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Magnification: 1.5–4xObjective Lens: 20mmTube Diameter: 1 inchEye Relief: 3.7–4.2 inchesReticle: DuplexWeight: 9.6 ozWaterproof/Fogproof/ShockproofExcellent light transmissionLightweight and compact designLong, forgiving eye reliefLimited zoom range for long shotsNon-illuminated reticle
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 40mmTube: 1 inchReticle: Ballistic PlexEye Relief: 3.1–3.4 inchesDurable steel-on-steel turret constructionExcellent edge-to-edge sharpnessAffordable for the qualitySlightly short eye relief for heavy slug recoilNo parallax adjustment
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 40mmReticle: Dead-Hold BDC (MOA)Eye Relief: 3.8–4.4 inchesTube Diameter: 1 inchWeight: 15 ozExceptional eye reliefBright, clear glass with BDC reticleLifetime warrantySlightly bulky for shotgun useHeavier than others on this list
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 40mmEye Relief: 3.3 inchesMulti-coated opticsWeight: 13 ozSuperb brightness in dim lightAffordableSimple and ruggedEye box is slightly tight at higher magnificationBasic reticle design
Magnification: 2.5–10xObjective Lens: 40mmTube: 1 inchEye Relief: 2.9–3.8 inchesReticle: BDC HunterExceptional glass clarityBombproof constructionCrisp reticle and tactile turretsPriceySlightly shorter eye relief for 12-gauge recoil
Recoil Resistance:
The 12-gauge slug’s recoil can destroy cheap optics. Choose models with proven recoil resistance like Leupold or Trijicon.Eye Relief:
At least 3.5 inches is ideal. Anything shorter risks “scope bite” under recoil.Magnification Range:
A 1–4x or 2–7x scope is optimal. Higher magnification adds unnecessary bulk and limits field of view for close shots.Reticle Type:
A simple Duplex or BDC reticle is best. Overly complex reticles slow down aiming at short-to-medium ranges.Durability and Weatherproofing:
Nitrogen purged, O-ring sealed, and fogproof construction are must-haves for slug gun hunting in wet or cold environments.Mounting Considerations:
A cantilever mount is preferred for slug barrels. It provides proper eye relief and maintains zero even after barrel removal.
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Best Scope for 870 Slug Gun – Top Optics for Accuracy and Durability
When it comes to hunting with a slug gun, precision optics can make all the difference. The best scope for 870 slug gun should handle heavy recoil, offer generous eye relief, and provide clear glass for shots up to 150 yards.
I’ve spent years testing scopes on my Remington 870 using both 12-gauge and 20-gauge saboted slugs, and in this guide, I’ll share my top picks for maximizing your shotgun’s accuracy and field performance.
🏆 Top Product List: 5 Best Scope for 870 Slug Gun of 2026
Here are my recommended scopes for the Remington 870 slug gun:
Each of these models is built to handle the heavy recoil and limited range typical of a slug gun, while maintaining crisp optics and rugged performance in the field.
1. Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm is my top pick for a Remington 870 slug gun due to its compact build, superb glass, and recoil resilience.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
The glass clarity is superb, with minimal chromatic aberration and edge distortion. The reticle remains visible even in low light. Eye relief is generous — I could maintain a full sight picture even when shooting heavy 12-gauge sabots.
Durability-wise, this Leupold takes a beating. I’ve used it on rainy Midwest whitetail hunts, and it’s held zero after more than 300 rounds of Brenneke and Hornady SST slugs.
Turrets track reliably with tactile clicks. I prefer the low-profile capped turrets for field use, preventing accidental adjustments.
Mounting with standard Leupold 1-inch rings on a cantilever rail took 15 minutes and required minimal adjustment. After a quick 25-yard zero, it held steady even after multiple sessions.
Reddit users in /r/Shotguns and /r/Hunting frequently recommend this scope for 870 slug guns due to its durability and optical sharpness.
Verdict:
Perfect balance of durability, weight, and clarity for short-to-midrange slug hunting.
2. Burris Fullfield II Hunting Scope
The Burris Fullfield II is a rugged, affordable optic that pairs well with the hard-recoiling 870 platform.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
In my experience, the Ballistic Plex reticle works beautifully for estimating slug drop at 100–150 yards. The glass is crisp, performing well in dawn and dusk conditions.
Mounting was simple using Burris Zee rings. I tested it on my 870 with Remington AccuTip 385-grain slugs — after 5 shots, I had a 2-inch group at 100 yards.
Durability-wise, the Fullfield II is built like a tank. After a full deer season, zero remained perfect. Some online users mention fogging in cold, wet weather, though I haven’t encountered that.
Verdict:
An affordable, tough scope that delivers big-game accuracy on a budget.
3. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 (Dead-Hold BDC)
The Vortex Crossfire II offers unbeatable value for slug gun hunters seeking optical quality without breaking the bank.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass clarity is impressive, and the BDC reticle is great for slug shooters estimating holdover beyond 100 yards. The long eye relief makes it perfect for the 870’s recoil impulse — even with magnum slugs, I experienced no scope bite.
Turrets are capped but tactile. I performed a box test at 50 yards; adjustments tracked true and returned to zero perfectly. Durability is top-tier — nitrogen purged and fully waterproof.
Online communities praise the Crossfire II for its “set and forget” performance on slug guns. It’s a reliable all-rounder.
Verdict:
A value-packed optic that withstands abuse while offering clear, reliable performance.
4. Bushnell Banner 3-9x40 Dusk & Dawn
The Bushnell Banner 3-9x40 Dusk & Dawn delivers excellent low-light performance for early-morning deer hunts.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass clarity is surprisingly good for the price, and the Dusk & Dawn coatings genuinely improve brightness at dawn and dusk. Eye relief is serviceable, though a bit short for hard recoils — I recommend mounting slightly forward on the rail.
I mounted this scope on my 870 using a Weaver base and medium rings; after bore-sighting, zeroing at 50 yards took about 6 rounds.
Durability exceeded expectations. I’ve seen this model survive on slug guns and muzzleloaders through snow and rain without fogging or losing zero.
Verdict:
Best budget scope for low-light deer hunts with the 870 slug gun.
5. Trijicon Huron Hunting Riflescope
The Trijicon Huron is a premium option for hunters who demand battle-tested durability with top-tier clarity.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
I used the Huron on my 870 SPS slug barrel during a week-long Michigan deer hunt. Despite heavy recoil and freezing weather, it stayed zeroed perfectly.
The image quality is among the best I’ve seen on a slug gun scope — rich contrast, no edge distortion, and consistent reticle sharpness.
Eye box forgiveness is good, though the relief could be a bit longer for magnum slugs. Still, with proper mounting, it’s extremely comfortable.
The BDC Hunter reticle allows for quick target acquisition while compensating for slug drop. Many experienced hunters on forums call it “overbuilt for a slug gun, but worth every penny.”
Verdict:
Top-tier performance for serious slug hunters demanding military-grade durability and clarity.
🧠 How to Choose the Right Scope for an 870 Slug Gun
❓ FAQs
1. What is the effective range of a slug gun with a scope?
Most 12-gauge slug setups are accurate up to 150 yards, depending on ammunition and shooter skill.
2. Can I use a rifle scope on a slug gun?
Yes, but ensure it’s recoil-rated for shotgun use. Regular rifle scopes may not withstand the 870’s kick.
3. What magnification is best for slug hunting?
1–4x or 2–7x is ideal. You rarely need more than 9x for a 150-yard shot.
4. Is a BDC reticle useful for slug shooting?
Yes, a BDC can help compensate for slug drop beyond 100 yards, especially with high-velocity sabots.
5. Do I need an illuminated reticle?
Not necessary, but it helps during low-light hunting in wooded areas.
6. What’s the best mounting system for an 870 scope?
A cantilever rail mount is the best — it keeps your zero even after removing the barrel for cleaning.
7. How do I prevent my scope from slipping under recoil?
Use high-quality rings with proper torque and apply blue Loctite to screws.
🏁 Conclusion
Finding the best scope for 870 slug gun comes down to balancing ruggedness, clarity, and recoil resistance. My top recommendation remains the Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm, thanks to its flawless performance and unbeatable reliability in the field.
Whether you choose the Leupold for its heritage, the Vortex for value, or the Trijicon for elite durability, these scopes will help you extract the full potential from your Remington 870 slug setup.
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