When it comes to shotguns, a rifle scope is very important in determining how successful the shotgun will be, however, with very many 12 gauge shotgun scope recommendations available on the market, choosing the best one can be a daunting task.
A 12 gauge shotgun is a shotgun that enables the shooter to make 12 lead balls, each of equal diameter to the gun barrel. The 12 gauge is the most common gauge used by shooters.
The 12 gauge shotgun allows you to have more power for sports such as deer and turkey. It also gives you the range needed to make longer shots of fowl like migrating ducks and geese. The 12 gauge can be scaled with ammunition that is smaller and shorter enabling you to pursue smaller game.
In this article, we will explore the best 12 gauge shotgun scopes on the market, considering factors such as durability, ease of use, magnification, and price or value for money. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a novice shooter, we’ve got you covered with a selection of scopes that will help you make the most of your shotgun.
Considerations for the Best 12 Gauge Shotgun Scope
When choosing a scope for your 12 gauge shotgun, here are very important factors to consider:
Durability
Your 12 gauge scope should be worth the money. To make it worth the money, it has to be durable so that it is able to stand up to the harsh and extreme conditions that it is exposed to.
The scope should be able to withstand the heavy recoil associated with shotguns. Choose a scope made from high-quality materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum, it should also be shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof.
Clarity and Reticle
You obviously want a scope that has a sharp view of whatever you point so that your eyes get the necessary relief. There is no point in buying a scope that makes it a mystery to know the difference between your target and the background. Get a scope that provides a sharp view of whatever you point at.
Clarity is enhanced by multicoated optics, anti-reflective surfaces, and a wide field of view and objective lens.
The reticle choice should focus on a versatile reticle for different lighting conditions. A simple crosshair reticle is effective for most hunting situations, while a BDC (bullet drop compensating) reticle is useful for long-range shooting.
Magnification
Having a great level of magnification is important to ensure that you look at your target more closely and be able to determine where precisely you are heading to shoot your target. This works excellently especially if you are a hunter and prefer to utilize magnification to identify where you could land your killer shot.
The magnification choice depends on the type of shooting you plan to do. A low magnification of 1-4x may be suitable for close-range shooting, while a higher magnification of 6-12x will work great for long-range shooting.
Type of mount
Mounts are used to fit and secure a scope on yourshotgun. The type of mount affects the performance. Mounts that are weak and ill-fitting can affect the scope’s balance and how you zero in. Ensure that the mounting rings that you use are durable and of high quality. Ensure that they properly fit the gun and scope so that you easily secure everything.
Weight
A heavy scope may throw the rifle out of balance. To prevent limiting the movement speed and for easy handling, choose a lightweight scope. A good 12-gauge scope should be lightweight.
A shotgun scope should be lightweight and compact to avoid adding too much weight to your shotgun.
Eye relief
Long eye relief is very important for shotgun scopes to prevent injuries to your eye from heavy recoil. Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope where you can see the full field of view.
Price and Brand Reputation
Choose a reputable brand known for producing high-quality scopes and don’t go breaking the bank for a Shotgun scope, there is a scope available even for budget buyers. Remember that the most expensive scope isn’t always the best choice, and there are often good options at every price point.
Best 12 Gauge Shotgun Scopes
1) Vortex Diamondback 2-7x35mm Rifle Scope
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The Vortex Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire Rifle Scope is the best 12 gauge shotgun scope,it is built with a solid, one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction that makes it highly resistant to strong recoil from shotguns.
The magnification range of 2-7x is perfect for close to medium-range shooting, and it works exceptionally well on 22 rimfires, shotguns, and muzzleloaders. The eye relief is also comfortable and easy to adjust which is very important for high recoil firearms.
It comes equipped with a versatile V-Plex reticle, suitable for a wide range of hunting scenarios.
The scope features Argon gas purging and nitrogen seals which keeps it fog proof and delivers crystal clear, tack-sharp images in the crosshairs. Nitrogen sealing ensures you get a waterproof performance.
Pros
- Durable and strong one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction
- Waterproof and fog-proof performance
- Fully multi-coated optics for clarity
- Rugged construction for recoil and impact
- Ample eye relief( 3.1 – 3.5 in)
- Versatile ( Cn be used with 22 rimfire, shotguns, and muzzleloaders)
- Accurate tracking and repeatability are enhanced by the precision glide erector System
- Metal-on metal Precision turrets for easy zero resets
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
2) SIG SAUER Sierra3BDX 2.5-8x32mm Rifle Scope
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The SIG SAUER SIERRA3BDX 2.5-8x32mm Rifle Scope is a lightweight and compact scope that is suitable for use with a variety of firearms, including rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, and crossbows.
It features BDX technology, which can provide the user with the exact holdover dot location on targets when used in conjunction with a BDX-capable KILO rangefinder.
The scope also includes advanced features such as SpectraCoat lenses, LevelPlex digital anti-cant, and KinETHIC kinetic energy transfer indicator, which make it easy to use.
The SpectraCoat lens coatings reduce surface reflections to extremely low levels across the visible spectrum, providing superior light transmission
The integrated BDX system utilizes ballistics, environmental conditions, and Bluetooth to automatically illuminate the holdover dot on a Digital Focal Plane, allowing for accurate targeting at any magnification level.
The scope also features an Auto LevelPlex feature that automatically increases digital level sensitivity on longer shots, and the scope is waterproof (IPX-7 rated) and fog-proof for reliable performance in any conditions.
The SIG BDX App has been updated to include profiles for crossbow ballistics by entering bolt weight and speed. The scope also includes SIG SAUER MOTAC, which automatically powers up the illumination when motion is detected and powers it down when motion stops to conserve battery life.
The KinETHIC kinetic energy transfer indicator is an innovative feature that can help ensure an ethical hunt by indicating when energy on target drops below a set threshold.
Pros
- MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination) powers up when movement is sensed and shuts when inactive
- Waterproof and fog proof performance
- Superior light transmission with ultra-wide broadband and anti-reflection lens coatings
- Auto LevelPlex to automatically increase digital level sensitivity for longer shots
- Very versatile with rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, and crossbow configurations
Cons
- None
3) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
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The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Scope is an outstanding scope that exceeds expectations with its durability, precision, and reliabilit when used on a shotgun.
The scope has a solid construction that makes it able to withstand harsh recoil without losing its zero. It has a patented UltimateSlam reticle that is ideal for sabot and rifled slugs as well.
Despite its remarkably affordable price, this scope boasts a scratch-resistant lens and a matte black finish.
has the Twilight Light Management System that balances the transmission of light, and image contrast and reduces glare leading to bright and clear images no matter the lighting condition. It is rugged and reliable as it delivers waterproof and fog proof performance.
By using Leupold’s Custom Dial System (CDS), you can effortlessly achieve perfect accuracy by simply ranging your target and adjusting the dial accordingly. This innovative technology eliminates the need for holdovers, bullet drop reticles, or ballistic calculators, ensuring that you can take quick and precise shots every time without worrying about any complications.
Additionally, the scope has BDC marks that match the drop of a standard one-ounce slug perfectly enabling you to have accurate shots out to 100 yards.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Solid and rugged construction
- Made in the USA
- Unparalleled low-light performance
- Fully waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Windage and elevation are finger adjustable
- Constructed with 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum and Punisher
Cons
- No locking dial
4) TruGlo 4x32mm Shotgun Scope
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The TruGlo 4x32mm Shotgun Scope is designed specifically for use with shotguns, it is versatile and perfect for your hunting expeditions. It is great for turkey and deer hunting.
The scope is equipped with a Diamond reticle that is made specifically for shotgun hunting. The lenses are fully coated to provide maximum transmission of light leading to clear and bright images. The scope nonetheless has a matte finish that is durable, resistant to scratch, and anti-reflective.
If you happen to misjudge your eye relief, the rubber eye guard offers protection from heavy recoil.
To mount the TruGlo 4x32mm SCP SR Scope, simply use the included Weaver-style rings and start putting more turkeys on the table.
Pros
- Matte finish is durable, anti-reflective, and scratch resistant
- Diamond reticle
- Lenses are fully coated for maximum transmission of light
- Compact design
- Affordable
- Ideal for deer and turkey hunting
Cons
- Fixed magnification
Related: 7 Best Red Dots for Shotguns
Why Shotgun Scopes?
- Improves accuracy
Having a 12 gauge scope helps you to get a better and sharper view so that you take a shot that is precise and accurate
- Enhance long-distance shooting
These scopes are usually equipped with a lens that enables you to clearly see objects at long distances. They allow you to have a view of the target that is unobstructed. This is a plus for you as you will be able to see targets that you are unable to with your naked eye.
- Durability
The scopes are made from durable materials which makes them reliable and able to stand up to the roughest and harshest conditions
- Superior optics
This helps to ensure bright and clear, bright and crisp images of the target picture. High-definition clarity is important for any shooter.
- Easy to use
This comes in handy even when you are dealing with a massive adrenaline dump from a scary life-or-death situation with regard to home defense.
FAQs
Importance of Eye Relief on Shotgun Scopes?
Eye relief is best described as the distance between the eyepiece of the scope and the user’s eye when the scope is properly mounted. With heavy recoil from shotguns, it is very important to choose a scope with ample eye relief to prevent eye injuries.
How do I choose the right magnification for my shotgun scope?
For close-range shooting, a low magnification scope (such as 1-4x) may be sufficient. For longer-range shooting, a higher magnification (such as 4-12x) may be necessary.
What is the difference between a rifle and a shotgun scope?
Shotguns generally provide accuracy up to 100 yards while rifle scopes provide accuracy beyond 300 yards. Rifle scopes are designed to provide higher levels of magnification as they are perfect for long-range shooting.
While it is technically possible to use a rifle scope on a shotgun, it is not always recommended. Shotgun recoil can be much stronger than rifle recoil, which can cause damage to a rifle scope. Additionally, rifle scopes are designed to be used at longer distances, whereas shotgun scopes are designed for closer-range shooting.
Do scope rings really matter?
Yes absolutely. Rings that are of poor quality lead to improper aligning of the firing systems. They can also lead to damage of the scope such that it never performs properly.
What features should I look for in a shotgun scope?
When shopping for a shotgun scope, there are several key features to consider. These include magnification, reticle type, lens quality, durability, and ease of use. It’s important to choose a scope that is appropriate for the type of shooting you’ll be doing and the conditions you’ll be shooting in.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the best 12 gauge shotgun scope depends on the intended purpose, personal preferences, and budget, the above-reviewed scopes will surely get the job done.
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