The stopping power of a shotgun slug makes hunting with a slug gun the ideal solution for many hunters. This is especially true for hunters pursuing dangerous game or for hunters in areas where hunting with rifles is outlawed.
It is possible to hunt with a slug gun without a scope with great success, but mounting a scope to your shotgun makes it even more deadly against your quarry. With so many options on the market, how can you decide which slug gun scope to choose? Read our product description to learn about the best shotgun scope for 2023.
If you do not have time for the details, here are our top picks for best slug gun scopes:
- Best Overall – Vortex Optics Diamondback 3-9×40 Scope
- Best 12 Gauge Shotgun Scope – TRUGLO TruBrite 30 Hunter 30mm Compact Shotgun/Rifle Scope
- Best Remington 870 Shotgun Scope – Konus 7249 Shotgun Black Powder Riflescope
- Best Low Light Scope – Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope
- Best Red Dot Scope – Sightmark Ultra Shot Multi Red & Green Plus Reflex Sight
- Best Scope for a Deer Hunting Slug Gun – UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope
- Best Cross Platform Slug Gun Scope – Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight Gen II
What is the best slug gun scope?
The best slug gun scope is the one that best fits your needs. The best scope for hunting deer will be different from the best scope for running three gun competitions . The most important thing to remember is to choose a slug gun scope that fits your shotgun, that is designed for your intended purpose, and that you are comfortable using.
What to consider when buying a slug gun scope
One of the most important things to consider when buying a slug gun scope is to choose a scope that is designed to be mounted on a slug firing shotgun. That might sound obvious, but you don’t want to mount any rifle scope onto a slug gun. The increased recoil will quickly push your gun from accurate to inaccurate which could make you miss out on a shot at the trophy of a lifetime.
Other essential elements to consider are what you want to do with your slug gun. For example, if you plan to hunt fast moving hogs, a red dot slug gun scope might be best. Or if you want to extend your firing range on whitetail deer, you will want to consider a slug gun scope with magnification.
Magnification
Magnification is a vital consideration to make before buying a slug gun scope. The more the magnification, the greater your chances of locating your target when shooting. Additionally, it pays to have a much broader view of your target object from a long range. If you’re on a mission of hunting a moving target like a boar, you surely benefit from having shotgun scopes. So it is always essential to consider the magnification when buying a slug gun scope.
The Brightness
The illumination option is another essential aspect to consider before buying a slug gun scope. Should you find yourself hunting in the nighttime, it would be very vital to have a slug gun scope that is bright enough to give you a clear sight in low-light environments.
Clarity Features
The clarity features of a scope is a very vital consideration you must make. It is because when your scope has excellent clarity, it enables you to see your target. It wouldn’t be great if your scope lacks the clarity features to guarantee target precision shooting. So if your scope doesn’t have the right clarity features, then there is always a possibility that you wouldn’t get the right vision to be able to hit your target on the mark. It would be a poor shooting performance if your shot were to lack precision.
Affordability
All the options available fall into different price categories, so it would be great for you to choose a suitable option with the right functions that fall into the cheap scopes category. Ensure that you select a top-quality option that falls within your budget range. However, you should note that there are less expensive scopes that do not have the necessary features befitting a top-quality scope. It would help if you did well to avoid such types of options.
What You Stand To Benefit From Using Slug Gun Scopes
Although so many shooters out there, especially hunters, don’t see scopes as a must-have. But the fact remains that you need a scope to get a better view of your target. The following are some of the benefits you stand to gain from investing in a slug gun scope.
Helps You Target Better At Long Range
Having a good optic at your disposal is one of the many benefits of investing in a scope, and it can help you succeed in areas of hunting expeditions that deal with long-range targets. Though most slug guns can shoot long range, the critical factor is ensuring you hit your target accurately. So hitting targets from afar will be possible when you invest in a slug gun scope because it will help bring the distant image of the target closer to your eye view.
It Gives Your Confidence When Shooting
Having a scope on your slug gun can give you the confidence to hit your target subsequently. Would you prefer using your slug gun without a scope and miss your long range targets concurrently? Hitting your targets often will boost your confidence and ego to become great at what you do.
Guarantees Better Shot Accuracy
Take, for instance, the game of soccer, every player that is good at scoring goals and consistently beating the goalkeeper is seen as talented. It is because a good characteristic of an excellent professional football is a player who excels at hitting the target, which is scoring goals. When it comes to shooting, you score goals when you hit your target. For a footballer to hit his target, they have to have a clear sight of goal. Likewise, a good shooter should have a clear sight of the target they intend to hit. You don’t need an eagle’s eye to do so; all you need to guarantee shot accuracy in the field is a good scope for your slug gun.
Top 6 Best Slug Gun Scopes On Market Reviews:
1. Best Overall – Vortex Optics Diamondback 3-9×40 Scope
The Diamondback from Vortex Optics is a can’t miss option for any slug gun. This scope offers a lot of versatility which makes it ideal for a variety of different shooting environments and conditions.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle allows hunters and shooters to easily adapt to shooting at any range. This is ideal for quick shooting in brush or a swiftly moving target. Adjusting for various ranges with the Diamondback scope is made even easier with the quick focus eyepiece. Getting the reticle in focus is very easy with this scope.
With fully multi-coated lenses, metal on metal turrets, and a one-piece tube construction with an anodized finish, this scope can stand up to very rough conditions. The O-ring seal and argon purged interior makes this scope fog proof and waterproof.
The Vortex Optics Diamondback is hard to beat when it comes to slug gun scopes.
2. Best 12 Gauge Shotgun Scope – TRUGLO TruBrite 30 Hunter 30mm Compact Shotgun/Rifle Scope
The TRUGLO TruBrite 30 Hunter Compact scope is an ideal choice for a 12 gauge slug gun. The 30mm tube allows for plenty of light to enter the scope and the 1-4x magnification allows for easy and fast target acquisition . This is an important feature for hunters targeting fast moving game such as wild hogs.
This scope also makes target identification in low light conditions very easy. The 3.75 inch eye relief and fully lens coating make for a bright sight picture. The TRUGLO TruBrite 30 is filled with nitrogen which makes it both fog proof and water resistant.
The wide field of view, ½-MOA click adjustments, and the inclusion of a pair of Weaver style mounting rings combine to make this optic ideal for any 12 gauge slug gun.
3. Best Remington 870 Shotgun Scope – Konus 7249 Shotgun Black Powder Riflescope
The Remington 870 shotgun is one of the most common slug guns. The best scope for the 870 slug gun is the Konus 7249 shotgun scope.
One of the best features of the Konus 7249 scope is the etched glass reticle. This is a feature that is typically reserved for law enforcement and military grade scopes. An etched glass reticle easily withstands even the most forceful recoil without affecting the point of impact.
The 1.5-5x magnification range of this scope is ideal for the ranges the 870 slug gun is typically used at. The ¼-MOA click adjustments allow hunters to finetune the point of impact and dial their scope into the perfect range for their needs.
4. Best Low Light Scope – Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope
For hunters who typically hunt during low light conditions, the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn scope is a great choice. The large 40mm objective lens and Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses on this scope allow hunters to clearly see their target even in dim conditions.
With ¼-MOA click adjustments, a fast focus eyepiece, and 100 percent waterproof construction, the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn is the best choice for a low light slug gun scope.
5. Best Red Dot Scope – Sightmark Ultra Shot Multi Red & Green Plus Reflex Sight
A red dot scope is ideal for close-range hunting and other applications such as three-gun competition. The best red dot scope for slug guns is the Sightmark Ultra Shot Reflex Sight. This scope is designed for close range and fast moving targets with a red/green illuminated reticle.
This durable scope is made with a cast aluminum housing and offers shooters and hunters a variety of reticle options to choose from. The quick detach mounting system makes storage and optics changes a breeze from the field to the range.
The Sightmark Ultra shot Reflex Sight carries an IPX4 waterproof rating and is shockproof. It can even withstand the recoil from a .50 BMG rifle.
With unlimited eye relief, a 1000 hour battery life, digital switch controls, and an internal locking system, the Sightmark Ultra Shot Reflex Sight is the ideal red dot scope for slug guns.
6. Best Scope for a Deer Hunting Slug Gun – UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope
Hunting deer with a slug shotgun is a method that often brings success. The best scope for a slug gun meant for deer hunting is the UTG BugBuster Scope. This scope features a one inch tube for impressive light transmission and an illuminated reticle for easy target acquisition in thick brush or dim light.
The lockable turrets feature ¼-MOA click adjustments and the mil-dot reticle allows hunters to quickly estimate the range of their target. The UTG BugBuster scope is sealed and filled with nitrogen. It is rain proof, fog proof, shockproof, and built to last.
This scope also includes a 2 inch sunshade, flip open lens caps, and quick-detachable rings. Overall, the UTG BugBuster scope is the ideal scope for hunting deer with a slug gun.
7. Best Cross Platform Slug Gun Scope – Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight Gen II
If you want a scope that can perform admirably on a shotgun while also serving double duty on other guns such as rifles and air guns, look no further than the Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight Gen II. This red dot scope is ideal for cross-platform use and can easily be mounted on a variety of weapons. The versatility this scope has makes it ideal for hunters and shooters who enjoy participating in several different hunting or shooting activities.
It offers a single point of aim in a compact yet powerful package. The Crossfire Red Dot Sight Gen II features a 2 MOA dot in the center of the scope that allows for both rapid target acquisition and pinpoint accuracy at longer ranges.
The 50,000 hour battery life and night vision compatibility make this scope capable of producing accurate results in many different applications, conditions, and environments. The impressive light transmission in this red dot scope results from anti-reflective lens coatings on every air to glass surface. Combined with the unlimited eye relief, acquiring a target with this scope is a simple task.
With 11 different illumination settings, a hard, anodized finish, and an O-ring seal, the Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight Gen II is an ideal choice for the hunter or shooter who wants durability, versatility, and cross platform performance from their slug gun scope.
Whether you are a turkey hunter, three gun competition shooter, home defense advocate, or any other shooting sport enthusiast, the Crossfire is the perfect red dot scope to add to your arsenal.
Bonus: Best Scope Rings for Slug Gun Scopes – Burris Optics XTR Signature Rings
Once you choose a scope for your slug gun, you still face the problem of properly mounting that scope to your shotgun. The last thing you want to do is use subpar mounting rings while attaching your scope to your slug gun. This can become a source of inaccuracy and frustration.
While there are many options when it comes to scope rings, the Burris Optics XTR Signature rings are hard to beat. Durable aluminum construction makes these scope rings both strong and lightweight. The steel clamps hold them firmly to the gun and the trio of screws on each side of both rings makes sure any scope is secure and ready for action.
The XTR Signature rings fit on any Picatinny rail as well as on most Weaver-style mounts. These scope rings even make centering a scope a simple task with Burris’ Pos-Align Inserts that take the guesswork out of centering a scope.
If you want to make sure that your slug gun scope is mounted securely to your slug gun and is ready for action, the Burris Optics XTR Signature rings are a great solution.
FAQ
What is the most accurate slug gun?
A large part of shooting accurately comes down to the skill and technique of the hunter. However, some guns do have features that make them more accurate.
One of the most accurate slug guns on the market is made by Savage Arms. The Savage Model 212 is a bolt-action shotgun that can fire slugs accurately upwards of 200 yards. This slug gun has a bolt-action, a free-float barrel, and Savage’s Accu-Trigger system. These features are typically found on long-range hunting rifles, but are also found on the Savage Model 212.
If you are looking for one of the most accurate slug guns, look no further than the Savage Model 212.
Can I use a rifle scope on a slug gun?
It can be very tempting to grab a rifle scope from a gun you already own and mount it on a slug gun. However, this is not a good idea. Rifle scopes are not usually designed to stand up to the heavy recoil that slug guns produce. Using a rifle scope on a slug gun will usually cause the scope to lose accuracy between shots from the jolt of the recoil.
It is best to use a scope that is specifically designed to be used on a slug gun.
What is a good scope setup for the Savage Model 220 slug gun?
A great scope to use on the Savage Model 220 slug gun is the Burris Droptine Riflescope with Ballistic Plex Reticle. This optic is specifically calibrated for use on slug guns. The ballistic plex reticle allows for fast target acquisition and the ½ MOA click adjustments allow for fine tuning the point of impact.
This slug gun scope has the focus set at 75 yards which is ideal for the Savage Model 220 and the 20 gauge slugs it fires.
Verdict
Slug guns are extremely versatile weapons that are great for hunting, competition shooting, and target shooting. Outfitting a slug gun with a scope is an important decision for any shooter. The choice depends on what the hunter or shooter intends to pursue with their gun.
Luckily, there are a wide range of slug gun scopes available to fit a variety of applications. Choosing any scope from the list in this article will make for an even better and more useful slug gun in the hands of any hunter or shooter.
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Brian Belko is a freelance writer and blogger. His primary areas of focus include the outdoors and shooting sports. In addition to his freelance work, Brian also writes for Wide Open Spaces and is on the Pro Staff at Military Hunting and Fishing. When he isn’t busy writing, Brian enjoys fishing farm ponds for bass and hitting the spring woods during turkey season.