Having the best shotgun sights is essential for hunting, tactical shooting, and competitive shooting. These tools enhance accuracy and target acquisition in virtually all environments. Besides, they simplify shooting during lengthy glassing sessions and can make all the difference in hitting your mark whether you’re a beginner or a veteran in shooting.
From fiber optic sights to holographic sights, the market offers a wide range of options tailored to various needs and preferences. When making your selection, you should tailor your options to blend with your specific shooting needs. Furthermore, it is essential to invest in a quality sight that will stand the test of time.
What Makes a Great Shotgun Sight?
A great shotgun sight is made of several attributes that include:
Optical Clarity
First and foremost, a great shotgun sight should have high-quality optics that maximize image brightness and clarity, even in low light.
Lightweight Construction
Furthermore, the sight needs to have a lightweight construction that disperses shotgun recoil easily without adding any unnecessary bulk.
Durability
The best shotgun sights are made from durable materials such as steel or aircraft-grade aluminum to withstand the rigors of shooting and guarantee longevity.
Ample Eye Relief
It is also essential for the sight to have generous eye relief for comfortable glassing with or without eyewear.
Accurate
Last but not least, the sight should have features like precise alignment markers or magnification that aid in accurate aiming. It is also wise to get an optic with an illuminated reticle for confident and precise aiming in low-light conditions.
Best Shotgun Sights
1. Champion Traps and Targets EasyHit Shotgun Sight
First up, we have the Champion Traps and Targets EasyHit Shotgun Sight. This sight utilizes an array of modern features that make it one of the best shotgun sights.
This tool is a game-changer for shotgun enthusiasts. Its innovative design combines simplicity with effectiveness, offering a bright, easy-to-see aiming point that drastically improves target acquisition. Furthermore, it enables shooting with both eyes open which is vital for increased situational awareness.
Another highlight of this sight is its installation. It is quick and straightforward with no gunsmithing or special tools required. Once mounted, the sight stays securely in place even under heavy recoil.
Moreover, the durable construction ensures longevity, withstanding the rigors of regular use. This aiming tool also fits any ventilated, solid rib, or flat surface and can be mounted to ported barrels.
Features
- Hollow tube design
- Fiber-optic sight
- Fits any ventilated, solid rib, or flat surface
- Low-profile design
Pros
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Ease of installation
- Accurate
Cons
- The tape adhesiveness could be better
2. Meprolight Tru-Dot Shotgun Night Sight
If you are looking for a shotgun sight with unequaled low-light performance, look no further than the Meprolight Tru-Dot Shotgun Night Sight. It is the brightest night sight designed to enhance shooting precision in all situations.
The revolutionary low-light performance comes from the self-illuminated tritium night sight. It provides a crisp point of aim and functions in all temperature conditions. Besides, it drastically increases hit probability by 85% compared to conventional sights.
Regarding construction, the Meprolight Tru-Dot Shotgun Night Sight is built to last. It has robust metal housing and a unique MV gluing/sealing system that holds the light source securely in place. This ensures impact and shock resistance to the rigors of extensive firing and field handling.
Above all, this shotgun sight is designed to withstand prolonged immersion in commonly used gun-cleaning solvents.
Features
- Metal housing
- Tritium front material
- Shockproof and impact-resistant
- Advanced sealing system
- Self-illuminated light source
Pros
- Integrated day/night sighting
- Durable and reliable construction
- Easy to use
- High visibility in low light
Cons
- Requires tools to install
3. HiViz Magnetic Shotgun Sight
As one of the best shotgun sights, this model sets the standard for improved shooting performance. It has four interchangeable high-glow light pipes to ensure you shoot better in bright and low-light settings.
This shotgun sight is built with user convenience in mind. It is easy to install and comes with a magnetic base that ensures secure attachment to a shotgun barrel without the need for any tools or modifications.
Well, that’s not all. The sight’s bright fiber-optic design provides excellent visibility in virtually all lighting conditions, aiding quick and precise target acquisition. This guarantees speedy target acquisition.
Regarding construction, this shotgun sight is crafted with hard-wearing materials to withstand the rigors of frequent shooting sessions and maintain its effectiveness over time. It is also ideal for use in all weather conditions.
Features
- Green, non-replaceable Lite Pipe
- Magnetic base
- Non-reflective matte finish
- Polymer construction
- Dovetail mount type
Pros
- Magnetic attachment
- Ease of use
- Quick, simple installation
- Lightweight
Cons
- A little big
4. TruGlo Glo-Dot II Shotgun Sights
TruGlo Glo-Dot II Shotgun Sights is another high-quality sight for shotguns. It is engineered and built to help you shoot better, no matter the lighting condition.
The selling point of this shotgun is its versatility. It has a universal design that fits any plain barrel shotgun. On top of that, it is compatible with a wide range of rifles, making it a handy companion for enthusiasts who own a collection of firearms.
More importantly, this sight features an extremely low-profile design that doesn’t obstruct your views or interfere with your shooting. Besides, the sleek design ensures seamless integration with the shotgun without adding unnecessary bulk.
Construction-wise, the TruGlo Glo-Dot II Shotgun Sight boasts a robust construction to withstand the rigors of regular use. This ensures long-term reliability and performance. Over and above that, the sight is designed for quick and straightforward attachment for added convenience.
Features
- Robust all-metal construction
- Low-profile design
- Fiber optic front material
- Black, non-reflective color
- 078” front blade height
Pros
- Quick and straightforward attachment
- Sleek design
- Excellent quality and fit
- Ease of use
Cons
- Not duty worthy
5. Trijicon Bright & Tough Night Sights
Trijicon has a reputation for making rugged and reliable optics and this shotgun sight is not any different. It is perfect for acquiring targets at any time of day in any weather condition.
This sight is specifically designed for 12-gauge Remington Slug models. It features a three-dot green tritium illuminated circular notch design perfect for use in virtually any light setting. This unique configuration also aids in rapid sight acquisition.
Furthermore, the sight offers a clear, unobstructed sight picture even in low light. The self-luminous aiming system guarantees reliable performance and boosts the shooter’s confidence in all situations.
What’s more, the sight is crafted with durability in mind. It is designed and assembled with an optimized combination of strength and safety features to take your shooting a notch higher. On top of that, it has a shock-mounted illumination cylinder and a steel housing for unrivaled durability.
Features
- Sapphire window
- Machined steel construction
- Extra-large front dot
- Tritium illumination technology
- Shock-mounted illumination cylinder
- Illuminated green dot
Pros
- Multi-platform compatibility
- Excellent build quality
- Battery-free illumination
- Bright and easy to see
Cons
- Professional installation required
6. Meoprolight Tru-Dot Night Sights
Lastly in our list of the best shotgun sights, we have the Meoprolight Tru-Dot Night Sight. This is a combat-proven system for enhancing shooting precision in bright and low-light conditions.
This revolutionary sighting tool uses self-illuminated green light to help you hit stationary or moving targets under low light conditions with increased hit probability. On top of that, it forms a discernible sight picture for rapid aiming.
Another stand-out feature of this shotgun sight is its construction quality. It is crafted with hard-wearing materials to withstand stout recoil, harsh field conditions, and any other abuse. Moreover, it guarantees unimpeded use in all weather conditions thanks to the weather-resistant construction.
To complement the build quality, the Meoprolight Tru-Dot Night Sight is easy to install with no specialized tools needed. It can also be mounted directly in place of factory sights, with no modifications.
Features
- Self-illuminated light source
- Integrated day and night sighting
- Steel-alloy housing
- Non-reflective black finish
- Weatherproof construction
Pros
- Ease of installation
- Lightweight
- Maintenance-free
- Good value for the money
Cons
- Durability issues
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Shotgun Sights
There are many factors to consider when buying a sight for your shotgun. The key things you should take into consideration are:
Intended Use
The first factor to consider is the intended use of the sight. Shotguns are used for a wide variety of applications and choosing a sight that is tailored for a specific activity is key to making the most out of it. Determine if it is for hunting, home defense, or competitive applications, and choose accordingly.
Sturdy Mount
Shotgun sights should be mounted firmly and securely on the gun. Look at the mounting system the sight comes with and ensure that it’s compatible with your shotgun. Also, follow the manufacturer’s installation process to ensure a perfect fit.
Durability
The next important thing to consider is the sight’s durability. No matter the application, you will want a sight that is crafted with durability in mind.
The housing should be from hard-wearing materials preferably metals like aluminum or magnesium. With quality construction, the sight will guarantee durability and longevity even with repeated use in unforgiving conditions.
Weight
The best shotgun sights are built with portability and ease of use in mind. They are light so as not to get in your way of shooting or affect the balance and accuracy of your gun. Lightweight sights also have the additional benefit of being easy to install and effective at scatter recoil.
All-Weather Reliability
You should get a shotgun sight that is operable in every weather condition. The optical tube should be fully sealed to lock out dust and moisture. On top of that, the sight needs to be rated for use in a broad temperature range.
Installation
Another item to take into consideration is how easy the sight is to install. Do you need a professional installation or can you do it yourself? Some sights require professional installation while others are easy to install with no specialized tools needed.
Warranty
Next, consider warrant. If the sight breaks, would you have to buy an entirely new one or can you replace what is broken? This is where knowing the warranty policy is important. Shotguns from reputable brands such as Leupold, Vortex, and Trijicon come with good warranties and often replace the sight if it breaks.
Battery Life
If you are looking for a battery-powered sight, ensure it comes with a high-capacity battery. The longer the battery lasts, the more you will be able to concentrate on your shooting and achieve the most out of every excursion. Longest-lasting shotgun sights are also more economical to maintain.
Budget
Lastly, consider the budget. Whether you are a budget buyer or not, the best shotgun sights should offer the best value for money. Set a budget for your shotgun sight purchase and take time to look for a model that offers the best value within your price range. Keep in mind that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a quality sight.
FAQs
- Is it worth putting a sight on a shotgun?
Absolutely. Sights enhance shooting accuracy with handguns and positively impact the speed of target acquisition. The result is a more rewarding shooting experience for every user in any situation.
- How far is a shotgun accurate?
Most shotguns are accurate to about 38 yards with buckshot, 49 yards with birdshot, and 110 yards with slugs.
- Do shotgun sights require any maintenance?
Yes. Depending on the type of sight, maintenance may include regular cleaning to ensure optimal visibility and functionality. If the sight is battery-powered, it will require battery replacement when the battery power is depleted. Fiber optic sights on the other hand require occasional replacement of the fiber optic strands.
Final Words
Shotgun sights come in various forms from bead sights to rifle sights to ghost ring sights to red dot sights and fiber optic sights. Your individual preferences and the kind of shooting you plan to use the shotgun go a long way to determine which sight suits you best. Hopefully, this article has steered you on the right path and you can now find a model that blends the best with your needs.