This review unveils the best red dots for shotgun deer hunting. The sights are specifically designed to offer quick target acquisition, incredible accuracy, and exceptional ruggedness to tackle the demanding deer hunting grounds.
Shotgun deer hunting calls for the right gear and a unique set of skills. A red dot is one indispensable tool that should be a staple in a hunter’s kit. It is pivotal for a successful hunt, whether you are making a kill in low-light conditions or stalking your prey through dense forests.
Let’s find out more about the best red dots that are the perfect companion and will take your hunting to new heights.
Best Red Dots for Shotgun Deer Hunting
1) Vortex Crossfire Red Dot Sight
Vortex Crossfire Red Dot Sight is packed with a bunch of impressive features; no wonder it tops our list of the best red dots for shotgun deer hunting. It has a great design because it is o-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for relentless performance in all environments.
It is crafted from robust materials and has a hard-coat anodization that controls glare and provides camouflage. Deer will not recognize you, so you can successfully take it down without spooking.
The sight is affordable, hence ideal for avid hunters on a tight budget. In addition, there are eleven illumination settings that allow customization depending on the ambient lighting.
Two of the lowest settings are compatible with night vision, allowing you to extend the shooting hours without worrying about light fading.
Also, the lenses are fully multicoated to make light distribution easier and the target brighter and clearer.
The battery life is commendable, lasting up to 50,000 hours when using the lowest illumination setting. Better yet, an auto-shut off feature helps preserve the juice for when you need it the most.
Features
- 2 MOA dot reticle
- Windage and elevation dials with audible clicks
- Unlimited eye relief
- Aluminum-made for longevity
- Multiple intensity levels
- Undisturbed operation of more than 50,000 hours
- The lenses have full multicoating for excellent imaging
- Weatherproof
Pros
- Auto shut-off feature to conserve battery life
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
- Price-conscious
- Outstanding battery juice
Cons
- The red dot blurs of high settings
2) Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Red Dot Sight
Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Red Dot Sight is compact and ruggedly designed. It is made with serious hunters who want to enhance their shooting capability in mind. The housing is made from durable aluminum, providing a good balance of weight and durability.
It is equipped with motion sensor technology that detects any movement of the sight and instantly turns on the illumination, which is inset into a light tunnel to minimize the light signature in tactical situations.
The aspheric lens produces an expansive field of view with the finest image quality ever seen on a reflex sight.
The optics are treated with DiamondCoat2 which is extremely durable and enhances the collection of light from the surroundings.
A single CR2032 battery runs the DeltaPoint Pro. Swapping batteries is a walk in the park, as the compartment lives on top of the sight. The magnetic compartment hatch prevents batteries from spilling out during replacement.
There are eight illumination settings for various lighting situations. You can adjust them depending on your existing environment.
Features
- Nitrogen purging for fogproof integrity
- 1 MOA turrets with tactile and audible clicks
- Large viewing window
- Motion sensor technology for battery conservation
- Single push-button for adjusting the eight illumination settings
- A battery life of 300 to 1600 hours, depending on the brightness level
Pros
- Easy mounting and usage
- Clear and bright optics
- Easy battery access
- Highly durable
Cons
- Cumbersome illumination adjustment
- Non-compatible with night vision
3) Sig Sauer Romeo5 Red Dot Sight
Sig Sauer Romeo5 Red Dot Sight is another candidate for the best red dots for shotgun deer hunting. It has a solid and resilient formation with an aluminum mount and a reduced design that sits well on your shotgun.
While it is rugged, the sight is lightweight, so it will not be burdensome. The aluminum body is machined, and matte anodized for extra durability and maximum concealment.
Another highlight of the sight is the highly efficient spectracoat, anti-reflection coatings, and ultra-wide broadband as well. All these combined minimize light loss and increase light transmission for stunning image delivery.
The unlimited eye relief helps you acquire the aiming point and the target without hassle. It also supports shooting with both eyes open, hence giving you better awareness of the periphery.
Another facet to behold is the ultra-low parallax, which means the point of aim is the actual point of impact. The feature allows uncompromised accuracy of your shots.
It also incorporates the Motion Activated Illumination, which powers off the system when not in use and automatically activates it when it detects movement or vibration. This prolongs the battery life for more reliability.
Features
- Spectracoat anti-reflection lens coating
- 2 MOA dot reticle
- Unlimited eye relief
- 20mm objective lens diameter
- Side-loading CR2032 battery
- More than 50,000 hours of battery life
- Motion Activated illumination
- Ultra-low parallax
- Ten illumination settings for visibility in various lighting situations
Pros
- Long battery life
- Hyper durable
- Excellent glass clarity
Cons
- Unprotected turrets
4) AT3 Tactical RD-50 Red Dot Sight
The AT3 Tactical RD-50 Red Dot Sight will help you out if you want to boost your shotgun deer hunting skills. Its ability to boost your accuracy and precision is top-tier, which is why hunters love it.
It comes with eleven illumination levels to suit various lighting conditions. You can hunt in broad daylight or dark backgrounds without any issues.
The optical performance is one of a kind, further cementing the RD-50 as one of the best red dots for shotgun deer hunting. The lenses are A-grade, multi-coated, and scratch-resistant, yielding crystal-clear and crisp views of the target.
The housing is made from aircraft-grade aluminum for rigidity and longevity. The tube is filled with nitrogen to prevent lens fogging when hunting in humid or cold conditions. It is also waterproof to prevent penetration of moisture or debris.
Further, it is shockproof to make it more robust and longer-lasting. As if that is not enough, the red dot allows shooting with both eyes open, helping you to easily focus on the target and the surroundings.
Features
- 6061 T6 aluminum formation
- Crisp 2 MOA dot
- Multi-coated amber lenses that are also scratch-resistant
- Completely waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Rubber armor for impact protection
- The design is parallax-free
- Eleven illumination settings
- Matte anodized exterior
Pros
- Optimal light collection
- Rugged build quality
- Excellent value for money
- Phenomenal image rendition
Cons
- Time-consuming manual illumination settings
5) Aimpoint H2 Micro Red Dot Sight
Aimpoint H2 Micro Red Dot Sight is a hyper-rugged, lightweight, and compact shotgun deer hunting optic that will revamp your shooting experience.
The sight is made with rigorous hunting conditions in mind. It features a hard anodized aluminum alloy housing, recessed lenses, and flip-up lens covers that shield all electronic and optical components from anything mother nature throws at you.
It is submersible to 15 feet and runs on a single CR2032 battery, providing up to 50,000 hours of nonstop operation. You don’t have to fret about rude interruption in the middle of a hunting session.
In addition, Aimpoint H2 incorporates a 2 MOA dot with twelve illumination settings suitable for extreme low light to bright daylight conditions. There are configuration knobs that support seamless adjusting of the brightness to suit the prevailing condition.
The glass is multilayered with coatings to improve light transmission, resulting in clear and bright views. They are also anti-reflective to maximize light flow for impeccable images.
Features
- Adjustable windage and elevation
- 2 MOA dot
- Anti-reflective multicoated optics
- High-grade aluminum construction
- Twelve intensity levels
- Unlimited eye relief
- A CR2032 battery powers the unit
- Multiple mounting options
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long battery life
- High-quality coatings on the lens
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Less user-friendly adjustment knobs
- It needs a separate mounting system
6) Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight is made to enrich your hunting pursuits and make those moments unforgettable.
The brightness settings of this red dot are customizable from 1 to 11, illuminating the 3 MOA dot reticle to make targeting clear and enhance target acquisition speed. Using the lowest setting lengthens the battery life of the unit.
The sight ticks all the boxes for durability. It is constructed from top-grade materials to endure drops, bumps, and bangs. It will suffice in rigorous hunting conditions without disintegrating.
It is o-ring sealed hence will remain dry even when immersed in water. Nitrogen purging renders it fogproof for unwavering performance in humid conditions or when there are temperature changes.
Another attractive attribute of the unit is the customizable mounting system that is ideal for multiple firearms. This makes it versatile for hunters with a ton of weapons in their collection.
The red dot is anything but hand to assemble and is compatible with most Picatinny rails.
Features
- O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged
- Unlimited eye relief
- 3 MOA dot reticle
- Adjustable parallax from 50 yards
- The battery lasts up to 50,000 hours
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Shockproof structure
- Eleven brightness modes
Pros
- Compact
- Installation is a breeze
- Incredible battery life
Cons
- Not clear at high brightness
Also Read:
Guidelines When Choosing the Best Red Dots for Shotgun Deer Hunting
Let’s have a look at some essential factors that will be a compass when buying the best red dots for shotgun deer hunting:
Lenses
One of the main reasons for having a red dot sight is to have a clearer picture of the target, even in low-light scenarios. You need lenses that have been designed to achieve plenty of light transmission and fight off scratches and abrasion.
Battery Life
Red dot sights are scandalous when the battery is always running low. Transferring extra batteries that are elusive or where the battery is also neglected can also ruin the fun of your hunting trip.
The battery life should be reliable to avoid disturbance in the middle of a hunting session. Some red dots have power-saving mechanisms like shake awake, auto shut off, and motion sensor technology to conserve the juice.
Illumination Settings
The best red dots for shotgun deer hunting should have various illumination options. These options reflect exceptional, consistent performance no matter the lighting situation.
Solar-powered options are also picking up the pace and may soon become a staple among hunters.
Reticle Type
There are numerous reticle options in red dot sights. The most popular designs include a dot, hollow circles, crosshairs, and triangles. The right option comes down to your shooting approach. Bear in mind that each option has a set of strengths and weaknesses.
Durability
The best red dots for shotgun deer hunting should be made with durability in mind. They should constitute premium materials like aircraft-grade aluminum, guaranteeing long-lasting use.
A durable optic will withstand heavy recoil and consistently hold zero. Ensure you don’t compromise on this factor, as doing so will cost you big time.
Weatherproofing
Another parameter to look at is weatherproofing. You are bound to experience different weather changes outdoors. The best red dots for shotgun deer hunting are o-ring sealed and gas purged to keep penetration of moisture, dirt, dust, oil, and other debris at bay.
Best Red Dots for Shotgun Deer Hunting FAQs
Q: Do Red Dots Work on Shotguns?
Putting a red dot on a shotgun provides similar advantages as with a rifle and handgun. It unleashes the gun’s potential. It enhances accuracy even at longer ranges and helps you get on target faster.
Q: Why Is My Red Dot Not Bright Enough?
As batteries empty, they automatically produce less power. Even at maximum illumination, the dot will appear darker the closer your power comes to running out. Replace the battery with a fresh one and make sure the dot is lit up normally.
Q: Is A Red Dot Better Than a Green Dot?
Choosing between a red or green dot comes down to individual preferences. Both are ideal for night and daylight shooting. However, a red dot is easier to see in low-light scenarios, while green is easier to see during the day. Further, green provides a better battery life during the day as it doesn’t need to be too bright.
Conclusion
The best red dots for shotgun deer hunting are essential equipment in the world of deer hunting, where precision, accuracy, and fast target acquisition matter. The models in this guide are configured to match the demands of shotgun deer hunters.
The best red dot for your shotgun ultimately comes down to your unique needs and preferences. Choose any of the units and gear up to take on the challenges of deer hunting. Happy hunting!