If you own a shotgun, it means you know your way around a gun and aren’t afraid to handle the heavy stuff. While shotguns are known for their large spread, using them with a scope can only improve your accuracy and ensure that your shot finds its target.
The first step in being a responsible shotgun owner is understanding how to load a shotgun. After that, you’ll want to consider adding a shotgun scope to your gun. The type of scope you use will entirely depend on your needs and specification requirements.
For this review, we have researched the best scopes available on the market today and come up with our top five picks for the best shotgun scopes.
Table of Contents
Quick Guide
Are you in a hurry? Here is a condensed list of options for you based on the best characteristics of each of the options mentioned in this buying guide.
Best in Versatility: Bushnell Red Dot Sight Riflescope
“For the price this red dot is amazing. Penny for penny it is better than my Vortex and my Eotech. Zeroed at 50 yards in no time at all. Has held zero just fine over a few hundred rounds. Install could have been easier but that’s really kind of nit-picking.”
Best Budget: Pinty Tactical Riflescope
“It performed like a pro no issues easy to mount to the weaver rail I have mounted. The optic does not feel like what it cost. This is a perfect beginner’s sight. No one wants to spend an arm and leg, when its possible to get results that are adequate.”
Best for Dedicated Shotguns: Truglo Compact Rimfire Shotgun Scope
“ You won’t go wrong for an inexpensive scope. I needed something for my shotgun. It is working out great. I just wish it had laminated cross hairs. I read numerous reviews before deciding on it.”
Best Laser Option: Feyachi PL-31 Laser Sight
“Wow this product is made out of a high grade aluminium. It has easily reachable control functions. The button to turn the laser on, is right there at your fingertips. Also the controls are ambidextrous..as well it is fully adjustable to fit your Airsoft weapon of choice. The product feels very nice And it also fits very nice and snug to the airsoft pistol.”
Best Splurge: Truglo Red-Dot Sight Black
“I have it on my AR and I love it. I’ve gone through numerous red dots, and so far this is the one. The 2x magnification is just enough to place head shots on your target at 100 yds. Any further and you will need to aim for center mass.”
1. Bushnell Red Dot Sight Riflescope
The scope’s mounting options are quite versatile, meaning you can use them for shotguns, pistols, rifles, and muzzleloaders. The scope is equipped with an O-ring, making it waterproof and ensuring that the optics are dry even if submerged in water.
In addition to this, you also get a shockproof construction, making the scope immune to accidental impact or drops. For a clearer vision, the scope comes with Nitrogen purging that ensures a fog-free image, even during temperature fluctuations or excessive humidity.
Verified customers complained that the scope’s dot was duller or blurrier compared to competitors. The design was also recently changed, and some original Bushnell customers are not fond of the new design.
Specifications
- Brand: Bushnell
- Color: matte black
- Compatible with: shotguns, handguns, rifles
- Material: metal
- Lens diameter: 25 millimeters
- Package dimensions: 2.5 x 3.4 x 2.2 inches
- Item weight: 0.23 pounds
Pros
- Compatible with handguns, shotguns, and rifles for more versatile options
- Waterproof and shockproof to account for environmental factors
- 11 brightness settings for a complete shooting and hunting experience
Cons
- Design rehaul has not been received well
- Some complaints about the brightness of the scope not being high enough
2. Pinty Tactical Riflescope
Designed in a solid metal construction at a much cheaper price than the Bushnell scope, this scope from Pinty comes with Picatinny rails that makes it compatible with shotguns, handguns, and rifles. The black riflescope is durable and shockproof, making it resistant to everyday wear and tear.
Unlike the Bushnell scope, this scope comes with a green and red dot to give you more options for customization and visibility. However, there are only five brightness settings.
The lens on the scope is covered with multiple coatings to make it waterproof and immune to fog in humid conditions. This scope also includes precision windage and elevation adjustment options. The riflescope comes with a high/low profile option with a quick-release mount. You can easily fit this on a standard 200 mm rail.
However, some verified customers have said that this scope is not a great option if you’re shooting past 100 yards. The scope is extremely accurate under 100 yards but may be off when shooting farther distances. Even though it is advertised as having a 40 mm lens, customers say that the OD of the tube is actually 39 mm. This is not a big difference but is something you might want to consider.
Specifications
- Brand: Pinty
- Color: black
- Compatible with: shotguns, handguns, rifles
- Material: metal
- Lens diameter: 40 millimeters
- Package dimensions: 4.8 x 3.07 x 2.52 inches
- Item weight: 11.22 ounces
Pros
- Very affordable
- Comes with red and green dots
- Multiple coatings on the lens make it waterproof and fog proof
Cons
- Not a great option for long-distance shooting that exceeds 100 yards
- No night vision
3. Truglo Compact Rimfire Shotgun Scope
Unlike the previous options on the list, this scope comes with a diamond reticle. The duplex reticle model includes ⅜-inch scope mounting rings that make it perfect for rimfire and air rifles. The diamond reticle also has weaver-style scope mounting rings.
Another feature that sets this scope apart from previous options is the magnification. While the Pinty scope comes with just 1x magnification, you’ll receive 4x magnification with this product. The diamond reticle is specifically designed for shotguns. If you’re a hunting enthusiast, hunting deer and turkey will be a breeze with this shotgun scope.
Verified customers have noted that it does not hold 3-inch rounds or high-velocity 2¾-inch rounds well. The rings on the scope are attached and not installed, so you will have to do that yourself once you receive your package.
Specifications
- Brand: Truglo
- Color: black
- Compatible with: shotguns
- Material: metal
- Lens diameter: 32 millimeters
- Package dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches
- Item weight: 1 pound
Pros
- Dedicated for shotguns
- 4x magnification
- Scratch-resistant rubber eye guard for maximum viewing comfort
Cons
- Rings are installed and not attached
- Doesn’t hold high-velocity rounds well
4. Feyachi PL-31 Laser Sight
With a solid aluminum construction, the laser sight is anodized with a Mil-spec finish, making it extremely durable. The product’s laser pointer also makes you more immune to recoil than traditional scopes. You can learn more about this by checking out this article on gun recoil.
When it comes to the switch, you can use it with your right or left hand, depending on your dominant side. Scope batteries are included with the package as well.
However, if you’re looking for a traditional scope, this product is not for you. A laser pointer will give away your location in a dusty environment. There have also been some complaints from reviewers who thought the laser was not bright enough for long-range shooting.
Specifications
- Brand: Feyachi
- Color: black
- Compatible with: shotguns, handguns, rifles
- Material: aluminum
- Lens diameter: N/A
- Package dimensions: 2.4 x 1.18 x 0.85 inches
- Item weight: 1.57 ounces
Pros
- Accurate shooting with laser sight
- Easily mounted with the help of Picatinny rail
- Solid, high-quality metal construction for durability
Cons
- Not a conventional scope, not suitable for people looking for one
- Laser not bright enough for long-distance shooting
5. Truglo Red-Dot Sight Black
The large scope area means that you have a wide field of view when you’re out hunting. The lens system comes in a flip-up construction, which means changing lenses or flipping them out is quick and easy.
The large 42 mm lens also comes with a 5 MOA reticle that ensures quick acquisition. The scope is exceptionally lightweight, meaning you won’t feel the added weight on your shotgun. Batteries for the scope are included with the package.
Some verified customers have noticed that Truglo has changed the design of the scope. While this does not affect the performance of the scope, some people prefer the older design.
You should also keep in mind that the scope is not the cheapest option on the list. If you’re on a tight budget, this might not be the best fit for you.
Specifications
- Brand: Truglo
- Color: black
- Compatible with: shotguns, handguns, rifles, crossbows
- Material: metal
- Lens diameter: 42 mm
- Package dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches
- Item weight: 195.61 grams
Pros
- Flip-up lens system ensures that changing lenses is easy and includes a customizable view
- Wide field of view for enhanced spotting
- 5 MOA reticle provides quick acquisition
Cons
- Most expensive item on the list, not suitable for people working on a budget
- Newer models come with simpler designs, which might not appeal to everyone
The Bottom Line
For shotgun enthusiasts, having a scope on their gun can greatly improve the weapon’s accuracy and ensure that your shot finds its mark. While shotguns are not as bent for accuracy as other guns, a scope will certainly help.
Shotgun scopes usually provide quicker eye relief than rifle scopes. If you plan on shooting with a shotgun, you’re likely trying to hit closer targets. Keep these factors in mind before making your final decision on the type of scope to buy.
We hope that this buying guide has helped you pick the best shotgun scope that fits your needs. If you’re interested in similar topics, please feel free to check out our other articles, reviews, and buying guides!
