Wing shooting demands lightning-fast reflexes, and the right red dot sight can be a game-changer. We'll discuss the traits of a red dot that excel in wing shooting scenarios. A wide field of view, clarity at short ranges, and intuitive target acquisition will take center stage.
Top 5 Best Red Dot For Wing Shooting in 2024
Aimpoint Micro H-2
As an avid bird hunter, I understand the unique challenges of wing shooting. Hitting those fast-moving targets demands quick reflexes and instinctive shooting. The stock bead sight on my shotgun just wasn't cutting it. Enter the Aimpoint Micro H-2, and my accuracy has noticeably improved.
Specifications
Magnification: 1x (non-magnified)
Dot Size: 2 MOA
Weight: 3.3 oz (sight only)
Battery Life: Up to 50,000 hours (on a single battery!)
Adjustability: 1 MOA per click
Key Features & Advantages
Lightning-fast target acquisition: The clear, crisp red dot lets me get on birds instantly. No more fumbling to align a tiny bead.
Bombproof construction: Aimpoint is known for durability. This thing can handle the recoil of heavy waterfowl loads and the abuse of days spent in the field.
Feather-light: Doesn't add noticeable weight to my shotgun, keeping the swing smooth and natural.
Insane Battery Life: I literally change the battery once a year, even if I leave it on a lower setting by accident.
Minor Considerations
Price: It's a premium sight, so it's not a budget-friendly option.
Practice is key: A red dot won't magically fix bad form. You still need good shotgun technique.
My Experience
The first time out with the Micro H-2 was an eye-opener. My follow-through improved because I wasn't focused on the front sight, just keeping the dot on the bird. It's brought a new level of confidence and consistency to my shooting, and frankly, it's made wing shooting even more enjoyable.
Simulated Online Discussions
"Was hesitant due to the cost, but man...the Micro H-2 is a game-changer for upland birds!" - Tom L.
"Took a few shots to get used to 'both eyes open' shooting, now it feels second nature." - Katie S.
"If you're serious about wing shooting and want an edge, this sight is worth its weight in gold." - Hunter_81
In Summary: The Aimpoint Micro H-2 is an investment, but it's one that has paid dividends for my wing shooting. If speed, precision, and the confidence that comes with them are important to you, this sight won't disappoint.
For me, wing shooting is all about instinct and rapid target acquisition. When you see that flash of feathers and a bird bursts out of cover, there's no time for a slow sight picture. That's why I decided to try the Trijicon RMR Type 2. Let me tell you, it has been an absolute game-changer.
Specifications
Magnification: 1x
Dot Size: Available in 1 MOA, 3.25 MOA, 6.5 MOA
Housing Material: Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum
Battery: CR2032 Lithium
Weight: 1.2 oz (with battery)
Best Features
Durability: This thing is built like a tank. The forged aluminum housing and redesigned electronics are far more rugged than earlier RMR models. I don't worry about bumps or the occasional drop in field conditions.
Visibility: The large window and crisp, bright dot mean I'm picking up targets unbelievably fast. Even against cluttered backgrounds, the dot just pops out.
Adjustable Brightness: I can dial the dot intensity up or down based on light conditions. Super important since lighting can change so quickly in the field.
Advantages
Lightning-fast target acquisition: No more fumbling around with iron sights!
Improved Accuracy: The dot makes my shooting noticeably more precise.
Eyes Open Shooting: It feels more natural and lets me keep a wider field of view.
Disadvantages
Cost: These sights aren't cheap. It's an investment, for sure.
Battery Life: I keep a spare battery handy, though battery life is surprisingly good considering the brightness settings I use.
Training: Like any new system, there's an adjustment period. You need the practice to build that muscle memory.
My Experience
The first time out with the RMR took some getting used to. But after a few hours at the range and a couple of real hunts, I was hooked. I'm hitting more birds, and the whole experience just feels more fluid and instinctive.
Online Comments and Discussions
The general consensus online seems to mirror my own. Here are some things people say:
"Pricey, but absolutely worth it if you're serious about wing shooting."
"The durability is second to none. These things can take a beating."
"Not for beginners. You need to practice to get the most out of it."
Final Thoughts
If you're passionate about wing shooting and want to take your skills to the next level, I highly recommend giving the Trijicon RMR Type 2 a serious look. It's a fantastic piece of gear that will elevate your performance in the field.
I was in the market for a high-end holographic sight and have a soft spot for EOTechs. Sure, they're a bit bulky for a shotgun, but I was curious if the advantages would outweigh the unconventional looks for my hunting purposes.
Specifications
Magnification: 1x
Reticle: 68 MOA ring with 1 MOA dot
Lens Coating: Anti-glare and scratch-resistant coatings
Weight: 11.2 oz
Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum, shockproof
Battery Life: Up to 1,000 hours (lithium batteries)
Waterproof: Submersible to 33 feet
Features That Help In the Field
Lightning Fast Speed: The large reticle lets you get on moving birds in an instant. It's intuitive even for those new to holographic sights.
Wide Field of View: Keeps you aware of your surroundings, crucial when multiple birds are flushing.
Rugged as an Ox: This thing shrugs off rough handling and the recoil of even the stoutest shotgun loads.
Advantages
Target Acquisition: Faster than any traditional shotgun bead I've tried.
Eyes Open Shooting: The nature of the reticle encourages shooting with both eyes open for maximum awareness and speed.
Confidence Inspiring: The EOTech's durability breeds confidence that my optic won't fail when it matters.
Disadvantages
Cost: EOTechs are notoriously expensive, and there are more budget-friendly options.
Weight: Adds a noticeable amount of heft compared to smaller red dots.
Battery Life: While good, it pales in comparison to some of the red dots on the market.
My Experience
The EOTech EXPS3 was a revelation for wing shooting. I found myself getting on birds quicker and more consistently than with any iron sights or even bead sights I'd used before. The worry of damaging a delicate optic was gone, letting me focus purely on the hunt.
What People Say Online
Here's a taste of what others think:
"Never thought I'd love an EOTech on a shotgun, but here we are."
"The speed this thing gives you is unbeatable."
"Yeah, it's expensive, but for serious hunters, it's a worthwhile investment."
Is the EXPS3 the Right Choice for You?
This depends entirely on your priorities and budget. If you want the absolute fastest acquisition possible, have the money to spend, and don't mind the extra weight, the EOTech EXPS3 is a formidable tool for wing shooting. However, if you're after value for money, there are lighter and more streamlined options that will still give you a significant performance boost.
I've always been a traditionalist with shotguns – bead sight and pure instinct. But, I'll admit, I was curious about red dots. After trying a friend's setup, I ended up with the Burris FastFire 3 on my own shotgun. Here's why I'm glad I made the switch.
Specifications
Magnification: 1x
Dot Size: 3 MOA or 8 MOA
Housing Material: Durable polymer
Battery: CR1632
Weight: 0.9 oz (without mount)
Best Features
Price: This is a seriously budget-friendly optic compared to some others, making it a great way to test the red dot life.
Quick Mounting: It comes with a Picatinny rail mount, and I found several aftermarket solutions for a low-profile setup on my shotgun.
Automatic Brightness: This is a huge feature for me. The dot adjusts to light conditions on its own, saving me fiddling with settings when a bird flushes.
Advantages
Fast and Intuitive: It's amazing how much faster I'm shouldering and picking up targets with the red dot.
Eyes-Open Focus: I feel much more aware of my surroundings with both eyes open.
Surprisingly Durable: I was a bit skeptical of the polymer housing, but this thing has held up to some rough hunts.
Disadvantages
Not as Rugged: It's not going to be quite as tank-like as higher-end options.
Limited Battery Life: I wish the battery lasted longer, even with the automatic brightness.
Dot Size: The 3 MOA dot is good, but if you have the option for a smaller dot and want ultimate precision, you might choose a different sight.
My Experience
The Burris FastFire 3 has been eye-opening for me. I'm breaking more clays and, more importantly, having a blast while doing it. It doesn't feel like I'm "cheating" by using a red dot, it just feels more natural and effective.
Online Comments and Discussions
Here's a sampling of what others are saying:
"Best value for a red dot sight – period."
"Great for beginners, but you might outgrow it quickly."
"The automatic brightness is the killer feature for me."
Final Thoughts
If you're looking to try out a red dot for wing shooting without breaking the bank, the Burris FastFire 3 is an excellent option. It might not be the most indestructible sight on the market, but it's a heck of a lot of fun and offers a real performance upgrade for most shooters.
If you're a wing shooter like me, constantly raising your shotgun for fast-moving targets, you know the value of a lightning-fast, intuitive sight. I've been trying out the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro red dot, and I must say, this low-profile, robust sight is really growing on me.
Specifications
Magnification: 1x
Dot Size: 2.5 MOA or 7.5 MOA
Objective Lens: 25mm
Weight: 1.1 ounces
Length: 1.3 inches
Battery Life: Up to 16,000 hours (depending on settings)
Construction: Aluminum, waterproof and fog proof
Features that Stand Out
Super-Fast Acquisition: The wide field of view and crisp, bright dot make picking up fast-moving birds second nature. I can get on target in a split second.
Ruggedness: This thing is built like a tank. I've banged it around a bit (hey, it happens in the field!) and it shrugs off any bumps and scrapes.
Ultra-light: I barely notice the thing is on my shotgun. It keeps things balanced and agile.
Advantages
Keeps Both Eyes Open: This is HUGE for wing shooting. I maintain a full field of vision, so I never get surprised by birds flushing from unexpected angles.
No Parallax: Where my head is in relation to the dot doesn't matter much. As long as I see the dot, the shot will be true. This is very forgiving in those awkward positions we sometimes find ourselves in while hunting.
Adjusts to Any Light: The automatic brightness adjustment is fantastic. I never have to fiddle with settings, whether it's full sun or those dim early morning hunts.
Disadvantages
Learning Curve: If you're used to traditional sights, there's an adjustment period. Practice and repetition are key to building the muscle memory for finding that dot quickly.
Battery Life: Even though it has incredible battery life, carrying a spare is smart insurance, especially on longer hunts.
My Experience
After the initial adjustment, my shooting improved noticeably. It's much more natural and instinctive than lining up beads. The DeltaPoint Pro feels like an extension of my shooting, not something I have to think about consciously.
What Others Are Saying
I'm not the only one singing its praises! Here's some of the online buzz:
"Game-changer for my turkey hunting!"
"Once you go red dot, you never go back."
"Some practice needed, but then it's incredibly accurate."
Of course, some had minor complaints about the adjustment period or wishing for different mounting options.
Bottom Line
The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro is a serious contender for wing shooters who crave speed and instinctive accuracy. It's a bit of an investment, but for me, the improved shooting more than makes up for it. If you're willing to put some range time in, this red dot might just revolutionize the way you wing shoot.
For wing shooting enthusiasts, selecting the best red dot sight is essential for improving accuracy and success in the field. Whether for upland game or waterfowl hunting, a quality red dot enhances target acquisition and tracking, ensuring shooters can confidently take aim and make accurate shots.