Shotguns are often found without optics as this weapon is specially developed to fire multiple projectiles in one shot. That means it does not require any pinpoint accuracy. Of course, if you like busting clays or wing shooting, it can do more damage. But in case you want accuracy with your shot on a stationary target, you can use an optic to get assistance while aiming.
So, if you are looking for a guide that shows how to mount a reflex sight on a shotgun, then you have come to the right place. Here you will find what you need to equip an optic sight on your shotgun for better accuracy. The good thing about the reflex sight is that the magnification offered by a scope can really assist you while targeting deer woods, especially with the slug gun.
With such assistance, you can quickly shoot a target from a distance. Just like turkey hunters, they often use reflex sight to shoot at their target when they are within 40 yards or more. The 3-gun contests have gained so much popularity among the shooters, which increases the level of competition.
That means winning the contest, people often use reflex sights to aim their target with high accuracy and fast action because every second counts. So, let us discuss why do you need to use & How To Mount a reflex sight on your shotgun ?
Why Would You Use Reflex Sights On Your Shotgun?
Shooting competitions like 3-gun have allowed some equipment on the shotgun, and one of them is reflex sights. Apart from this, the reflex sights can be used in some holsters for better aim. The main reason why most people love using a reflex sight is that you don’t have to struggle while aligning your eye with the sight axis. Plus, you can even aim with both your eyes wide open, allowing you to be aware of the current situation of the field with a deeper overview.
Apart from this, the reflex sight does not offer much relief for the eye as you can either mount it close or far from your eye as the mounting piece allows you to. However, the only drawback that reflex sights have is that they don’t provide magnification, which is recommended during a close-range shooting game.
The reflex sight projects the aiming point onto the lens and reflects it to the shooter so that you can aim easily. Usually, two types of reflex sights are available on the market: exposed and tube reflex sights. People often use exposed reflex sights as it has a sleek yet small design with an open window that shows the aiming point accurately. On the other hand, the tube style is quite bigger and advantageous than exposed reflex sights.
The tube reflex sights feature two lenses that project the aiming point, allowing you to aim properly. Furthermore, since it features a closed environment, the tritium is used inside the tape reflex sights for illuminating watches to speed up the nuclear reactions. Plus, you can even use it for replacing the light source operated through the battery.
What To Look For When Buying A Reflex Sight?
When it comes down to buying a durable scope that helps you with quick target acquisition, many options are available on the market. It is challenging for naive and professional shooters to decide which one to choose. However, it depends upon for what purpose you are purchasing a reflex sight. So, to help you out, here are some things you should look at before purchasing a new reflex sight.
✔️ Structure
As mentioned above, usually, there are two styles of reflex sight: open and tube. The open reflex sight features a traditional design, and you can acquire the target through an open window. However, you should know that these types of scope are likely to attain scratches more often.
On the other hand, tube reflex sights feature protective covers and allow you to run filters. That means you are likely to benefit from its closed light generation environment.
✔️ Reticle Size
The ideal size of the reticle is dependent upon the application and range required for your shooting needs. Usually, people often consider using 3 MOA dots, while some red dot sight offers up to 6. You can crank up the brightness and increase the size of the dot whenever you want, but you won’t be able to make it tiny. Even though a big dot will help you target, but it won’t be precise enough.
✔️ Light Transmission
Another factor to look for in a reflex sight is the light transmission process. Even after having a sturdy structure, you need to ensure that the glass is transparent. Remember cheap reflex sights made using cheap glass. That means they won’t transmit light properly and prevent you from aiming the target with accuracy.
On the other hand, removing the coating for unwanted reflection will improve the scope quality. So, when you purchase a reflex sight, it should feature a clear light projection whether you are playing 3-gun or hunting.
✔️ Reticle Color
Even if it sounds inappropriate, the color of the reticle is another important factor you have to consider while purchasing a new reflex sight. The primary purpose of using a red dot scope is to aim even in low light. However, in some situations, you might need high visibility in all types of conditions.
That means you want a color that fits the contrast and helps you get a proper aim. There are a few reticle colors like red, green, and even some blue. So, when shooting turkeys, you better use a blue or green dot to better aim.
✔️ Durability
You should ensure that the reflex sight is made of durable material because low-quality products won’t withstand the recoil of a shotgun. So, it’s better to purchase a sturdy build reflex sight.
These are the things you should look for before purchasing a reflex sight for your shotgun.
Step By Step Guide For How To Mount A Reflex Sight On Shotgun
Before you begin mounting a reflex sight on a shotgun, you should have every tool required for installing the optics on your weapon. However, you probably don’t want to stop the process because you didn’t have the right tool to perform them well.
As mentioned above, you need to have the right scope for your shotgun along with other tools required for installing the sight perfectly. To help you out, here is a list of what you need to mount the reflex sight on a shotgun.
What Do You Need For Mounting A Reflex Sight On Your Shotgun?
When you have the right reflex sight that matches the requirements of your shotgun. It’s time for you to gather the supplies and tools needed while mounting.
- Torx Bit Screwdriver Set
The star-shaped screwdrivers are specially designed to securely tighten the screws as compared to the crosshead or flat-head screws. It helps in delivering higher torque transmission, which means screws and bolts can be fastened securely.
- Loctite
Loctite is engineered to seal and lock the threaded fasteners as it prevents air between close-fitted metal surfaces. It is also used to protect the threads from rust and corrosion while keeping them loosening from shock and vibration.
- Rust/Oil Preventive
The solution would protect your shotgun and sight from rust and corrosion. All you have to do is use a small amount and apply it to your weapon, making it last longer.
- Microfiber Cloth
When it comes down to cleaning the parts of your gun, microfiber cloth is what you need. It is a soft cloth that can be used for different purposes, including cleaning your shotgun parts.
Once you have everything mentioned on the list, now you are ready to install the reflex sights on your shotgun.
Steps To Mount The Reflex Sight On A Shotgun!!
When it comes down to mounting the reflex sight on a shotgun, people often find it confusing and wonder where they should mount it. It is better to place it at the receiver’s end because it will offer more stability to reflex sight. So, let us discuss the steps before moving forward.
- Clean The Shotgun
First, safety is important, so you better empty all the shells. Before you begin the process, you need to wipe the entire gun and remove any dirt or grime on it with the help of a microfiber cloth. After that, you need to apply a minute amount of rust preventive solution to safeguard your gun from accidental scratches due to debris and dirt.
You probably don’t want your shotgun to attain some damage. However, you should know that any mishandling and improper installation can cause many problems and lead to some deterioration.
- Place The Base On Your Shotgun
It’s time to place the base on the receiver’s end of your shotgun. However, you must know that two types of base are available on the market: separate base and integral base. So, you can skip this step if you have an integral base. To get a better attachment for reflex sight, you must ensure that the screws are tightened well and the base is well-oriented to maintain a proper fit.
When you place the base and mount it perfectly on the weapon, tighten the bolts while ensuring every bolt is positioned correctly so that you can screw them securely. Now, you need a tiny amount of Loctite and use it on the screw to lock and seal the screw threads without any air between them. However, in case you like using a torque wrench, you better be sure that it is not more than 25-inch pounds.
- Mount The Scope
To mount the scope, you should attach the rings to the base first, even before clamping the rings on the sight. In case the mounting base allows you to use different positions for attaching the scope from each end. However, you must know that the placement of the ring might need some tweaking to tighten them securely.
You should not move forward if you haven’t completed this or previous steps. Once you have attached the rings, it’s time for you to adjust the machine and ensure to place it in the opposite direction of the ejection side. You might even notice that there is a minute movement between the entire base and rings before you even tighten them.
So, when you are firing your shotgun, it will cause the ring to move forward. So, when you position them securely, it will reduce the chances of any movement once it is installed correctly. The best thing is that you don’t even have to use more torque to tighten the rings as your finger tightening is sufficient for moving the rings.
After that, you need to place the sight on the ring and securely attach the top half so that you can quickly move and set the scope according to your requirements. Plus, it will also protect the reflex sight from falling apart and accidentally hitting the floor.
- Adjust The Reticle And Level The Shotgun
Last but not the least, you need to adjust the position of your reticle and ensure that it is horizontal and vertical on your shotgun. After that, you need to level the shotgun and when you do, use a minute amount of Loctite on the screws as it will protect them from rust and keep them secure in one place. You must let everything dry first as it will offer optimal performance and keep it from moving even when shot.
Conclusion
Reflex sights are a great choice when it comes to getting a precision shot from a close-range target. So, whether you use it for hunting or home defense, having a mounted reflex sight would be best for aiming with high accuracy. So, these are steps to mount a reflex sight on a shotgun, and if you don’t follow it properly, you will install it incorrectly. Therefore, it would be better for you to follow the steps carefully.
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