I have rigorously tested various Red Dots to determine their effectiveness and suitability for Turkey Hunting.
Through this review, I aim to equip fellow hunters with the information to make informed decisions when selecting a Best Red Dot For Turkey Hunting in 2024.
| Best Red Dot For Turkey Hunting | Category |
| Trijicon MRO | Overall Best |
| Holosun HE510C | Best Multi Reticle Option |
| Vortex Optics Strikefire II | Best Budget Option |
| Burris FastFire | Best For Beginners |
| Vortex Venom | Wide Field of View |
| Bushnell RXS250 | Solid Option |
| Aimpoint Pro | Best for Professionals |
Best Turkey Hunting Red Dots
1. Trijicon MRO – Overall Best
The Trijicon MRO is a compact, efficient, and durable Red Dot sight ideal for quick target acquisition in turkey hunting.
Large Viewing Area: The large viewing area of the Trijicon MRO is a game-changer. It significantly minimizes the “tube effect,” a common issue in smaller optics.
During my field tests, this feature allowed for rapid target identification and engagement, a crucial aspect in turkey hunting, where response time is critical. The expansive view also enhanced my situational awareness, keeping me alert to the ever-changing environment.
Adjustable Brightness Settings: With its eight brightness settings and a convenient mid-position ‘Off’ feature, the MRO provides remarkable versatility. I found this particularly useful during different times of the day.
The lower settings were perfect for dawn and dusk, while the higher settings were ideal for the bright midday sun. This adaptability ensured that the Red Dot was always visible yet not overpowering, enhancing my shooting accuracy.
Superior Quality Glass Lenses: The multi-coated lenses of the MRO are exceptional. They offer crystal-clear vision with zero distortion, which is vital for precise shooting.
In my experience, even in low light conditions, the lenses provided excellent light-gathering capabilities, ensuring that the dot reticle was crisp and easily distinguishable against any background.
Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Housing: The 7075-T6 aluminum housing of the MRO, being hard-anodized and fully sealed, is a testament to its durability.
When I used it in various rugged conditions, it withstood the elements effortlessly. Whether it was rain, dust, or accidental bumps during the hunt, the MRO’s robust construction provided reliable performance without any compromise.
Parallax-Free with Unmatched Eye Relief: The parallax-free design and unlimited eye relief significantly enhance shooting comfort and ease. In practice, this meant that the Red Dot stayed consistent with the target, regardless of my eye position.
This feature greatly improved my reaction time and accuracy, especially when shooting from unconventional positions.
Why I Love It: The Trijicon MRO stands out for its large viewing area, robust build, and versatile brightness settings. It’s the kind of optic that boosts confidence in the field thanks to its reliability and performance.
Pros
- A large viewing area enhances target acquisition speed.
- Adjustable brightness caters to varying light conditions.
- Superior lens quality ensures clear vision.
- Durable and weather-resistant construction.
- User-friendly adjustability and controls.
- Parallax-free with excellent eye relief.
Cons
- Higher price point compared to some competitors.
2. Holosun HE510C – Best Multi Reticle Option
The Holosun HS510C is a robust, versatile open reflex sight, ideal for various long gun applications with advanced features like Solar Failsafe and Shake Awake.
Durable Design and Construction: The HS510C’s aluminum housing with a titanium hood is a standout feature. This construction offers exceptional resilience, especially in challenging environments. During my turkey hunts, the durability was evident.
Multi-Reticle System (MRS): The MRS is a significant advantage. The option to switch between a 65 MOA circle with a 2 MOA dot and just the 2 MOA dot provides incredible versatility.
In the field, the large circle was great for quick target acquisition at closer ranges, while the single dot allowed for precision shooting at longer distances. This adaptability was particularly beneficial in varied turkey hunting scenarios, where both speed and accuracy are essential.
Shake Awake Technology: Shake Awake is an innovative feature that enhances battery life. The optic automatically deactivates when not in use and instantly reactivates with the slightest movement.
In practical terms, this meant I never had to worry about the sight being off when I needed it most. It was always ready and active, ensuring no delays in target acquisition, which is crucial in dynamic hunting situations.
Solar Failsafe: The Solar Failsafe feature ensures the sight remains operational even if the battery fails, as long as there’s sufficient light.
During a particularly long day out in the field, this feature was a lifesaver. The sight automatically adjusted the reticle brightness according to the ambient light, which was helpful in maintaining optimal visibility throughout the day.
Auto Mode Brightness: While the Auto Mode for brightness is a thoughtful addition, it does have its limitations. In my experience, the two adjustment settings were sometimes inadequate, with the reticle being either too bright or too dim for certain lighting conditions.
This occasionally impacted my shooting accuracy, as I had to take extra time to manually adjust the brightness to suit my needs.
Why I Love It: The Holosun 510C impresses with its robust build, versatile reticle options, and innovative features like Solar Failsafe and Shake Awake. It’s a sight that adapts well to varied hunting conditions, ensuring reliability and performance when it matters most.
Pros
- Durable design withstands rough conditions.
- Versatile Multi-Reticle System enhances targeting.
- Shake Awake technology saves battery life.
- Solar Failsafe provides a reliable backup power source.
- Clear and wide window size for better field of view.
- Precise and easy adjustments for windage and elevation.
Cons
- Auto mode brightness settings can be inadequate.
3. Vortex Optics Strikefire II – Best Budget Option
The Vortex Optics Strikefire II is a durable, user-friendly red/green dot sight, perfectly suited for varied shooting applications, including turkey hunting.
Red/Green Dot Reticle: The 4 MOA red/green dot reticle is a highlight of the Strikefire II. Its flexibility to switch between red and green dots, along with ten brightness settings, makes it adaptable to different lighting conditions.
In the field, this was a significant advantage. Whether in bright daylight or lower light conditions, the reticle was always clear and visible. The lowest two settings being night-vision compatible added an extra layer of versatility, particularly useful in early morning or late evening turkey hunts.
Fully Multi-Coated Lenses: The fully multi-coated lenses provide a clear, bright view. During my field tests, the quality of the lenses was evident. The view was unobscured, crisp, and bright, which greatly enhanced my ability to quickly acquire targets.
This feature, combined with unlimited eye relief, allowed for rapid and comfortable target acquisition, a must-have in dynamic hunting scenarios.
Durable and Compact Chassis: The single-piece chassis of the Strikefire II is both compact and rugged. Its shockproof performance, withstanding recoil and impact, was thoroughly tested in my turkey hunts.
The nitrogen purging and o-ring seals ensure fogproof and waterproof performance, which was particularly reassuring during hunts in diverse weather conditions.
Ease of Use and Accessibility: The rear-facing controls for power and brightness adjustments are conveniently placed. In practice, this made it easier to operate the sight without losing focus on the target.
The sight also memorizes the last dot intensity used, which was handy, saving time during rapid target engagement.
Windage and Elevation Adjustments: The elevation and windage dials with audible clicks offer precise control. Each click adjusts the point-of-impact by 1/2 MOA.
The clear instructions and ease of adjustment were beneficial in the field, allowing for fine-tuning of the sight based on distance and environmental factors, enhancing accuracy significantly.
Battery and Power Efficiency: Powered by a CR2 battery, the Strikefire II offers reliable performance. During my tests, the battery life was impressive, and the fact that it automatically returns to the last dot intensity used when powered up saved both time and battery power.
Why I Love It: The Vortex Strikefire II stands out for its versatility, robust construction, and ease of use. Its ability to quickly switch between red and green dots and adjust brightness levels makes it suitable for any hunting environment.
Pros
- Versatile red/green dot reticle with adjustable brightness.
- Clear, bright lenses with unlimited eye relief.
- Durable, compact, and shockproof construction.
- Convenient rear-facing controls.
- Precise windage and elevation adjustments.
- Good battery life with efficient power usage.
Cons
- The buttons can be hard to push, requiring extra effort.
4. Burris FastFire – Best For Beginners
The Burris FastFire 3 is a compact, versatile red dot sight, offering fast target acquisition for handguns, shotguns, and rifles.
Convenient Brightness Control: The FastFire 3 features a convenient power button with three manual brightness levels and an automatic brightness setting. This adaptability was crucial during my turkey hunts, as lighting conditions can change rapidly.
The automatic setting adjusted the brightness perfectly most of the time, providing optimal visibility. However, having manual control options allowed me to tweak the settings to my exact preference when needed.
Tool-less Windage and Elevation Adjustments: The tool-less adjustments for windage and elevation are a standout feature. In the field, this meant quick and hassle-free adjustments, enhancing my shooting accuracy.
The dials are responsive and intuitive, allowing for precise alignment without the need for additional tools, which was particularly useful in situations where time and stealth were of the essence.
Low Battery Warning Indicator: The low battery warning is a small but significant feature. It gave me a heads-up when the battery was running low, ensuring that I was never caught off guard during critical moments.
This feature added an extra layer of reliability to the FastFire 3, which is essential when hunting.
Top of Sight Battery Access: The design of the FastFire 3 includes top of sight battery access, making battery changes quick and convenient.
I found this to be a time-saver, especially during extended periods in the field, as I didn’t have to remove the sight from the firearm to change the battery.
Why I Love It: The FastFire 3 is a top pick for its ease of use, clear optics, and versatile brightness settings. Its compact size and reliable performance make it an excellent choice for various shooting applications.
Pros
- Easy-to-use brightness controls with automatic settings.
- Tool-less windage and elevation adjustments.
- Low battery indicator for timely warnings.
- Convenient battery access.
- Durable, waterproof construction.
- Clear and precise optics for accurate shooting.
Cons
- Initial alignment was significantly off, requiring extensive adjustments.
5. Vortex Venom – Wide Field of View
The Vortex Venom is a high-quality, budget-friendly red dot sight, offering rapid target acquisition with its 3 MOA dot, ideal for a variety of shooting applications.
Rapid Target Acquisition and Precise Aiming: The Vortex Venom excels in rapid target acquisition, facilitated by its 3 MOA reticle. This feature proved invaluable during my turkey hunts, allowing for quick and precise shots.
The clear point of aim this sight provided made getting shots downrange fast and on target a smooth experience. The aluminum housing ensures durability, standing up to various environmental challenges without issue.
Lens Quality and Field of View: The fully multi-coated lenses of Venom offer a clean, wide field of view, which was a standout during my field use.
The clarity and brightness of the image significantly enhanced my targeting ability, ensuring that I could easily spot and track turkeys in different terrains and lighting conditions.
Brightness Control and Auto-Brightness Mode: The power and dot intensity controls are conveniently located, offering ten brightness levels to choose from.
The auto-brightness mode, using an ambient light sensor, adjusts the dot intensity to match the environment. While this feature was helpful in varying light conditions, I found that manual adjustments sometimes provided better results for specific situations.
Battery Life and Efficiency: The battery life on the Venom varies. At its brightest setting, it offers 150 hours of use, while at the lowest, it can last up to 30,000 hours. This feature was a bit of a double-edged sword, as the auto-setting tends to consume the battery more quickly than expected.
Why I Love It: The Vortex Venom is a standout for its combination of affordability, clear optics, and ease of use. Its lightweight design and reliable performance make it an excellent choice for turkey hunting and other shooting activities.
Pros
- Rapid and precise target acquisition with 3 MOA dot.
- High-quality, clear lenses with a wide field of view.
- Conveniently located brightness controls with 10 levels.
- Lightweight and durable construction.
- Easy-to-use windage and elevation adjustments.
- Versatile mounting options on Weaver or Picatinny rails.
Cons
- Auto brightness setting can quickly drain the battery.
6. Bushnell RXS250 – Solid Option
The Bushnell RXS250 is a robust, clear, and efficient red dot sight, designed for precision and speed in various shooting environments.
Optic Clarity and Dot Visibility: The Bushnell RXS250’s optic clarity is exceptional, with its large window free of any blue tint, making target acquisition a breeze.
The 4 MOA dot strikes the perfect balance between precision and speed. Whether it’s in dimly lit timber or a sun-drenched field, the dot remains visible and distinct. During my turkey hunts, this feature allowed for quick and precise placement on target, enhancing my shooting experience significantly.
Brightness Settings and Adaptability: The sight offers ten brightness settings, providing versatility for any light condition. Personally, I found settings five to eight most useful, adapting seamlessly to changing light throughout the day.
This range of settings ensured that the dot was neither too dim in bright sunlight nor too glaring in darker conditions, maintaining optimal visibility at all times.
Durability and Waterproofing: Bushnell’s reputation for durability is upheld in the RXS250. Its sturdy construction coupled with an IP67 waterproof rating means it can withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
Whether it’s rain, fog, or dust, the sight’s performance remained unaltered, offering reliable functionality in all my hunting expeditions.
Ease of Battery Replacement: The top-loading battery design is a noteworthy convenience. The ability to change the battery without removing the optic is a significant time-saver, particularly in the field.
The long battery life of 50,000 hours on mid-setting meant less worry about power during long hunting sessions.
User-Friendly Adjustment Features: The 1 MOA click adjustments for windage and elevation are both tactile and audible, making sighting in precise and straightforward.
Additionally, the separated adjustment buttons; one on each side of the sight; allow for easy, intuitive adjustments without needing to look away from the target.
Why I Love It: The Bushnell RXS250 impresses with its clear glass, precise 4 MOA dot, and versatile brightness settings. The convenience of its top-loading battery and the confidence in its durable, waterproof design make it an outstanding choice for serious shooters.
Pros
- Clear optics with no blue hue.
- A wide range of brightness settings.
- Durable, waterproof construction.
- Easy battery replacement and long battery life.
- Precise and audible 1 MOA adjustments.
- Versatile mounting options.
Cons
- Brightness adjustment buttons are small and less convenient.
7. Aimpoint Pro – Best for Professionals
The Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic) is a high-end, robust red dot reflex sight designed for accuracy and durability in various shooting conditions.
Optic Quality and Clarity: The Aimpoint PRO shines with its 2 MOA red dot, providing a clear and precise aiming point. During my turkey hunts, this precise dot made targeting at various ranges straightforward.
Its clarity is unparalleled, ensuring that I had a crisp view of the target in all light conditions. The sight’s ability to maintain a sharp reticle focus, regardless of the background or lighting, greatly improved my shooting accuracy.
Battery Life and Efficiency: The 30,000-hour battery life (over 3 years) on setting 6 is remarkable. This extended battery life meant that I could spend more time in the field without worrying about the sight dying on me.
The reliability of having a sight that’s always ready, powered by a readily available DL1/3N battery, added a layer of confidence to my hunts.
Durability and Environmental Resistance: The Aimpoint PRO’s waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof features are commendable. It withstood various environmental challenges, from rainy conditions to the ruggedness of the outdoors.
The robust build quality meant that it could handle the recoil and bumps that are part and parcel of active hunting.
Brightness Settings and Versatility: With 10 brightness settings, the Aimpoint PRO offers great adaptability. Whether I was hunting in the bright daylight or in dimmer conditions, I could easily adjust the sight for optimal visibility.
The inclusion of night vision compatibility is a bonus, especially for hunters who venture out in low-light conditions.
Ease of Use and Additional Features: The inclusion of front and rear flip-up lens covers and an in-service date decal is a thoughtful touch. These features make the Aimpoint PRO user-friendly and maintainable, ensuring the lenses are protected and the user is aware of the battery change schedule.
Why I Love It: The Aimpoint PRO is a top-tier red dot sight, offering exceptional clarity, unbeatable battery life, and impressive durability. Its precision, coupled with the ease of adjusting brightness, makes it an invaluable tool for serious shooters and hunters.
Pros
- Exceptional optic clarity with a precise 2 MOA red dot.
- Long battery life with efficient power use.
- Highly durable, waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof.
- Versatile with 10 brightness settings and night vision compatibility.
- Comprehensive warranty for personal use.
- User-friendly features like flip-up lens covers.
Cons
- Higher price point compared to other red dot scope.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing and rigorous evaluation of various red dot scopes for turkey hunting, my final verdict is clear: Trijicon MRO emerges as the top choice.
This decision is based on a combination of factors including performance in the field, ease of use, durability, and adaptability to different hunting environments.
FAQ’s
Should I put a red dot on my turkey gun?
Absolutely, adding a red dot to your turkey gun can significantly enhance your confidence and accuracy in placing your shots effectively. It’s a valuable addition for precise targeting.
Is 3 or 6 MOA better for turkey hunting?
For turkey hunting, a smaller dot size is preferable. A 1 to 3 MOA dot is ideal, as it offers precise aiming without obscuring the target, especially at typical turkey hunting ranges.
Is a green dot or red dot better for turkey hunting?
Both green and red dots can be effective for turkey hunting. The choice depends on personal preference and specific hunting conditions. Red dots are more common and versatile, but green dots can be advantageous in certain lighting conditions.