Shotgun scope for turkeys... Opinions?

[andersonjk4]

I've been toying with the idea of putting some kind of optics (traditional scope, red-dot, or holographic type) on my shotgun (Remington Versa Max) for turkey hunting.  What are people's opinion on using optics on their shotguns for turkeys?  Pros and cons of the different types? 

[Dhoey07]

I can't really think of a situation where a scoped shotty would have gotten me a bird, as opposed to open sights

[CP]

IMHO -  Optics don’t belong on shoguns, a bead is more than enough.

[Gobble]

I can't really think of a situation where a scoped shotty would have gotten me a bird, as opposed to open sights

 

[andersonjk4]

I agree. I don't think a scope is necessary on a shotgun, but I am curious if anyone has used one and then thought "dang I wish I would have used a scope years ago!"... or the opposite "why did I waste my time and $ scoping my shotgun!". 

Maybe I'm just too bored and getting a little too anxious for turkey season.     

[Bob33]

I've used one successfully. I had a shotgun that had a rifled barrel that I used for big game. It had a 2-7x power scope on the receiver. I swapped out the rifled barrel for the smoothbore and hunted turkeys. It was great to be able to aim and know precisely where the shot would hit. At close ranges, the extra tight chokes produce a small shot pattern.

[andersonjk4]

I've used one successfully. I had a shotgun that had a rifled barrel that I used for big game. It had a 2-7x power scope on the receiver. I swapped out the rifled barrel for the smoothbore and hunted turkeys. It was great to be able to aim and know precisely where the shot would hit. At close ranges, the extra tight chokes produce a small shot pattern.

Thanks for the reply. This is exactly why I'm considering it. I don't really see any major down side. And can see some possible upside to having a more precise aiming point.

I may have forgot to mention I missed two toms last year.  one I shot over and the ducked behind a log right as I shot.... And of course a little tom fever was involved in both. 

[Bob33]

I've used one successfully. I had a shotgun that had a rifled barrel that I used for big game. It had a 2-7x power scope on the receiver. I swapped out the rifled barrel for the smoothbore and hunted turkeys. It was great to be able to aim and know precisely where the shot would hit. At close ranges, the extra tight chokes produce a small shot pattern.

Thanks for the reply. This is exactly why I'm considering it. I don't really see any major down side. And can see some possible upside to having a more precise aiming point.

I may have forgot to mention I missed two toms last year.  one I shot over and the ducked behind a log right as I shot.... And of course a little tom fever was involved in both. 

It's the first time I had ever "sighted in" a shotgun with shot. I actually had to make significant scope adjustments to change the point of impact to where I wanted it. Put the crosshairs on the head or neck, and squeeze the trigger.

[bearpaw]

My best advice is for everyone to shoot their shotgun using the turkey loads they plan to hunt with at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 yards at turkey head targets so that you know where your pattern is at each of those distances, how tight the pattern actually is at each of those distances, and what your maximum effective range is with your gun.

I generally think your maximum effective range is whatever the farthest distance that your gun will consistently put at least three bb's in the kill zone of the neck/head. Other hunters may have a different formula but this has worked pretty well for us. I have been amazed at how many hunters really don't know these things about their gun and ammo. Many shotguns hit high, low, or off to one side. Changing brands of cartridges or size of shot can make big differences for better or for worse. Whether you hunt with or without a scope, in my opinion you really need to know these three things about your gun and the ammo you are using to be an effective turkey hunter as often as possible. Hope that helps.   

[Miles]

Don't complicate things...  Shotguns are made to point and shoot.

[andersonjk4]

Totally agree bearpaw. I haven't done that extensive of patterning, but I did 25, 40, and 50 yards. I guess I think of adding a scope as a way to take one more variable out of the hunt. Anyone have any negative experiences with a scoped shotgun while turkey hunting?

[BOWHUNTER45]

I would rather go with a good Fiber optic sight over a scope ..A good fiber optic sight can be adjusted to get your pattern where you want it ..A lot of people think because it is a shotgun you can not miss something standing in front of you ...WRONG ..most people point a shotgun and slam the trigger ..When trying to put a high percentage of shot in a turkeys head and neck you need to aim not point and squeeze the trigger and not jerk it ..Practice will teach you what you need to do !

[Miles]

Totally agree bearpaw. I haven't done that extensive of patterning, but I did 25, 40, and 50 yards. I guess I think of adding a scope as a way to take one more variable out of the hunt. Anyone have any negative experiences with a scoped shotgun while turkey hunting?

Ever had to hold in place for a long time waiting for a tom?  Now imagine fogging up your scope while waiting.... Fun huh?   How about hunting in the rain/mist? 

Keep it simple.

[andersonjk4]

Don't complicate things...  Shotguns are made to point and shoot.

Agreed..... At least for shooting flying birds and clays, but when you are shooting at a turkey head/neck that is only a few inches wide, why not have something that lets you aim more accurately?

[andersonjk4]

Totally agree bearpaw. I haven't done that extensive of patterning, but I did 25, 40, and 50 yards. I guess I think of adding a scope as a way to take one more variable out of the hunt. Anyone have any negative experiences with a scoped shotgun while turkey hunting?

Ever had to hold in place for a long time waiting for a tom?  Now imagine fogging up your scope while waiting.... Fun huh?   How about hunting in the rain/mist? 

Keep it simple.

That is very true. I didn't think about that. All very good thoughts here. This is why I asked the question.

[Miles]

Don't complicate things...  Shotguns are made to point and shoot.

Agreed..... At least for shooting flying birds and clays, but when you are shooting at a turkey head/neck that is only a few inches wide, why not have something that lets you aim more accurately?

If you are comfortable with your shotgun and it fits you correctly... Both eyes open, point (aim/focus), base of the neck, bang.....dead bird.    I've never personally had the desire to put a scope on a shotgun??  It's a close range firearm with multiple projectiles. 

I have had several  toms that surprised me coming in quiet and I prefer to have the "open" view that a shotgun provides when taking quick shots.  I'm sure some of the uppity ups here on huntwa will chime in, but If a turkey turns and runs I will take the shot every day of the week.  Adding a scope only makes those shots harder. 

[bearpaw]

Totally agree bearpaw. I haven't done that extensive of patterning, but I did 25, 40, and 50 yards. I guess I think of adding a scope as a way to take one more variable out of the hunt. Anyone have any negative experiences with a scoped shotgun while turkey hunting?

When there is plenty of time I see no real disadvantage for almost any hunter to use a scope and a scope might be an advantage for some hunters when they have lots of time to aim.

I have seen situations where the hunter was not quick at aiming their scoped shotgun and they might have missed out on a good shot opportunity that they might have capitalized on with an open sight shotgun. If you are fast at putting the scoped gun up and acquiring the target that wouldn't be an issue. On the other hand there are plenty of guys who are good with open sights and regularly shoot right on so a scope probably wouldn't benefit them.

I think it's more a matter of preference and getting to know the shotgun you are shooting. Get to know your gun well, whether it has a scope or not you will do well. 

[Limhangerslayer]

Have you thought of a holosight?  I'm getting my gun drilled and tapped this week to put one on. 1x magnification best of both worlds in my opinion.  Should prevent shooting high, which is how most turkeys are missed.

[RadSav]

Have you thought of a holosight?  I'm getting my gun drilled and tapped this week to put one on. 1x magnification best of both worlds in my opinion.  Should prevent shooting high, which is how most turkeys are missed.

   I have not hunted turkey with that type of sight, but I have hunted dogs that way.  It's pretty fantastic!

[PA BEN]

My kids 20ga has a 0x red dot site. Up close w/a ultra-full choke no misses with a tight pattern. Once sighted in all you have to do is put the red dot where you want to hit them. You don't have to have your head right on the gun and line up your pin. Makes for those awkward shots more do-a-bull. One of my daughters dumped a nice tom at 50yds w/#5's. I use one on my 12ga works real good. For those of you who have not used one you shouldn't be criticizing them. I left it on my gun and tried it on ducks this year, worked real well.

[MtnMuley]

I'm going to put a red dot sight on my gun this year just for fun and to kill one a different way. Do I think it will be more effective, no. In fact I think it's going to be more of a challenge.  Use the bow for the other tag, ad that's always a lot of fun. If it were all about killing, I'd never leave home with anything other than an a shotty with beads. Can't be beat for versibility.

[jackelope]

I'm of the opinion that some sort of rear sight will help turkey hunters greatly. Comb height with just a front bead site can affect your pattern high or low. With a rear site, be it a v notch, a ghost ring, whatever will eliminate that problem. A scope or red dot would only help further. I have a tru glo gobble stopper red dot on my turkey gun and it allowed me to really dial in my pattern better than anything else I've ever tried. Maybe it's overkill but different strokes for different folks.

[Wanttohuntmore]

I'm thinking about adding a red dot as well, more worried about the close in shots where the pattern is too tight.  PA Ben, what red dot is that?  I'm trying to find a cheap red dot that would hold up to the 3.5" turkey loads.  I'd even be happy with an adjustable v notch open sight, but those even seem harder to find.

[zike]

I have a set of rifle sights that clamp on the rib. The rear sight is adjustable, they work great. I don't know where i found them or if there still made. I left them on for duck season one year and was chasing a greenhead. The bird was close when I shot, the headless body and the bill were floating, the rest was gone. I had no trouble shooting over them. I'd recommend for turkey hunting.

[turkeydancer]

When diabetes started changing my eyesight, I found that the "Tru-Glo" type sights would either have the front or back open sight blurring ... and on a moving turkey made taking a clean shot getting harder and harder.
 
 I picked up a Sightmark Holographic sight for about $50 which has 4 reticle and 7 different light settings to chose from ... after sighting in, all I have to do is put the single bead on where I want to hit and it's quick and lethal ... no lining up the front and back sights with where I want to hit.  For my money at least, it' a godsend.
 

[jasnt]

I've tried the red dots.   I prefer my ghost ring sights.  Shot with a holographic sight on a friends gun this weekend. Strong 2nd place

[andersonjk4]

I've used a ghost ring on a muzzleloader in the past and liked it.  And I've been considering it for my shotgun.  But I do like the idea of having a sight/scope mounted a little higher so you can be in a more natural shooting position as Jackelope said.  And that gobble stopper red-dot looks like a nice set-up. 

[Yelper Guy]

After seeing my brother miss 2 different gobblers, over a couple years time, he decided to get the red dot.
He hasn't missed since. As my eyes get older I may be getting one myself

[mossy8352]

I have a Mueller on mine and have used it for the last five years in rain, snow and sunshine with out any issues. Lost a lot of vision in my right eye and shoot right handed only so getting the left eye in the right position is out of the question. I did and do go out to the pattern board and practice each season as Bear Paw suggested.

[jasnt]

I've used a ghost ring on a muzzleloader in the past and liked it.  And I've been considering it for my shotgun.  But I do like the idea of having a sight/scope mounted a little higher so you can be in a more natural shooting position as Jackelope said.  And that gobble stopper red-dot looks like a nice set-up. 

I like a taller sight my self. One of the reasons I went with this setup

[MtnMuley]

Anybody have any suggestions for a holo sight at a reasonable price?  I can't find any of the Lexmarks.  Eotech is out of the budget for me with this application.  Thanks in advance.

[mossy8352]

This my shotgun with the Mueller on a Picatinny Rail  if that helps. The only issue is you should use Loctite on the rail mounting screws once it is sighted in. Never had it give me any problems and yes I do carry a spare battery as one cap screw loosened up and it is replaced.

[MtnMuley]

Thanks mossy. I don't mind using medium loctite if i have to. Can you give a price of that sight? Thanks.

[ghosthunter]

I have a Red Dot on my gun. But I have been thinking about a low power scope for one reason. Seeing that beard. MY eyes are getting old and a little magnification could really be nice.

[mossy8352]

Take a look here looks like around $125.
http://muelleroptics.com/mqs12233#more-85

[jasnt]

This my shotgun with the Mueller on a Picatinny Rail  if that helps. The only issue is you should use Loctite on the rail mounting screws once it is sighted in. Never had it give me any problems and yes I do carry a spare battery as one cap screw loosened up and it is replaced.

Have you used it in the rain?  My friend has a site like that but not camo. We were sighting it in during a light sprinkle and water got in front of the laser and distorted the sight window enough that his groups went way off. At one point he saw 2 dots so we noticed what the trouble was

[turkeydancer]

I goofed earlier, so here's a link to the Sightmark sight (not Lexmark) ... it costs about $45 and you get a Weaver mounting rail for about $ 5.  I also get a couple extra batteries, just in case ... good luck.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/yukon-sightmark-reflex-sight-sm13003b.html

[mossy8352]

This my shotgun with the Mueller on a Picatinny Rail  if that helps. The only issue is you should use Loctite on the rail mounting screws once it is sighted in. Never had it give me any problems and yes I do carry a spare battery as one cap screw loosened up and it is replaced.

Have you used it in the rain?  My friend has a site like that but not camo. We were sighting it in during a light sprinkle and water got in front of the laser and distorted the sight window enough that his groups went way off. At one point he saw 2 dots so we noticed what the trouble was

Yes rain and snow no issues so far.

[MtnMuley]

   Thanks guys. I'll check them out.

[WARHORSE]

  Thanks guys. I'll check them out.

. 


  you think it will help?

Kidding! I have thought about one but thought i read once they wernt legal in this lovely state

[MtnMuley]

They're legal, and I won't be hunting within 2 counties from you until one of us gets struck by lightning.

[WARHORSE]

 

[Nature Boy]

I put a 2 MOA red dot on my turkey shotgun two years ago and will never go back.  It has allowed me to fine tune the placement of my shot pattern beyond what open sights can do.  I can shoot it both eyes open to maintain a better sight picture.  I'm pretty particular about my turkey shotgun requirements and ended up customizing my own set up based upon a Remington 870 tactical.  Turkeys and burglars are in big trouble. 

[follow maggie]

I use an Aimpoint on my trusty 870 turkey gun because the dense part of that tern doesn't line up with th bead enough to kill a turkey reliably