Let’s look at the best shotgun scopes.
When it comes to maximizing the accuracy and performance of your shotgun, investing in the best shotgun scope can make all the difference.
Designed specifically to enhance precision, these scopes cater to the unique needs of shotgun hunters and shooters, offering features that improve target acquisition and shot placement.
From specialized reticles to rugged construction and weatherproof capabilities, these scopes are built to endure the challenges of hunting and shooting environments while providing consistent performance.
Best Shotgun Scopes
1) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope is the best shotgun scope, it features a Dead-Hold BDC reticle, rugged construction,fully multi-coated optics,ample eye relief and is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for waterproof and fogproof reliability.
Designed for close to medium-range encounters, this scope is well-suited for hunting in dense woods or open fields. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is a standout feature, offering precise holdover estimations at varying ranges, which is especially useful for hunting where shot placement matters.
One of the key advantages of the Crossfire II is its long eye relief and ultra-forgiving eye box, ensuring quick target acquisition and a clear sight picture. This is complemented by the fast-focus eyepiece, which allows rapid reticle adjustments, keeping you focused in dynamic hunting situations.
Its fully multi-coated lenses and anti-reflective coating deliver bright, crisp, and clear images, even in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk, ensuring you never miss a critical moment.
Durability is a hallmark of the Crossfire II. Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope features a single-piece tube for added strength and shockproof performance. It’s O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, ensuring waterproof and fogproof reliability in any weather condition.
Additionally, the scratch-resistant lens coating protects against dirt, oil, and wear, making it ready for rugged adventures. With its lightweight 14.3-ounce design and compact 11.3-inch length, the Crossfire II is easy to handle and mount on a shotgun, even in tight conditions.
The scope also features capped turrets with a fast-reset-to-zero function, allowing for precise windage and elevation adjustments. This ensures your scope remains sighted for longer durations, even when switching between ranges or settings.
Backed by Vortex’s VIP Warranty, which promises lifetime, unconditional coverage, the Crossfire II offers peace of mind and excellent value.
Specifications
- Magnification: 2-7x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32mm
- Field of View: 12.6-42 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.9-4.7 inches
- Tube Diameter: 1 inch
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Adjustment Range: 60 MOA
- Parallax: Fixed at 100 yards
- Weight: 14.3 oz
- Material: Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
- Finish: Hard Anodized
Pros
- Long eye relief and forgiving eye box for quick target acquisition.
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle simplifies holdover adjustments for hunting.
- Fully multi-coated lenses provide bright, clear images even in low light.
- Durable construction with shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof performance.
- The scratch-resistant coating protects lenses from damage.
- Lightweight and compact design for easy handling.
- Backed by an industry-leading VIP lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Fixed parallax at 100 yards may not suit ultra-close shots.
2) Vortex Diamondback 1.75-5x32mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Diamondback 1.75-5x32mm Rifle Scope is one of the best shotgun scopes, it features a Dead-Hold BDC reticle, a hard anodized finish, fully multi-coated optics, fast focus eyepiece that allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, metal on metal precision turrets and a rugged construction to withstand recoil and impact.
Its Dead-Hold BDC reticle is designed to simplify holdover adjustments at varying distances, making it a reliable choice for hunting situations where precision matters most.
One of the Diamondback’s key features is its fully multi-coated lenses, which provide crystal-clear, bright images from dawn to dusk. Whether you are tracking game during low-light hours or in dense wooded areas, this scope ensures exceptional image clarity and contrast. The fast-focus eyepiece enhances ease of use, allowing quick reticle focusing for rapid target acquisition.
Built for durability, the scope features a solid one-piece aluminum tube with a hard anodized finish. This construction not only ensures shockproof performance but also resists scratches and helps conceal the shooter’s position. With its argon purging and O-ring sealing, the Diamondback delivers fogproof and waterproof reliability, ensuring consistent performance in harsh weather conditions.
Additionally, its metal-on-metal precision turrets allow for a zero-reset after sight-in, while the precision glide erector system ensures smooth tracking and repeatable performance shot after shot.
Designed with user comfort in mind, the Diamondback offers an impressive field of view (23.1-68.3 ft at 100 yards), generous eye relief (3.5-3.7 inches), and a lightweight profile at just 12.8 ounces. Its compact 10.2-inch length ensures it’s easy to handle, even in tight spaces.
Specifications
- Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC (Second Focal Plane)
- Magnification Range: 1.75-5x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32mm
- Field of View: 23.1-68.3 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.5-3.7 inches
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Parallax: Fixed at 100 yards
- Weight: 12.8 oz
- Material: Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
- Finish: Hard Anodized
Pros
- Crystal-clear, bright optics thanks to fully multi-coated lenses.
- Durable construction resists recoil, impact, and weather conditions.
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle simplifies holdover adjustments for hunting.
- Lightweight and compact design for easy handling.
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof performance.
- Smooth, repeatable tracking with precision turrets and erector system.
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle may be less effective in extremely low-light conditions.
3) Burris Fullfield 3-9×40 E1 Shotgun Rifle Scope
The Burris Fullfield 3-9×40 E1 Shotgun Rifle Scope stands out as a premium choice for shotgun hunters who demand precision and versatility. Designed with bird hunters and varmint hunters in mind, this scope combines classic aesthetics with modern functionality, offering a balance of simplicity and advanced features.
Whether you’re taking close-range shots or engaging distant targets, the 3-9x magnification range allows you to adapt seamlessly to varying distances, making it a reliable companion for diverse hunting scenarios.
Equipped with the Ballistic Plex E1 reticle, this scope ensures supreme accuracy with trajectory-compensating technology and cascading dots to account for wind drift.
This straightforward yet sophisticated reticle eliminates guesswork, enabling faster and more precise targeting. Additionally, the Hi-Lume multicoating on the lenses enhances brightness and clarity, even in low-light conditions, while effectively reducing glare, ensuring a clear and crisp view during early morning or evening hunts.
The durable construction of the Fullfield 3-9×40 E1 is another key highlight. Built with a stress-free, solid one-piece outer tube, this scope can withstand shock, recoil, and vibrations, making it suitable for even the heaviest recoiling calibers.
Its double internal spring-tension system and positive steel-on-steel adjustments ensure consistent zero retention and repeatable accuracy. Moreover, the scope is waterproof and nitrogen-filled making it one of the best Shotgun scopes.
Ease of use is also a priority in the design. The finger-adjustable windage and elevation turrets provide a sleek profile and ensure pinpoint adjustments, while the separated power ring and eyepiece design make it compatible with flip-up lens covers for added protection.
Lightweight at just 13 ounces, with a length of 14.85 inches, the scope offers excellent portability without compromising performance. Backed by the Burris Forever Warranty, this scope is an investment that promises a lifetime of dependable service.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
- Reticle: Ballistic Plex E1
- Tube Diameter: 1 inch
- Field of View: 13-33 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.1-3.4 inches
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Weight: 13 oz
- Length: 14.85 inches
- Material: High-grade optical glass
- Parallax: Fixed
Pros
- Versatile magnification range for close to long-range shots.
- Ballistic Plex E1 reticle with trajectory and wind-drift compensation.
- Hi-Lume multicoating enhances clarity and reduces glare.
- Durable, shockproof, and recoil-resistant construction.
- Waterproof and nitrogen-filled for fogproof performance.
- Finger-adjustable turrets for quick and precise adjustments.
- Lightweight design with compatibility for flip-up lens covers.
- Backed by the Burris Forever Warranty™.
Cons
- Fixed parallax may not suit ultra-close-range shooting.
4) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope sets the standard for shotgun hunters seeking unmatched durability, clarity, and performance in any environment. Crafted with 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum and tested under the rigorous Punisher Process, this scope is built to withstand the harshest conditions and heaviest recoil.
Whether you’re navigating extreme temperatures or rapid elevation changes, the VX-Freedom guarantees dependable performance, making it a top contender for shotgun hunting enthusiasts.
At the heart of its performance lies Leupold’s proprietary Twilight Light Management System, which adds up to 10 extra minutes of shooting light, reduces glare, and ensures crisp, high-contrast images even in low-light conditions.
This feature is especially beneficial during dawn and dusk hunts when lighting is most challenging. The scratch-resistant lenses offer exceptional clarity and long-term durability, providing you with a consistently sharp view through the optic.
Precision is another hallmark of the VX-Freedom. The 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments for windage and elevation ensures reliable repeatability and accuracy over the lifetime of the scope. Combined with its versatile 3:1 zoom ratio, the scope adapts seamlessly from close-range shots to mid-range engagements.
The one-inch main tube design keeps the scope lightweight yet robust, while its waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction guarantees clear performance in any weather or terrain.
Built-in the USA with meticulous attention to detail, the VX-Freedom reflects Leupold’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Its rugged reliability and flawless performance make it a standout option for hunters and shooters who demand the best from their optics.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
- Reticle: Duplex (or other Leupold options, depending on model)
- Main Tube Diameter: 1 inch
- Material: 6061-T6 Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
- Light Management System: Twilight Light Management
- Waterproof, Fogproof, and Shockproof: Yes
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
Pros
- Twilight Light Management System extends hunting hours and improves image quality in low light.
- Durable construction using 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum.
- Punisher-tested for extreme durability and heavy recoil resistance.
- Precise 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments ensure accuracy.
- Scratch-resistant lenses provide lasting clarity.
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof design ensures reliability in harsh conditions.
- Lightweight and compact with a 1-inch main tube.
- Designed, machined, and assembled in the USA with a lifetime guarantee.
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle may be less suitable for low-light scenarios with minimal contrast.
5) TruGlo 4x32mm Shotgun Scope
The TruGlo 4x32mm Shotgun Scope is a game-changer for hunters seeking to elevate their shotgun accuracy. Designed specifically for shotgun platforms, this fixed-power scope helps tighten shot groupings and improve precision for a variety of hunting applications, from deer to turkeys.
Its diamond ballistic reticle is tailored for shotgun hunting, offering precise aiming points for effective shots on moving and stationary targets making this Truglo scope one Best Shotgun Scopes
The fully-coated lenses deliver exceptional brightness, clarity, and contrast, ensuring a clear sight picture in various lighting conditions. Whether you’re tracking game in the early morning or at dusk, this scope provides reliable visuals to keep you on target.
Additionally, the rugged and scratch-resistant housing ensures durability in rough field conditions, making it a reliable companion for challenging hunts.
Comfort and safety are also prioritized in the TruGlo 4x32mm Shotgun Scope. The rubber eye guard provides a cushion against heavy shotgun recoil, reducing the risk of injury if you misjudge eye relief during a quick shot.
With its 4-inch eye relief, you’ll enjoy comfortable viewing without compromising safety. Lightweight and compact, the scope is easy to handle and comes with Weaver-style rings for straightforward mounting, allowing you to focus on the hunt rather than the setup.
Specifications
- Magnification: 4x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32mm
- Reticle: Diamond Ballistic Reticle (SFP)
- Tube Diameter: 1 inch
- Eye Relief: 4 inches
- Field of View: 24 ft at 100 yds
- Weight: 11.4 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Length: 8 inches
- Finish: Realtree, scratch-resistant, matte
Pros
- Specialized diamond reticle enhances precision for deer and turkey hunting.
- Fully-coated lenses deliver bright, clear, and high-contrast images.
- Rubber eye-guard provides safety against recoil.
- Lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry and maneuver.
- Durable and scratch-resistant housing withstands rugged outdoor conditions.
- Wide eye relief ensures comfort and safety during shooting.
- Easy installation with included Weaver-style rings.
Cons
- Fixed 4x magnification limits versatility for closer or longer-range shots.
Next Read: 4 Best 12 Gauge Shotgun Scopes
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Shotgun Scopes
Here are the most important considerations:
Magnification and Field of View
The magnification range of a shotgun scope directly impacts its versatility and usability for various hunting or shooting scenarios. A lower magnification, such as 1x or 2x, is ideal for close-range and fast-moving targets, offering a wider field of view to track movement.
Higher magnifications, such as 4x or 9x, provide better precision for longer shots but may reduce the field of view, making it harder to track moving game. It’s essential to strike a balance based on your specific needs and shooting environment.
Reticle Design
The reticle is a critical component that determines aiming accuracy and target acquisition speed. Shotgun-specific reticles, such as ballistic or diamond-shaped reticles, are designed to compensate for the unique trajectory of shotgun slugs or pellets.
Some reticles include holdover points and wind drift compensation, which can be valuable for longer-range shots. Choosing a reticle that aligns with your hunting style and ammunition type ensures better performance in the field.
Durability and Construction
Shotgun scopes must be built to withstand the significant recoil generated by shotguns. Durable materials, such as aircraft-grade aluminum, and rugged construction ensure the scope can handle the shock and vibrations of heavy-recoiling firearms.
Additionally, scratch-resistant finishes and reinforced housings protect the scope from wear and tear during rugged outdoor use. A robust and well-built scope will provide consistent performance and reliability over time.
Waterproof and Fogproof Performance
Shotgun scopes often encounter harsh weather conditions, so waterproof and fogproof performance is essential. Advanced sealing methods and nitrogen or argon purging prevent moisture from entering the scope, ensuring clear optics even in rain or high humidity.
This feature is especially important for hunters who venture into diverse terrains and weather conditions, as it guarantees dependable performance regardless of the environment.
Lens Coatings and Clarity
High-quality lens coatings play a significant role in improving the brightness, clarity, and overall image quality of the scope. Fully multi-coated lenses minimize glare and enhance light transmission, allowing for better visibility in low-light conditions, such as early morning or late evening hunts. Clear optics help hunters quickly identify their targets and improve accuracy, especially in challenging lighting situations.
Eye Relief and Safety
Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope’s eyepiece, and it is crucial for comfort and safety. Shotguns produce heavy recoil, so sufficient eye relief (typically 3–4 inches) prevents the scope from hitting your face during firing.
A scope with generous eye relief not only enhances safety but also allows for faster target acquisition, as you don’t have to perfectly align your eye with the scope.
Ease of Adjustments
Shotgun scopes should have user-friendly and precise adjustment systems for windage, elevation, and parallax (if applicable). Finger-adjustable turrets with clear click values, such as 1/4 MOA, make it easy to fine-tune your point of impact in the field. The ability to make quick and accurate adjustments ensures that your scope remains zeroed, even after repeated firing or changes in shooting conditions.
Weight and Size
The weight and size of a scope are important considerations for maintaining balance and ease of handling. Shotguns are often used in dynamic situations, such as bird hunting or fast-paced shooting, where a heavy or bulky scope can become a hindrance.
Compact and lightweight scopes are easier to mount, carry, and maneuver, making them ideal for shotguns. However, the scope should still be sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of hunting.
Best Shotgun Scopes FAQs
What makes a shotgun scope different from a rifle scope?
Shotgun scopes are specifically designed for shorter ranges and slower projectiles compared to rifle scopes. They often feature lower magnification, wider fields of view, and specialized reticles, such as diamond or ballistic reticles, for faster target acquisition and better accuracy at typical shotgun ranges. Additionally, they are built to withstand the heavy recoil of shotguns.
What magnification is best for a shotgun scope?
The ideal magnification for a shotgun scope is typically in the range of 1x to 9x. Lower magnifications, such as 1x to 4x, are ideal for quick target acquisition and close-range shooting, while slightly higher magnifications, like 3x to 9x, are better for medium-range shots. The magnification should match your intended use, such as hunting birds, deer, or turkey.
How important is eye relief in a shotgun scope?
Eye relief is crucial in a shotgun scope due to the significant recoil produced by shotguns. A longer eye relief, generally 3 inches or more, ensures that your face is at a safe distance from the scope, preventing potential injuries from the recoil. It also enhances comfort and usability during extended shooting sessions.
Are shotgun scopes waterproof and fogproof?
Most modern shotgun scopes are built to be waterproof and fogproof to ensure reliable performance in various weather conditions. Look for scopes with nitrogen or argon-filled tubes and advanced sealing methods to prevent internal fogging and protect against moisture, even in rain or high humidity. These features are particularly important for outdoor hunting and rugged environments.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the best shotgun scopes combine precision, durability, and practicality to elevate your shooting experience. Whether you’re hunting in low-light conditions, taking aim at fast-moving targets, or braving harsh weather, a reliable shotgun scope can provide the clarity and confidence you need for accurate and effective shots.