This guide will explore the key considerations for choosing a red dot sight for your specific Mossberg model 835, including factors like recoil compatibility and mounting options. We'll also recommend some of the top red dot sights that are ideal for Mossberg shotguns.
Note: This article reflects my personal opinions. While the products mentioned may not be perfect for everyone, they might be useful for some readers.
Top 4 Best Red Dot Sights for Mossberg 835 in 2024
Sig Sauer Romeo5
I've been searching for a rugged and reliable red dot sight to upgrade my Mossberg 835, and the Sig Sauer Romeo5 keeps catching my attention. With the 835's reputation for hard-kicking 12-gauge power, I need an optic that can take a punch, and the Romeo5 certainly seems to fit the bill. Sig Sauer has earned a solid name in the industry, which adds to my confidence in this sight.
Specifications
Magnification: 1x
Objective Lens Diameter: 20mm
Reticle: 2 MOA Red Dot
Eye Relief: Unlimited
Length: 2.7 inches
Weight: 5.1 oz.
Features: Motion Activated Illumination (MOTAC), Waterproof, Fogproof, Shockproof, included Low and High Mounts
Best Features
MOTAC Technology: This feature automatically turns the sight on with movement and off when idle, significantly boosting battery life.
Compact and Lightweight: The Romeo5 won't weigh down your shotgun, allowing for faster target transitions.
Durability: Built to handle the recoil of heavy-hitting shotguns like the 835.
Advantages
Faster Target Acquisition: The 2 MOA dot lets me pick up targets quickly and accurately, especially those speedy birds when hunting.
Reliability: I want an optic on my shotgun that I know will work without fail, even in harsh weather conditions.
Two Mounting Options: Having both low and high mount options provides flexibility for the perfect fit on the 835.
Disadvantages
Smaller Lens: The 20mm objective lens provides a slightly narrower sight picture compared to larger red dots.
Fixed Parallax: Best for short to medium-range shotgun work, which is what the 835 was designed for anyway.
My Experience
While I can't personally vouch for the Romeo5 on an 835 yet, I've owned other Sig optics that have impressed me with their build quality and functionality. If I decide to pull the trigger on this combo, I'll be looking for super-fast target acquisition with the confidence the Romeo5 can withstand the shotgun's recoil.
Online Comments and Discussions
The Romeo5 seems to be a favorite among shotgun enthusiasts due to its durability and value for the price point. Here are common points of praise in reviews and forums:
Holds Zero: Many users report the Romeo5 maintaining zero even through heavy 12-gauge use.
Battery Life: The MOTAC technology gets rave reviews for extending battery life significantly.
Value Proposition: Often praised for the balance of features and Sig Sauer quality at its price point.
Let me know if you'd like an even deeper dive into what people are saying about the Romeo5 on a Mossberg 835 specifically!
I love my Mossberg 835 – it's about as reliable as a hammer. But those factory sights? Not so much. I needed something to improve those turkey harvests and figured a red dot was the way to go. After looking around, I settled on the Bushnell TRS-25. Here's what I found:
The Price: This thing is seriously budget-friendly. It proves you don't need to break the bank for a decent red dot.
Durability: It may not be fancy, but it's tough. I've taken it on some rough hunts, and it's held zero like a champ.
Simplicity: Sometimes all you need is a bright red dot. No fancy reticles or extra settings to mess with.
Advantages
Super-Fast Acquisition: My target acquisition speed has doubled, at least! Essential for those quick shots on birds.
Improved Accuracy: Especially at longer shotgun ranges, this makes a huge difference compared to bead sights.
Works Well in Low Light: The brighter settings get the job done in those dawn and dusk turkey hunts.
Disadvantages
Limited Features: If you want multiple reticles or advanced features, this isn't for you.
Lens Caps: The included covers are a bit flimsy, I might invest in aftermarket ones.
Battery Life: Decent, but not as impressive as some higher-end models.
My Experience
For my needs, the TRS-25 is fantastic. It's a simple, rugged sight that makes my Mossberg 835 even more reliable for hunting. Sure, it's not the flashiest, but it flat-out works.
Online Comments
I'm not alone in liking this no-frills red dot. Here's what others say:
"Can't beat it for the price. Put it on my shotgun and it's been perfect."
"Don't expect Aimpoint quality, but expect it to do its job."
"A few years in and mine is still going strong."
Overall, if you're looking for a solid, affordable red dot to put on your Mossberg 835, the Bushnell TRS-25 is absolutely worth considering. It might just surprise you.
As a seasoned Mossberg 835 owner, I know the power and versatility this shotgun brings. However, those standard bead sights are great for certain situations... but limiting in others. I decided to upgrade, and after careful consideration, the EOTech EXPS3 became my top choice. Here's why, and what I've discovered after putting it through its paces:
Lightning Fast Acquisition: I can't overstate how much the EOTech reticle transforms target acquisition. The ring and dot combo let my eyes find the sweet spot instantly – critical with a shotgun.
Holographic Technology: The clarity and lack of parallax distortion set it well above traditional red dot sights.
Rock-Solid Build: EOTech is known for combat-grade durability. This thing can take the recoil of a 12-gauge without a problem.
Night Vision Compatibility: A big bonus if you use your 835 for hunting or home defense scenarios.
Advantages
Vastly improves target acquisition speed for both moving and static targets.
Extremely durable and reliable under harsh conditions.
Parallax-free for superior accuracy.
Offers tactical versatility thanks to night vision settings.
Disadvantages
Pricey: EOTech quality comes at a premium.
Bulky: It adds noticeable size and weight to the shotgun.
Battery life could be better, especially at high brightness settings.
My Experience
The EOTech EXPS3 has made my Mossberg 835 feel like a whole new gun. It's perfect for turkey shoots where fast shots matter, or for home defense where wide awareness and quick aiming are crucial. If budget isn't an issue, and you want the absolute best, this is your optic.
What Others Are Saying
The online consensus is largely positive for the EXPS3 on a shotgun, with some caveats:
Reticle Love: Most users rave about how fast the 68 MOA ring makes target acquisition.
Durability: Reliability is widely praised, even with heavy-hitting shotgun loads.
Price vs. Value: Many discuss whether the cost is justified compared to more budget-friendly red dots.
Let me know if you'd like links to forums or reviews where people dive deep into their experience using the EXPS3 on shotguns!
I've always loved my Mossberg 835 for its reliability and pure power, but to be honest, the factory bead sight wasn't ideal for the kind of work I do with it. That's why I decided to upgrade with the Aimpoint Micro H-2. Let me tell you, it was a game-changer.
Specifications
Magnification: 1x (non-magnifying)
Reticle: 2 MOA red dot
Battery Life: An insane 50,000 hours of continuous use (that's years!)
Durability: Waterproof, shockproof, built to handle the heavy recoil of a 12 gauge.
Mount: Comes with a Picatinny-style base for easy attachment.
Best Features
Ruggedness: This thing feels like it could survive a warzone, perfect for the kind of abuse a shotgun can dish out.
Speed: The crisp red dot makes getting on target lightning fast, ideal for turkey hunting or close-range defensive situations.
Battery Life: I practically never have to worry about it dying on me.
Compact Size: Doesn't add unnecessary bulk or ruin the shotgun's balance.
Advantages
Low-Light Performance: The adjustable brightness means I can still use it effectively, even at dawn or dusk.
Accuracy: I'm way more precise with the Aimpoint, both with slugs and buckshot.
Confidence Boost: Knowing I have a reliable, quick-to-use optic seriously upgrades my confidence with this shotgun.
Disadvantages
Price: It's an investment, Aimpoints aren't cheap.
Parallax: Not a huge deal at shotgun ranges, but worth understanding there's a tiny bit of parallax unlike with some prism scopes.
My Experience
The Aimpoint Micro H-2 transformed my Mossberg 835 into a much more versatile and accurate tool. If you need a near-indestructible sight that helps you get on target in a flash, it's well worth the cost.
Finding the best red dot for a Mossberg 835 depends on its primary use. If it's for hunting, prioritize features like light transmission, magnification (if applicable), and a reticle suited to your hunting style. For defense, a durable optic with a clear dot for rapid target acquisition would be ideal.