When it comes to shotguns, a red dot sight can be a game-changer. It enhances target acquisition speed, improves accuracy, and makes shooting more intuitive, especially in high-pressure situations like hunting or home defense.
With 2024 seeing some fantastic entries in the red dot market, choosing the right one can be daunting.
I’ve tested, researched, and scoured online forums to bring you a detailed review of the best red dots for shotguns in 2024. Let’s dive into the top picks and see which one might be the perfect match for your shotgun.
Top Product List: 6 Best Red Dots for Shotguns in 2024
- Trijicon RMR Type 2 — Best Overall
- HOLOSUN 507C — Best Value
- Aimpoint Micro H-2 — Best for Durability
- Vortex Venom — Best for Beginners
- Sig Sauer Romeo5 — Best Budget Option
- Burris FastFire 3 — Best for Versatility
1. Trijicon RMR Type 2 — Best Overall
Specifications:
- Reticle: 3.25 MOA or 6.5 MOA dot
- Battery Life: Up to 4 years on a single CR2032
- Weight: 1.2 oz
- Material: 7075-T6 aluminum
- Mounting: Direct mount compatible or via adapter plate
Best Features:
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is legendary for its ruggedness and reliability. It’s built like a tank, using 7075-T6 aluminum, which ensures that it can withstand the harshest conditions. The 3.25 MOA dot is crisp, bright, and easy to acquire, making it perfect for fast-moving targets. I love the fact that it’s parallax-free, which means the point of aim stays the same regardless of your viewing angle.
Pros:
- Extremely durable and shockproof
- Long battery life
- Crisp and clear reticle
- Easy to adjust windage and elevation
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Slightly heavier than some other options
Personal Experience:
Using the RMR Type 2 on my Benelli M4 has been a revelation. The sight picture is clear, and the dot is precise, allowing for quick target acquisition. Whether in low light or bright daylight, the dot remains visible without being overwhelming. Mounting was straightforward, and the sight has held zero perfectly after numerous shooting sessions.
Customer Comments:
Online forums rave about the Trijicon RMR’s durability, with many users sharing stories of it surviving drops, rough handling, and even water immersion without losing zero.
Mounting:
The RMR Type 2 can be directly mounted to many shotguns, or you can use an adapter plate depending on your model. For my Benelli M4, a mount was necessary, but installation was quick and painless.
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2. Holosun HS507C X2 — Best Value
Specifications:
- Reticle: 2 MOA dot & 32 MOA circle
- Battery Life: Up to 50,000 hours on a CR1632 battery
- Weight: 1.5 oz
- Material: 7075-T6 aluminum
- Mounting: Direct mount compatible or via adapter plate
Best Features:
Holosun’s HS507C X2 offers a lot of bang for the buck. The multi-reticle system, which allows you to switch between a 2 MOA dot, 32 MOA circle, or both combined, is incredibly versatile. This sight also features a solar panel that provides power in daylight conditions, effectively extending the battery life to nearly indefinite in bright environments.
Pros:
- Versatile reticle options
- Solar panel extends battery life
- Durable construction
- Affordable for the features provided
Cons:
- Slight learning curve for reticle switching
- Slightly bulkier compared to others
Personal Experience:
I mounted the HS507C X2 on my Mossberg 930, and it performed excellently during a weekend of skeet shooting. The 32 MOA circle made it easy to track clays, while the 2 MOA dot was perfect for more precise shots. The solar panel kept the sight running smoothly even when the battery was low, and switching between reticles was straightforward once I got the hang of it.
Customer Comments:
Many users appreciate the combination of value and performance, with several noting how the reticle options enhance their shooting experience across different scenarios.
Mounting:
The HS507C X2 can be directly mounted to some shotguns, but I opted for an adapter plate on my Mossberg 930 for a more secure fit.
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3. Aimpoint Micro H-2 — Best for Durability
Specifications:
- Reticle: 2 MOA dot
- Battery Life: Up to 5 years on a single CR2032
- Weight: 3.0 oz
- Material: High-strength aluminum
- Mounting: Direct mount compatible or via adapter plate
Best Features:
The Aimpoint Micro H-2 is known for its durability. This red dot is built to withstand the toughest conditions, including extreme temperatures, submersion in water, and heavy recoil. The 2 MOA dot is perfect for precision, and the sight offers 12 brightness settings, including night vision compatibility.
Pros:
- Unmatched durability
- Excellent battery life
- Clear, crisp dot
- Waterproof and fogproof
Cons:
- Heavier and more expensive
- Lacks multiple reticle options
Personal Experience:
I used the Aimpoint Micro H-2 on a Remington 870 during a rainy hunting trip, and it performed flawlessly. The sight never fogged up, and the dot remained clear despite the downpour. The weight is noticeable, but it adds to the sense of robustness, making it a reliable choice for any serious shooter.
Customer Comments:
Many hunters and competitive shooters trust the Micro H-2 for its resilience and dependability, with countless stories of the sight holding zero after being knocked around in the field.
Mounting:
The Aimpoint Micro H-2 can be directly mounted or used with an adapter plate. I chose to mount it directly on my Remington 870, which provided a secure and low-profile fit.
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4. Vortex Venom — Best for Beginners
Specifications:
- Reticle: 3 MOA or 6 MOA dot
- Battery Life: Up to 150 hours at highest setting
- Weight: 1.1 oz
- Material: Aluminum alloy
- Mounting: Direct mount compatible or via adapter plate
Best Features:
The Vortex Venom is a fantastic entry-level red dot sight that doesn’t compromise on quality. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and offers a clear sight picture. The auto-brightness mode is particularly helpful for beginners, as it adjusts the dot brightness based on the lighting conditions.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to use with auto-brightness
- Affordable without sacrificing quality
- Vortex’s excellent warranty
Cons:
- Shorter battery life compared to higher-end models
- Fewer advanced features
Personal Experience:
I recommended the Vortex Venom to a friend who was new to using red dots, and he mounted it on his Winchester SXP. We spent an afternoon at the range, and he quickly got comfortable with the sight. The auto-brightness mode was a hit, and he appreciated the simple controls.
Customer Comments:
Beginners and budget-conscious shooters frequently praise the Venom for being a high-quality, easy-to-use option. Many appreciate Vortex’s no-questions-asked warranty, which adds peace of mind to the purchase.
Mounting:
The Vortex Venom can be directly mounted on most shotguns, and my friend had no trouble getting it securely attached to his Winchester SXP using a direct mount.
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5. Sig Sauer Romeo5 — Best Budget Option
Specifications:
- Reticle: 2 MOA dot
- Battery Life: Up to 40,000 hours on a CR2032
- Weight: 5.1 oz
- Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum
- Mounting: Direct mount compatible or via adapter plate
Best Features:
The Sig Sauer Romeo5 is a top pick for those looking to save some money without sacrificing performance. It features MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination), which powers up the sight when it senses motion and powers down when it’s not in use. The 2 MOA dot is crisp, and the sight is lightweight yet durable.
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Long battery life with MOTAC feature
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to mount and adjust
Cons:
- Heavier than some other budget options
- Lacks advanced reticle options
Personal Experience:
I picked up a Sig Romeo5 for a budget build I was doing on a Maverick 88, and it exceeded my expectations. The MOTAC feature worked flawlessly, conserving battery life and ensuring the sight was always ready. The dot was clear and bright, even in midday sunlight.
Customer Comments:
Online discussions often highlight the Romeo5’s value, with many users pleasantly surprised by its performance given the price point. It’s a favorite among budget-conscious shooters who don’t want to compromise on quality.
Mounting:
The Romeo5 can be directly mounted to most shotguns. I used an adapter plate on the Maverick 88, which made for a very secure fit.
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6. Burris FastFire 3 — Best for Versatility
Specifications:
- Reticle: 3 MOA or 8 MOA dot
- Battery Life: Up to 5,000 hours on a CR1632
- Weight: 1.5 oz
- Material: Aluminum
- Mounting: Direct mount compatible or via adapter plate
Best Features:
The Burris FastFire 3 is a versatile red dot sight that’s perfect for a variety of shooting applications. It’s compact, lightweight, and offers a choice between a 3 MOA and 8 MOA dot. The automatic brightness sensor adjusts the dot intensity based on the ambient light, making it easy to use in any environment.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Versatile dot size options
- Auto-brightness feature
- Affordable and reliable
Cons:
- Shorter battery life
- Limited battery access (requires removal from the mount)
Personal Experience:
I used the Burris FastFire 3 on a Stoeger M3000, and it performed admirably. The 8 MOA dot was ideal for fast target acquisition during close-range shooting, while the 3 MOA dot was great for more precise shots. The auto-brightness worked well, but I did find the battery life to be shorter than I would have liked.
Customer Comments:
Users often praise the FastFire 3 for its versatility and compact design, noting that it works well on a variety of firearms, not just shotguns. However, some do mention the inconvenience of having to remove the sight to replace the battery.
Mounting:
The FastFire 3 can be directly mounted to many shotguns, and I used a direct mount on my Stoeger M3000, which worked perfectly.
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Conclusion
Choosing the best red dot sight for your shotgun in 2024 comes down to understanding your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize durability, ease of use, versatility, or value, there’s a red dot sight on this list that will fit your requirements.
If you’re looking for the ultimate in durability and reliability, the Trijicon RMR Type 2 is hard to beat. For those on a budget, the Sig Sauer Romeo5 offers incredible value without sacrificing performance. Beginners might find the Vortex Venom the easiest to use, while the Holosun HS507C X2 offers versatility with its multiple reticle options.
Ultimately, the best red dot sight for your shotgun is the one that meets your specific shooting needs and fits within your budget. I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision and enhances your shooting experience in 2024.