The Best Scopes for Shotguns in 2022

Shotgun scopes can help you perform better with your shotgun. This sighting tool is your perfect ally for aiming at your targets and acquiring them easily and quickly. If you love using shotguns for shooting and hunting, you should find a scope that has the features and power that make hunting more efficient. In this article, learn how to choose a shotgun scope so that you can get the best results in the field. First, take a look at the eight top-rated shotgun scopes. Then, choose the right one for you by using our buying guide below.

The 8 Best Scopes Shotgun of 2022

Vortex Optics Diamondback 1.75-5×32 SFP BDC (MOA) Riflescope

Due to its high visual resolution, strong construction, and iconic black matte color, this Diamondback scope is best for big tournaments, muzzleloaders, and intricate hunting activities. This scope’s lenses are multi-coated with 4x zoom capacity, meaning it has multiple layers of coating. Once you look in the scope, you will see a seamless view and be able to identify the aim point.

Meanwhile, if anticipating the hold-over is a top concern during hunting, the Vortex 1.75-5×32 scope has a customized design dot that guides the scope to reduce guesswork. Its reticle is a Dead-Hold BDC type, which is good for managing hold-over and windage.

Additionally, it has several eyesight features that will help you perform well. Its eyepiece is made with quick-steady capability to focus the reticle when hunting cunning targets. Through the instrument’s second focal plane (SFP) reticle, the images remain constant once you focus the scope—no matter how you adjust the magnification.

This scope is engineered with meticulous materials to ensure that it can withstand harsh weather. Its single tube is hard and anodized, meaning it can survive minor bumps. It is also purged with argon and sealed with O-ring to make it fog-proof and waterproof. However, if you want a scope that allows the image size to change with zoom, this riflescope is not for you—considering it has an SFP reticle.

Simmons Prodiamond 4×32 Shotgun Prohunter Riflescope

For medium-range tactical and hunting activities, nothing can beat the performance of Simmons 517793 Prodiamond duck hunting scope. Through its high precision, construction, and impressive clear vision features, you can get more for a cheaper price.

The high-quality glass and multi-coated lens make the vision on this scope exceptional. The scope has a wide field of view of 100 yards (24 feet), and with the help of this eyepiece, you can expect a smooth performance. Additionally, the eyepiece features quick target acquisition and a 4-inch eye relief.

For extreme hunting activities, this scope is reliable. It has an adjustable elevation system and special true zero windage for a fixed and long-lasting locked-in zero. Its entire black matte housing is made of rigid materials, and the scope can last for 1,000 rounds. However, this scope may have limited vision capacity for distance more than 100 yards.

TRUGLO 4x32mm Compact Rimfire and Shotgun Scope Series

The Truglo 4x32mm Scope Series is perfect for shotguns and provides maximum performance. The first priority when buying a scope is its sharpness in the combat field. The Truglo Compact Rimfire and Shotgun Scope can zoom an image four times larger from the normal eye view. This will enable you to clearly see turkey or deer from a distance, despite their speed.

It is also features a 32-millimeter objective lens size, which enables the hunter to visualize the target in maximum light. Its lens is fully coated and provides enormous light to pass on the glass of scope and allow luminous vision. Clear vision is important when shooting because it leads the shooter to the exact aim point.

This model is designed specifically for shotguns because of its diamond reticle style. You can also change its elevation and windage by using your fingertips to adjust the lower screw caps. This Truglo scope is strong and resilient to scratch, fog and water, due to the high-quality aluminum and nitrogen gas. It has a rubber eye guard and a non-reflective black matte housing. However, despite these great features, this shotgun scope can be hard to use for beginners.

TRUGLO GOBBLE-STOPPER 30mm Turkey Hunting Dual-Color Dot Sight

When it comes to superior functionalities and durability, the Truglo Gobble-Stopper Dot Sight is the best shotgun scope for your money. It has reticle illumination that comes in two colors: red and green. This is an advantage for extreme turkey hunting because the reticle shade can be changed depending on the target or field background.

Its multi-coated lens can produce abundant light up to 95%, allowing the hunter to clearly see and hit the target. To spot the subject even better, the red dot sight has an illuminated ring with a 24-inch circle that is effective at a 30-yard range. With this scope, the glare from the sunlight is not an issue—the instrument has removable and extended sunshade as protection. This model also comes with free transparent and high quality flip-up lens caps.

This red dot sight includes storage for pare batteries. It is dependable for long-lasting power, whether you hunt in a nearby or remote location. Additionally, setting it up is simple. It is lightweight and includes an integrated weaver style for mounting that protects the device from loss of screw.

Nikon Prostaff P3 Shotgun BDC 200 Riflescope

The Nikon Prostaff P3 Shotgun BDC 200 can help extend your shooting range up to 200 yards. This tactical shotgun scope is one of the top choices among shooters and hunters that want to get more out of their scope. It is also a good option if you’re looking for a reliable and durable sighting tool that can last for years.

This model also features the BDC 200 reticle, which is perfect for slug loads. Along with accurate minute of angle (MOA) adjustments and spring-loaded zero reset turrets, this model comes with multi-coated optics and offer maximum light transmission. This product promises to deliver crisp images, no matter the shooting conditions. You can also hunt at dawn or dusk, giving you more schedule flexibility.

Simmons Prodiamond 1.5-5×32 Shotgun Prohunter Riflescope

The Simmons Prodiamond 1.5-5×32 Shotgun Prohunter has the best quality that you are looking for in a scope. With the 1.5x to 5x magnification range, you can have a larger sight of the images. Supported by a 32-millimeter objective lens, this scope will provide you with a clear vision of the aim point in the combat field.

This scope also possesses multi-coated optics that enable abundant light to enter the scope. It also has a high resolution of pictures, such as on the HD clarity standard. This scope is dependable during unfavorable shooting situations, as it contains an adjustment system for the elevation and TrueZero windage, which remains locked to zero.

The durability of the scope is another top feature. This scope is crafted with strong materials and is resilient to different potential threats, such as on fog, water, and shock. The scope features a stunning sleek black housing that is slightly shiny yet anti-reflective.

Bushnell Trophy 1.75-4x32mm Shotgun Scope

In terms of beauty, quality, and affordability, the Bushnell Trophy Shotgun Scope is outstanding among the other similar types of scopes. By looking at the one-piece tube of Bushnell Trophy Shotgun Scope, you'll see that its outer housing flaunts a unique camouflage design. This is an advantage for extreme combat shooting because the scope will mimic the background easily, and the target won’t notice its presence.

This turkey-hunting scope is also dependable for sharp tactical shooting, with its objective lens of 32-millimeter diameter for seamless vision and easy target acquisition. The instrument also has an amazing image enlarger that magnifies with a range of 1.75x to 4x inches. It is useful for short and medium-range shooting.

This riflescope model is also supported by a fast-focus eyepiece and multi-coated optics. Furthermore, it has a rain guard HD, so you may expect higher transmission of light up to 91%. This means a flawless and clearer vision when you look through the scope.

Weaver Kaspa 1-4×24 Shotgun Scope

The selling point of the Weaver Kaspa Shotgun Scope is that it has three reticle options: Turkey, slug/muzzleloader, and Dual-X. This is impressive because these three features are rare to find in one scope. It is beneficial to the shotgun owner because it is practical and can be shifted to other types of reticles, depending on the aim target.

This scope has a magnification of 1x to 4x. Meanwhile, its objective lens is 24 millimeters, meaning the resolution of the picture seen through the scope is more clear and precise. The scope will work well for mid-range hunting distances.

It is important to note that this scope has fully multi-coated optics. This is a kind of high-end lens that has anti-reflective properties. The lens of this scope has a several layers of coating on the inner and outer part of the glass, which helps in reducing reflections. This is an advantage because it gives clarity to the vision and serves as a protection to the lens.

What Makes a Great Shotgun Scope?

There are many shotgun scopes on the market, and it can be difficult to find the best one for you. A great scope should suit and enhance your hunting style. These are the factors you need to consider.

• A shotgun scope should be durable.
• It should provide clear images.
• Magnification can help your accuracy, but it doesn’t need to be the best.
• Simplicity is usually the best. Many features may be great, but it just means your scope will be more fragile.
• Bonus—if you can find one in matte black, it allows you to hide from your targets.

There may be other factors that make a great scope, but these should be at the top of your mind when shopping.

What Magnification Do You Need?

When it comes to hunting, a scope’s magnification settings can make or break the game. Good magnification settings improve accuracy and precision when spotting and shooting faraway targets. Moreover, it enables you to hit targets more cleanly.

Read Also: Best Places to Buy Affordable 12 Gauge Ammo

In the hunting market, scopes usually come in two magnifications: fixed or variable. Both offer distinct advantages and disadvantages, making it hard to choose which one to get. We highlighted some factors you to need to consider when buying a scope.

Fixed Power Scopes

Fixed power scopes have a fixed magnification range. Unlike the variable-power scopes, they stay that way. While they are nonadjustable, they are more reliable because they don’t need constant tweaking. Moreover, because of their design, they are much smaller, simpler, and lighter.

Variable Power Scopes

Unlike fixed power scopes, variable-power scopes offer flexibility. Adjustable turrets help you tailor your scope to a magnification that suits your current target and conditions. This is perfect for veteran hunters, as it can help them adjust their scopes to fit their targets.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Scope for Shotgun

Most hunters view buying shotgun scopes as unnecessary purchases. However, owning a shotgun scope can dramatically increase your performance in hunting. The added magnification and crosshairs enable you to have a cleaner and more accurate shot, and therefore reduce misfires. They also help you fire at moving targets. Finding a good scope that can suit your needs takes time and effort. We highlighted some factors for you to consider that can help you look for the best shotgun scope.

Durability

A good shotgun scope needs to withstand different weather conditions and scenarios. Being a popular firearm, shotguns tend to be used for hunting animals such as deer, rabbits, and turkey. A great scope should be able to endure tough hunting scenarios. Moreover, shotguns have strong recoils that scopes need to be able to withstand.

Sharpness

A great shotgun scope should provide crisp and clear images. However, it doesn’t need a high resolution because your targets are often near. As long as it differentiates the target from the environment, then you’re good to go.

Magnification settings

As of now, the market currently has scopes with fixed or variable magnifications. Fixed-magnification scopes give you a reliable performance due to the set parallax. They are also smaller and highly recommended for beginners.

On the other hand, the variable magnification scope allows you to change zooming settings in accordance with the range. It allows the hunter to have more options, but they are also bulkier, heavier, and harder to use.

Eye Relief

As shotguns have a pretty strong recoil, scopes should have a long eye relief to avoid injuries. A long eye relief makes acquisition easier and quicker, especially when hunting moving targets.

Simple design

Scopes offer many features that can provide numerous benefits. However, when it comes to shotgun scopes, simplicity is the key. More features decrease your scope’s lifespan. Unless you think the scope can still function without a part, simple designs usually offer more.

Finish

Hunting in the wilderness calls for camouflage. When choosing a scope, one with a matte finish is a good choice. A shinier scope will attract attention and will potentially scare away prey.

Conclusion

The market is saturated with choices on quality shotgun sighting tools at varying prices, magnification, and reticles. For this reason, it can be hard to select the one you need. To help, you can refer to this guide to find shotgun scopes that have the best features, including high-quality materials, heavy-duty performance, and a durable body.

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