Are you looking for the best shotgun scope? Then you are in the right place. This post provides an in-depth review of the best shotgun scopes that deliver an astounding experience at the range or in the field.
Shotguns are versatile firearms used for various applications. They are renowned for their extraordinary ability to deter intruders, take down anything from small to big game, and hit targets and skeets with pinpoint accuracy. A good shotgun scope helps in fast target acquisition and dramatically enhances your accuracy.
There are many options on the market, making it devastating to select the best scope. To ease the burden on your shoulders, we have put together the best shotgun scopes that will up your game.
Best Shotgun Scopes
1) Vortex Diamondback 2-7x35mm Riflescope
We begin our review of the best shotgun scopes with the Vortex Diamondback 2-7x55mm Riflescope. One of its outstanding features is its price; you don’t have to break an arm and a leg to own the scope.
The scope is made for long-lasting use as it constitutes an aircraft-grade aluminum body that withstands anything it may come across. A hard anodized finish makes it robust and shockproof.
Besides, it has O-ring seals for waterproofing and fogproofing. If you intend to move in any weather, the Diamondback 2-7x35mm Riflescope will have your back.
The fully multi-coated lenses ensure optimal light transmission. You can trust that the scope will give you clear, bright, and sharp images from dawn to dusk. This is the ideal scope if you are looking for a scope that will deliver a stellar performance in any lighting situation.
What’s more, the scope features a Precision Glide Erector System that ensures a smooth gliding of the components in the zoom lens mechanism across all power changes. Speaking of power, the scope has a 2-7x power range for clear viewing.
A fast focus eyepiece facilitates sharp reticle focusing, allowing quick target acquisition. There are capped reset turrets on the scope. Caps provide turret protection from external harm.
The V-Plex reticle is found on the second focal plane allowing precise shots. The feature also allows range and holdover estimation and helps check the wind drift and maximum power.
Features
- Made of aircraft-grade aluminum
- Hard anodized finish
- Precision Glide Erector System
- Fully multicoated optics
- Capped reset turrets
- A fast focus eyepiece
- 35mm aperture
- 1 to 3.5 inches of eye relief
- V-Plex reticle
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Single-piece chassis
Pros
- Durable
- Handles tough conditions admirably well
- Wide field of view
- Ring mounting is compatible with multiple firearms
Cons
- Flimsy lens caps
2) Bushnell RXS100 Reflex Sight
Bushnell RXS100 Reflex Sight is a compact and lightweight sight that will take your shotgun accuracy to the next level. The sight ticks all the boxes when it comes to durability, as it has a robust aluminum constitution.
It is waterproof and shockproof, making it a perfect companion when shooting at targets in adverse conditions. Being shockproof, the scope will withstand bumps and falls so that nothing interrupts your activity.
You can adjust the brightness of the 4-MOA red dot reticle to suit different lighting situations. This is because it sports 8 brightness settings. Additionally, it has a parallax-free design that reduces aiming errors caused by eye movement.
The battery is conveniently located at the side for easy swapping while retaining your zero. It provides up to 5000 hours of juice, so you know that the sight will serve you well.
With its built-in Weaver-style mount, it is also compatible with a variety of weapons and is simple to mount.
Features
- Black matte finish
- Up to 5000 hours of battery life
- High-quality aluminum constitution
- Parallax-free design
- Bright 4 MOA dot
- Detented windage and elevation adjustment
Pros
- Adjustable brightness
- Quick target acquisition
- Compatibility with multiple firearms
- Robust build
Cons
- A small field of view
3) Truglo 4x32mm Compact Riflescope
Truglo 4x32mm Compact Riflescope hosts plenty of benefits, making it a great addition to your shotgun. The fixed 4x magnification ensures closer and more accurate shots. The scope is expressly designed for shotguns, so you can be sure it will not let you down.
It comes with a Diamond Ballistic reticle which is ideal for hunting. It will help you take down your target easily.
While it is compact, the scope is durably built with a housing that is scratch resistant. It will handle the rough and tumble environment that comes with shooting and hunting. It is also fogproof and shockproof, allowing use in different shooting conditions.
In addition, Truglo 4x32mm Shotgun scope houses a convenient fingertip windage and elevation adjustment system that lets you make easy and quick adjustments on your scope without having to take your eyes off the target.
The eye safety feature is another bonus for the scope. The scope comes with a rubber eye guard that protects the user from eye injury caused by heavy recoiling rifles.
Mounting is a breeze thanks to the Weaver-style rings. Fully multi-coated lenses boost light-gathering power leading to crisp and clear images all day long.
Features
- Non-reflective matte finish
- Rubber eye guard
- Diamond reticle ideal for shotgun hunting
- Scratch-resistant chassis
- 32mm objective lens
- Fixed 4x magnification
- Second focal plane reticle
Pros
- Compact
- Good price
- Decent eye relief
Cons
- Limited adjustability
4) Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm is an elegant, simple, economical, yet highly performing scope that will surpass your expectations. The scope performs exceptionally in low-light scenarios. When hunting in those dusk to dawn hours, the scope delivers clear images.
Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm is an elegant, simple, economical, yet highly performing scope that will surpass your expectations. The scope performs exceptionally in low-light scenarios. When hunting in those dusk to dawn hours, the scope delivers clear images.
The 40mm objective lens is multicoated for superior light transmission. The scope’s overall performance regarding its ability to focus, crispness, and clarity of the images you view, even in low-light situations, is improved by the Dusk and Dawn Brightness coating.
The scope is designed with O-ring seals for optimal lens protection. The scope will still do the job even when immersed in water. The waterproofing feature ensures that nothing interferes with your hunt. It is also purged with argon gas, so there will be no fogging up for effective performance.
Its wide field of view and second focal plane reticle supports easy tracking of moving targets. A fast focus eyepiece keeps the reticle in sharp focus so that you never miss a target.
1/4 MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustment enable accurate shot placement. This scope can undoubtedly withstand the recoil of the rifle. It will survive the recoil of high-caliber rifles.
Features
- Multi-coated optics
- A fast focus eyepiece
- Second focal plane reticle
- Waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof
- 3-9x magnification
- 40mm aperture
- Multiple reticle choices
Pros
- Exceptional lens clarity
- Price
- Decent build quality
- Perfect for dismal lighting situations
Cons
- None
5) Sightmark Wraith HD 2-16×28 Digital Night Vision Riflescope
Sightmark Wraith HD 2-16×28 Digital Night Vision Riflescope combines the benefits of a conventional riflescope with digital night vision technology in one package.
The 2-16x magnification is versatile for diverse shooting applications. Its ease of use makes the scope perfect even for beginners, as it has intuitive controls and a user-friendly interface.
The riflescope has ten reticle choices, including crosshairs, dots, and duplexes, so you can select the one that best suits your shooting requirements.
It is housed in a durable aluminum body with an IP55 water-resistant rating and a 20° to 122° operating temperature range, the Wraith can withstand harsh conditions for many years.
The 1920×1080 display and high-definition CMOS sensor on the Wraith HD enable it to capture detailed images even in total darkness.
Another interesting attribute of the scope is its battery life. It uses AA batteries that provide more than 4 ½ hours on a single charge. You can change the resolution and brightness settings as well as use the Sleep Mode to save battery power when not in use.
The scope has a video recording feature so you can capture and record the videos and images of your hunt for future reference.
Features
- 8x zoom
- Rugged aluminum body
- More than 4.5 hours of battery life
- HD CMOS sensor
- Ten reticle patterns
- HD photo or video recording
- Removable eyecup
- Includes IR illuminator
Pros
- Easy to use
- Durably made
- Reliable battery life
Cons
- Heavy
6) Konus Konushot 3 3-12×40 Shotgun Scope
If you are a budget-conscious buyer looking for the best shotgun scope, look no further than the Konus Konushot 3 3-12x40mm Shotgun Scope.
This 20-gauge shotgun scope has a metal build designed to withstand harsh environments. Even with altitude changes, the scope still delivers exceptionally. Thanks to the nitrogen purging, the scope is completely waterproof and fogproof.
The 40mm objective lens allows plenty of light into the scope. Coupled with the coating on the lenses, the views are clarified for an amazing shooting experience.
The scope has a 30/30 reticle that supports quick target acquisition. The field of view is large, allowing better situational awareness, further facilitating quick acquiring of the target.
Features
- Multi-coated lenses
- Constructed of metal
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- 30/30 wire reticle
- 40mm aperture
- Variable 3-12x zoom
- 3 inches of eye relief
- Black matte finish
Pros
- Convenient adjustments to suit your needs
- Sturdy metal design
- Wide field of view
- Weatherproof
- Great value for money
Cons
- Short eye relief
7) Simmons 4×32 517793 Prodiamond Shotgun Prohunter Riflescope
Last but not least is the Simmons 4×32 517793 Prodiamond Shotgun Prohunter Riflescope. Many shotgunners favor this scope as it comes at an approachable price.
One impressive feature of the scope is the A-grade quality glass and multicoated lenses that guarantee maximum light transmission required for bright, clear, and sharp images.
The HydroShield lens coating helps preserve a clear sight image across all weather conditions.
Besides, the scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, augmenting its effectiveness in harsh weather conditions. Put your worries aside if you plan to use the scope in planned and unplanned conditions, as it will not fail.
With its lightweight and compact make, the Prodiamond Shotgun scope is effortless to move around with, even when walking long miles. It will not be a burden on your shoulders, ensuring fast execution on the field.
It also has a wide field of view that supports tracking moving targets and fast target acquisition.
The riflescope comes with mounting hardware that can be used with most shotguns and is a breeze to mount.
Features
- Multiproof technology
- Multicoated lenses maximize light collection
- Top-notch glass quality
- Wide field of view
- SureGrip rubber surfaces
- HydroShield lens coating
- One-tube design
Pros
- Easy to mount
- Solidly built for many years of use
- Easy on your wallet
- Compact
Cons
- Short eye relief
How To Choose the Best Shotgun Scopes
Due to their versatility, shotguns are used for various applications. This calls for caution when choosing the best shotgun scope. Some factors go a long way in helping you make a wise buying decision. Here are some of the pertinent factors to have in mind when buying the best shotgun scopes.
Durability
Shotguns are known for their heavy recoil. The best shotgun scopes should be solidly built as a result. They should endure the rugged use you will constantly subject them through.
As a hunter, you need to consider how well your scope will withstand the rigors of hunting adventures. You should look for a waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof scope because you will surely encounter tough conditions and a wide range of weather conditions.
Clarity
The second factor to look at is the scope’s clarity. The best shotgun scopes should provide sharp target imaging. Consider your typical shooting distance requirements and ensure you get an optic that provides excellent images at that range.
You should also look for multicoated lenses for optimal light-gathering capability. This ensures that you get high-quality images in all lighting conditions.
Magnification
You don’t need huge magnification as a shotgunner. You can choose a scope with low power, and it can be fixed or variable. It is best to settle for a fixed 4x scope or a variable type ranging from 1-4x. On the flipside, people who participate in competition (or hunting at close range) might benefit from a small, compact, yet incredibly robust red dot optic.
Eye Relief
How carefully you attach an optic to your shotgun depends on its gauge. The 10-, 12-, and 16-gauge shotguns require sufficient eye relief due to the anticipated heavy recoil.
Overlooking this can lead to eye injury, and you obviously don’t want that. It is best to opt for at least 4 inches of eye relief when using heavy magnum rounds or at maximum power, while some adept shotgunners may well settle for 3.5 inches.
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Focal Plane
Scopes generally come in two focal planes; the first and second focal planes. The first focal plane provides variability options. The reticle automatically adjusts as the magnification changes, allowing you to place it wherever you want.
The second focal plane has a fixed reticle setting. It typically helps the shooter in long-range shooting and always provides a constant and stable view.
Best Shotgun Scopes FAQs
Q: What is the Accuracy of a Shotgun Slug?
A slug shotgun’s accuracy often extends out to 50 yards. It is an average range that any conventional gun provides. And with the aid of a top-notch long-range optical pair, this can be improved.
Q: What is the Difference Between a Riflescope and a Shotgun Scope?
The effective range of a riflescope and a shotgun scope differs. A rifle scope is made to be effective for targets 300 yards or more. A shotgun scope is effective for shooting within 100 yards.
Q: Why Put a Scope on a Shotgun?
Shotguns are typically used as primary hunting weapons. These shotgun scopes are handy when aiming at targets with more precision because they use them on smaller targets such as rabbits, turkeys, ducks, and doves.
Conclusion
All the shotgun scopes explained above are great choices to invest in. They will dramatically enhance the accuracy of your shotgun, giving you a fantastic time shooting or hunting. The impressive features they boast will greatly benefit shotgunners.