Scopes – short for telescopic sights – are optical devices used to facilitate aiming activities. Their main usage is found in firearms such as ARs and shotguns. A scope has a tube design. On one end, the objective lens collects light from the surroundings. On the other end, the eyepiece facilitates the path of light into the pupil. Scopes work on the principle of refracting planes and are equipped with a superimposed reticle that helps users aim accurately.
AR scopes or sights are useful when targeting small game moving at a quick speed on the ground. Shotgun scopes come in handy while hunting bigger game like turkey. The best shotgun sights for turkey hunting are red dot sights. These sights use LED light to project a crisp red dot at the center of the user’s field of vision. Clear red dot sights help reduce parallax and improve accuracy.
In this article, we will discuss in detail some of the best red dot sights for 2020. We will weigh their merits and demerits, and compare them to decide the best out of the lot.
Best Red Dot Scopes for Turkey Hunting in 2020
Starting with:
1-Vortex Optics Venom – Red Dot Sight
Vortex Optics is a name that is trusted by many. Their Venom series makes for a nice option for ARs, pistols and even shotguns. The scope has two variants: 3 MOA and 6 MOA. Price starting from $230.
Technical Specs
Weaver or Picatinny mount. 1x magnification. Bright Red dot colour. Unlimited eye relief. 1 MOA adjustment graduation. 130 MOA max elevation adjustment. 100 MOA max windage adjustment. Parallax free.
Design
Black, aluminum housing weighing 1.1 oz, making it a lightweight Red Dot sight. Overall length is 1.9 inches. Overall width is 1.1 inches. Windage dial on the left side of sight; elevation dial on top. It can be mounted on a variety of firearms.
Features
Easy to install. Anti-reflective multi-coating to increase light transmission. 10 manual levels of brightness, or automatic brightness which works with an ambient light sensor. Unlimited eye relief for easier and quicker target acquiring. Parallax free. Battery life ranges from up to 150 hours on the highest setting, to up to 30,000 hours on lower settings.
Performance
Vortex offers exceptional performance. This scope is great for different firearms– ARs, pistols and shotguns. Waterproof and shockproof design make it ideal for turkey hunting and other outdoor sports.
What’s in the box
It comes with a Weaver or Picatinny mount, T-15 Torx wrench, rain cover, lens cloth, mounting screws, CR1632 battery and screwdriver.
- Value for Price
- Lifetime warranty
- Rugged for Outdoor Activities
- Great Performance
- Versatile
- Low quality of battery cover
- Difficult process of changing battery
- Dot gets blurry
Verdict
All in all, the best vortex red dot for turkey hunting. Easy to install, versatile, comes with lifetime warranty and great in performance.
2- Feyachi RS-30 Reflex Sight
Feyachi is a comparatively newer name among firearm optics. Most inexpensive option in turkey hunting red dot sights. Price starting from $44. It has Multiple Reticle System, Red Dot Sight with Picatinny Rail Mount, Absolute Co-Witness with Iron Sight and more.
Technical Specs
20mm Weaver or Picatinny mount. 1x magnification. Red reticle colour. 4 reticle options. Unlimited eye relief.
Design
Black, aluminum alloy construction weighing 5.4 oz. Overall length is 3.74 inches. Overall width is about 1.4 inches. 40mm reflex lens.
Features
20mm mount makes it versatile for many ARs and shotguns. Large viewfinder for better shots. 5 levels of brightness. Unlimited eye relief for easier and quicker target acquiring. Parallax-corrected. Fully adjustable height, windage and elevation by screws on the side and top.
Performance
The Feyachi RS-30 is a budget red dot. It is great to pair with inexpensive guns, especially shotguns. Performance is known to be quite accurate up to 50 yards. Zero is held after long periods of usage.
What’s in the box
It comes with 3 LR44 (AG13) batteries, 2 Allen wrenches and 1 lens cleaning cloth.
- Inexpensive with great performance
- Works best for shotguns and ARs
- Wider field of view
- Quality may be an issue for some of the hunters
Verdict
One of the best budget Red Dot Scope for Turkey Hunting under $50. Can be used on shotguns and ARs, which are essentials to turkey hunting.
3- Sig Sauer Romeo5 Compact 2 Moa Red Sight
Being a renowned manufacturer, Sig Sauer makes amazing firearm accessories. The ROMEO5 red dot sight is a perfect example. Price starting from $125.
Technical Specs
Integrated M1913 Picatinny. 1x magnification. 2 MOA red dot. Unlimited eye relief. 1 MOA adjustment increment. 100 MOA total elevation travel. 100 MOA total windage travel. Ultra-low parallax.
Design
It comes in black. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum and weighs 5.1 oz. Overall length is 2.46 inches. Overall width is 1.5 inches. Windage adjustment on right side of sight; elevation adjustment on top. Brightness adjustment buttons available.
Features
Easy to install. Picatinny mount makes it a versatile red dot for various guns. 10 brightness settings (8 for daylight, 2 for night vision). Signature features include MOTAC™ (Motion Activated Illumination): turns off sight when not in use and turns on when it senses movement; Spectracaot™: their version of anti-reflective coating and; Stealth ID™. It also comes with IPX-7 waterproof certification.
Performance
The ROMEO5 is the most versatile red dot reflex sight on our list that works with all types of firearms. Optimal for enthusiasts and professionals. It is also considered a tactical red dot sight. The sight holds zero amazingly and is known for its durability.
What’s in the box
It comes with a low profile M1913 Torx mount, 1.41” co-witness riser Torx mount, lens cover, Torx installation tool, lens cloth, CR2032 battery.
- Versatile
- Lifetime Sig Sauer Guarantee
- 5-year limited warranty
- Questionable quality
- Replacement of said dead product get difficult sometimes
Verdict
A good alternative for more expensive red dots. Quality could be an issue but otherwise it is a crisp red dot scope that comes from a company trusted for its quality firearms.
4-TRUGLO GOBBLE-STOPPER 30mm Turkey Hunting Dual-Color Dot Sight
TruGlo is another new name in the firearm optics industry but has made a good name in the market. The company offers a wide range of red dot sights for turkey hunting, among other products. Their Gobble-Stopper™ 30mm Dual Color is the first specialized turkey hunting red dot sight on our list. Price starting from $74.
Technical Specs
Integrated Weaver mount. 1x magnification. 2 reticle colour options (red/green). Unlimited eye relief. 3 MOA reticle. Adjustable windage and elevation.
Design
It comes in black with a camouflage finish. Aircraft-grade aluminum and weighs 8.1 oz. Overall length is 5.83 inches. Overall width is 2 inches. Windage dial on left side of sight; elevation dial on top. Scope is bigger than other red dots; made specifically for turkey hunting.
Features
Easy to install. Illuminated viewfinder. Rheostat controlled brightness adjustment. Unlimited eye relief. Detachable, extended sunshade to eliminate glare for use in different hunting situations. Flip-up lens cap. Spare battery storage compartment on top of sight. Waterproof. Shockproof.
Performance
The TruGlo Gobble-Stopper™ series is more than a decade old, with a good reputation in the market. The sight is one of the best red dot scopes on a shotgun for turkey hunting. The scope holds zero after a lot of use. Battery life is very good.
What’s in the box
It comes with a Weaver mount, riser mounts (if ordered) and 2 CR2032 batteries (main and spare).
- Camouflage finishing
- Well-optimized for better performance
- Quality of Lens Cap is criticized
- Problematic adjustments
Verdict
A red dot sight with a catchy name that does what it says. Good value for money in the price. Comes with limited lifetime warranty.
5- Cycvis Best Red Dot Scope Under $50 – Micro Rifle Gun Sights
Cycvis is a budget-friendly optics company that has a wide range of products for both adults and kids. The LPX20, 1×25 red dot is a great budget option that can not only be used for hunting but for general purposes too. Price starting from $50.
Technical Specs
1x magnification. Unlimited eye relief. 3 MOA red dot. 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustment. Parallax free.
Design
Black, aluminum, nitrogen-filled housing and weighs 4 oz. Overall length is 2.8 inches. Overall width is 1.5 inches. Windage dial on right side of sight; elevation dial on top. Looks a bit different due to the large brightness adjustment dial.
Features
Easy to install. Multi-coated optics for clarity. 11 manual levels of brightness. Unlimited eye relief. Parallax free. Waterproof, shockproof and fog-proof.
Performance
The Cycvis is a budget hunting red dot sight that has exceptional performance in the price. Versatile use for rifles, shotguns and pistols. Quite sturdy in use and holds zero on any gun it is used on.
What’s in the box
It comes with a lens cover, CR2032 battery, cleaning cloth, user manual.
- Budget friendly
- Unique look because of diagonal brightness adjustment dial
- Compact Size
- Riser mount has to be bought separately
- Small field of view
Verdict
The underdog Nitrogen gas filled red dot scope that got its fame in a short period of time. Best Red Dot Under $100, that is marketed for hunting and lives up to the name.
You may want to know about the Best Scopes for AR-15 to Buy in 2020
6- Bushnell Red Dot Sight
No list related to optics is complete without Bushnell as it’s one of the most famous optics company in the world. They have a variety of scopes for different purposes. The Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight is a bestseller for shotguns, rifles and pistols. There is a high-rise variant too. Price starting from $95, it is one of the best Red Dot Under $200
Technical Specs
Picatinny mount. 1x magnification. 3 MOA red colour dot. Unlimited eye relief. 1 MOA adjustment graduation. Parallax free.
Design
Black, metal housing weighing 4 oz. Overall length is 2.4 inches. Overall width is 1.5 inches. Windage dial on right side of sight; elevation dial on top. Has a design similar to the Cycvis LPX20.
Features
Easy to install. Mounts on both Picatinny and Weaver rails. Multi-coated optics for clarity. 11 manual levels of brightness. Unlimited eye relief. Waterproof, shockproof and fog-proof. Extended battery life.
Performance
A great Red Dot Turkey Scope option. Holds zero even after a few thousand rounds. Red dot is known to be completely accurate. Made to be sturdy and durable for all kinds of outdoor activities. Battery life is a lot better compared to older models.
What’s in the box
It comes with a Picatinny mount, Allen wrench, lens cloth, lens cover.
- Good performance
- Interesting design
- Non-versatile
- low-rise mount (only works on shotguns and pistols)
- Separate high-rise mounts are needed for ARs
Verdict
A durable and long-lasting shotgun sight for turkey hunting but stays restricted to that. If one needs it only for hunting, it’s a great product for the price. 1-year limited warranty is lesser than competitors on the market, putting off some consumers.
7-HOLOSUN HS510C – Red Dot Sight
Holosun is a fairly recent name in the optics industry but has left its mark with its technology-filled products. It has a wide range of optics for different prices. The product we’re reviewing is the Holosun HS510C, our first reflex sight on the list. Price starting from $300.
Technical Specs
Weaver or Picatinny mount. 1x magnification. Red reticle. 2 MOA dot and 65 MOA ring (dot only, ring only, or combination of both). Unlimited eye relief. 0.5 MOA adjustment graduation. Parallax free.
Design
Black, aluminum body with titanium hood, weighing 8.3 oz. Overall length is 3.3 inches. Overall width is 1.6 inches. LED for viewfinder.
Features
Easy to install. Comes with QD mount. 12 brightness settings (10 for daylight, 2 for night vision). Up to 50,000 hours of operation on one CR2032 battery. IP67 certification. Holosun trademarks such as Solar Failsafe™ (switching of power between solar and battery) and Shake Awake™ (which turns off sight when not in use and turns on when it senses movement) similar to the Sig Sauer ROMEO5 red dot.
Performance
The sight is famous for its great performance. Holds zero after long periods of time. The LED helps keep it parallax-free after reticle switching. The focused reticle makes it a clear red dot sight due to the projection by LED. Company trademarks make it a feature-filled sight. Amazing performance shows that it can also be used for other purposes along with turkey hunting.
What’s in the box
It comes with an Allen wrench, spare CR2032 battery, extra battery tray, screwdriver.
- Highly rated reflex sight
- Appreciated customer service
- QD mount is perfect for switching to different firearm
- Faulty products are found in the store
- Expensive
Verdict
The HS510 is a great red dot sight for turkey hunting with things that no one else offers. It may not fall in the price range of some people but if a person can buy it, this is definitely the sight to get.
8 – Vortex Optics Viper Red Dot Sight – 6 MOA Dot
The second Vortex Red Dot on our list, the Viper Red Dot Sight. This belongs to the higher end family of optics from the company. Price starting from $190.
Technical Specs
Weaver or Picatinny mount. 1x magnification. Bright Red dot colour. 6 MOA dot. Unlimited eye relief. 1 MOA adjustment graduation. 120 MOA max elevation adjustment. 120 MOA max windage adjustment. Parallax-free.
Design
Black, aluminum housing weighing 1.03 oz. Overall length is 1.8 inches. Overall width is 1.06 inches. Windage dial on left side of sight; elevation dial on top.
Features
Easy to install. Anti-reflective multi-coating to increase light transmission. Manual brightness adjustment. Unlimited eye relief for easier and quicker target acquiring. Parallax free. Battery life ranges from up to 150 hours on highest setting, to up to 30,000 hours on lower settings.
Performance
The Viper is a bit on the higher end of red dot sights but works like a charm. The low-profile design makes it an amazing option for co-witnessing it with another sight for better shooting. Waterproof and shockproof design makes it ideal for outdoor activities.
What’s in the box
It comes with a Weaver or Picatinny mount, T-10 Torx wrench, lens cloth, flathead wrench, CR2032 battery, protective cover.
- Well-performing sight
- Good for pistols due to low profile
- Issue lies in its design
- Riser mount required for making it mountable for ARs
- Wrench is required for windage and elevation adjustment
Verdict
This lightweight Red Dot sight is the best for pistols but is not recommended as a red dot sight for turkey hunting because it exceeds the sight cost for a riser mount.
9 – Sightmark Ultra Shot Multi Red & Green Plus Reflex Sight
Sightmark is known for having quite a number of sights in their range. Known for listening to their customers, they made the Ultra Shot Plus as an improvement on their old model. It’s the second reflex sight on our list. Price starting from $80.
Technical Specs
Weaver or Picatinny mount. 1x magnification. Red or green reticle colour. 4 reticle patterns. Unlimited eye relief. 1 MOA adjustment graduation. 120 MOA elevation adjustment range. 120 MOA windage adjustment range. Parallax corrected.
Design
It comes in black and a “Dark Earth” finish. It has aluminum alloy housing and weighs 9.2 oz. Overall length is 4.4 inches. Overall width is 2.3 inches. Windage dial on right side of sight; elevation dial on top. Reticle pattern adjustment at the front.
Features
Easy to install. Quick detach for mounts. LED for reticle projection. 5 levels of brightness. Unlimited eye relief. IPX-4 certification. Battery life is about 1,000 hours (80 on low, 2,000 on high) with continuous use. Uses a CR123A battery.
Performance
The reflex sight is a good performer in different conditions. Holds zero well and is quite sturdy for use on different firearms. The different reticle patterns are a nice option for turkey hunting and other outdoor activities. Brightness is very good. Reticle is seen to be clear enough for different light situations. IPX-4 rating and shockproof design are also helpful.
What’s in the box
It comes with a neoprene cover, adjustment tools, CR123A battery, user manual.
- Durable
- Great brightness level
- Quick detachment
- Limited warranty
- Quality of LED and sight is disliked
Verdict
The Ultra Shot Plus is a nice alternative to reflex sights that cost more but doesn’t hit the mark properly. Quality issues show that it might be an improvement over the older model but still isn’t a perfect red dot sight for turkey hunting.
10 – Trijicon MRO-C-2200019
Trijicon is a high-end optics company that is widely trusted for delivering amazing performance in their products. Trijicon MRO® Patrol 1×25 Red Dot Sight is the product under review. Price starting from $580. It has 1x25mm Patrol Riflescope with Miniature Rifle Optic (Mro), 2.0 MOA Adjustable Red Dot Reticle with Full Co-Witness Quick Release Mount, Blk and more.
Technical Specs
Full co-witness quick-release mount. 1x magnification. Red reticle. 2 MOA dot. Unlimited eye relief. 1/2 MOA adjustment graduation. 70 MOA elevation adjustment range. 70 MOA windage adjustment range.
Design
It comes in black. 7075-T6 forged aluminum housing and 5.1 oz weight. Overall length is 2.6 inches. Overall width is 1.7 inches. Windage dial on right side of sight; elevation dial on top. Ambidextrous brightness adjustment dial.
Features
Easy to install. Quick-release mount. Multi-coated lens. 8 brightness levels. Unlimited eye relief. Large viewing area. Parallax free. Cap less design for helping maintain zero. Battery life on one battery is 5 years of continuous use at day setting “3” (setting 5 of 8) at 70°F (21°C).
Performance
Trijicon is known for its excellent performance and this sight is another example of it. The design is made specially to maintain zero even after thousands of rounds. The durable, waterproof and rugged design makes it suitable for outdoor activities. Perfect for use on ARs and shotguns.
What’s in the box
It comes with a Trijicon Logo Sticker (PR15), lens cloth, manual, warranty card, MRO mount guide.
- Excellent choice
- Perfect performance
- Expensive
- Lifetime warranty
Verdict
One of the best red dots you can get if you’re looking for a high-end product. Excellent performer with Trijicon nailing it in every department. Highly recommended for using it as a turkey hunting red dot sight.
Types of Red Dot Sights?
In general, “red dot sights” is an umbrella term which refers to any aiming device that uses an LED to project an illuminated dot for the user to aim at. Under the category of red dot sights comes various types of scopes used for different purposes or offering different specifications.
A prism red dot sight is a small, minimal magnification sight that processes light through a prism from the objective lens to the user’s eye. It’s illuminated aiming point earns it the name of a red dot.
Another type is the reflex type, which is probably the most common type of all red dots. It opts for a small window-like design that projects a red dot from the rear. In some cases, the gear houses two lenses, in a tube-like design.
A holographic sight is a non-magnifying red dot, similar to an exposed reflex sight. It is owned by EOTech. It differs in the sense that the reticle image is superimposed in between two glass optical windows. The image is illuminated by a laser diode.
FAQS
What does a red dot scope do?
A red dot scope uses a superimposed LED dot image that places the target and the reticle on the same optical plane, making the scope almost parallax-free. It provides the user with an accurate aiming point by placing the red dot at the center of the user’s field of vision, at infinity.
Are red dot scopes good for hunting?
Red dots are optimal for a fast hunt, targeting dangerous game on the ground. In fact, a number of the above-listed products are some of the best red dot sights for shotgun turkey hunting. The case made against reflex sights is that they do not generally offer magnification. However, most game shot with a red dot is no more than 250 miles away, in most cases. At such a distance, magnification becomes unnecessary. They are also a great option for hunters as they provide a full field of vision (no need to close one eye to focus on the target)
What does MOA on a red dot mean?
An MOA—minutes of angles—is a unit for the angular measurement of a circle. On reflex sights, it is used to determine the size of the red dot at the center of the FOV. A 2 MOA red dot covers approximately 2 inches of the target at 100 yards. A larger MOA such as a 4 MOA or 6 MOA means that the dot would be larger. Larger dots are easier to spot and aim but take up more space and can become an obstacle in taking a clear shot. Smaller MOA means the dot would be more precise but harder to spot.
How far are red dot scopes accurate?
The accuracy of a red dot scope depends on a number of factors. User’s experience and skill, weather, MOA size and gear quality to name a few. However, speaking in general terms, a red dot scope is best used within 100 yards for perfect accuracy. This is because red dot scopes are more suited for fast-target acquisition and do not incorporate a magnification feature. To stay parallax-free and always hit the bullseye, staying in the 50- 70 yards range is considered best.
How to Shoot with a Red Dot Sight
After mounting the scope on top of your gun and adjusting the brightness of the scope, aim your firearm at your target. On an iron sight, you would have to align the two sights to shoot but in a red dot, the illuminated LED will move onto your target as you move your firearm. Keep both eyes open. Because of unlimited eye relief and being parallax free, you should be able to see the red dot on your target from all possible angles. When the red dot is at the spot where you want to hit, pull the trigger.
Do you keep both eyes open when using a red dot?
Yes. A user should keep both eyes open when using a reflex sight because there is no need to close one. This is because red dots are free of parallax. Parallax is a concept according to which the position of an object differs when it is viewed from different angles through a lens. In such a case, users need to align their sight just right with their pupil to achieve an accurate shot. But red dots are built for fast and accurate acquisition and because they don’t require you to keep at a particular angle, you are free to keep both eyes open, providing a complete FOV.
Suggestions from Hunter’s Wiki:
Although, all of the above-mentioned products are Best Red Dot Scopes for Turkey Hunting, the Trijicon MRO-C-2200019 and Vortex Optics Venom Best Red Dot Sights are our top favorites. Their features live up to their price point and they offer great value to customers. User reviews on most of these products have been positive. Both products come from well-known and trustworthy manufacturers.
In general, the list above encompasses 10 of the best red dot scopes for the money. You can find options in all price ranges and qualities, specified to your firearm needs. The list has great variety and offers something for everyone—for beginners to veterans.
