Speed and accuracy make red dot sights resourceful in turkey hunting. If you are looking for a dependable turkey hunting optic, you have come to the right place. Our focus today is on the best red dots for turkey hunting.
To have a successful turkey hunting experience, you need to have the perfect views of the target. For turkey hunting, you can either use a red dot sight or a scope. However, if you want rapid target acquisition particularly when the target is moving, you’ll need a red dot sight.
In today’s post, we will be looking at the best red dots for turkey hunting and all the necessary information you need to know when searching for a red dot sight for your turkey gun.
Why Do you Need a Red Dot for Hunting Turkey?
Whether you are a beginner or seasoned turkey hunter, having a red dot for hunting turkey is essential. Red dot sights are essential in turkey hunting mainly because of the unlimited eye relief and great accuracy.
Adding a red dot sight on your turkey hunting shotgun, handgun or rifle will improve your odds of success by a very large percentage. Additionally, the unlimited eye relief provides a wide field of view so you can easily spot the target for accurate shot placement. Above all, most red dots for turkey hunting have a near parallax-free design for accurate target acquisition.
7 Best Red Dots for Turkey Hunting
Given the wide range of red dot sights available on the market, finding the best model for turkey hunting can be overwhelming especially for first-time buyers. For your convenience, we have come up with a detailed review of the best red dots for turkey hunting available on the market today. Let’s take a look.
1) Sightmark Mini Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight
The Sightmark Mini Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight is a multi-purpose red dot sight suitable for turkey hunting. The compact reflex sight comes with everything you need for hunting turkey.
It is designed to mount on virtually any firearm. Thanks to the dual base system, every shooter can match the height of the reflex sight to their firearm for a perfect eye alignment.
It has a low-profile mount for shotguns and handguns, and riser mounts for rifles. This versatility makes it one of the best red dots for turkey hunting. This reflex sight is built to last.
It features a sturdy aluminum housing covered with a steel protective shield for added durability. Besides, it is fully waterproof and dustproof hence suitable for all weather conditions.
The whole unit weighs 3 ounces. The ultra-light design makes it easy to carry in the field. The red dot is quite simple to operate, regardless of your skills. The ambidextrous digital switch makes it quick and easy to turn on.
For added convenience, the sight comes with a total of 10 different brightness levels for use in different light situations and 2-night vision brightness settings for use in dismal environments.
The Mini Shot Reflex sight is powered by one CR1632 battery which provides a continuous run time from 300 up to 30,000 hours depending on the brightness setting mostly used.
It also comes with a 12-hour auto-shot-off feature to preserve the battery in case you forget to it off. Hands down, Sight M-Spec reflex sight is undoubtedly the best red dot for turkey hunting.
Features
- Fully waterproof and dustproof
- Steel protective shield
- 3 MOA red dot reticle
- Auto-shutoff to preserve battery life
- Low profile design
- Ambidextrous digital switch
- Sturdy and durable aluminum housing
- 10 daytime brightness settings and 2 nighttime brightness settings
- 300 hours battery life on high mode
- Dual base system
2) AT3 Tactical RD-50 PRO Red Dot Sight
The AT3 Tactical RD-50 PRO Red Dot Sight is your ideal option if you are on a budget. The red dot sight packs a wide range of high-end features in a compact package making it one of the best red dots for turkey hunting. It is easy to use and easy to mount on any modern firearm with a flat-top Picatinny rail.
This red dot sight is highly accurate. It has a parallax-free design and a clear 2 MOA red dot which allows for accurate shooting with both eyes open. Thanks to the 11 red dot brightness settings, you are assured of maximum visibility in any light conditions.
Better yet, the scratch-proof amber lens is multi-coated to increase light transmission and enhance image clarity. You can also adjust the riser mount to suit your ideal view.
The red dot sight is built to last. It is crafted with a 6061 T6 aluminum body for unbeatable durability. It has rubber gaskets on turrets and a battery cover to prevent the entry of moisture, dirt, and dust.
The optic is also nitrogen-filled to resist fogging. And that’s not all. The red dot sight has a scratch-proof matte black anodized finish to camouflage your hunting position. A shock-absorbing rubber armor is also included to protect the unit when not in use.
Another impressive feature of this optic is the long battery life. It is powered by a Genuine Renata CR2032 Lithium battery which provides an outstanding battery life that can last up to 50,000 hours at the lowest brightness setting.
A premium construction, weatherproof performance, and unparalleled performance are just a few of the facets that make AT3 Tactical Pro sight one of the best red dots for turkey hunting. To top it all, the optic comes with a lifetime AT3 Warranty.
Features
- Lightweight design
- Exceptional battery life up to 50,000 hours
- 2 MOA Red Dot
- Two Co-witness options
- Unlimited eye relief
- Rubberized armor protects the optic when not in use
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- 6061 T6 aluminum housing
- Shockproof and impact-resistant
- Multi-coated, scratch-proof amber lens
- 11 brightness settings
- Parallax free design
- Built-in lens cap for added protection
3) Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sights
Vortex is renowned for its high-quality optics and the Venom red dot sight is no exception. This 3 MOA red dot sight is designed to help you spot your target easily and provide an accurate aiming point.
The user-friendly design makes it the ideal red dot for turkey hunting for both beginners and professionals. This unit is built to stand up to anything thrown at it. It features sturdy aluminum housing that is suitable for all hunting environments.
It comes with a Picatinny mount for optimal flexibility. It fits easily on any rifle or shotgun. Plus, it is O-ring sealed to lock out moisture, dirt, and debris. This gives you reliable performance in all weather conditions.
The optical performance of this optic is impressive. It features premium, fully multi-coated lenses that provide bright and clear images. The power and dot intensity controls are placed on the left side of the optic for convenient access.
Besides, Venom has 10 different brightness levels for use in different light environments. It’s also parallax-free for greater accuracy. Weighing just 1.1 ounces, this is one of the lightest red dot sights available on the market today.
It is powered by one CR1632 battery which provides up to 150 hours of battery life at the highest setting and up to 30,000 hours at the lower setting. Above all, the Venom features 1 MOA adjustable elevation and windage dials which make sighting a walk in the park.
Pinpoint accuracy and swift target acquisition are what define Venom Red dot sights. With these red dot sights, turkey hunting will be a walk in the park. Among the best red dots for turkey hunting, Venom red dot sights stand out for all the positive reasons. Works perfectly with tactical rifles, shotguns, and handguns.
Features
- Picatinny mount
- 3 MOA Dot reticle
- 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustment
- Sturdy and durable aluminum housing
- Auto-brightness mode
- Parallax free design
- Fully waterproof and dustproof
- High-quality fully multi-coated lens
- 10 brightness levels
- Wide field of view
- Ultra-light design
4) Feyachi Reflex Sight- Adjustable Reticle
Next on the list of the best red dots for turkey hunting is the Feyachi Reflex Sight. This 4 in 1 reflex sight features a 33mm sighting system which allows for rapid target acquisition and a wide field of view suitable for hunting and target shooting. You can easily adjust the dot system into red or green depending on your preference.
The reflex sight offers 4 different reticle patterns; starburst, cross, dot, and bull eye. The reticle is illuminated for greater accuracy in low-light conditions. Plus, it has 5 brightness settings for use in adverse lighting conditions.
This lightweight reflex sight is sturdily made to ensure a lifetime of field use. The fully aluminum housing enhances durability, while the steel protective shield absorbs shock and heavy impact. This rugged optic is also fully waterproof and fogproof so you can use it in rainy and humid environments.
Moreover, the 33mm lens is fully multi-coated to increase light transmission. The coating also offers protection against scratches and reduces glare when hunting in broad daylight. To top it all, this optic is parallax corrected to increase your accuracy and has unlimited eye relief for comfortable viewing.
Features
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Ultra-light design
- Sturdy and secure rail mounting
- 4 different reticle patterns
- Unlimited eye relief
- Dual, green, and red illumination
- Parallax corrected
- 5 brightness settings
- 33mm Wide field of view
5) Sig Sauer SOR52001 Romeo5 1x20mm Compact 2 Moa Red Dot Sight
The Romeo5 red dot sight from Sig Sauer is another top-notch red dot suitable for turkey hunting. It packs impressive features that make it a favorite among turkey hunters.
This lightweight optic is designed to be mounted on any platform. It has an integrated M1913 Picatinny interface which provides industry-standard mounting options. The lightweight design makes it easy to use and mount.
This USA-made red dot sight comes with a Motion-Activated Illumination system. It powers up the sight when it detects motion and powers it down when there is no motion.
This provides for maximum operational safety by enhancing the battery life up to 40,000+ hours. Apart from that, this optic features a 2 MOA red dot reticle with 10 different illumination settings, 8-day time plus 2-night vision illumination for great visibility in different lighting conditions.
The red dot sight is designed to provide the best image clarity. It is equipped with a highly efficient, ultra-wide broadband, anti-reflective lens coating which reduces light reflection and increases light transmission for bright, clear, and sharp images.
Moreover, this well-balanced red dot is 100% waterproof and fog-proof so you can use it in any weather condition. No doubt, Sig Sauer Romeo 5 is a front-runner among the best red dots for turkey hunting.
Features
- Motion Activated Illumination System
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- 2 MOA red dot reticle
- Made in the USA
- Built-in M1913 Picatinny interface
- 10 illumination settings
- Lightweight design
- 1x20mm magnification
6) HOLOSUN – HS52001 Reflex Red Dot Sight for Longer Barrel
The HOLOSUN – HS52001 is another quality red dot sight for turkey hunting. If you have a longer-barrel rifle, this is your ideal red dot sight. It incorporates a wide range of modern technologies which make it the ideal optic for every modern turkey hunter out there. Being a high-performance optic, this red dot sight ranks highly among the best red dots for turkey hunting.
First, this rugged sight can last up to 50,000 hours depending on the settings. It also features a Solar Failsafe technology that keeps it powered even when the battery fails in critical situations. On top of that, the optic features an automatic brightness adjustment.
If you are hunting under broad sunlight, the reticle will automatically become bright and dim down when the sun goes down. It also features Holosun’s Shake Awake technology which activates the LED instantly after sensing motion and then turns it off when there is no motion detected.
For added convenience, this ultra-light red dot sight offers a multi-reticle system. You can easily switch from one reticle to the other depending on the job at hand and preference.
The optical glass features multi-layer coatings to increase light transmission and reduce glare when shooting during broad daylight. Above all, the optic is fully waterproof for all-weather reliability/
Features
- Unlimited eye relief
- 50,000+ hours of battery life
- Multi-layer lens coatings
- Multi-reticle system
- Holosun’s Shake Awake Technology
- Automatic brightness settings
- 10 daytime and 2-night vision brightness settings
- Waterproof
- 2 MOA Dot and 65 MOA circle
7) TRUGLO GOBBLE-STOPPER 30mm Turkey Hunting Dual-Color Dot Sight
If you are an avid turkey hunter, the TRUGLO GOBBLE-STOPPER 30mm dot sight suits you. It features a specifically designed reticle for turkey hunting and dual reticle color for added contrast in different hunting environments.
This well-balanced dot sight weighs about 0.45 pounds. The lightweight design makes it easy to use, mount and shoot. A built-in Weaver-style mounting system is also included for convenient mounting. Plus, it is highly flexible and you can mount it on a shotgun, pistol, rifle, air gun, muzzleloader, or crossbow.
This red dot sight is constructed from CNC-machined aircraft-grade aluminum for long-lasting durability. The detachable, extended sunshade eliminates glare when hunting in broad daylight. Lastly, the optic comes with a spare battery storage compartment and a lanyard system for convenient transportation.
Features
- Integrated Weaver-style mounting system
- Detachable, extended sunshade
- Flip-up lens caps
- Lightweight and easy to mount
- Durable aircraft-quality aluminum housing
- Spare battery storage compartment
- Lanyard system for convenient transportation.
- Red and green reticle color
- Specially designed reticle for turkey hunting
- Unlimited eye relief
- Compatible with a wide range of firearms
- Wide and crisp clear field of view
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Best Red Dots for Turkey Hunting Buying Guide & FAQs
How to Choose the Best Red Dots for Turkey Hunting
These are the key factors you should consider when shopping for the best red dots for hunting turkey.
Cost
A red dot sight is a major investment to make. Other than looking at the different features that the optic has, it is also important that you see whether it is worth the price.
If you are on a budget, try to look for a red dot sight that’s affordable but of decent quality. The last thing you would want is a sight that breaks down within the first few hunting excursions. Luckily, most red dot sights for hunting turkey are affordable but quality.
Design
Red dots for turkey hunting come in different designs. Some feature a tube design while others have a square window pane. Both designs are good and what you choose largely depends on your preference. You should also pay keen attention to the quality of the lens and the co-witness so you get maximum clarity which you need to aim for better.
Brightness Setting
The other important factor to consider is the brightness setting. This is particularly important if you are hunting turkey in low-light conditions. Go for a red dot sight that offers multiple brightness settings during daytime or nighttime.
It is also important that you choose a red dot sight that offers auto-adjustability brightness features. Some models have automatic sensors which adjust the brightness settings depending on the lighting conditions.
Mounting Options
The best red dots for turkey hunting should be easy to mount and make adjustments. Get a red dot sight that you can mount easily on different turkey guns or firearms.
It should be flexible enough to be mounted on any handgun, pistol, rifle, muzzleloader, or air gun. Other than that, the optic should stay stable and secure when mounted to prevent movement.
Magnification Power
Avid hunters who use red dots for turkey hunting prefer using sights with 1x or 2x. Such sights provide a larger field of view which is important for fast target acquisition.
They also provide bright and vivid target pictures for accurate shot placement. However, you are not limited to this power. Some optics with variable 1x to 5x magnification are good for turkey hunting as well.
Durability
Turkey hunting is an outdoor activity that happens outdoors all year round. This calls for an optic that’s durably made to stand up to the harshest outdoor environments. The optic should also be durably made to withstand heavy recoil and regular usage.
To achieve this, go for a red dot sight that’s made from either aluminum or magnesium alloy materials. These materials are very durable and lightweight as well. On top of that, the unit should be waterproof and fogproof. That way you can use it even in rainy weather conditions.
Read: Best AR-15 Red Dots
Types of Shotgun Optics
- Scopes
Over the past few years, the popularity of scopes on shotguns has been on the rise. Most deer hunters who use shotguns use a scope to enhance their shooting accuracy.
The scope mounts over the receiver like a red dot sight and you can use it to bring distant targets closer. Most shotgun scopes are used for shooting stationary targets.
Read: Best Low Light Scopes
- Prism Sights
A prism sight/prismatic scope uses a glass prism to bring an image into focus. Prism sights are more compact but they still allow for similar benefits such as magnification, reticle illumination, and a fast-focus eyepiece.
Prism sights have lower magnification from 1x to 5x. The lower magnification power makes them suitable for close-range shooting. They also make the perfect alternative to short-range optics such as red dot sights.
- Reflex Sights
Reflex sights have a heads-up display design which provides a wider field of view. This lets you see your targets as well as what’s around them. This gives you a tactical advantage as you can retain your situational awareness.
Since the dot in reflex sights isn’t confined to the head’s display like in the tube style, you can acquire your targets faster. However, reflex sights are more susceptible to elements. Plus, they have an exposed light path so if anything blocks the path, you lose the reticle.
- Holographic Sight
A holographic sight uses a laser and a mirror to send a hologram back to you. With a holographic sight, the reticle will stay in focus even when you use it to look at a downfield target.
Moreover, holographic sights use a 1-MOA reticle which remains at one MOA even when magnified. This enhances your accuracy, unlike the 2 MOA reticle which increases in size with the increase in magnification. Above all, holographic sights are more usable in different scenarios. If the front lens gets damaged or broken, the sight will still operate.
Read: Best AR-15 Laser Sights
Best Red Dots for Turkey Hunting FAQs
Q: What MOA is Best for Turkey Hunting?
It depends. A sight with a 5MOA reticle size is ideal for multiple hunting scenarios. However, if you need something more accurate, you should go for a 3 MOA reticle. It’s large enough to give you accurate target acquisition, but it’s small enough for accurate aiming too.
Q: What is the Best Gauge for Turkey Hunting?
The right gauge for turkey hunting is the 20-gauge which is powerful enough to take out a turkey past 50 yards. Unlike their 12-gauge counterparts, 20 gauge offers faster handling and is more compact.
Q: How Far Away Can You Shoot a Turkey?
The recommended longest distance to shoot a turkey is about 40 to 45 yards. However, with the correct load, choke and gun, you can stretch your shots past 50 yards and still make an accurate shot placement.
Q: What is a Good Pattern for Turkey?
It depends. At 40+ yards, you should look for a uniform pattern that puts at least 18 pellets in the head and neck area of the turkey. At 30 yards, you need a 30 or more pellets pattern and above 50 at 20 yards.
Q: Do I Need a Choke for Turkey Hunting?
Yes. Turkeys are a little more difficult to hunt. The pellets must penetrate their vital areas to take them out. Having a tighter choke helps throw a dense pattern so you can achieve a more humane kill.
Conclusion
We hope that you have found this post helpful. A red dot sight for turkey hunting is important for accurate shooting. The red dot sights listed above should help make your turkey hunting experience better and more rewarding. Invest in any one of them and increase your turkey hunting odds this hunting season.