Welcome to my review of the best shotgun scopes for 2020.
Shotguns are often not praised enough for their overall effectiveness and versatility in fulfilling a variety of different purposes. They serve as adequate home defense weapons while being able to also be used for hunting everything from small game birds to whitetail deer and wild hogs.
For anyone who commonly uses their shotgun for large game, you likely see how a scope can provide great benefits for shotguns loaded with buckshot or slugs.
Here are the 5 best shotgun scopes.
- TRUGLO 4x32mm Compact Shotgun Scope
- Simmons Prodiamond Shotgun 4x32mm Prohunter
- Bushnell Trophy Rifle Scope with Multi-X Reticle
- Nikon Prostaff P3 Shotgun 2-7X32 BDC 200
- Cabela’s Slug Shotgun Scope
In states where whitetail deer hunting is widely popular, there are sometimes limits placed on when and where you can use a rifle. A shotgun, however, can sometimes be used for much longer periods due to the fact that they are much safer and require closer ranges to successfully deliver a kill shot.
Best Shotgun Scopes
Regardless of what you plan to use your shotgun for, there are plenty of different scopes out there to choose from, which can make it tough to decipher just which ones are worth the money. We’ve narrowed down the choices and compiled these five to complete our list of the best shotgun scopes available in 2020.
TRUGLO 4x32mm Compact Shotgun Scope
TRUGLO is a company that’s known for producing optics and sights for a huge variety of weapons, including archery products. The TRUGLO 4x32mm Compact Shotgun Scope is a great scope for anyone that isn’t looking to break the bank, but still wants to purchase a decent scope for their shotgun.
This scope is widely popular among hog hunters as it offers excellent clarity as short to medium range. The Compact Shotgun Scope might not be the best when it comes to low light situations, but the diamond reticle and wide field of view is well-liked among shotgun hunters.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Durable
- Wide sight picture
- Plenty of eye relief
Cons:
- Distorted when viewing targets at distances greater than 100 yards
- Not ideal for low light situations
Takeaway:
Despite its smaller price tag, the TRUGLO 4x32mm Compact Shotgun Scope actually turns out to be a capable scope for shotguns that is perfect for hunters on a budget.
Related: Top 5 Scopes For .308
Simmons Prodiamond Shotgun 4x32mm Prohunter
The Simmons brand has stood the test of time in the outdoor optics world and is known for delivering on value. The Simmons Prodiamond Shotgun 4x32mm Prohunter is one that’s commonly found on shotguns in the midwestern states where slug hunting is more popular.
The sight picture clarity might be slightly less impressive than other premium scope brands on our list, but the Prodiamond Shotgun scope is not short on durability. Many users report that it can take quite a beating and remain on target, which is important for more rugged ventures like wild hog hunting. This one rivals the TRUGLO scope for overall value and is a worthy addition to our list of the best shotgun scopes.
Pros:
- Good eye relief
- Durable
- Decent in low light situations
- Great choice for value
Cons:
- Reticle leaves much to be desired
- Some issues with mounting have been reported
Takeaway:
It’s a close race between the Simmons Prodiamond Shotgun 4x32mm Prohunter and the TRUGLO sight for the best scope for the money on our list. Still, it’s a solid choice for a shotgun scope.
Bushnell Trophy Rifle Scope with Multi-X Reticle
For hunters looking to fit their shotgun with a scope that’s capable of withstanding the elements and remaining on target time after time, the Bushnell Trophy Rifle Scope with Multi-X Reticle stands up to the test.
Don’t let the name fool you with this one as the 200 DOA reticle featured on the Bushnell is specially designed for shotgun use. With a nitrogen sealed, one-inch tube, you won’t have to worry about the elements spoiling your optics. Featuring fully multi-coated lenses and shockproof design, the Bushnell Trophy Rifle Scope with Multi-X Reticle is an easy addition to our list of the best shotgun scopes in 2020.
Pros:
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Plenty of eye relief
- Waterproof and shockproof design
- Durable
Cons:
- Low optic quality at long range
Takeaway:
Bushnell is known for producing scopes that stand up to the test and this one is no different. It does have some shortcomings in sight clarity, but there is a lot to like about Bushnell’s product.
Related: Best AR-15 Scopes Under $200
Nikon Prostaff P3 Shotgun 2-7X32 BDC 200
Nikon is considered to be one of the big dogs in the optic industry and what they bring to the table for a shotgun scope is no slouch. The Nikon Prostaff P3 Shotgun 2-7X32 BDC 200 offers exceptional sight picture clarity, even at maximum distances.
If you’re familiar with Nikon scopes, you might be aware that there are other models that can be fitted with a shotgun. The Prostaff P3 is the pick of the litter when it comes to Nikon’s best. With a fully multi-coated lens, the Prostaff P3 gives hunters plenty of light transmission for those dawn and dusk moments. Many users are raving about the Ballistic Drop Compensator reticle that creates more opportunity for longer shots for those who practice.
Pros:
- Plenty of eye relief
- Great sight clarity, even at max magnification
- Durable and waterproof
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than other brands
Takeaway:
The Prostaff P3 gives us enough reasons to put it in the running for best shotgun scope on our list. For hunters looking to mount a solid scope on their shotgun and even stretch the limits on the distance they commonly shoot, the Prostaff P3 is top choice.
Cabela’s Slug Shotgun Scope
The Cabela’s Slug Shotgun Scope tops off the list of best shotgun scopes for 2021. This is Cabela’s only shotgun scope they’ve released, and it’s looking pretty good. Especially for the price…
It’s an interesting scope as it features hold over marks that are specifically calibrated for slug hunting. The optics, despite the price are surprisingly good. They’re multi-coated for crisp images and to allow the right amount of sunlight in.
Not only that, but this scope is waterproof, fogproof and shockproof.
While it might not surpass the other top shotgun scopes, this one will surely do it you’re on a budget.
If you’re a big fan of Vortex scopes, we also have an article of the best vortex shotgun scopes right here if you want to check that out!
Those are the best Shotgun Scopes
And that is our research on the best shotgun scopes on the market today. Best of luck fellow hunters!
