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What’s the Best Sight Setup for a Rifled Shotgun?

April 5, 2026

Quick Answer

The best sight setup for a rifled shotgun is a red dot sight on a 1-moz or 2-moz slug barrel, set up at 50-70 yards and 4-6 inches above the bore, with a 1-inch elevation adjustment for the first 100 yards.

Choosing the Right Sight

When selecting a sight for a rifled shotgun, look for a red dot sight with a 1-4x magnification range, adjustable brightness, and a battery life of at least 5 years. The sight should be designed for a shotgun, with a large enough field of view to allow for quick target acquisition. Aim for a sight that is parallax-free and has a fast target acquisition time.

Setting Up the Sight

To set up the sight correctly, start by adjusting the elevation to 4-6 inches above the bore, depending on the specific sight and the type of ammunition being used. This will provide a good starting point for engaging targets at 50-70 yards. Next, adjust the windage to center the dot on the bore, using a laser bore sighter or a shooting stick to ensure accuracy. Finally, adjust the brightness of the dot to a comfortable level, taking care not to overpower the surroundings.

Considerations for Rifled Shotgun Sight Setup

When setting up a sight for a rifled shotgun, consider the specific ballistics of the ammunition being used. For example, a 2-moz slug at 1200 feet per second will drop about 1.5 inches at 100 yards, so the sight should be set up to compensate for this drop. Additionally, consider the type of hunting being done and the types of targets being engaged. For example, a sight setup for hunting deer at close range may be different from a setup for hunting pigs at longer ranges.

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