Best Shotgun Optics For Home Defense
In this day and age, a good quality firearm is a must-have for keeping you and your family safe. One of the most popular, versatile, and cost-effective weapons for home defense is a shotgun. Over the years, shotguns have tremendously evolved making them suitable for both hunting and tactical applications. But which are the best shotgun optics for home defense?
A shotgun for home defense will significantly benefit from a good-quality optic. However, getting the right optic is no easy feat. The market offers so many shotgun optics that finding the right model becomes overwhelming especially for first-time buyers. To help, here are the best shotgun optics for home defense you can choose from. Let’s take a look.
Here is a quick list
| PRODUCT | IMAGE | PRICE |
| #1) HOLOSUN HE507C-GR X2 |  |
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| #2) Swampfox Tomahawk LPVO |  |
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| #3) Trijicon RMR Type 2 6.5 MOA LED Red Dot Sight |
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| #4) Aimpoint Micro T-2 Red Dot Reflex Sight |  |
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| #5) Burris FastFire |  |
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| #6) Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight |  |
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| #7) Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 |  |
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| #8) Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight Gen II |  |
How to Choose the Best Shotgun Optic for Home Defense
Eye Relief
An optic that offers adequate eye relief is essential for home defense application. This is particularly important if you are using a high-powered shotgun. Eye relief is the maximum distance between your eye and the optic lens. Go for an optic that offers unlimited eye relief so you can get a wide field of view which is essential for rapid target acquisition.
Quality
Quality matters a lot when choosing the best shotgun optic for home defense. The last thing you would want is to invest in a low-quality optic that won’t last long. To ensure that you get great value for your hard-earned money, go for an optic that’s built tough. The optic should be durable, shockproof, and resistant to recoil.
Accuracy
You’ll want an optic that offers pinpoint accuracy all through. In some cases, the target will be moving and you’ll want to keep track of its movement with ease. In such a case, you’ll want an optic that is adaptive to mobile targets. The optic should also offer a wide and clear field of view which is essential for rapid target acquisition.
Weatherproof
In some scenarios, you’ll want to use the optic outdoors. Since Mother Nature is always unpredictable, the rain may start to fall while you are still out in the field. This calls for an optic that’s fully waterproof or water-resistant. That way, you won’t have to worry about it getting damaged should the rains catch you in the field.
Compatibility
Optics are made differently to work with different firearms. Make sure that the optic you are eyeing is compatible with your shotgun. You don’t want to buy an optic only to find that it’s not compatible with your firearm. If you own a wide range of guns, look for an optic that’s designed to be compatible with several weapons. That way, you won’t need to buy an optic for every firearm.
The best shotgun optics for home defense have all these features and qualities all bundled up into one optic. Ensure the one you are eyeing ticks off all or at least a good number of these features.
Best Shotgun Optics For Home Defense Reviews
#1) HOLOSUN HE507C-GR X2
As one of the best shotgun optics for home defense, the HOLOSUN HE507C-GR X2 is your best option if you are looking for performance and affordability. This feature-rich reflex sight excels in different applications among them home defense. It’s easy to use and compatible with a wide range of firearms. This optic is powered by a high-capacity lithium battery with an outstanding 50,000 hours of battery life. This long battery lifespan makes it ideal for use in long sessions. The Shake Awake tech preserves the battery by shutting the Green LED sight off when there is no motion. Another good thing about this reflex sight is the advanced technology. It comes with 12 different brightness settings for use in different lighting conditions. Two of these settings are compatible with night vision devices for nighttime applications. Better yet, the sigh has a solar failsafe which adjusts the brightness settings automatically depending on the lighting conditions. To top it all, it has a parallax-free design and unlimited eye relief for snug viewing. Key Features
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#2) Swampfox Tomahawk LPVO
If you are looking for a highly versatile and an affordably price low-powered optic for home defense, you should look no further than the Swampfox Tomahawk LPVO. It features a variable 1-4x magnification suitable for shooting at close quarters. With the true 1x optical performance, this optic increases situational awareness by letting you shoot with both eyes open. Featuring both the BDC and MOA illuminated reticles, this optic provides rapid target acquisition. The reticles are housed on the second focal plane and are glass-etched for greater durability. A throw lever is also provided to help you change the magnification power smoothly. The high-quality glass is optimized to provide optimum resolution and brightness. The lenses are fully multi-coated to increase light transmission for vivid and sharp images. Additionally, the exterior lenses have a special coating for anti-fog, anti-scratch and hydrophobic performance. This optic also offers a generous eye relief so you won’t get fatigued during long glassing sessions. Key Features
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#3) Trijicon RMR Type 2 6.5 MOA LED Red Dot Sight
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 LED red dot sight is another excellent shotgun optic for home defense. It offers reliable and great performance. You can mount it on a wide range of variable or fixed magnification scopes to increase your accuracy when shooting distant targets. It’s also a perfect sight to pair with your handgun, rifle, and pistol. This red dot sight provides brilliant aiming solutions. It illuminates in any lighting condition so you can identify your targets smoothly. The bigger dot helps you locate your targets easily even if you have vision problems. Besides, this optic weighs just 1.17 ounces, so it’s portable and it doesn’t add any unnecessary weight to your firearm. Overall, it’s a great optic for hunting and all tactical applications. Key Features
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#4) Aimpoint Micro T-2 Red Dot Reflex Sight
Aimpoint makes phenomenal optics and their Micro T-2 Red Dot Reflex Sight is no different. This is a feature-rich optic suitable for a wide range of applications among them home defense. For starters, it is powered by one CR2032 battery which provides up to 5 years of steady operation. As one of the best shotgun optics for home defense, the Aimpoint Micro T-2 comes with enhanced lens coatings that provide excellent optical clarity which is vital for accurate shot placement. It improves the shape and sharpness of the 2MOA dot for easy aiming. Better yet, the combination of high-quality optical lenses and lens coatings provides great visibility in low light conditions. It also allows you to use the sight with all generations of night vision devices. This reflex sight is made to provide unbeatable durability. It’s made with high-quality materials for long-lasting durability and has a ruggedized housing for the ultimate protection. Additionally, it’s equipped with reinforced windage and elevation turrets, and flip-up front and rear lens covers to protect the optic from weather elements. Key Features
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#5) Burris FastFire
If you are on a budget, the Burris FastFire 3 is your ideal option. This optic mounts easily on any handgun, shotgun or rifle for better accuracy and rapid target acquisition. The compact and lightweight design won’t add any unnecessary weight that can disrupt your balance or shotgun handling. This optic offers great versatility and as it is one of the best shotgun optics for home defense, You can either use it as your primary sight or you can mount it on top of another sight for greater accuracy. It comes with an automatic brightness sensor that adjusts the brightness depending on the lighting conditions. The battery is located on the top of the sight for easy access and has an automatic time-out feature which increases its life span. With this optic, you can either choose the 3 MOA dot if you want more pinpoint accuracy, or go for the 8 MOA dot for short range quarters and rapid acquisition. Other than that, the optic is toughly made to give you a lifetime of reliable performance. The shockproof design withstands years of punishing recoil. Above all, the optic comes with tool-less windage and elevation adjustments. Key Features
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#6) Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight
Next on our best shotgun optics for home defense review is the Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight. This premium-quality optic is built to withstand anything you throw at it. It comes with scratch-resistant lenses and shockproof housing to withstand recoil, impacts, and falls. The optic is also dustproof and waterproof for all-weather performance. Not to mention the magnesium alloy main housing which provides increased durability and decreased weight. This optic is suitable for both day and night time use. The illuminated 65-MOA red dot provides excellent aiming in low light conditions, while the 10 brightness settings are ideal for different lighting conditions. It also comes with a parallax correction from 10 yards to infinity and an unlimited eye relief that provides comfortable viewing. Last but not least, this optic comes with a locking Picatinny mount that’s quick to attach and detach. Key Features
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#7) Bushnell Trophy TRS-25
The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 is another excellent optic for home defense. This red dot riflescope excels in a wide range of applications. It also offers the perfect balance between performance and price. This optic offers 11 different brightness settings suitable for different lighting conditions. It mounts easily on a wide range of firearms, so if you own a collection of firearms, this is your best choice. Moreover, it offers excellent optical clarity for easy target identification and unlimited eye relief which makes it suitable for eyeglass wearers. The 3 MOA dot reticle is illuminated to help you aim better in low light conditions. The whole unit is also O-ring sealed to prevent entry of dirt, dust, and water. The shockproof construction enhances durability by standing up to bangs, drops and bumps. Lastly, the optic is nitrogen purged to prevent fogging on the interior optical surfaces. Key Features
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#8) Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight Gen II
The Vortex Crossfire Red Dot Sight is a simple but dependable optic ideal for home defense applications. It has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use and an unlimited eye relief that provides a wide and comfortable eye relief. The optic mounts easily on a wide range of rifles, shotguns, and rimfires. The 2 MOA dot helps you acquire targets in close quarters smoothly, while the skeletonized lower 1/3 co-witness mount gives you a rock-solid yet ultralight platform for your optic. It’s also equipped with windage and elevation dials with audible clicks. This red dot sight provides outstanding optical performance. All its air-to-glass surfaces feature numerous anti-reflective coatings for increased light transmission. This gives you bright and vivid images even in dismal environments. It also features 11 illumination settings for use in different lighting conditions. Above all, the optic is highly durable, waterproof, and fog-resistant. Key Features
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Best Shotgun Optics For Home Defense Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a shotgun good for home defense?
Yes. Most shotguns are preferred for home defense applications. They cast a wider shot pattern and are powerful enough to take down an intruder regardless of the shooter’s skills. Shotguns make the ultimate home defense tool for the average homeowner. They become even better when married to the best shotgun optics for home defense.
- Can you put an optic on a shotgun?
Yes, you can add an optic on a shotgun. Modern shotguns come with receivers that are drilled and tapped to a rail of some sort. This provides a platform for mounting your optic securely.
- Do you need an optic for home defense?
Yes, you do. An optic is an absolutely indispensable tool for home-defense application. In an event of an attack, your life and that of your family will depend on the speed and the precision of your firearm. So, adding an optic to help you with precision is very necessary. The market has a huge number of what we can attempt to crown as the best shotgun optics for home defense so getting one should not be a challenge. This review should help.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the information on this post will help you make the right buying decision. Mounting an optic on your shotgun is absolutely important in a home-defense situation. All the optics listed above work well with most shotguns and come in handy in home-defense situations that require speed and precision. The best shotgun optics for home defense are also ideal for other shooting applications, not just home defense.