The Winchester SXP is a robust and reliable pump-action shotgun. To unlock its full potential, find the best red dot that suits your needs. This guide will analyze the features that set apart the ideal red dot choices for your Winchester SXP.
Top 5 Best Red Dot For Winchester SXP in 2024
TRUGLO Tru-Tec Micro
My Winchester SXP is a fantastic pump shotgun, but I wanted to explore ways to improve target acquisition for quick shots on clays or fast-moving birds. The Tru-Tec Micro seemed like an interesting option for a few reasons:
Budget-Friendly: Compared to some high-end red dots, the Tru-Tec Micro is a very affordable option. This is a big plus for someone who wants to try a red dot without breaking the bank.
Lightweight and Compact: The Tru-Tec Micro is tiny and won't add much weight to your SXP, which is important for maintaining a quick swing.
Multiple Reticle Options: Tru-Tec offers different dot or circle reticle options, allowing you to choose what works best for your shooting style and target.
Specifications
Magnification: 1x
MOA Dot Sizes: Varies depending on reticle choice (typically 3.5 MOA or 6 MOA)
Weight: Approximately 1 oz.
Battery Life: Up to 11 hours (advertised)
My Experience
The Tru-Tec Micro is a decent red dot for the money. It's easy to mount on my SXP and the dot is reasonably crisp. However, I have noticed a couple of drawbacks:
Battery Life: While advertised at 11 hours, it feels shorter in real-world use. I tend to replace the battery more often than I'd like.
Durability Concerns: The construction feels lightweight compared to some premium red dots. While I haven't had any issues yet, I wonder how it would hold up with heavy use or drops.
Advantages
Very affordable price point
Compact and lightweight
Multiple reticle options
Disadvantages
Battery life feels shorter than advertised
Durability may be a concern for some shooters
Online Buzz
Here's what other SXP users are saying:
"Great value for the price. Don't expect an Aimpoint, but it gets the job done for casual clay shooting."
"Easy to use, but the battery life is a bit annoying. I recommend having spares handy."
"I wouldn't trust it for hard core use, but perfect for plinking and introducing yourself to red dots."
Final Thoughts
The TRUGLO Tru-Tec Micro is a good budget option for someone who wants to experiment with a red dot on their Winchester SXP. It's easy to use, affordable, and won't weigh down your shotgun. However, keep in mind the potential drawbacks in battery life and durability if you're a high-volume shooter.
I needed a reliable red dot for quick target acquisition on my SXP, but with a family and other hobbies, I couldn't justify the price of the higher-end optics. That's when I came across the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25. It promised a lot for the price, so I figured I'd give it a shot.
Specifications
Magnification: 1x
Reticle: 3 MOA Red Dot
Lens Coating: Multi-coated
Weight: 3.7 oz
Material: Shockproof construction
Battery Life: Up to 5,000 hours
Waterproof: Yes (O-ring sealed)
Features That Shine
Budget-Friendly: This thing is dirt cheap compared to premium red dots.
Tough Enough: Despite the low price, it feels solid and holds zero through the SXP's recoil.
Easy to See: The dot is plenty bright and easy to pick up in most conditions.
Advantages
Value: Excellent bang for your buck if you need a basic red dot.
Speed: Dramatically improves your target acquisition compared to a standard bead sight.
Lightweight: Doesn't add excessive weight to your shotgun.
Disadvantages
Not Top Tier: Don't expect the same clarity or durability as the high-dollar sights.
Fixed Brightness: No fancy auto-brightness options with this one.
My Experience
For the price, I'm genuinely pleased with the Bushnell TRS-25 on my SXP. It helps me track fast-moving birds way better than the bead sight ever could, and it has held up to some rough hunts without losing zero.
Online Chatter
Here's the general vibe I picked up online:
"The best value red dot out there, especially for shotguns."
"Don't let the price fool you, it does its job well."
"If you need a reliable red dot on a budget, this is it."
The Takeaway
If you're looking for a dependable, no-frills red dot for your Winchester SXP and have a limited budget, the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 is absolutely worth considering. It's not the fanciest optic out there, but it gets the job done with surprising resilience, especially for the cost.
I've always been a fan of the Winchester SXP – it's a workhorse of a shotgun, reliable and affordable. Adding the Holosun HS403B red dot was one of the best decisions I made for this gun. Let's break down why.
Fast Target Acquisition: Especially for turkey hunting or shooting clays, that red dot gets you on target lightning fast.
Improved Accuracy with Slugs: The HS403B made a huge difference in my slug groups compared to just a bead sight.
Durability: This sight feels like it can take a beating, perfect for those days when the SXP gets tossed around a bit.
Advantages I've Experienced
More Confident Shots: I'm just plain better with the red dot, especially for moving targets or longer-range slug shooting.
Low Light Versatility: It's not just for sunny days. The adjustable brightness works well in dawn/dusk hunting situations.
Holds Zero: Even with heavy recoil from slugs, the HS403B stays rock solid.
A Few Considerations
Mounting: You'll need to be sure your SXP is drilled and tapped, or you'll need a saddle mount.
Traditional Sight Picture: It's a change from the classic bead sight, so there's a slight learning curve.
My Experience: Totally Worth It
Adding the Holosun HS403B made my SXP into a more versatile and effective shotgun. If you want to squeeze more performance from yours, I highly recommend this red dot.
Online Chatter
Here's what others are saying:
"Never going back to just a bead after using this on my SXP!"
"Solid sight for the price. Makes turkey hunting a lot easier."
"Check your mounting options carefully before buying."
The Winchester SXP is a workhorse of a shotgun – reliable, fast-cycling, and ready for anything. But for me, those factory bead sights left something to be desired. I wanted to improve my accuracy with slugs for deer hunting and get more competitive at the clay range. Enter the Vortex Crossfire.
Specs That Count for Shotguns
Here's what stood out to me about the Crossfire:
Magnification: I chose the 1-4x model for optimal versatility at typical shotgun engagement ranges.
Objective Lens: 24mm keeps the optic compact and provides plenty of light for fast target acquisition.
Reticle: V-Brite illuminated reticle for both low-light scenarios and quick shots on moving clays.
Eye Relief: Ample eye relief is crucial for the quick shots shotguns often demand.
Durability: Built tough enough to handle the recoil and rigors of shotgun use.
Features That Sealed the Deal
Illuminated Reticle: A huge plus for dawn/dusk hunting and sporting clays.
Low-Profile Design: Doesn't add unnecessary bulk or make the SXP feel unbalanced.
Vortex's Warranty: That unlimited lifetime warranty offers peace of mind.
The Honest Pros and Cons
Pros: Clear glass, fast to get on target, holds zero reliably, good value for the features.
Cons: Illumination could be brighter in harsh, direct sunlight, not the best choice for long-range slug shooting.
My Experience: A Whole New Shotgun
The Crossfire has been a major upgrade for my SXP! My slug groups tightened up at 50 yards, and I'm shattering clays with more consistency. Most importantly, I'm more confident in the field, knowing I can make the shot when it counts, especially in those critical low-light moments.
Online Chatter
Here's what other SXP owners are saying about the Crossfire:
"Huge improvement over the bead sights. Feels like cheating on clays!"
"Solid hunting optic, especially for the price. The illuminated dot is perfect for deer in thick woods."
"Don't expect it to be a long-range sniper scope, but for typical shotgun stuff, it's great."
The Takeaway
If you're looking to take your Winchester SXP performance up a notch without breaking the bank, the Vortex Crossfire is a great contender.
It's perfect for hunting deer in brushy terrain, dominating the clay range, or even home defense scenarios.
If you need extreme precision or long-range capability, there might be better specialized options, but for most SXP owners, the Crossfire is a win.
My Winchester SXP is a workhorse of a shotgun, but I wanted something extra to help me maximize its potential for home defense and even the occasional turkey hunt. Enter the Aimpoint Micro T-2. This little red dot has been an awesome upgrade.
Specifications
Magnification: 1x
Dot Size: 2 MOA
Brightness Settings: 12 settings (4 night vision compatible, 8 daylight)
Battery: CR2032
Battery Life: Up to 50,000 hours (over 5 years!)
Mount: Included Picatinny-style
Construction: Rugged aluminum
Waterproof: Submersible to 80 feet
Best Features
Bombproof: This thing can survive almost anything. Perfect for a hard-use shotgun that gets knocked around.
Battery Life: I literally change the battery once a year, whether I need to or not.
Compact: It's low profile, doesn't snag like a scope, and adds minimal weight.
Clear and Crisp: The dot is incredibly sharp and the glass is super clear.
Advantages
Target Acquisition: Way faster than a bead or even fiber optic sights, critical for home defense.
Both Eyes Open: Improved situational awareness means you don't get tunnel vision.
Accuracy: The SXP was already accurate, but the Aimpoint takes it to the next level, especially with slugs.
Disadvantages
Price: It's an investment, no doubt.
Finding the Dot: Takes some practice if you're new to red dots.
My Experience
The Aimpoint exceeded my expectations. Finding the dot took some getting used to, but now it's second nature. It's made patterning buckshot faster and turkey hunting way easier. And I know I can trust it 100% if things ever get serious.
Here's What Other Folks Are Saying:
"If you want a red dot that will never fail, get the Aimpoint T-2."
"Worth every penny for the peace of mind it gives you."
"I've tried cheaper red dots on shotguns...the Aimpoint blows them away."
Should You Get One?
If you want the best, most reliable red dot for your Winchester SXP and you're willing to pay for it, the Aimpoint Mirco T-2 is absolutely the way to go. It'll likely outlast the shotgun itself!
The Winchester SXP shotgun deserves nothing less than the best red dot sight to maximize its effectiveness in various shooting scenarios. Whether for hunting, competitive shooting, or home defense, a reliable red dot enhances target acquisition and ensures quick, precise shot placement.