The Benelli M4 shotgun is renowned for its reliability, durability, and effectiveness in a variety of scenarios, from home defense to tactical operations.
To maximize its potential, pairing it with a high-quality red dot sight is crucial.
As an enthusiast and expert in firearms, I've tested numerous red dot sights and curated a list of the top contenders for the Benelli M4.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll share my insights, experiences, and the specs, features, pros, cons, and user feedback for each product. Let's dive into the best red dot sights for your Benelli M4 shotgun.
MY CHOICES
Note: This article reflects my personal opinions. While the products mentioned may not be perfect for everyone, they might be useful for some readers.
1. Trijicon RMR Type 2
Specifications:
Battery Life: 4 years of continuous use at brightness setting 4 Adjustment: 1 MOA per click Waterproof: Up to 20 meters Best Features:
Durability: Rugged aluminum construction Brightness Settings: 8 settings, including 2 night vision modes Battery Conservation: Automatic brightness adjustment and battery-saving mode Pros:
Extremely robust and reliable Automatic brightness adjustment is very convenient Cons:
Can be overkill for casual users Experience:
Using the Trijicon RMR Type 2 on my Benelli M4 was a game-changer. The sight's durability was evident from the get-go, handling recoil with ease and maintaining zero flawlessly. The 3.25 MOA dot was crisp and made target acquisition incredibly fast, even in low light conditions.
Customer Comments:
"This is the best red dot I've ever used. It's tough as nails and just works." "The automatic brightness adjustment is fantastic. Never had to fiddle with settings in different lighting." 2. Aimpoint Micro T-2
Specifications:
Battery Life: Over 5 years of continuous use Adjustment: 1/2 MOA per click Waterproof: Up to 80 feet Best Features:
Compact Design: Lightweight and does not add much bulk Battery Life: Industry-leading battery life Durability: High-quality lens coatings and rugged build Pros:
Excellent battery longevity Clear and precise reticle Cons:
Small size might be a challenge for some users to handle Experience:
Mounting the Aimpoint Micro T-2 on the Benelli M4 was a smooth experience. The compact design was perfect, not adding unnecessary weight. The clarity of the 2 MOA dot was exceptional, and the battery life meant I never had to worry about it dying mid-use.
Customer Comments:
"The clarity and reliability of the T-2 are unmatched. Worth every penny." "Perfect for my M4. Lightweight and durable." 3. Holosun HS510C
Specifications:
Reticle: 2 MOA Dot and 65 MOA Circle Battery Life: Up to 50,000 hours Adjustment: 1/2 MOA per click Best Features:
Multiple Reticles: Switch between different reticle options Solar Failsafe: Solar power backup ensures continuous operation Durable Design: Titanium-alloyed shock-resistant hood Pros:
Versatile reticle options Excellent battery life with solar backup Cons:
Slightly heavier compared to other red dots Experience:
The Holosun HS510C offered a versatile shooting experience. The ability to switch between reticles was particularly useful for different shooting scenarios. It performed well under various lighting conditions, thanks to the solar failsafe, and the durability was apparent during extensive use.
Customer Comments:
"Love the versatility of the reticle options. Solar backup is a great feature." "A bit heavy, but the performance is outstanding." 4. EOTech EXPS3
Specifications:
Reticle: 68 MOA Ring and 1 MOA Dot Battery Life: 600 hours at nominal setting 12 Adjustment: 1/2 MOA per click Waterproof: Submersible to 33 feet Best Features:
Night Vision Compatibility: Supports Gen I-III+ night vision devices Side Button Operation: Easy access to controls Quick Detach Lever: For fast attachment and removal Pros:
Excellent for low-light and night vision use Quick detach lever is very convenient Cons:
Heavier than other red dot sights Experience:
The EOTech EXPS3 stood out with its clear reticle and night vision compatibility. Despite being on the heavier side, its performance in low-light conditions was unparalleled. The quick detach lever was a feature I found extremely practical during field use.
Customer Comments:
"Perfect for night operations. The clarity of the reticle is top-notch." "Battery life could be better, but the overall performance is worth it." 5. Sig Sauer Romeo5
Specifications:
Battery Life: 40,000+ hours Adjustment: 1/2 MOA per click Best Features:
MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination): Powers up when it senses motion Compact Design: Lightweight and user-friendly Price: Affordable without compromising quality Pros:
Exceptional value for the price Long battery life with MOTAC Cons:
Limited advanced features Lens clarity could be better Experience:
The Sig Sauer Romeo5 is an excellent budget-friendly option that doesn't skimp on quality. The MOTAC feature was particularly impressive, saving battery life effectively. While it lacks some advanced features, it performed reliably in all my tests.
Customer Comments:
"Best value red dot on the market. MOTAC is a game-changer." "Great for the price, but wish the lens was a bit clearer." 6. Vortex Venom Red Dot Sight
Specifications:
Battery Life: Up to 30,000 hours Adjustment: 1 MOA per click Best Features:
Wide Field of View: Facilitates rapid target acquisition Top-Load Battery: Easy battery replacement without removing the sight Automatic Brightness Control: Adjusts reticle brightness automatically Pros:
Cons:
Battery life is shorter compared to some competitors Automatic brightness can sometimes be inconsistent Experience:
The Vortex Venom impressed me with its wide field of view, making target acquisition swift and easy. The top-load battery feature was very user-friendly, allowing for quick changes. However, I did notice occasional inconsistencies with the automatic brightness control.
Customer Comments:
"Great sight for quick target acquisition. Top-load battery is very convenient." "Automatic brightness could be better, but overall a solid red dot." How to Choose the Best Red Dot Sight for the Benelli M4?
Durability: The Benelli M4 generates significant recoil, so a red dot sight must be robust enough to withstand it. Battery Life: Look for sights with long battery life or features like motion-activated illumination to conserve power. Reticle Size: Smaller MOA dots offer precision, while larger dots are easier to see in high-stress situations. Mounting System: Ensure compatibility with your shotgun and ease of mounting and dismounting. Weather Resistance: Waterproof and fog-proof features are essential for reliability in various conditions. FAQs
Q: What MOA size is best for a shotgun?
A: A 2-3.25 MOA dot is generally ideal, offering a good balance between precision and visibility.
Q: Are red dot sights better than iron sights for shotguns?
A: Red dot sights can significantly improve target acquisition speed and accuracy, especially in dynamic shooting scenarios.
Q: How do I maintain my red dot sight?
A: Regularly clean the lenses with a microfiber cloth, check and replace the battery as needed, and ensure the sight is securely mounted.
Q: Can red dot sights be used in low light conditions?
A: Yes, many red dot sights come with brightness adjustments or night vision compatibility to ensure visibility in low light.
Conclusion
Choosing the best red dot sight for your Benelli M4 can significantly enhance your shooting experience.
Whether you prioritize battery life, durability, or reticle versatility, there's a sight on this list to meet your needs.
From the rugged Trijicon RMR Type 2 to the versatile Holosun HS510C, these top picks offer excellent performance and reliability. Happy shooting!