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Scope or Open Sights

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brandonmead

Guest
I am trying to decide if I should put a red dot scope on my slug gun or just use open sights. What would you guys do. During shotgun season I have alot of shots at moving deer. So keep that in mind.
 
I always have a scope on my "serious" deer guns, but when the January doe season comes around and we do drives I switch to my 11-87 with a smooth bore and open sights. I hate running shots due to the high wounding rates, so I like to let them just about run me over before I start shoot. Seeing how close I can let them get is half the fun. Last years shot was about 30 yards, the year before was maybe 20. Dont need a scope or $12 a box slugs for that.
I've never tried a red-dot though and they do seem well suited to that kind of shooting.
 
I like a high saddle mount so I can shoot under it if the situation dictates. Weaver makes a good one that is a quick detachable style so you could easily use your gun for upland birds or what ever else. Also I have been shooting a 3-9 power variable for a few years and like what it offers. At the 3 power your field of view and eye relief are so good you have no problem acquiring your target fast with very little practice. Keep in mind it takes a little getting use to. If you have no intention of shooting a rifled barrel and high end ammo I would go with a low magnification scope with as big of an eye relief as you can find, 5 to 6 inches. Even in low Tec slugger mode 100 yard shoots are easy with a little magnification and well defined target point. My only experience with the red dot scope was with Winniejoe from this site and he quit using his and switches to a Nikon variable I believe.
 
i would say, for a slug gun's range, even a 3 power is overkill. if you go with a standard shotgun scope, at 1-2 power, you are able to keep both eyes open, and target aquisition becomes almost second nature. red-dots have issues all their own (batteries, turning them on/off, some can't take the jump from a warm truck to bitter cold). unless you are really wanting to hit the max range of a slug, i would consider staying with the open sigts, and getting a tru-glo front bead, or similar rifle sights
 
I have pondered the same question I currently have 2 barrels scope and open sights. I switch depending the hunt and terrain. I have been looking at this aimpoint line with parallax-free and unlimited eye relief 50,000 hour battery life. It is the line used by special forces/S.W.A.T. Check out the website and use the simulator.

Aimpoint Hunting line

Simulator/video
 
I would use a good 3x9x40 or 2x7x40 scope, once you have a good scope, there is nothing that will go wrong with it unless you beat the crap out of it for some unforseen reason.
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I guess it all depends on how far you want to shoot, If I were shotgun hunting, I would at least be able to have a set up where a 150 yard shot would be a breeze and open sights just isn't justifiable for me on a booner standing a 150 yards away. Running shots never bothered me with a scope, I think it is from shooting hundreds of running rabbits with my old trusty scoped 22 or pellet gun. To be honest with you, If I were going shotgun I would be using my muzzleloader so a 200 yard shot wouldn't be out of the question. Every red dot scope I have ever looked through didn't impress me compared to a scope, but that's just me
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If I am tree stand hunting or sitting on the edge of a field in a blind, I take my muzzleloader fitted with a 3x9x40 Nikon Buckmaster. If I'm party hunting with the guys, I pack my Remington 20 gauge with open sights.
 
I just re-read my post and wanted to clarify. I use a Leupold 2x7 on my Encore, a Luepold 2x7 heavy reticle on my rifled slug barrel, and open rifle sights with a fiber optic front sight on my "doe" barrel. I am not a fan of using bird barrels for deer.
 
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I would use a good 3x9x40 or 2x7x40 scope, once you have a good scope, there is nothing that will go wrong with it unless you beat the crap out of it for some unforseen reason.
grin.gif
I guess it all depends on how far you want to shoot, If I were shotgun hunting, I would at least be able to have a set up where a 150 yard shot would be a breeze and open sights just isn't justifiable for me on a booner standing a 150 yards away. Running shots never bothered me with a scope, I think it is from shooting hundreds of running rabbits with my old trusty scoped 22 or pellet gun. To be honest with you, If I were going shotgun I would be using my muzzleloader so a 200 yard shot wouldn't be out of the question. Every red dot scope I have ever looked through didn't impress me compared to a scope, but that's just me
grin.gif


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Liv is right on by my way of thinking, except I can shoot further than he can. Go figure.
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Red Dot for sure!! You don't really need any magnification at shotgun ranges and if you have moving deer it's much better than a standard scope. Plus you have no parralax on a red dot, no matter how you hold your head, etc. if the red dot is on the target your aim is on. I've used a red dot scope on my 11-87 for years now and wouldn't hunt without one.
 
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