Hey there, fellow hunters and shooting enthusiasts! Joel Mccartan here, and boy, do I have a treat for you today. As we roll into 2024, I’ve been busy putting the latest and greatest shotgun scopes through their paces. Whether you’re gearing up for turkey season, looking to bag that elusive whitetail, or just want to up your game at the range, I’ve got you covered with this year’s top picks.
Now, before we dive in, let me tell you – choosing the right scope for your shotgun is like finding the perfect hunting buddy. It’s gotta be reliable, tough as nails, and sharp as a tack. I’ve spent countless hours in the field testing these bad boys, and let me tell you, some of them have seriously impressed me. So, grab your favorite brew, settle in, and let’s talk scopes!
Why You Need a Quality Shotgun Scope
Listen, I know what some of you old-school hunters are thinking – “Joel, why the heck do I need a scope on my shotgun?” Well, let me tell you a little story. Last fall, I was out in the woods, trusty 12-gauge in hand, when a beautiful 10-point buck stepped into view. Now, without my scope, I might’ve hesitated, unsure of the distance. But with my trusty optic, I was able to quickly acquire my target and make a clean, ethical shot. That’s the difference a good scope can make.
A quality shotgun scope can:
Improve your accuracy at longer ranges
Help you identify targets more clearly
Extend your effective hunting hours into low-light conditions
Make slug shooting more precise
Alright, now that we’ve covered the “why,” let’s get into the good stuff – the top 10 shotgun scopes that’ll take your shooting to the next level in 2024.
1. Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 – Best Overall Shotgun Scope
Kicking off our list is the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32. This bad boy has been my go-to for a couple of seasons now, and it never fails to impress. Here’s why it’s claimed the top spot:
– Crystal clear glass that’ll have you picking out ear ticks on a deer at 100 yards (okay, maybe not that clear, but you get the idea)
– Tough as nails construction that can handle the kick of even the beefiest slugs
– Dead-Hold BDC reticle that makes holdovers a breeze
– Generous eye relief that’ll save your brow from that dreaded “scope bite”
I’ve put this scope through hell and back, from torrential downpours to accidental drops (don’t tell my wife), and it’s never let me down. At around $200, it’s a steal for the quality you’re getting.
2. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 – Best for Deer Hunting
When it comes to deer hunting, the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 is hard to beat. Here’s why it’s earned a special place in my heart:
– Twilight Light Management System that gives you those precious extra minutes of shooting light
– Duplex reticle that’s simple and effective for quick target acquisition
– Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof – because Mother Nature doesn’t always play nice
– Lifetime warranty that’ll outlast your grandkids (and probably theirs too)
I’ve used this scope to drop whitetails at distances I never thought possible with a shotgun. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever hunted without it.
3. Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 – Best Budget Option
Not everyone wants to drop a small fortune on a scope, and that’s where the Bushnell Banner comes in. Don’t let the price fool you – this scope punches way above its weight class:
– Multi-coated lenses that provide surprisingly good light transmission
– Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) coating for those critical low-light moments
– Shockproof construction that can handle the recoil of magnum loads
– 3-9x magnification range that’s perfect for most hunting situations
I’ve recommended this scope to countless buddies on a budget, and not one has been disappointed. It’s proof that you don’t need to break the bank for quality optics.
4. EOTech EXPS2 Holographic Sight – Best for Turkey Hunting
Now, for you turkey hunters out there, the EOTech EXPS2 is a game-changer. Here’s why:
– Lightning-fast target acquisition that’s perfect for those wily gobblers
– 68 MOA ring with 1 MOA dot for precise aiming
– Night vision compatible for those pre-dawn setups
– Runs on a single CR123 battery for up to 600 hours
I’ve used this sight to bag more turkeys than I can count. The wide field of view and crisp reticle make it a dream for tracking those fast-moving birds.
5. Trijicon AccuPoint 1-4×24 – Best for Slug Guns
If you’re running a dedicated slug gun, the Trijicon AccuPoint 1-4×24 is worth every penny. Here’s what makes it stand out:
– Fiber optic and tritium illuminated reticle that never needs batteries
– Second focal plane reticle that maintains its size throughout the zoom range
– Aircraft-grade aluminum construction that’s virtually indestructible
– Generous eye relief that’s perfect for heavy-recoiling slug guns
I’ve pushed this scope to its limits on my Remington 870, and it’s never skipped a beat. The clarity is out of this world, and the illuminated reticle is a godsend in low light conditions.
6. Burris FastFire 3 – Best Reflex Sight for Shotguns
For those who prefer a more minimalist approach, the Burris FastFire 3 is a fantastic option. Here’s why it’s earned a spot on this list:
– Ultra-lightweight design that won’t throw off your shotgun’s balance
– 3 MOA dot that’s perfect for close to medium-range shooting
– Automatic brightness sensor that adjusts to ambient light conditions
– Tool-less windage and elevation adjustments for quick zeroing
I’ve mounted this little powerhouse on everything from turkey guns to home defense shotguns, and it’s never disappointed. The wide field of view and crisp dot make target acquisition lightning fast.
7. Nikon ProStaff P3 3-9×40 – Best for All-Around Use
Nikon might have stepped out of the riflescope game, but their ProStaff P3 is still one of the best all-around shotgun scopes on the market. Here’s why:
– BDC reticle that’s calibrated for shotgun trajectories
– Quick-focus eyepiece for rapid target acquisition
– Fully multicoated optics for excellent light transmission
– Spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets for easy field adjustments
I’ve used this scope for everything from deer hunting to casual target shooting, and it’s handled every task with flying colors. It’s a true jack-of-all-trades in the shotgun scope world.
8. Sightmark Core TX 1-4×24 – Best for 3-Gun Competitions
For you competitive shooters out there, the Sightmark Core TX 1-4×24 is a real contender. Here’s what sets it apart:
– Illuminated CR1 reticle with 11 brightness settings
– True 1x magnification for both-eyes-open shooting
– Capped turrets to prevent accidental adjustments during competition
– Scratch-resistant, anti-reflective lens coating
I’ve run this scope in a few 3-gun matches, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. The quick magnification changes and crisp reticle make transitioning between close and medium-range targets a breeze.
9. Meopta MeoPro Optika5 2-10×42 – Best Premium Option
If you’re looking to splurge on a top-of-the-line shotgun scope, look no further than the Meopta MeoPro Optika5. Here’s why it’s worth the investment:
– ED glass for unparalleled clarity and color fidelity
– ZeroStop turrets for quick return to zero after adjustments
– MeoLux coating for industry-leading light transmission
– Lifetime transferable warranty
I had the chance to test this scope on a guided hunt last season, and I was blown away. The image quality is simply stunning, and the build quality is second to none. It’s pricey, but for serious hunters, it’s worth every penny.
10. Holosun HS510C – Best for Home Defense Shotguns
Rounding out our list is the Holosun HS510C, which is perfect for those of you looking to outfit a home defense shotgun. Here’s why it made the cut:
– Large field of view for quick target acquisition in high-stress situations
– Multiple reticle options (dot, circle, or circle-dot)
– Solar failsafe and shake awake technology for reliability
– Titanium housing for ultimate durability
While I hope none of us ever have to use a home defense shotgun in a real situation, I sleep easier knowing my HD shotgun is equipped with this optic. The large window and crisp reticle make it easy to get on target fast, even in the middle of the night.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks – the 10 best shotgun scopes for 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there’s something on this list for everyone. Remember, the best scope is the one that fits your needs and shooting style. Don’t be afraid to try a few different options to find what works best for you.
Before I sign off, here’s a quick tip: always invest in quality mounting hardware for your scope. The best optic in the world won’t do you any good if it’s not properly secured to your shotgun.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab one of these scopes, hit the range, and start improving your shotgun game today. Trust me, your trophy wall (and your taste buds, if you’re after some tasty game) will thank you.
Until next time, happy hunting and shoot straight!
Joel Mccartan
Night Vision Gear Enthusiast & Avid Hunter