Best Turkey Shotgun Scope & Optic: They Make A Difference

You are probably wondering why you need a shotgun scope or optic for turkey hunting. Not all hunters use scopes or red dots for hunting turkeys, and there are a few things to consider when you decide if you want one or not.

Hunting turkeys takes work, so when you finally get that shot, you want it to count!

Reasons to Consider a Shotgun Scope

Some hunters will argue that a shotgun scope is just another thing to worry about or break. You might hear that it is not worth the weight since shooting turkeys often involves close shots.

I personally think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and an extra pound or so does not bother me.

Even though the bird may be close and the pattern is large, the same advantages are found when shooting any gun with a scope.

• An optic forces you to focus on the front site and get into the correct position to shoot. It minimizes shooter error.
• You are going to miss fewer turkeys – period. A scope forces you to site the bird at long or close range.
• It’s a fact that your depth of focus is going to decrease as you get older. A scope lines up the bird at a distance and helps compensate for the loss.

This article will suggest some of my top picks, and then take you through the pros and cons of specific scopes.

Features to Consider

There are several features to consider when purchasing a scope. I’ll briefly take you through them so you can make an informed decision.

Weight and Dimensions

Keep your scope light. It’s no fun to walk several miles and then have to trudge back with your two large Toms.

You can purchase a good scope for around a pound, and less than 18 inches long – even less for a Red Dot.

Crosshair

The cross-hair in your scope forces you to focus on your shot. Your shots are more accurate, and the misses reduced.

A cross-hair or aiming point is also referred to as a reticle, and there are several types to consider. This article on Reticles does a nice job of describing the different types and uses.

• Bullet Drop Compensating Reticles
• MilDot Reticle
• Illuminated Reticles

Clear

When hunting for turkey, your target is often close. It is important your scope optics be crisp and clear, but you don’t need high resolution. Make sure you have a clear view of your target, and you will be in good shape.

Shock Resistance and Durability

There are a few things to consider when it comes to durability.

You are going to be out in the woods, and potentially moving fast if hunting something other than turkey, like rabbits. Make sure you have a scope that is going to hold up to being handled and moved around a lot in tough terrain.

Weather is another factor. It may be cold, rainy (especially during turkey season), snowy, etc. Your scope needs to be able to stand up to these conditions.

Finally, don’t forget recoil. A shotgun typically has a good bit of recoil, so make sure the scope you choose is shock-resistant.

Magnification

The correct magnification is important for a turkey scope. You won’t be shooting from far away, so a 2-7 32mm is acceptable. Ultimately, magnification is a personal choice.

Keep in mind that with a scope, you won’t have as much eye relief as you will with a red dot, and it will be harder to swing around to sight a fast-moving bird.

Top Product Reviews

The scopes I have listed below off good value for their prices, and provide a variety of different features in solid scopes.

TRUGLO Traditional 30mm Red-Dot Sight

• Weight: 7 ounces
• Dimensions: 9 x 5.8 x 2 inches
• Specific features: Adaptable, has a flip lens, eye relief, elevation adjustment
• Weight: 7 ounces
• Best use: Low light, short distances

The Truglo Red-Dot APG Scope is a versatile red dot that can mount on a Weaver or a Picatinny mount. The ability to adapt it for different mounting systems is one of its strengths.

The 5-MOA red-dot reticle is crisp and clear, providing optics often found in more expensive red-dot scopes. The lens is clear, and you have a nice wide view, and with a lower magnification, this is an ideal red-dot for a shotgun.

At this price point, you will be hard-pressed to find a more durable optic that is dependable and reliable when you need it.

Simmons Truplex Riflescope (3-9X40, Matte)

• Weight: 10.08 ounces
• Dimensions: 15.40 x 3.10 x 3.30 inches
• Specific features: Wide view, non-reflective coating, multi-coated lenses
• Best use: Low light, a short distance

This is a budget scope at a low price, but it receives strong reviews. If you prefer a scope instead of a red-dot this scope provides a good magnification range @ 3-9 x 40mm.

The Simmons Truplex is a simple, sleek scope with features found in higher-priced models – 8-point riflescope, Fully-coated optics, 1-4-MOA SureGrip audible-click windage, and elevation adjustments, Waterproof, fog proof, recoil proof, Truplex reticle.

If you are considering moving to a scope on your shotgun, give this scope a try. You might find that your “test scope” ends up becoming your “permanent scope.”

Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope, 1x20mm, Black

• Weight: 3.7 ounces
• Dimensions: 5.4 x 3.4 x 2.2
• Specific Features: Compact, Light, 1x Magnification
• Best Use: Low light, close targets, tough terrain

The TRS-25 is known for its rugged durability. This red dot sight has nitrogen-purged fog proofing, and the optics are O-ring sealed. You can count on this optic to perform and heavy humidity and big temperature swings, so you can always see your target.

This red dot optic has 11 brightness settings, which illuminates the 3 MOA reticle, making it easy to locate your target. Your ability to adjust the brightness settings also allows you to conserve the battery while you are out in the field.

At less than $100, this is a great price for a quality optic. The TRS-25 receives many good reviews, and at the time of this article, the four and five-star reviews were 86% of the 11,000 plus reviews. This is a very popular Red Dot Riflescope.

Vortex Optics Spitfire 1x Prism Scope – DRT Reticle (MOA)

• Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Dimensions: 6.75 x 2.5 x 4
• Specific Features: dual-ring tactical reticle, 3.8 eye relief, fully-coated lenses
• Best Use: All Weather

The Spitfire also serves nicely on a shotgun. The generous sight picture and forgiving eye box allow you to target effortlessly in any scenario. Fully multi-coated lenses offer true to life clarity and brightness.

The etched dual ring tactical reticle provides a visible point of aim whether powered up or not. At least, this is the claim by the manufacturer. There are ten brightness settings and an option between red or green illumination.

The machine cast aluminum optic claims shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof by the manufacturer, and reviews give high marks for durability.

Related: If you need some 2 piece rings to go around the scope to keep it on your shotgun, the AccuShot Picatinny/Weaver Rings will work for you. They are made to use every day and can work with scopes up to 61 mm.

Final Thoughts

There are many good scopes and optics. The ones chosen for this article provide both price and quality options. Reviews make them some of the best in their categories for features and affordability.

The optics you choose don’t need to be the most expensive but should be what works for you.