solution if it doesn’t turn on is to keep your front fiber optic sight in place and look through the window to identify your target. There are 8 lighting settings for daylight and twilight and 2-night vision settings for a coyote or wild boar hunting. 

Specs

Vortex StrikeFire II

The Vortex StrikeFire II is specifically made for rifles, shotguns, and carbines with a larger profile housing of 5.6" long. A 4 MOA is still going to provide you with a makeable shot up to 55 yards with 12 gauge and 3.5" shells. Most hunters already know who Vortex is and why they’re so popular with shooters from around the globe. Vortex produces quality products that make hunters more effective and comfortable in the elements. This optic is meant to be parallax-free to allow for both eyes to open when firing to allow you to identify and track your bird through the dense trees and bushes. It’s waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, providing durability, reliability, and versatility in an optic. 

The StrikeFire II is meant for an AR, but it will do great with any shotgun that’s drilled and tapped for an optic. The reason, I like this optic so much is because the hard-anodized finish doesn’t set those incredible instincts of the turkey off before you get a shot. The optic and the housing are both designed to eliminate glare so you can stay as concealed as possible. It’s not my first choice for a shotgun, but I’m confident that you’ll be happy as hell if you go through with the purchase. That 4 MOA dot will give you an even faster target acquisition time than a 2 MOA, but this scope does cost more and weigh more. If you’ve ever thought of buying a Vortex StrikeFire, now is the time because I’ve never seen it priced this low on any site so far. 

Specs

Vortex SPARC Solar 2 Red Dot Sight

The Vortex SPARC Solar is one of the coolest and most unique optics you could own with its patented solar battery. If you’re looking for the longest-lasting battery, the SPARC Solar is rated to get you 150,000 hours. Vortex accomplishes this with their Auto D-TEC technology and an integrated solar panel with a CR202 battery as a backup. The SPARC has 10 illumination settings with 2-night vision settings. If there is enough light hitting the top of the Red Dot Sight, the CR2032 shuts off and it’s run entirely on renewable energy. The SPARC Solar also has an automatic shut-off set at 14 hours and includes a motion sensor that quickly turns the optic on for an immediate point of aim. 

Specs

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