Best Optics for Your Shotgun [2026]
An optic on a shotgun? Prepare to learn all about why an optic makes sense and which models we recommend you slap on your shotgun right now!
PPT Editor. Marine vet, hunter, and long-range shooter. Articles in 10+ major publications
We review products independently. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission to help support our testing. Learn more.
Can you mount a red dot on a shotgun? Your bet! And maybe you should.
A red dot can make your shotgun more effective, whether you're setting up a tactical shotgun for home defense or an old pump gun for turkey season.
These are the best shotgun optics you can buy, including a scope designed specifically for hunting with slugs.
Let's dive in!
The Quick List
- Best Overall: Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red DotJump to details ↓
- Best Solar: Holosun HS507C-X2Jump to details ↓
- Best Tactical Open Emitter: Trijicon RMR Type 2Jump to details ↓
- Best Tactical Enclosed Emitter: Aimpoint ACRO P-2Jump to details ↓
- Best Compact: Holosun EPS Carry MRSJump to details ↓
- Best Scope: Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40Jump to details ↓
Table of Contents
Trending: Best July 4th Gun Deals 2026
Shotgun Optic Comparison Chart
| Price | Magnification | Mount/Footprint | Reticle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Viper | $284 | 1x | Direct mount | Multi-reticle |
| Holosun 507C-X2 | $232 | 1x | RMR | Multi-reticle |
| Trijicon RMR | $517 | 1x | RMR | 3.25-MOA dot |
| Aimpoint ACRO P-2 | $617 | 1x | ACRO | 3.5-MOA dot |
| Holosun EPS Carry MRS | $399 | 1x | Holsun K | Multi-reticle |
| Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 | $349 | 3-9x | Rings | UltimateSlam BDC |
How We Chose the Best Shotgun Optics
This guide is a collaborative effort by several members of the Pew Pew Tactical team. Each optic you see here earned its spot on this list with hands-on testing and evaluation, in-depth research, or both.
Testing criteria included optical quality, reticle options, durability, parallax, and accuracy. Mounting an optic to a shotgun can be more difficult than upgrading an AR-15 optic or pistol red dot, so we also considered availability of adapters and ease of installation.
Meet the Experts
This article comes to you from Pew Pew Tactical contributor Travis Pike. Travis is a lifelong shooter with a strong passion for shotguns, and certified firearm instructor. He is interested in helping readers protect themselves with firearms and shoot better at the range, whether that's with a concealed carry pistol, rifle, or shotgun.
Pew Pew Tactical Editor & Senior Review Analyst Scott Murdock added a few more picks based on his own hands-on testing. Scott has used a range of shotgun optics in hunting and tactical settings, and has worked closely with manufacturers to gain behind-the-scenes insight into how they are designed and built.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
Best Shotgun Optics
1. Vortex Viper - Best Overall
Pros
- Works with any drilled and tapped receiver
- Shotgun-specific multi-reticle available
- Compact, durable, enclosed emitter
Cons
- Relatively compact viewing window
The Bottom Line
The Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed Emitter is music to my ears. This is the perfect optic for people who have an older shotgun with a drilled and tapped receiver, but no optic mount or Picatinny rail. A simple dot reticle is available, but I highly recommend the multi-reticle, with a dot and two rings to gauge your pattern at different distances.
Specs
- Magnification: 1x
- Reticle: 3-MOA dot, 32-MOA ring, 65-MOA ring
- Mount: Direct mount
- Battery: CR2032
- Country of Origin: China
The Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot made a big splash when it launched, because it brought red dots to a huge swath of shotgun owners who felt left behind by optic manufacturers.
It's a direct-mount option, so all you need is a drilled and tapped receiver. Forget about adapters and mounting footprints!
A 3-MOA red dot version is available, but I encourage you to spend a little more for the multi-reticle. It combines the dot with a 32-MOA ring and a 65-MOA ring that let you see where your pattern will spread at different distances (with some testing on your part, of course).
You can use all three, or set your Viper up with any combination you like.
Power comes from a side-mounted CR2032 battery with automatic shutoff and motion activation.
Top-mounted brightness buttons are large and easy to activate with either hand.
I've used the Viper on hunting pump guns, tactical autoloaders, and even a .45-70 Govt lever-action rifle. It rocks!
2. Holosun 507C-X2 - Best Solar
Pros
- Solar backup extends battery life
- Good optical quality
- Reliable and durable
Cons
- Auto setting doesn't account for weapon-mounted lights
The Bottom Line
No optic does battery life and value quite like the Holosun 507C-X2. The large solar panel harnesses the power of the sun, the multi-reticle is available in red or green, and we haven't been able to break one. Dollar for dollar, it's tough to beat for any firearm.
Specs
- Magnification: 1x
- Reticle: 2-MOA dot, 32-MOA ring (red or green)
- Mount: RMR
- Battery: CH1632
- Country of Origin: China
If I had to pick one optic for my home-defense shotgun, it would be the Holosun 507C-X2.
The 507C-X2 uses the RMR footprint for mounting, and it comes with a Picatinny adapter.
It’s a very tough optic that meets and exceeds the needs of most people who are looking for a home-defense optic.
But what really makes this model shine is the reticle selection.
You have three options in one optic: a simple red dot, a 32 MOA circle, or both.
The 32 MOA circle is an awesome choice for shotguns. I use it on my Benelli and pattern my load inside of it. I know that at 15 yards, every pellet will be inside that circle with my chosen gun and load.
Why is this important?
Pellet accountability and precision, which gives me a greater degree of confidence.
The glass is nice and clear with no perceptible distortion.
We have a 507C review, alongside some other Holosun red dots, if you want to learn more.
3. Trijicon RMR - Best Tactical Open Emitter
Pros
- Legendary durability
- Several reticle options
- Common mounting footprint
Cons
- Bottom-loading battery
The Bottom Line
Will the Trijicon RMR ever not be relevant? This old battle optic has proven itself to be nearly indestructible and super reliable. If you want a light, compact red (or green) dot for your tactical shotgun, this is always a winner.
Specs
- Magnification: 1x
- Reticle: 3.25-MOA dot (red or green)
- Mount: RMR
- Battery: CR2032
- Country of Origin: USA
The Trijicon RMR set the standard for durability, design, and power.
It’s the most widely accepted and adopted mini red dot for pistols and rifles. Let's not forget the United States Marine Corps even uses them on machine guns.
You can find the RMR in a variety of configurations and reticles sizes.
The 3.25-MOA model is the most popular, but Trijicon's larger dots work well on a shotgun.
Any RMR is going to be a great choice. After all, these are without a doubt go-to-war optics. The RMR also brings a massive aftermarket for mounts and accessories that make life easy.
If you want an American-made shotgun optic with a traditional dot reticle, the RMR delivers.
4. Aimpoint ACRO P-2 - Best Tactical Enclosed Emitter
Pros
- Great protection against the elements
- Excellent glass
- Great build quality
Cons
- Costs as much as some shotguns
The Bottom Line
Some people prefer enclosed emitters, and the Aimpoint ACRO P-2 might be the best premium option out there for tactical shotguns. We've used this red dot in all kinds of nasty conditions without failure, and it can handle 12-gauge recoil. Just brace your wallet for impact.
Specs
- Magnification: 1x
- Reticle: 3.5-MOA dot
- Mount: ACRO
- Battery: CR2032
- Country of Origin: Sweden
Small optics are the bread and butter of a shotgun, and the Aimpoint ACRO P-2 is a natural fit for duty and tactical shotguns, as well as sporting guns.
Aimpoint has thrown its weight behind the ACRO P-2 and backed it with tons of mounting options.
This includes a vent rib mount that attaches the Aimpoint P-2 to most sporting shotguns with a ventilated rib design. Most hunting, bird, and sporting shotguns are compatible.
The Aimpoint ACRO P-2 uses a rugged enclosed emitter that prevents rain, snow, dirt, debris, and more from obscuring the emitter. It's built for hard use, making it perfect for duty or home-defense shotguns.
The Aimpoint ACRO P-2 series does have an Aimpoint price tag, which means it's not a cheap optic.
It won't murder your wallet, but your wallet will lose the wrestling match. It's worth the money, though.
5. Holosun EPS Carry MRS - Best Compact
Pros
- Small, but tough
- Excellent battery life thanks to solar backup
- Good glass
Cons
- Mounting on a shotgun can be tricky
The Bottom Line
We're big fans of the Holosun EPS Carry MRS for concealed carry pistols, and it's just as good on a shotgun. It packs a great multi-reticle and solar backup into a tiny optic. Finding a mounting solution can be challenging, but it's possible.
Specs
- Magnification: 1x
- Reticle: 2-MOA dot, 32-MOA ring
- Mount: Holosun K
- Battery: CR1620
- Country of Origin: China
The Holosun EPS Carry MRS provides an enclosed emitter optic that mates to the Shield RMSc footprint found on certain modern shotguns.
As an enclosed emitter optic, it can be used in rain and snow without problems. The EPS Carry is as small as an enclosed emitter optic can seemingly get while remaining impressively capable.
The MRS model features multiple reticles, which allow you to swap from a simple red dot to my favorite shotgun reticle, an open 32 MOA circle (or both). With some prep, planning, and time, you can find a load that patterns within that circle at a specific distance.
It's also a big, easy-to-see reticle for fast snaps on target with a shotgun. Shotguns are all about speed at close range, and an excellent red dot with a big reticle gives you an advantage.
The EPS Carry MRS also comes with a solar panel for backup power. The battery tray is side-mounted for easy battery swaps, and a set of big buttons sit on the side for easy brightness adjustments.
If you want something like the EPS with an RMR footprint, the larger EPS MRS is another great option.
Check out our full Holosun EPS Carry review!
6. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 - Best Scope
Pros
- Slug-based BDC reticle
- Mounts to anything that accept rings
- Well-built
Cons
- Relatively limited applications
The Bottom Line
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 is an ideal optic for slug hunters who want magnification. The magnification range is great for the kind of distances you're likely to encounter, and the BDC reticle is designed for muzzleloaders and shotguns. As long as your shotgun can accept scope rings, you're in business.
Specs
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Reticle: UltimateSlam BDC
- Mount: Rings
- Battery: None
- Country of Origin: USA
Leupold’s VX Freedom line is a popular set of optics at a moderate price.
This one has a reticle designed for muzzleloaders and slug guns, with drop holds to out to 300 yards when the optic is zeroed at 100 yards.
(Pro tip: make sure to tune this BDC to your specific hunting ammunition.)
Leupold uses a twilight management system that gives you 10 additional minutes of visible light.
In my experience, most deer move as the sun rises and sets.
All in all, the Leupold VX Freedom with this reticle allows you to accurately reach beyond the typical slug range.
Best Shotgun Optic Mounts
Getting an optic on a shotgun provides its own challenge. Luckily, several companies offer easy solutions.
Aridus makes some of the world's best shotgun accessories, including the CROM, or Co-Witness Ready Optic Mount.
The CROM combines a direct red dot mount with an integrated rear sight, and keeps your optic low on the gun. It accommodates the RMR and Aimpoint Micro footprints, and Aridus makes one for the Beretta 1301, Mossberg 500, and Remington 870.
I have some bias regarding the Defender Tactical CoSight because I helped design it. The folks at Defender Tactical took my napkin sketch and turned it into a reality. The CoSight mounts to Mossberg 500 shotguns and allows you to mount an optic with an RMR footprint directly to the gun.
It also allows you to mount front and rear Glock sights that provide a backup sight system in case the optic dies.
No matter what you choose, make sure to true it down correctly. Check the optic and shotgun manufacturer specs to avoid a costly mistake. A torque wrench like this driver from Fix It Sticks is worth its weight in gold.
Final Thoughts
Optics on a shotgun may sound far-fetched, but these devices actually enhance the weapon’s capabilities, making target acquisition faster and easier. In short, a quality optic on a shotgun will land precise shots where you want them every time.
Optics and shotguns just make sense, and they are an awesome addition to your shotgun.
Do you use a red dot or scope on your shotgun? Let us know below. Need a shotgun to slap your new optic on? Check out our guide to the Best Tactical Shotguns for Home Defense!
Latest Updates
- July 2026: Removed the Burris FastFire 3. Added the Vortex Viper. Updated supporting content.
- September 2024: Removed Meprolight Foresight from recommendations.