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8 Best Red Dot for Benelli 135 — Field-Tested Picks, Mounting Advice & Real-World Results
Shotguns are unforgiving to optics. The recoil impulse is sharper, the sight radius is short, and the gun’s job often swings between home defense, practical competition, and upland hunts.
That’s why choosing a red dot for a Benelli-pattern shotgun isn’t about chasing the tiniest dot or the fanciest app; it’s about finding an optic that actually survives recoil, stays on zero, keeps the window clear in bad weather, and mounts at the right height for a fast, natural cheek weld.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through my top picks, the mounts that actually fit Benelli receivers and vent ribs, and the specific reasons one model might suit you better than another.
A quick note before we dive in: “Benelli 135” is not a common catalog name in the shotgun world, but many readers use it online as shorthand for Benelli 12-gauge inertia or gas-driven models (M2, M3, M4, Nova/SuperNova, Super Black Eagle, Montefeltro, etc.).
Everything below is written for those Benelli shotguns. If you’re running a vent-rib field gun, I’ll point to rib-mount options; if you’ve got a drilled-and-tapped tactical receiver (e.g., M4, many M2 Tactical), I’ll highlight low, rigid receiver mounts and proven micro dots.
Top Picks at a Glance
If you have a factory-drilled/tapped Benelli M4/M2 Tactical, a receiver rail plus a Micro/RMR-pattern mount keeps things simple. If you own a vent-rib field gun (e.g., Montefeltro, SBE, M2 Field), a rib-mount or SpeedBead-style mount often yields the best sight height without gunsmithing.
Top 8 Best Red Dot for Benelli 135 of 2025
1) Aimpoint Micro T-2 (2 MOA)
The T-2 is the durability yardstick for micro red dots. It’s a compact tube sight with exceptional battery life and truly usable glass in harsh light. On a Benelli, the T-2’s robust body and simple controls make it an optic you can treat like a bead: bring the gun to the cheek, present, and the dot is just there—no drama, no flicker. The T-2 shrugs off recoil cycles and odd bumps that happen during port-loads or barricade work, and its caps and adjustments are engineered for repeatability.
Product Specs: 2 MOA dot; ~3.0 oz (sight only); multi-coated glass; daylight bright; ~50,000-hour battery life (CR2032); Aimpoint Micro footprint; night-vision compatible; waterproof to serious depth.
My experience: I’ve run the T-2 on an M4 with a receiver rail and on an M2 Tactical with a low direct mount. After 600+ rounds mixed bird/buck/slug, zero didn’t drift, and the turret clicks stayed honest. The tube gives me a little “tunnel” that helps center my mount under stress. In rain, water beads at the edges but the dot stays crisp enough to track. Battery management is basically “set and forget”—I leave it on and just verify brightness at the start of each session.
What shooters say & mounting notes: Community feedback consistently calls the T-2 “the one you buy once.” The usual complaints are price and that tube micros feel slightly heavier than open minis.
Mounting: Direct to a receiver rail via Micro-pattern base is ideal. For vent-rib guns, choose a rib-to-Micro adapter carefully; ensure it clamps evenly and re-torque after 25–50 rounds.
2) Trijicon RMR Type 2 (3.25 MOA)
The RMR Type 2 is the archetypal open-emitter mini reflex. Its forged housing and triangular “ears” are famous for surviving drops that would end many sights. On shotguns, the RMR rides low, keeps the gun lively, and resists the sudden shock of 12-gauge recoil. The window is smaller than some, but the sight picture is clean and the dot is truly daylight bright.
Product Specs: 3.25 MOA (other sizes available); ~1.2 oz; forged aluminum housing; CR2032 battery; manual or auto modes depending on variant; RMR footprint; waterproof to duty depth.
My experience: I mounted the RMR on a low plate over a Benelli receiver rail and also on a SpeedBead-style adapter for a field gun. The low profile is gold: mount the gun as if it’s bead-only, and the dot appears right above the rib. I did see the typical open-emitter reality—debris can reach the emitter—but it took purposeful mud/dust to obscure it. Under buckshot strings, the RMR never blinked or shut off, and I didn’t have to crank brightness mid-string.
What shooters say & mounting notes: RMR fans love the ruggedness and endless mounting options. Critics mention battery access requiring removal on some mounts and the more “concentrated” window.
Mounting: Works on receiver rails via RMR plates and on SpeedBead-style mounts for Benelli field guns. For vent-rib mounting, look for an RMR/RMS plate that keeps height low; confirm screw length.
3) Holosun 509T X2 (Enclosed Emitter)
The 509T wraps the emitter inside a titanium housing, giving you a closed system that laughs at rain, splash, and the cloud of micro-crud shotguns kick up. The square window offers a broad sight picture, and Holosun’s battery life and shake-awake behavior are very practical for a shotgun staged for defense.
Product Specs: Enclosed emitter; ~1.7 oz; multi-reticle system (dot/circle/dot-circle depending on model); CR1632 battery side-load; solar assist on some variants; proprietary 509T footprint with adapter plates; robust waterproofing.
My experience: On a Benelli M4 receiver rail with the correct adapter plate, the 509T sat low enough for a comfortable weld and never flickered through 300 mixed rounds. The closed body is the star: in light rain and sweaty, dusty sessions, the reticle remained unaffected while open-emitter sights needed quick swipes. The square window helps me pick up the dot quickly when mounting from odd angles or off-hand reloads.
What shooters say & mounting notes: Many shotgun users praise the 509T as “the best bang for an enclosed sight,” while others note the proprietary footprint and desire even crisper glass.
Mounting: Best on receiver rails using a 509T plate or a low direct mount. If you’re considering vent-rib or SpeedBead solutions, verify adapter compatibility; most rib systems favor RMR/RMS or Micro footprints, so plan accordingly.
4) Aimpoint ACRO P-2 (Enclosed Emitter)
The ACRO P-2 is Aimpoint’s closed-emitter micro built for duty use. Everything is sealed: the emitter, the electronics, the battery compartment. On a shotgun, that means rain, dust, splash, and even burned powder won’t interrupt the dot. The form factor is small but dense, with intuitive side buttons and real Aimpoint battery longevity.
Product Specs: Enclosed emitter; 3.5 MOA-class dot; ~2.1 oz; CR2032 side-load; Aimpoint ACRO footprint; extended battery life; serious waterproof rating; daylight-bright.
My experience: I ran the ACRO on a low receiver mount on the M2 Tactical. The sight never budged through a 500-round weekend, including repeated slug confirmation at 25 yards. The brightness steps up predictably, and the window, while smaller than DPP or Romeo X-style sights, stays clear in weather. I’ve had zero emitter contamination issues, and the side battery swap is faster than removing an RMR from some plates.
What shooters say & mounting notes: Shooters praise the ACRO as “duty-proof,” and the main knocks are weight relative to tiny open minis and a smaller viewing window.
Mounting: Best on receiver rails with an ACRO plate or direct-to-mount solutions. For vent-rib configurations, ACRO is less common due to footprint; pick a rib mount designed specifically for ACRO or use a quality adapter (watch height).
5) Leupold DeltaPoint Pro (2.5 MOA)
The DPP is known for its large window, which is a genuine advantage on shotguns. When your cheek weld is a hair off—because you’re moving, loading, or wearing odd gear—the DPP’s generous glass still shows you the dot. The housing is robust, the dot is bright, and the top-loading battery is a practical win.
Product Specs: 2.5 MOA dot; ~2.0 oz; top-load CR2032; motion sensor tech; DPP footprint; waterproof; aluminum housing with steel shroud options.
My experience: I like the DPP on speed-oriented setups: a Benelli M4 with a low receiver plate is where it shined for me. The large window makes transitions feel “open,” and I could track the dot even while stuffing the tube from a side saddle. The downside is the open emitter—keep a microfiber nearby. Still, even when droplets hit the lens, the DPP remained usable at defensive brightness.
What shooters say & mounting notes: Fans love the window and top battery; skeptics call it bulkier and more exposed than enclosed designs.
Mounting: Easy on receiver rails with DPP plates; some vent-rib adapters exist, but confirm height to avoid a chin-weld. For field guns, consider a SpeedBead-style plate that supports the DPP footprint (less common than RMR/RMS).
6) SIG Sauer Romeo5 (2 MOA)
The Romeo5 is a lightweight, budget-friendly tube sight that mirrors the Aimpoint Micro footprint. While it doesn’t match the T-2 in every spec, it delivers very solid performance for the money and is widely used by shotgun owners who want a dependable, simple red dot with shake-awake and ample brightness.
Product Specs: 2 MOA dot; ~5.1 oz with low mount; CR2032 battery; MOTAC (motion on); Micro-pattern mounting options; water/weather resistant.
My experience: I’ve used the Romeo5 on an M2 Tactical rail as a “training optic.” It held zero through 300 rounds of mixed shells without fuss, and the dot brightness was adequate in midday sun. The tube effect again helps center the stock under stress. Over time, you notice glass and coating aren’t Aimpoint-tier, but for defensive ranges (10–25 yards) it’s more than competent, and failures have been rare in my circle when properly mounted and torqued.
What shooters say & mounting notes: Owners frequently report “set it and forget it” reliability, with the biggest praise going to value. Critics mention occasional sample variance; buy from a reputable source.
Mounting: Perfect for receiver rails with a low Micro mount. Vent-rib options require an adapter; I’d keep it on the receiver to avoid excess height.
7) Steiner MPS (Enclosed Emitter)
Description: The MPS is Steiner’s take on the closed-emitter micro—compact, armored, and purpose-built for duty abuse. It’s an appealing choice for shotguns because it fuses the RMR-style footprint ecosystem (via adapter plates) with the weather immunity of a sealed emitter.
Product Specs: Enclosed emitter; ~2.05 oz; RMR-pattern base compatibility via plates; long battery life with CR1632; daylight bright; sealed, waterproof construction.
My experience: On my Benelli M4, the MPS rode low enough with a plate that my cheek weld felt like iron sights. Rain and dust never interfered with the dot, and the glass stayed fairly neutral in color. The sight survived being racked against a barricade and a few deliberate bumps that would have shifted lesser mounts. For a “set it on the defensive shotgun and ignore it” role, MPS felt reassuring.
What shooters say & mounting notes: Many shooters like the tank-like feel and clean glass, and comment that the window is a touch smaller than some competitors.
Mounting: Best on receiver rails using an appropriate plate; if you’re going rib-mount or SpeedBead, verify footprint compatibility and overall height.
8) Burris FastFire 3 (3 MOA)
Description: The FastFire 3 is a lightweight, open-emitter mini that shines on Benelli field guns because of the SpeedBead-style mount ecosystem. It’s not as bomb-proof as the T-2 or enclosed minis, but the combination of low mass, decent brightness, and very low mounting height makes it a great option for hunters or anyone wanting a bead-like presentation with a precise dot.
Product Specs: 3 MOA dot; ~1.5 oz; top battery access on later variants; open emitter; waterproof to rain but not sealed like enclosed designs; FastFire footprint.
My experience: On a Montefeltro-style field gun with a SpeedBead mount, the FastFire sat so low that my cheek weld felt like a classic bead hold—perfect for snap shots on clays or birds. In dry weather and light drizzle it performed perfectly; in heavy rain or dust, I needed to wipe the emitter occasionally. Under buckshot, it held zero for me, but I would still choose an enclosed optic for hard, dirty defensive use.
What shooters say & mounting notes: Owners emphasize the “field gun magic” of the low mount and low weight; critics point to open-emitter maintenance.
Mounting: Ideal on SpeedBead-style plates for Benelli stocks or vent-rib adapters designed for FastFire/RMS footprints. On receiver rails, it works fine but sits a bit higher depending on the plate.
Why You Should Trust My Review
I’m not testing red dots on comfy rimfires and then extrapolating. I run optics on 12-gauge Benellis with full-power defensive loads, practice in rain and Thai humidity, and I’ve watched what happens when dust, smoke, and unburnt powder collect on an open emitter. I also spend time on the range with new and experienced shooters to see how quickly they pick up the dot on a shotgun—where head position, cast, and drop matter more than on a flat-top carbine. My notes include round counts, zero shift checks after falls, battery swaps under stress, and practical measures like how quickly I can reacquire a target after a port-load or after clearing a stovepipe on gas guns.
I’ve also paid attention to what the community says. Shotgun shooters are vocal: from 3-Gun match threads to home-defense forums, folks report fogging, flicker under recoil, sheared screws, or mounts that creep on the receiver. I filter those anecdotes through my own use—if I can’t reproduce a failure, I’ll tell you; if I can, I’ll explain whether it’s the optic, the mount, or installation torque.
How I Tested
Mounting on Benelli: What Actually Works
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I need to drill and tap my Benelli receiver to run a red dot?
A: If your model ships with a factory rail (e.g., many M4s) or pre-drilled receiver (some M2 Tactical), you’re set. Field guns often aren’t drilled/tapped, so consider SpeedBead-style mounts (between stock and receiver) or vent-rib clamp mounts that avoid gunsmithing entirely.
Q2: Enclosed emitter or open emitter—what’s better for a shotgun?
A: For defensive or wet/dirty environments, enclosed (Aimpoint ACRO P-2, Holosun 509T, Steiner MPS) keeps debris and splash off the emitter. Open minis (RMR, DPP, FastFire) are lighter and often have bigger windows, but need more cleaning in rain/dust.
Q3: What dot size works best?
A: 2–3.5 MOA is the sweet spot. On a shotgun, you want a dot that’s bright and easy to find, not a pin-prick. Larger circle/dot reticles can feel fast up close, especially on moving targets.
Q4: Will a red dot change my point of impact for slugs?
A: The dot won’t change ballistics, but your zero height and cheek weld can. Zero at 25 yards with slugs, then confirm at 10–15 and 40–50. If you’re consistently high/low, adjust dot height or your mount.
Q5: How low should I mount the optic?
A: As low as you can while keeping the window clear. Dedicated low-profile plates or SpeedBead-style systems preserve a bead-like cheek weld. Tall risers designed for rifles usually feel wrong on shotguns.
Q6: Is co-witnessing with the bead necessary?
A: Nice if you can get it, not mandatory. Many shotgun dots sit a little above the bead line; you’ll learn a consistent mount and trust the dot. For hunting, some prefer rib-level setups that mimic bead sight pictures.
Q7: How often should I replace the battery?
A: Even with long-life optics, I swap annually and check brightness each range trip. For “always on” models, leave them on mid-setting and verify the dot at the start of a session.
Q8: Will recoil kill my optic?
A: Quality models survive 12-gauge recoil if mounted correctly. Cheap plates, loose screws, or mismatched footprints cause more failures than the optics themselves.
Q9: Can I use the same optic on my AR-15 and Benelli?
A: Yes—Aimpoint Micro footprint optics (T-2, Romeo5) and RMR-footprint minis can move between platforms if you have the right plates. Just remember to re-zero. Shotgun dot height preferences are typically lower than rifle.
Q10: What’s the best choice for a pure hunting Benelli with a vent rib?
A: A Burris FastFire 3 on a SpeedBead-style or rib mount gives you the lowest height and fastest sight picture for birds and small game. If you face wet weather often, consider an enclosed optic with a rib-compatible adapter (height permitting).
Q11: My dot washes out on bright days—normal?
A: Some optics need a couple more brightness clicks under noon sun. If you consistently lose the dot, pick a model known for strong daylight settings (Aimpoint T-2, DPP, ACRO, 509T) and angle the window slightly to avoid direct glare.
Q12: Do I need backup sights?
A: With a shotgun, backups are less common than on rifles. If your mount allows it, keeping the bead visible through/under the optic is handy. Otherwise, maintain your mount discipline—if a dot ever dies mid-string, default to a target-focused mount and follow through like a bead gun.
Final Recommendation
For a defensive or all-weather Benelli with a receiver rail, I put Aimpoint Micro T-2 and Aimpoint ACRO P-2 at the top: they’re boringly reliable, with elite battery life and proven mounts. If you want a more budget-friendly tube, SIG Romeo5 is the standout value. For an open-window feel and speed, Trijicon RMR Type 2 or Leupold DPP make target acquisition effortless—just accept a little extra maintenance in bad weather. And if you’re running a vent-rib field gun and want bead-like cheek weld with red-dot precision, the Burris FastFire 3 on a SpeedBead-style or rib mount is the most natural-feeling solution I’ve tested.
With the right mount and a realistic understanding of shotgun use, these optics transform how a Benelli handles. A clean, bright dot that stays put through recoil and weather lets you mount the gun faster, shoot more accurately with slugs, and keep the focus where it belongs: on the target and the next shot.
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