In the world of turkey hunting, precision and speed are two vital components that determine whether your expedition is a hit or miss. All seasoned hunters know that having the right optic makes all the difference. The best turkey hunting red dot sights are your trustworthy companions, providing quick target acquisition and a clear sight picture.
This post highlights some of the best sights, weighing their strong points and imperfections to help you decide on a pick.
The red dot sights use LED light to project a crisp red dot at the center of the field of vision. They minimize parallax and boost your accuracy to unparalleled levels.
Why A Red Dot for Turkey Hunting?
The best turkey hunting red dot sights provide a practical solution for the dynamic and close-range nature of the activity. With the right sight, your chances of a rewarding and efficient outing increase tremendously. Benefits of red dots for hunting turkey include:
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Both Eyes Open Shooting
The sights allow shooting with both eyes open, increasing situational awareness. Awareness of this activity’s surroundings is essential for safety and success.
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Quick Target Acquisition
Turkeys are swift movers and unpredictable. A red dot sight offers a straightforward, illuminated reticle that promotes fast target acquisition. This gives you an edge when you have a limited window of opportunity to take a shot.
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Low-Light Performance
Another reason red dot sights are suitable for turkey hunting is their adjustable brightness settings, which allow them to adapt to various lighting situations. This is beneficial at twilight or early morning when turkeys are active.
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Lightweight and Minimalist
A red dot sight is compact and lightweight, adding less bulk to your firearm. This is greatly beneficial for those looking for agility and mobility.
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Versatility to Various Firearms
Red dot sights easily mount on handguns, rifles, shotguns, and other firearms, offering adaptability across a wide range of firearms.
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Intuitive Designs
The best turkey hunting red dot sights have a simple design with a central illuminated dot. This intuitiveness makes them user-friendly, and hunters can quickly up their skills when using them.
What To Look for In the Best Turkey Hunting Red Dots Sights
Finding a red dot sight for hunting turkey is less taxing if you have a clue of the most important features you need. Some of these features include:
Build Quality
First and foremost, look at the build quality of the red dot sight you intend to choose. A good unit should be capable of withstand recoil over time. Consider the type of conditions you will be hunting in. This often implies rugged terrain and test treks. The best turkey hunting red dot sight should hold up exceptionally when subjected to bumps, foul weather conditions, knocks, and drops.
If you are a hunter who loves to move in any weather, get a sight with waterproof and fogproof capabilities. The best construction material is aircraft-grade aluminum, as it is lightweight yet highly durable.
Price
Not every hunter has overflowing wallets. Red dots come at unique prices, and the amount you pay depends on your budget. However, how much you spend should also be based on how often you are usually after these gobblers.
Brightness Settings
The best turkey hunting red dots should give a bright red dot reticle. The brightness settings should be adjustable to suit various lighting conditions. The prime time to take down coveted turkeys is during those critical dusk and dawn hours.
A red dot that allows you to adjust the brightness settings gives you an upper hand in those low-light hours. The device should generate clear images regardless of lighting conditions.
Design
Turkey hunting red dots are designed differently. Some have a tube design, while others have a square window pane. Both designs are good, and what you choose depends on your preferences. Also, pay attention to the lens quality and the co-witness to attain maximum clarity, which you need for better aiming.
Best Turkey Hunting Red Dot Sights
There are a ton of turkey hunting red dots sights, but only a few are top of our list. They include:
1) Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight
Vortex Crossfire II 1x22mm Red Dot Sight will revolutionize your turkey hunting experience. On top of having an awesome look, the Crossfire II is versatile, dependable, lightweight, and accurate. It delivers really good performance minus unnecessary frills.
It is affordable, making it suitable for those who don’t have overflowing wallets. Its 2 MOA dot aids rapid target acquisition and increases precision.
A parallax-free design ensures that small movements do not obstruct your view, lending a clear picture when it matters most. This is important in dynamic shooting scenarios where fast target acquisition is instrumental.
Designed with eleven brightness settings, the red dot excels in different lighting, even the most important hours of dusk and dawn, when there is increased turkey activity.
The impressive battery life with over 50,000 hours of continuous use gives you a sense of reliability and consistency. The night vision compatibility at the lowest two settings adds to its versatility, ensuring operation in different conditions without compromise.
The Crossfire II, as the top candidate for the best turkey hunting red dot sights, should be at the top of your list if you are looking for a reliable point of aim for your firearm.
Features
- Anodized matte finish
- 22mm objective lens diameter
- Waterproof
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Two of the lowest brightness settings are compatible with night vision
- Doesn’t obstruct your views with small movements
- More than 50,000 of continuous battery use
Pros
- Price-friendly
- Holds zero well
- The lightweight design is a plus
Cons
- Adjustment dial is stiff and hard to turn
2) Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight
Bushnell Trophy TR-25 features a winning combination of precision optics and rugged durability to make your turkey hunting outing special. It mounts easily on most Picatinny rails, proving its adaptability to various firearms.
A 3 MOA dot reticle gives a crisp and precise aiming point. The reticle harbors eleven brightness settings to accommodate various environments. Clear visibility in the dense foliage where turkeys roam is yours as a result.
The optics are o-ring sealed for waterproof performance and nitrogen-purged fogproof capabilities. Nitrogen inside the optics prevents internal surfaces from fogging because of humidity and sudden temperature changes. The sight’s resistance to elements makes the TR-25 a go-to optic for hunters looking for a reliable solution in unforgiving terrains where turkeys thrive.
Bumps, falls, and knocks will be the least of your concerns as this red dot sight is fully shockproof.
The 70+ MOA adjustment range is resourceful as it lends precise zeroing and personalization, allowing you to fine-tune your sight to match your specific needs and
shooting style. The TRS-25 meets your needs whether you value a quick target acquisition or a more deliberate approach.
Features
- 70+ MOA adjustment range
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- The brightness settings are adjustable from 1 to 11
- 3 MOA dot reticle
- Amber-Bright high contrast lens coating
- Lightweight at 3.7 ounces
- Tactical turrets for instant windage and elevation adjustment
Pros
- Simple design
- Compact yet durable
- Exceptionally well-done mounting and machining
Cons
- Elevation and windage covers are not deeply knurled
3) EOTech XPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight
Weighing less and being smaller than other options on the market, EOTech XPS2 doesn’t pinch pennies when it comes to performance. It is a paragon of efficiency and versatility, guaranteeing a superior turkey hunting experience.
Its compact design makes it the ideal partner for carrying anywhere, and it’s the perfect choice for small-framed firearms like AR pistols and short-barreled rifles. This compact form factor makes it easy to maneuver in dense foliage where turkeys are often found.
This powerhouse of performance runs on a single battery. This configuration enhances efficiency and offers more space for rear iron sights or the acceptance of additional accessories like a night vision mount. This provides versatility to personalize your setup depending on your preferences.
It is programmed to automatically power down after 8 hours of nonactivity, and you can change the programming so that it shuts down after 4 hours. This is a huge bonus that saves your precious battery life.
The sight is waterproof and hence survives immersion in water without compromising optics performance.
The XPS2 is what you need if you prioritize reliability, precision, and mobility when scouting elusive turkey.
Features
- Unlimited eye relief
- Submersible in water up to 10 feet
- Small weight for responsiveness and agility
- Runs on a single battery
- Unlimited eye relief
- Multiple brightness settings to accommodate various lighting conditions
- Three reticle options for quickly tracking, acquiring, and switching targets
Pros
- Wide lens for easier shooting with both eyes open
- Lightweight
- Made to last
- A mount is included
Cons
- Not compatible with night vision
- The battery is good but not great
4) TRUGLO GOBBLE-STOPPER 3 MOA Dot Sight
This is another red dot sight that scores highly. Truglo is a baby in the market that has earned a good name. The sight is designed specifically for turkey hunters and boasts a litany of innovative features for effectiveness in the field.
At the core of this sight, one of the best turkey hunting red dot sights is a dual-color illumination reticle, available in red and green for maximum visibility from dusk to dawn. You can choose the color that best contrasts best with your background for easy adaptability.
This sight is more than just an optic. It features an illuminated ring representing a 24″ circle at 30 yards. This parameter enhances target acquisition, making it easier for you to track and aim at your turkey prey. The reticle design is an invaluable asset in dynamic hunting scenarios where each second matters.
It is seamless to install and includes a removable extended sunshade. This sunshade eliminates glare from the front lens and protects the optics in various weather conditions.
The Gobble-Stopper stands ready to turn your turkey hunting experience into riveting success.
Features
- 3 MOA dot reticle
- A CR2032 battery powers the sight
- Weather-resistance capabilities
- Rheostat controlled brightness adjustment
- Shockproof
- Spare battery storage compartment atop the sight
- Unlimited eye relief
- Extended sunshade that is detachable
Pros
- Includes flip-up lens caps
- Installation is easy
- Well-optimized for superb performance
Cons
- Tricky adjustments
5) Vortex Venom Red Dot Sight
Vortex has rightfully earned a loyal following because of its commitment to excellence in its products, as shown by the Vortex Venom red dot sight. Versatile enough to accept both rifles and shotguns, the Venom gives turkey hunters optimum flexibility.
High-quality, fully multi-coated lenses with Armortek maximize the amount of light penetration, translating into bright and clear images of the view. A wide field of view increases situational awareness, which is vital for successfully bagging the prey.
Conveniently situated power and dot intensity controls on the left side ensure easy access to choose between ten settings to cope with changing lighting environments.
A standout feature that makes the sight one of the best red dot sights for turkey hunting and needs to be mentioned is the auto-brightness mode, which uses an ambient light sensor to control the dot intensity if the user prefers.
Now, onto construction quality. Vortex Venom has a rugged aluminum housing, which ensures durability and resilience in the face of challenging conditions. The construction ensures the scope stands up to whatever you throw at it.
The 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustments are sleek and user-friendly for easy sighting in. Changing the CR1632 battery is a breeze, as it has a top-load design, which ensures less disruption to your setup.
The design is parallax-free, and eye relief is unlimited. Besides, it is waterproof and fogproof for easy wading through unforgiving weather conditions in the hunting grounds.
Features
- O-ring seals ensure reliable performance by providing a barrier for dust and moisture ingress.
- Auto-brightness mode
- Robust aluminum housing that is also shockproof
- Ten brightness settings to accommodate various lighting conditions
- Sleek 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustments that make sighting in a piece of cake.
- Fully multi-coated lenses provide a clear, expansive field of view
- The exterior lenses are protected by Armortek coating
- Adjustment controls are found on the left side of the unit
Pros
- Installation is child’s play
- Outstanding performance
- Long-lasting build quality
Cons
- Problematic adjustments
6) Holosun HS510C Red Dot Sight
Holosun HS510C is engineered to transform your turkey hunting experience with a perfect combination of reliability and innovation. Praised as one of the best turkey hunting red dot sights, the sight features a ton of features that make it outstanding.
The Green Super LED takes center stage, providing a bright green dot that stands out against various backgrounds encountered in turkey hunting. The red dot has the Multi-Reticle System, which allows shooters to select from multiple reticles based on their preferences.
The 50,000-hour battery life is a stunner, promising extended use in the field without having to worry about unexpected battery failure.
The Shake Awake Technology is a game-changer. It prolongs battery life by disabling the LED when not in use. With settings starting from minutes and going up to 12 hours, this technology optimizes battery efficiency. The slightest touch or motion makes the battery spring to life without missing a beat.
Another innovation that makes the HS510C a great option for the best turkey hunting red dot sights is the Solar Failsafe technology. This groundbreaker uses natural or artificial light as a backup power source when in Auto Mode.
The reticle brightness automatically adjusts to offer a brighter aiming point in broad daylight. The reticle steps down in brightness while in dismal light conditions, making adaptation to various lighting a walkover.
The HS510C provides turkey hunters with the best-in-class features to make your outing change for the better.
Features
- Green Super LED
- More than 50,000 hours of reliable battery life
- The design is durable
- Multi-Reticle System
- Shake Awake technology
- 10 daylight and 2 night-vision compatible brightness settings
- Aluminum and titanium hood design
- 5 MOA adjustment per click
- Solar failsafe technology
- Unlimited eye relief
- Parallax-free
Pros
- Impressive build quality
- Clear and bright sight picture
- Battery conservation inclusions
Cons
- Pricey
What Does a Red Dot Sight Do?
A red dot sight is a non-magnifying reflector sight employed on firearms to provide an aiming point in the form of an illuminated red dot. It projects a small illuminated dot onto a lens. The typical color of the dot is red, but other sights have green or other colored dots.
Collimated light creates the red dot, implying that it appears to be focused at infinity. This keeps the dot on the same focal plane as the target, ensuring accurate aiming regardless of the target’s distance. This explains why red dot sights are usually parallax-free.
What Is the Best Time for Hunting Turkey?
Turkeys are normally most noisy and energetic in the early morning when they are looking for food and partners. Therefore, the best time to go turkey hunting in the woods is before dawn, before the birds begin to roost for the night.
Do You Need an Optic for Turkey Hunting?
Turkey gun optics are becoming increasingly popular for the same benefits they provide competitive and tactical shooters. The benefits include quicker target acquisition, easier sight alignments, and the ability to focus on the target while shooting.
A red dot is a perfect addition to your shotgun or rifle. Red dot sights provide an expansive field of view, are durable and enhance shooting precision. Also, there is no need for magnification at realistic turkey hunting distances even the more a red dot is the best optic to have.
Conclusion
The best turkey hunting red dots are indispensable assets for accurate shooting. Ensure you consider the above features to know the sight that will work for you. Once you knock down your first gobbler with a red dot sight, you will wonder what you have been doing and why you have waited so long to get one. Which red dot sight are you buying?
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