Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Trijicon MRO
A reliable choice for tactical and recreational shooters.
- Reliability: 9/10
- Weight: 8/10
- Battery: 9/10
Best for Shotgun Hunting
Aimpoint PRO
Its 2 MOA dot provides precise aiming, perfect for targeting the vital areas of a turkey.
- Reliability: 8/10
- Weight: 6/10
- Battery: 8/10
Best Battery
Holosun 510C
Thanks to its multi-reticle system, you can count on it in different hunting scenarios.
- Reliability: 8/10
- Weight: 7/10
- Battery: 10/10
Turkey hunting is a thrilling sport that demands stealth and precision. However, bagging that tom can be quite a challenge, as these birds have razor-sharp senses. That’s where red dot turkey scopes come to the rescue!
With a red dot mounted on your hunting shotgun, you can acquire your feathery target with lightning-fast speed and pinpoint accuracy. No more shooting over your target because you didn’t sight down along your barrel.
How many have made that mistake here? It’s easy to do when your adrenaline is pumping!
Whether you’re a seasoned turkey hunter or just getting started, our picks below are your ticket to a successful and hassle-free hunting adventure.
Table of Contents
What to look for in the best red dot turkey scopes
Here’s what you should keep your eyes peeled for:
Reticle
Your reticle is your aiming buddy, so make it count! Look for one that’s easy to see, especially when those gobblers are on the move. A clear, bright red dot is your best bet for quick and precise targeting.
Glass Clarity
You wouldn’t want to mistake a bush for a bird, right? Go for a red dot with top-notch glass clarity so you can easily spot that wily tom lurking in the brush at all times of day.
Durability and Warranty
Turkeys can lead you through some rugged terrain. Make sure your optic can take a beating. Look for red dots that are built tough and come with a solid warranty. After all, your scope should be as resilient as your turkey-hunting spirit!
Adjustment Knobs
Easy adjustments that get you on target without shifting are what you need here. Unlike precision, long-range shooting, tracking is less important. But, we rate based on how discrete the adjustments are and the precision of adjustment.
Eye Relief
Shotguns used in turkey hunting can produce substantial recoil, especially when firing heavy loads. Red dot sights, like our picks below, have unlimited eye relief. So you won’t have to worry about maintaining a safe distance from the scope to prevent “scope bite” or injury caused by the recoil pushing the sight into your brow.
Weight
Turkeys may be featherweight, but your red dot doesn’t have to be. Find a balance between durability and weight so you can lug it around without breaking a sweat. After all, turkey hunting is known for mobility, so the likelihood that you really start to notice a weight difference is higher.
Magnification
Magnification is typically not needed at turkey hunting ranges because turkeys are shot at relatively close distances with shotguns and bird shots. Most turkey hunting shots occur within 30 to 40 yards, and often even closer. At these short distances, a red dot or reflex sight without magnification provides a wide field of view, quick target acquisition, and the ability to keep both eyes open for situational awareness. Magnification can actually be a hindrance in such scenarios, making it harder to acquire and track fast-moving birds and reducing your field of vision.
5 Best Red Dot Turkey Scopes
Best Overall: Trijicon MRO
- Product Type: Sporting Goods
- Item Package Dimensions: 12.6 L X 16.1 W X 17.1 H (Cm)
- Country Of Origin: United States
The Trijicon MRO features a wide field of view and clear glass, which allows hunters to quickly acquire and track moving targets like turkey It features a 1x magnification, a 25mm objective lens, and a durable, forged 7075-T6 aluminum housing.
With ambidextrous brightness controls and advanced lens coatings, it offers superior optical clarity. The MRO is waterproof up to 30 meters and has a long battery life, making it a reliable choice for tactical and recreational shooters.
However, we found the brightness adjustment knob a bit difficult to turn.
Pros
- Unlimited eye relief
- 5 years battery life
- Wide field of view
- Ambidextrous controls
- Waterproof
- Easily available battery
Cons
- The brightness knob is a bit stiff
- No lens cover
- Heavier than other red dots (4.1 oz)
What Customers Say
I tend to like a green dot better than red and this one is perfect and clear. It has a great field of view and so far has kept its zero with no issues. I would definitely recommend this product.
Brett WJ
Best for Shotgun Hunting: Aimpoint PRO
- Absolute co-witness with iron sights (with the supplied spacer installed)
- Features 2 MOA red dot for accurate target engagement
- Includes front and rear plastic flip cap lens covers
The Aimpoint PRO features a hard-anodized 30mm tube offering optimal light transmission and a front lens with a unique coating reflecting the dot’s frequency. Its 2 MOA dot provides precise aiming, perfect for targeting the vital areas of a turkey. The sight is night vision compatible, ensuring versatility in different lighting conditions.
It boasts a battery life of up to 30,000 hours on a single battery and is highly reliable. Additionally, the Aimpoint PRO is waterproof up to 150 feet and operates effectively in extreme temperatures, ensuring durability and resilience in harsh environments.
The best thing about the Aimpoint PRO is that the bundled mount is a quick twist to install or remove with no tools. That means it’s easier to mount and dismount than traditional QD mounts.
Pros
- Unlimited eye relief
- Knobbed, toolless adjustments
- User-friendly interface
- Waterproof and fogproof
- 30,000 hours of battery life
- Efficient light transmission
- Rugged design
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than other red dots (7.8 oz)
- Battery type (DL1/3N) is less common than AA or AAA
What Customers Say
After reviewing a lot of other red dots, scopes, and various optics the Aimpoints are still an unbelievably reliable and proven optic. I had mine on for years and the battery never went out. At 100 yards I was able to shoot 2 inch groups with slow fire. I’m considering a couple other optics solutions currently as I shop for my new AR, but for the price and track record I think the PRO is a solid choice.
Bill B.
Best Battery Life: Holosun 510C
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: The Holosun HS510C New advanced technology LED allows up to 50,000 hours of operation on one CR2032 battery.
- PROTECTIVE TITANIUM ALLOY HOOD: The Holosun HS510C Circle Dot Scope with 3 Reticle Options is waterproof down to 1m and durable enough for even the heaviest calibers.
- EASY USE: The reticle can be switched between a 65 MOA circle with 2 MOA dot, a 2 MOA dot only, or a 65 MOA ring only at the push of a button. Better yet, the same LED projects both reticles, so no...
The standout feature of the Holosun 510C is its energy-efficient LED technology and Solar FailSafe backup. This feat offers long battery life, so you can stay in the field without worrying about your sight failing you at a crucial moment.
In turkey hunting, patience is key, and often you’ll find yourself in a waiting game with these crafty birds. With the Holosun 510C, you can confidently keep your sight powered on throughout your hunt without constantly fretting about changing batteries.
The Holosun 510C also comes with multiple reticle options – a 2 MOA dot and a 65 MOA circle with a 2 MOA dot in the center, so you can count on it in different hunting scenarios. Whether the turkey is up close or a bit farther away, you can easily adjust your reticle for accurate aiming.
One thing that could be improved, however, is the bleeding edges at maximum brightness.
Pros
- Unlimited eye relief
- Motion activated
- Long battery life (50,000 hours)
- Multiple reticle options
- Comes with a storage case
- Waterproof
- Flip-side design
- Easy installation
Cons
- Average glass clarity
- Heavier than other red dots (4.94 oz)
What Customers Say
This was easy to walk in and I got it zeroed with less than 1 mag. The magnifier works great and kept that zero very well. I still need to try it out at longer ranges, the only firing range available to me at the time was a 25 yd range. I would recommend this sight to anyone looking for a red dot for their weapon system.
Derek Evans
Best Value: Vortex Venom
Our best value pick is compact and lightweight so it’s ideal for turkey hunters who need to stay mobile and agile. Its 3 MOA dot reticle is perfect for rapid target acquisition, and the sight’s robust construction ensures it can handle the recoil from shotgun rounds.
Lighting conditions can change rapidly during a turkey hunt, from dawn’s dim light to the brightness of midday. The Vortex Venom‘s adjustable brightness settings cater to these changes, allowing you to maintain a clear and visible red dot regardless of the lighting conditions.
Our straightforward review will tell you more:
Pros
- Unlimited eye relief
- Lightweight (1.05 oz)
- Affordable
- Compact design
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Comes with Vortex warranty
Cons
- Short battery life (3,000 hours on lowest setting)
What Customers Say
Takes a beating and keeps on ticking. Never had an issue with vortex that I couldn’t solve myself. Looks great, awesome value, field of view is great and the flexibility for what you need it for is great.
Shawn Sakaguchi
Burris Fastfire III
The Burris Fastfire III is small and lightweight, which won’t add much bulk to your shotgun setup. What we love most about the Fastfire III is its top-loading battery compartment, so changes in the middle of a hunt is a no-brainer (that’s if you can use up all 5,000 hours of battery in a single hunt). You can also see if the sight is almost drained, thanks to its low battery warning indicator.
The Fastfire III features simple and intuitive controls, including brightness adjustment buttons, which allow you to adapt the reticle’s intensity to varying lighting conditions. This means you can focus on your hunt rather than fumbling with complicated settings.
Like other Burris optics, the Fastfire III is built to withstand the rigors of hunting. It is rugged, shockproof, and designed to endure various weather conditions.
Pros
- Unlimited eye relief
- Lightweight (1.5 oz)
- Affordable
- Comes with auto-shutoff
- User-friendly controls
- Easy battery access
- Compact
- Waterproof and shockproof
Cons
- Short battery life (5,000 hours at max setting)
- No motion sensor
What Customers Say
I have been using FastFire red dots for a long time and they always work as expect. This one was no exception. I mounted it on my handgun slide and went to zero it and it hit the first 5 shots within 1/2 inch of each other on target.. No need to adjust. What I love about Fastfire scopes are that they are just plain simple to use, i can hand it to anyone and they will figure out how to turn it on and put rounds down range..
Tom
FAQs
Is a red dot scope good for turkey hunting?
Absolutely! Red dot scopes are excellent for turkey hunting. Their quick target acquisition and illuminated reticles make them perfect for those fast-moving gobblers. You’ll be able to aim and shoot swiftly without losing precious seconds.
What Vortex red dot is good for turkey hunting?
The Vortex Venom is a popular choice for turkey hunting. It offers a clear red dot and is designed for quick target acquisition. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences and budget.
What distance are red dot scopes good for?
Red dot scopes are effective at various distances, but they excel in close to moderate-range situations. Typically, they are ideal for targets within 100 yards, making them well-suited for turkey hunting where you often encounter birds at shorter distances.
So, Are Red Dot Turkey Scopes Worth It?
Absolutely! Red dot turkey scopes are worth every penny for avid turkey hunters. Their speed and accuracy advantages can be a game-changer when you’re in the field. They make target acquisition easier and quicker, increasing your chances of a successful hunt and ensuring you don’t miss out on that prized gobbler. Plus, the excitement and satisfaction of a well-aimed shot make them a valuable addition to your hunting gear.
Last update on 2024-05-03 / Images from Amazon Product API
