Lela Stratton
Nikon Pro Staff Black Matte
Simmons Prohunter Prodiamond
Bushnell Trophy
Show Content
For some reason, while growing up, every child always faked owning a gun, probably a water gun or some imaginary gun you would pull out while playing. Finally, when we grow up and realize the pros and cons of owning a gun, we opt for a shotgun!
Yes, I am aware we are not talking about some fancy type of gun like a pistol, but shotguns are something. If you are an owner already, then you can testify how much fun it owns a shotgun.
Have you gone on a trip to the woods? A hunting shotgun can turn the whole experience around. You can also have a shotgun to keep your family and property safe, but you are advised to use only when necessary.
Wait a minute! Have you had the privilege of using a shotgun scope? Hunting has never been more fun. The idea of a shotgun scope may not sound appealing to you, but wait till you give it a try!
Although the shotgun scope you choose may not make you some commando of some kind (although it’s relative), the right scope can make you better at your aiming skills. With the best optics, your next hunting trip will be a memorable moment.
So, you are in the market looking for the best shotgun scope, but you cannot tell the types apart? Well, after extensive research, we bring a list of the top five shotgun scopes the market has to offer.
We also went ahead to give a detailed buying guide so that you are sure of what to look for in each shotgun you purchase. Let us jump right in, shall we?
Best Shotgun Scope List
1
Nikon Pro Staff Black Matte
Shotguns are designed for a short distance and fun hunting. You will be put in the field aiming for those nearby turkeys and birds, but never at a faraway deer. However, those few moments you wish to try your luck with the deer meters away, the ballistic balls in the Nikon Pro staff Black Matte come in handy.
The scope allows you to look way out there with confidence that you can take a clear shot. The Nikon Pro Staff, Black Matte scope, gets the job well done.
Another attractive feature about the Nikon Pro staff Black Matte is the ability to adjust the scope easily and quickly. It can be very disappointing to miss a shot because of a scope that is difficult to adjust.
Also, the shotgun scope allows the user to take clean shots thanks to the instant aiming points.
Pros
Cons
2
Simmons Prohunter Prodiamond
Simmons males the list of the best five scopes in the market because, unlike most of the products we reviewed and tested, Simmons, have proven to know what they are doing. What do we mean?
If you are going hunting in the woods, we know there will be a probability of your scope coming across water and dew droplets. So, what sounds better than having a scope that is fully water and fog proof?
Well, there is nowhere else you will find such except with Simmons. So, what else have they to offer? Like all their scopes, the Simmons Prohunter Prodiamond scope has fully coated optics to keep them protected from the elements of weather.
The Simmons Prohunter Prodiamond optics allow you to enjoy an HD view of whatever animal you want to take a shot of. You are guaranteed of a clear as day view of your target.
Pros
Cons
3
Bushnell Trophy
It’s time to bring the trophy home with Bushnell Trophy! It can be hides of that deer you have been eying or a probably just a meal at the end of your hunting adventure. Bushnell Trophy gets the job done.
Bushnell Trophy is the scope to go for when you are aiming for quality, price, and clarity. What does the Bushnell Trophy have to offer?
Let us start with the optics. We are not talking about one but two optics! The Bushnell Trophy scope offers a clear view and also enhances the clarity of the images. The picture is fantastic with rain guard HD, which offers light transmission under whatever kind of weather.
Similar to light, the Bushnell Trophy scope can be used under whatever kind of weather. It is fully waterproofed for functionality under any type of weather.
Pros
Cons
4
Konus Black Powder
Konus Black Powder makes the fourth position on our list, thanks to the reputable manufacturer, who ensures that everything associated with Konus is of the highest quality. The shotgun scope is no exception.
The Konus Black Powder scope is not an ordinary shotgun scope. It features a sportsman scope but with a military design. That is already reason enough as to why this scope should be on the top of your list.
The shotgun scope is built for the slugs. Most shooters can testify that finding a slug specific slope can be very difficult as this is a new market and therefore not saturated. The scope from Konus Black Powder has filled the void by coming to the rescue.
The shotgun scope has an etched glass reticule, a feature that is special to military scopes only. The functionality piques interest among many users.
Pros
Cons
5
Leupold Compact
Finally, our review will not be complete if we don’t take a look at the Leupold shotgun scope. The manufacturer, to begin with, is reputable and renown.
The shotgun scope is built to last for a very long time. So, if you are only allocating your budget to buying scope once in what feels like forever, then you should look the Leupold scope way. The materials are of high quality to ensure the range can withstand the passing of time and harsh conditions.
The scope guarantees clarity of vision and clear images while you are out hunting in the woods. The strong HD focus ensures you can distinguish between tree bark and a deer irrespective of the color similarity.
Leupold also features fully coated optics; they not only enhance your vision, but they are also water and fog proof.
Pros
Cons
Things to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Shotgun Scope
Before you even think of getting a shotgun scope, you must start with the essential thing, a shotgun. While it may be overwhelming to pick the right shotgun, it can be a fun and learning experience.
So, we have made our primary goal to make sure you have fun while choosing a shotgun. We have done intensive research to provide you with tips to make your shopping worthwhile.
Did you know that we have different types of shotguns? Probably not! So, for this first part, we want to make the newbies feel at home. Let’s check out the different types you will come across in the market.
We have five types of shotguns you will find in the market. Let’s take a look at each of them.
Single Barrel
A single barrel is one of the earliest shotguns to be invented. It features a classic design that is mostly made of wood.
The shotgun must be reloaded after every shot. Therefore, it is mainly suitable for fun hunting and casual pigeon and duck hunting since it is slow to adjust.
The single-barrel shotguns are the cheapest to purchase. They do not require much expertise to operate. They can be used to train newbies on conservation while shooting.
Side by Side Barrels
A mention of the side by side barrel straight takes our minds to a double-barrel shotgun. The barrels in this type of shotgun lay side by side instead of the top-bottom. The feature creates an illusion of a double-barrel shotgun.
The side by side shotgun can be traced back to the British as it was a staple hunting tool. It is designed to provide an excellent balance between the hands, therefore improving the accuracy.
The best thing about the side by side shotguns is the quality of materials. It can be as a result of the long history and traditional users. The bottom line is, the side by side gunshots are made from the finest materials.
The price, on the other hand, will make you dig deep into your pocket. However, the shotgun is worth each dollar spent on it.
Pump Action
These are some of the most common types of shotguns around the world. They are available in every part of the world. What’s more, they can be used for a wide variety of uses, unlike the rest we have reviewed.
Many prefer the pump-action shotguns due to their versatility. They are also readily available and at a reasonable price.
Over and Under
The over and under shotguns present a mixture of the single barrel and the side by side shotguns. They have, for the longest time, been considered a horrible alteration of the side by side by side barrels.
However, they have eventually worn people over with their unique features. They feature a break barrel mechanism. The barrel comes with ejectors that make the reloading process easy and fast.
The good thing is, unlike the single barrel shotgun, the over and under does not require to be reloaded after every shot. The name comes from the design as one barrel is mounted on top of another. The over and under shotgun is mainly used for severe hunting and trap discipline training.
Semi-automatic Shotguns
Semi-automatic shotguns like the pump-action shotguns are very versatile. Many newbie hunters use them for their ease in operation and handling. They reduce the recoil force.
Do you know what they say out there hunting? If you start to flinch, you might as well go home! The semi-automatic shotguns ensure that you stay on the action throughout and also stay longer as the strain is reduced significantly.
There is a common rule of thumb to use when selecting firearms. Every person requires a permit to own and operate a shotgun. However, if your shotgun has a capacity of more than three, you will need a firearm operating license to own and use one.
How Do You Know the Right Firearm for You?
If you are dealing with a reputable firearm distributor, they will never try to pigeonhole or convince you to purchase a gun. You don’t know what to do with it. If you want to know the right shotgun for you, you will be advised to try it out.
Frequently Asked Questions of the Best Shotgun Scope
Gauges
Unlike firearms, shotguns are chambered in gauges instead of calibers. The indicator measures the number of lead balls that can fit in the bore. The smaller the chamber, the bigger the gauge.
There are different ranges of gauges in the market. The 12-gauge is so far the most popular among the various gauges.
What makes the 12-gauge popular? The gauge features a balance of accuracy and power. It is easy for any shooter to find ammunition with this gauge.
20-gauge
The 20-gauge is next in line pf popularity. However, the most outstanding feature of this gauge is the reduced recoil, unlike the 12-gauge. The gauge is suitable for newbies and young shooters.
The gauge is, however, not as lethal as the 12 gauge. However, if you cannot handle the 12-gauge, then the 20 gauge will be the next suitable alternative.
Shotgun Shells
The activity the shotgun will be used for dictates the type of shotgun one will purchase. The cartridges of the shotguns come in different loads and shot sizes. We have the slushed, the birdshot, and the buckshot.
Each of them has different uses like gauges. The task on the buyer is to identify the right one for your needs.
Shotgun Extras
These are shotgun additions that are meant to make your experience using a shotgun better. They include chokes, cleaning kits, and silencers. Such extras should be a key consideration point while going for a shotgun.
Let’s take a brief look at each so you know whether or not you should pick a shotgun with such additives.
Silencers
A silencer comes in handy while hunting in certain environments. For others, it may not be a big deal, especially if you are out hunting in the fields. Residential areas are some of those areas you may need a silencer or moderator as it may cause unnecessary havoc or ear damage.
Single barrel shotguns are the only ones you can attach a silencer to as the design allows for such. The others may need some sort of modification due to a closed upper vent.
Chokes
Chokes are an added extra, which entails a tapered constriction at the end of the shotgun. Why would one want to taper the end of their gun? The constriction increases the speed and accuracy of the shotgun.
What’s more, it can as well work miracles for the range of the shotguns. So, if you are going hunting and you strictly want to keep it a humane and one-touch kill, then consider getting your shotgun “choked” prior.
The Cleaning Kits
Are you wondering why on earth you would need a cleaning kit for a shotgun? Well, are we not he for you? Yes, each type of shotgun needs a quality cleaning kit.
The barrel of a gun mostly gets filled with lead deposits after usage. The deposits, however, depend on the owner’s choice of cartridge. However, the deposits, which accumulate as dirt, will cause problems such as reduced accuracy and even raise chances of malfunction and misfires.
To keep this problem at bay, you need to get your shotgun a quality cleaning kit. A cleaning kit, depending on the manufacturer, will normally contain a chamber brush and a pull through. The chamber brush has hard bristles to scrub out the build-up in the chamber.
Maintaining clean shotgun chambers is one of the ways of ensuring the shotgun maintains a long life. There are some of the cleaning kits that come with ill for greasing the moving parts of the gun.
Protective Clothing
Whether competing in a competition or just going fun hunting, you should consider getting a full armored protective clothing for using a shotgun. The clothing includes a pair of ballistic glasses, gloves to beat the recoil effect, and ear defenders to protect your ears against damage.
So, as we wind up, we intend to make it due to our promise. We will give you a detailed buying guide to ensure that you are armed for future buying decisions. So, what are we waiting for?
The Type of Shotgun
The type of shotgun you choose will determine a lot of things, including the types of shooting you do. We discussed in great detail the five types of guns, looking at each advantage and disadvantage of each type.
The challenge left is for the buyer to recognize the types that best fit their needs. The right type of pf gun can dramatically change the shooting game of a user.
The Barrel Length
There is an assumption on the streets that a longer barrel ensures accuracy and clear shots. Shooters say that out can make you feel like a professional. However, the point is, if you are not a competing professional shooter, the difference in seconds will not make matters.
The semi-automatic and power touch-type of shotguns with a barrel length of 28’ are the perfect length for everyone. They are easy to use and can easily be adjusted.
The Break touch is also a good option with its 26-28’ barrel. However, they are mostly benefitting to skilled and professional shooters.
The Stock
If you are a first-time buyer or a newbie, you will need to pay close attention to the stock of the shotgun. As we mentioned earlier, the best way to know the best shotgun for you is by trying it. That is where the stock comes in.
Before making any purchase, you should be able to feel the trigger of the shotgun, the feel of the gun on the shoulders. Some people will want to have the shotgun mounted on their shoulders or face as if they are taking a shot before making any decision.
The feeling of the head of the forfend will also determine the suitability of the shotgun. If anything does not sit right with you as the buyer after such, you should know that the stock isn’t right! So, what should you look for in the stock?
Once you have the butt of the stock at an angle of 55degrees, you should be able to determine the comfortability it gives at use.
Pitch
The pitch is the angle the butt lies on your shoulder once mounted. It is a great determinant of the comfort of the user.
A greater pitch will widen the area around the butt of the shotgun, digs into the shoulder. The recoil will feel even worse. A smaller pitch will give off more comfort as it reduces the recoil feel on the shoulders.
Length of Pull
Length of pull refers to the distance between the center of the trigger and the center of the recoil pad on the butt of the shotgun.
The Drop
The distance between the top of the comb and the middle point of the butt that helps determine how much you will elevate the eye concerning the barrel of the shotgun. The comb refers to the widest part of the butt that is pressed on your shoulder or cheeks.
Too much distance between the two will cause you to shoot too low, while too little will make one shoot to high. The trick to enjoying hunting is striking a balance.
Conclusion
We know you are fully equipped to be a happy owner of a shotgun scope. So, we would like to give you a final recommendation!
We know it can be very difficult to identify the right shotgun scope to purchase. Therefore, we have made sure we bring the information to your fingertips.
The Nikon Pro staff Black Matte remains unbeaten! The shotgun scope has features that you will not find in any other shotgun put there. But among its features, what stands out most is the ability to adjust quickly.
The ballistic circles also provide an instant aiming point. What’s better about this shotgun is the ability to aim longer ranges than your typical shotgun. The shotgun is a great value for money too!
Did I mention the design of the scope? Well, the rest will be history once you have purchased this shotgun scope. So, what are you waiting for? Get the Nikon Pro staff Black Matte today!
