Thoughts on scopes.

[Trevor2]

Just wondering everybodys thoughts on scoped shotguns for turkey. I had a mossberg 535 tactical with a scope and really liked it with the exception, that you really cant swing on a side approaching bird fast enough, or at least I cant. So I believe I'll stick with no scope for now.

What say you?

 

[REN]

i never personally liked them as i never felt like i needed one. I know a buddy that used one for a long time and his complaint was the same as yours as well as when i bird was really close and somehow he missed the first shot he never could really get on a fast moving one.

 

[knightrider]

if you can see open sights there is no need for one,but if your eyes are going a red dot is the way to go imo

 

[TheLBLman]

I have a Nikon Monarch 1.5x - 4.5x with a 20mm objective, and greatly prefer it over a red dot. With it set on 1.5x, could almost use it as a quail gun. No problem with close and moving turkeys.

For me, a low-power scope is the only way to go. Most people that either don't like them (or think they wouldn't) are going with too much magnification.

Red dots can be fine, too, but I prefer the very small "footprint" of this particular 20mm scope. With low magnification on a turkey gun, there is absolutely no need for an objective larger than 20mm (with a traditional scope). If I weren't using a traditional low-power scope, would probably be using a Burris Fastfire sight (zero magnification, and very small compared to red dots).

 

[muddyboots]

Love mine. I keep it on 2 power.

 

[VolDoug]

The only time I wish I had had one was on a bird that came in right off the roost, silently. He was just "there".

It was one of those dreary mornings, and was still pretty dark and dull-colored in the woods.

He was about 35 yds and I was waiting for him to clear the tree that he was standing behind. Some other guys came in behind me, and slammed the car door.

He heard it, but paused another second or two, before turning and walking back. It was then that I could see that he was actually standing in front of the tree and that I could have taken the shot. With a scope, I would have been able to tell.

Otherwise, I'm on the move too much, and I just think it would get in the way.

 

[Gravey]

After not keeping my head down a couple of times and missing I put one on and love it.

 

[go_okfishin]

I put a red dot on my Mossberg last year. Took it to the range and sighted in. I was nervous about changing. The first trip out I shot at a bird and missed. He was a little spooked and moving slow but I had a hard time putting the dot on him. I'm sure it was a lack of confidence thing. I got home and took it off and sold it. I have used open fiber optic sights for a long time.

 

[RAFI]

if you can see open sights there is no need for one,but if your eyes are going a red dot is the way to go imo

i found the need for one when i bought my 870 with the shur shot grip.It was terrible without a scope.It was no fun to shoot.I hate red dots so i put a scope on it.It doesn't even feel like the same gun when it kicks now.i don't really like a scope for turkey hunting but it is great for sighting it in and taking the kick out of the gun.

 

[PickettSFHunter]

I love a scope. I have a 1.5 to 4 power. You have a very wide FOV at 1.5X. Ive shot running birds at low magnification.Makes it so much easier to center the pattern too, for me anyways.

 

[chrmayo]

I just bought a Burris Fastfire2. I have never used a scope on a shotgun but thought I would give it a try. I have been messin with the FF2 around the house and I think that I am going to like it. Kind of torn between mounting it on the 870SM and the Benelli SBE.

 

[turkeyhunter]

I had the same questions and thoughts a few years ago. I am very glad I put a red dot type scope on my 870. In my opinion the pros out weigh the cons.

 

[bvoss]

I want my turkey gun as simple as possible. I have to line up to beads on my old 835 and I'm done. Dont have to worry about knocking the scope off, or the battery, or it fogging up. Just aim and squeeze.

 

[turkeyhunter]

I can actually can see under my scope. So if i have a problem I can still see my sights. Plus I like the fact that I dont have to close one eye, I can leave my head up or down. The scope helped my percentage alot. The year before i got my scope, I missed some birds that I shouldnt have. So far I have been way more accurate. I have seen my buddy take one in flight with a scope. But I know scopes arent for eveyone but so far its the best 20 bucks I have spent.

 

[REN]

its funny you say that about your eyes. I had a friend of my dads teach me to shoot way back when (he was a marine sniper) and he always taught me to shoot with both eyes open just learn to put your focus into your dominate eye so thats what i have always done. not sure if that is still the technique but thats how i shoot any weapon these days and IMO it helps me.

 

[TurkeyBurd]

Never have used one.

Im afraid I would tear the thing up...Im pretty rough on my 11-87 during the season.

Bet they are nice to have...if anyone would like to donate one, I'll take it.

 

[TheLBLman]

I want my turkey gun as simple as possible. I have to line up to beads on my old 835 . . . . .

For some of us, "lining up beads AND a distant target" is easier said than done, no longer anything simple.

Much "simpler" for me to just clearly see those bold crosshairs and turkey (all in clear focus) thru a low-power scope.

Regarding some of your concerns, they are of much less concern on a turkey gun than a deer rifle. My 20mm objective 1.5x "turkey" scope is less than half the size of most of my deer rifle scopes. It barely sticks up any higher than the rear sight on many turkey guns, and is much less fragile than any of those popular fiber-optic sights.

Fogging? The long eye relief of my scope would almost eliminate any chance of that even in cold weather. But since it's usually warmer weather in spring, it's never been much issue. Batteries? Don't need them with my scope.

Seriously, anyone who prefers a scope on their deer rifle would probably prefer a scope on a turkey shotgun, and for much the same reasons ---- you can more clearly, easily see your target, and shoot more accurately.

 

[REN]

i would be a bit nervous with all the belly crawling and rolling around in the dirt i tend to do during season to pull it up and it be wet or have mud/dirt all over the lenses.

 

[bvoss]

I want my turkey gun as simple as possible. I have to line up to beads on my old 835 . . . . .

For some of us, "lining up beads AND a distant target" is easier said than done, no longer anything simple.

Much "simpler" for me to just clearly see those bold crosshairs and turkey (all in clear focus) thru a low-power scope.

Regarding some of your concerns, they are of much less concern on a turkey gun than a deer rifle. My 20mm objective 1.5x "turkey" scope is less than half the size of most of my deer rifle scopes. It barely sticks up any higher than the rear sight on many turkey guns, and is much less fragile than any of those popular fiber-optic sights.

Fogging? The long eye relief of my scope would almost eliminate any chance of that even in cold weather. But since it's usually warmer weather in spring, it's never been much issue. Batteries? Don't need them with my scope.

Seriously, anyone who prefers a scope on their deer rifle would probably prefer a scope on a turkey shotgun, and for much the same reasons ---- you can more clearly, easily see your target, and shoot more accurately.

I see why some folks would like them. I've tried one on a new gun that I bought though and I just did not prefer it for turkey hunting. I guess to each his own.

 

[turkeyhunter]

I crawl wade swim if needed.lol So far no problem with 20 dollar bsa red dot.