When it comes to turkey hunting with a shotgun, I prefer to use a red dot sight mounted on top of my boomstick. In the past, I have used the traditional style red dots, and a new one by Vortex caught my eye when news hit about it, and I was excited to give it a try!
Introducing the Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot that has a much different look than the traditional red dots that they have had in the past. It boasts an ultra-low-profile design, geared toward a wider field of view, to facilitate intuitive shooting. It features an integrated mounting base that accommodates a wide range of applications, including many shotguns on the market today. Obviously, like most receiver-mounted red dots, you will need a drilled and tapped shotgun receiver to be able to run this red dot.
Specifications
You have a couple of options when purchasing this red dot. You can get a strictly red dot version or the multi-reticle model. The red dot size measures 3 MOA, and the multi-reticle version offers options for running just the 3 MOA dot, the 32 MOA circle, or a larger 65 MOA circle. Both operate off the common CR2032 battery with 12 brightness settings. Plenty of MOA adjustments are available, with 1 MOA per click, and it is parallax-free to facilitate quick acquisition of the intended target. At a total length of 4.86” and only 2.14 oz. it fits low and is a sleek and small red dot.
The multi-reticle version of this red dot was carefully designed with each of the settings you can choose from. The 3 MOA red dot is suited for stationary or slow-moving targets, the 32 MOA circle is recommended for targets at a distance that will roughly match that of a full choke pattern, and the 65 MOA is intended for targets at closer range and will roughly match the pattern of a modified choke. You can also run all three settings simultaneously.
Testing
Initially, I planned to mount it on a Tristar turkey shotgun, but I soon realized that the mounts did not align with the red dot base as I had hoped. I could only mount it up with only two screws to hold it in place. I prefer to have at least three points of contact in the mounting base, so I had to justify a new purchase! Keep this in mind and do your research as to the mounting measurements of the red dot to ensure you have a shotgun that it can mount properly to.
Of course, I had to go buy a new turkey shotgun to test this red dot, and my wife agreed! I know, guys, I am lucky! I chose the Stoeger M3500 Predator/Turkey shotgun. I mounted up the red dot as per the instructions and set off for the range.
All adjustments are easily made from the top of the red dot to achieve the desired settings. The included tool made it easy to make MOA adjustments and battery changes when needed. Some red dots require you to remove them to access the battery. On this one, you do not. This makes it convenient not to have to re-zero the firearm after a battery change.
The zero of the shotgun took very few shells, and the ease of adjustment and usability of the red dot made it a breeze. In less than 5 shells, I was ready to head to the turkey woods in a few short days.
Results
I really enjoyed using this style of red dot more than others in the past, as it fits tightly and close to the shotgun and offers a wide range of options for the reticle if you choose the multi-reticle version. Plenty of brightness options made it easy to find what I liked in a varying degree of brightness during turkey hunts that take place from dusk to sundown. I liked to have all the options turned on when I hunted, as it gave me many aiming options depending on how the bird came into my setup. The 10-minute auto-off feature of the red dot is a great feature, as I don’t have to remember to shut it off when not in use. Eliminating the dreaded dead battery when I arrive at my next destination.
It was easy to acquire targets and easy for follow-up shots if needed, as the wide field of view made that a possibility. It wasn’t hard to find the red dot within the enclosed area at all. Taking 4 turkeys with this red dot with all the same result from ranges at 15 yards on out to 40 yards. The multi-reticle made aiming a breeze at any distance.
After over two boxes of shells through the shotgun, it remains on target and ready to perform next year. I am looking forward to using this during predator season as well this winter, as it is a fun one to have on my shotgun and has justly earned its permanent spot in my fleet.
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