7 Best Red Dots for Shotgun Recoil

Outdoor Moran is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More

If you are looking to achieve greater accuracy with your shotgun, a red dot for shotgun recoil will serve you just right.

With the modern technology advanced in the optics field, it is now much more fun to shoot with a shotgun accurately even at longer ranges when you have a red dot sight attached.

A premium quality red dot sight can change your shotgun into a powerful weapon and help you take full advantage of it.

However, you can’t just add any red dot on a shotgun largely because of the heavy recoil shotguns generate.

To help make your selection process simpler, we have put together the best red dot sights for shotguns that are resistant to heavy shotgun recoil and reliable. Let’s take a look.

 

Best Red Dot for Shotgun Recoil

 

1) Vortex Venom 1×26.5mm Red Dot Sight

Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sight

 

 

 

This Venom Red Dot Sight features a shockproof and rugged construction to withstand recoil and impact making it one of the best red dot for shotgun recoil from the Vortex brand.

Attaching this optic to your shotgun will make your hunting and shooting expedition more rewarding and fun.

Featuring a machined aluminum housing, the sight will stand up to the high recoil your shotgun generates and take in any punishment you subject it to.

It has a top-load system that makes changing the battery a snap, and you can use it in any weather as it’s fully waterproof and dustproof.

The unit offers outstanding image crispness and brightness thanks to the fully multi-coated lenses.

The wide, unobstructed field of view makes target finding simpler and with the 3 MOA red dot, you get a precise point of aim even when you are taking shots at extended ranges.

You also get 10 brightness levels for precise shooting even in adverse light settings.

Features

  • 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustment
  • Waterproof and dustproof
  • 10 brightness levels
  • Auto-brightness mode
  • 3 or 6 MOA red dot
  • Top-load battery system
  • High-quality fully multi-coated lens
  • 150 to 30000 hours battery life
  • ArmorTek lens protection
  • 1x magnification
  • 26.5 mm objective lens diameter
  • Weaver/Picatinny mount type
  • Corrosion and wear-resistant matte anodized finish for glare reduction and camouflage

Pros

  • Rugged and reliable housing
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Great value for money
  • Crisp and clear glass
  • Unlimited eye relief
  • Parallax free
  • Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun compatible
  • Rapid target acquisition
  • Anti-reflective lens coating for brighter images

Cons

  • The protective cover must be removed when adjusting or using the red dot sight

 

2) SIG SAUER ROMEO5 1x20mm Red Dot Sight

Sig Sauer Romeo5 1x20mm Red Dot Sight

 

 

When it comes to versatility, it is hard to go wrong with the Sig Sauer Romeo5 Red Dot Sight.

To handle shock and recoil, this red dot features robust machined aluminum construction.

It is a game-changing optic for all types of shooters and hunters in addition to the military and law enforcement officers.

It offers unlimited eye relief so you can acquire your targets swiftly.

The crisp 2 MOA red dot has 10 illumination settings for visibility under all light settings.

Besides, 2 of the settings are night-vision compatible for greater versatility.

The Motion Activated Illumination system makes switching on the red dot sight a breeze and it also helps conserve the battery which can last for 40,000+ hours.

The unit also has a built-in M1913 Picatinny interface and it is fully waterproof and fog-proof for performance under any weather.

Features

  • 2 MOA red dot
  • 1x fixed magnification
  • 20mm objective lens diameter
  • Motion Activated Illumination
  • Spectracoat anti-reflection lens coating
  • Ultra-low parallax
  • Integrated M1913 Picatinny interface
  • Made for Carbines, shotguns, submachine guns, MSR rifles, and full-sized handguns
  • 10 illumination settings (8 daylight and 2-night vision)
  • 40,000+ hour battery life
  • Integrated M1913 Picatinny compatible with most firearms
  • Waterproof (IPX-7 rated)
  • Weighs -5.1 oz

Pros

  • Night vision compatible
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Unlimited eye relief
  • Incredible battery life
  • Robust and strong
  • Side battery loading for easy replacement

Cons

  • 1-meter water immersion level could be better

 

3) Trijicon MRO 1x25mm 2 MOA Reticle Red Dot Sight

Trijicon MRO 1x25mm 2 MOA Reticle Red Dot Sight

 

 

The Trijicon MRO 1x25mm is a powerful red dot sight designed to help increase target acquisition speeds for rifle, carbine, and shotgun users.

This Miniature rifle optics helps you shoot with both eyes open. In CQB settings, this allows for maximum situational awareness.

It is constructed with forged 7075 aluminum which is sturdy enough to withstand heavy shotgun recoil.

It is also fully sealed to offer reliable waterproof and fog-proof integrity.

Another remarkable thing about this product is the astounding battery life that lasts for about 5 years.

Other than that, it is built with multi-coated lenses that provide crip and clear views of targets in virtually all conditions.

Features

  • Ambidextrous brightness control
  • 2 MOA red dot
  • Infinite eye relief
  • 5 years battery life
  • 100 ft. (30m) submersion depth
  • 1x magnification
  • 25mm objective lens diameter
  • Top-notch glass lenses
  • Waterproof and fog proof
  • Multi-coated lenses
  • Designed to be used with both eyes open
  • Weighs 4.1 oz. (116.23g)
  • Dimensions (LxWxH)-2.6 in x 1.7 in x 2 in (66.04mm x 43.18mm x 50.8mm)

Pros

  • Incredibly durable
  • Long battery life
  • Both-eyes open shooting design
  • Faster target acquisition with the large viewing area
  • Night vision compatibility
  • Lost caps and snag hazards are eliminated by the capless design
  • Advanced lens coatings and electronics
  • Forged 7075 fully sealed housing to handle the worst conditions
  • Amazing light-gathering capabilities for superior image clarity
  • 8 brightness settings with 2 being night vision compatible

Cons

  • No Bindon Aiming Concept (BAC)

 

4) Holosun HS510C 2 MOA Red Dot Sight

Holosun HS510C 2 MOA Red Dot Sight

 

 

If you are looking for the best Holosun red dot sight for shotgun recoil from the Holosun brand, this is it. It comes with virtually all the features you need in a red dot sight for shotgun recoil.

It is durable enough to be used on the heaviest calibers and still perform. This is thanks to the shock-resistant Titanium-alloyed hood that also shields the optic from weather elements.

Better yet, this red dot sight has a streamlined housing design that adds to its durability.

The multiple reticle system augments your shooting accuracy in various conditions, while the unlimited eye relief helps you acquire targets quickly and with ease.

Another handy feature the unit possesses is a quick-release mount for quick and straightforward installation.

Features

  • IP67 water-resistant
  • Parallax free optical design
  • Titanium-alloyed shockproof protective hood
  • Multiple reticle system
  • 2 MOA dot with 65 MOA circle
  • 1x magnification
  • Handles 1000G Vibration
  • Weighs 4.94oz
  • Dimensions(LxWxH)- 3.3×1.68×1.78 inches
  • 12 brightness settings ( 10 DL&2 NV)
  • 50000 hours battery life
  • Multicoated optics
  • Shake Awake Technology

Pros

  • Unlimited eye relief
  • Streamlined housing design
  • Large viewing window
  • Motion sensor with shake awake technology
  • Easy to operate
  • Aluminum and Titanium Hood  housing for strength and durability
  • Convenient Tray Battery Compartment
  • Multi-Reticle System (M.R.S.)

Cons

  • None

 

5) Aimpoint Micro T-2 2 MOA Red Dot Reflex Sight

Aimpoint Micro T-2 2 MOA Red Dot Reflex Sight

 

 

The Aimpoint Micro T-2 2 MOA red dot sight can be mounted on virtually any firearm.

It comes with a built-in mount that works with Picatinny and Weaver rails.

It is also designed to be compatible with night vision devices for added versatility.

One thing that makes this unit ideal for shotguns is the ability to stand up to heavy recoil and extreme conditions. The body is made from high-strength aluminum to offer ultimate durability.

It is also sealed to ensure that snow, sand, rain, and dust won’t hinder you from using it.

Further, the optic has cutting-edge lens coatings that improve the clarity of the 2 MOA red dot even in dismal environments.

It also brings to the table unlimited eye relief for rapid target acquisition and 12 brightness settings of optimal visibility in all light settings.

Features

  • Anodized high-strength aluminum housing
  • 1x magnification
  • Multi-coated lenses
  • Weaver /Picatinny Rail mounting platform
  • 50,000 hours (over 5 years) battery life
  • 12 brightness settings ( 8-day and 4-night vision)
  • Integral Picatinny-style base
  • Weighs 130 g (4.6 oz)
  • Dimensions (L x W x H)-3.1 x 1.8 x 1.9 in
  • Waterproof construction (Submersible to 25 m / 80 ft )
  • 2 MOA red dot
  • Micro Standard Mount for Weaver / Picatinny (mounting solution)
  • Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) Lens cover
  • Operating Temp: +20°C to +50°C (+68°F to +122°F)

Pros

  • Unlimited eye relief
  • Operable before and after shock
  • Night vision compatible
  • Parallax-free
  • Lightweight design
  • Amazing ability to withstand recoil and vibration
  • Multicoated optics
  • Universal gun compatibility(shotguns, rifles, submachine guns, carbines, and handguns)
  • Flip-up lens covers

Cons

  • None

 

6) Burris FastFire Red dot sight

 

Burris FastFire III Reflex Red Dot Sight

 

 

Burris FastFire II &III provides parallax-free, 1x magnification which allows you to shoot with both eyes open.

This enhances situational awareness while ensuring that you are able to find targets swiftly.

The optic has a compact and ultralight design so it won’t add unnecessary weight to your shotgun.

Construction-wise, it has an all-metal construction for optimum strength and durability.

It also features precision-ground lenses that are polished to provide crisp clear sight pictures.

FastFire is waterproof so you can use it even in rainy and humid environments.

3 MOA dot works perfectly for pinpoint accuracy while 8 MOA dot is made for short-range shooters and fast acquisition.

Features

  • 3/8 MOA red dot reticles
  • Waterproof
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Convenient power button
  • Handguns, rifles, and shotguns compatible
  • Precision-ground lenses
  • Automatic brightness sensor for different lighting options
  • Low battery warning indicator
  • Tool-free windage and elevation adjustments
  • A top-loading battery system

Pros

  • Solid metal construction
  • Pinpoint accuracy
  • Versatility
  • Fine-tuning with easy Windage and elevation adjustments
  • Friendly on the wallet
  • Bright and clear images with high-grade optical glass
  • Compact and light design
  • Low battery warning indicator

Cons

  • Not totally parallax free (at 50 yards)

 

7) Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope

Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope

 

Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope has a shockproof construction that withstands bumps, bangs, and drops for maximum durability and recoil resistance.

It is also nitrogen purged to ensure that the interior optical surfaces stay fog-free and O-ring sealed to be fully waterproof.

Even with the ruggedized construction, this optic is lightweight for mobility convenience.

It also brings to the table a 3 MOA dot with 11 brightness settings to help you acquire targets accurately under any light settings.

Features

  • Waterproof and fog proof
  • Shockproof construction
  • 35 mm objective lens diameter
  • Matte black finish
  • 3 MOA dot reticle
  • 1x fixed magnification
  • 0.5 in at 100 yds adjustment click value

Pros

  • Unlimited eye relief
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to use
  • High-quality build

Cons

  • Higher brightness settings will drastically reduce the battery life

 

Factors to Consider when Choosing Best Red Dot for Shotgun Recoil

Reticle Size

The first thing to consider is the size of the red dot reticle. This will largely depend on what you will be using the optic for. Most dot sizes range from 1 MOA to 12 MOA and it is best to get a unit with 3 MOA or more for use with a shotgun.

Smaller red dots are ideal for pinpoint accuracy while bigger ones work perfectly for shorter ranges and quick target acquisition.

Battery

All red dot sights are battery-powered. The only difference come in the type of battery used and the capacity. Get a model that is powered by a high-capacity battery. This way, you will have an ample amount of time to use it before the battery gets depleted. The best red dot sights have up to 50000 hours of battery life.

Durability

The best red dot for shotgun recoil is built from high-strength materials like aluminum to offer long-term durability.

Whether you plan to use the red dot for hunting or target shooting, ensure that you get a model that is shockproof, weatherproof, and recoil resistant.

Weight

Shotguns are mainly used for hunting and tactical shooting among others. Therefore, it is important that you get a red dot sight that is lightweight for mobility convenience. Besides, a light red dot sight will be able to disperse recoil better.

Final Thoughts

The best red dot for shotgun recoil will depend on your preference as well as the activity you plan to use it for.

Hopefully, this guide has been insightful and you are now able to make an informed buying decision.

Related