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12 gauge scope recommendations

Strizzi

Junior Member
308
65
What’s everyone’s recommendations for a good scope for a 12 gauge? I’ve gotten the funds for a new slug gun and looking for a good glass to top it off with. I’ve been using Nikon prostaffs for years and have always liked them however I’ve recently read, on here I believe, that Nikon is getting rid of their scope lines? I hear great things about vortex and seems like everyone loves them.

Let me know what y’all recommend..
 
I thought the same about Vortex until I had one break internally. They do have an exceptional warranty. I just picked up a Nikon 3-9x40 BDC for $79 at Primary Arms.
 
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I prefer Leupold and Kahles. I believe Kahles is a subdivision of Swarovski but am not certain...perhaps someone on here will know. Kahles has great scopes but not as expensive as Swarovski. In low light conditions, the light gathering capabilities is awesome with the Kahles that I have.
 
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I vote no scope, vortex if you must. Slug guns dont have the range to make a scope necessary, shooting it open sights will only enhance your shooting ability and will help for the longer ranged scoped shots.
 
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I vote no scope, vortex if you must. Slug guns dont have the range to make a scope necessary, shooting it open sights will only enhance your shooting ability and will help for the longer ranged scoped shots.
You, sir, are on drugs. Open sights are for people who like to handicap themselves.

I’m a fan of Vortex and Leupold glass. I also have a Nikon ProStaff that is “okay.” Your main decision should really be what magnification, not so much what brand.
 
You, sir, are on drugs. Open sights are for people who like to handicap themselves.

I’m a fan of Vortex and Leupold glass. I also have a Nikon ProStaff that is “okay.” Your main decision should really be what magnification, not so much what brand.

I was leaning towards 3-9 40MM..but open to suggestions. I‘m really in no hurry there’s a lot of time until next gun season haha
 
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Whatever optic you look at just make sure it was tested for shotgun use. I've got a 3-9 Simmons on my Mossberg 695 and it has lasted many years with many rounds through it. Definitely a longer range gun IMO with good ammo.
 
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You, sir, are on drugs. Open sights are for people who like to handicap themselves.

I’m a fan of Vortex and Leupold glass. I also have a Nikon ProStaff that is “okay.” Your main decision should really be what magnification, not so much what brand.
Handicapping would really be choosing a slug gun in the first place.
To me a scope is more problems than it's worth on a slug gun. I can shoot fine out to 100 yards with open sights no problem at all. Why would I want to elevate my sights making close range shots shoot even higher when I'm most likely going to be shooting close range. Throwing a scope in to the mix in our terrain also gives the issue of losing your target when you look through the scope, potentially causing missed opportunity.
Adding a scope to everything doesnt mean it's the best choice. Especially when you're slinging bricks.
If you're blind or not a good shot, sure. Scope the slug gun up. Just dont complain when you throw 3 of em over his back cuz he was too damn close. 🤷‍♂️
 
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Handicapping would really be choosing a slug gun in the first place.
To me a scope is more problems than it's worth on a slug gun. I can shoot fine out to 100 yards with open sights no problem at all. Why would I want to elevate my sights making close range shots shoot even higher when I'm most likely going to be shooting close range. Throwing a scope in to the mix in our terrain also gives the issue of losing your target when you look through the scope, potentially causing missed opportunity.
Adding a scope to everything doesnt mean it's the best choice. Especially when you're slinging bricks.
If you're blind or not a good shot, sure. Scope the slug gun up. Just dont complain when you throw 3 of em over his back cuz he was too damn close. 🤷‍♂️
100 yards... you with open sights vs. almost anyone with a scope... you will lose every time. I don’t disagree that a scope certainly can complicate things. But if someone can’t obtain a target through a scope, quickly, at sub-50 yards, that’s a problem with the shooter and not the scope itself. As with anything else, it takes a bit of practice. Simple as they may be, you’ll never convince me that iron sights are better on a deer gun than a scope. Hell... just look now that we can shoot a half hour after sunset... you with your iron sights won’t even be able to make out the outline of a deer. Meanwhile someone with a scope pulling in all that extra ambient light will be taking a shot no problem.
 
Why are you so set on a 12ga slug gun? Why not a rifle? Just curious, with all the options available today a 12ga is so yesterday 😂

Haha I’m not 100% sold on a 12g but I’m leaning that way only because of my ignorance of any of the newer calibers. I stopped deer hunting the year they approved the new rounds so I guess I don’t really know enough about them! I’m open to some suggestions!
 
450 Bushmaster. Ruger American rifle. No idea if it is the best, but it’s the handiest and most effective thing I’ve ever pointed at a deer.
^^^^^ This^^^^^ I have the same gun, comparable in price too any of the slug guns, cheaper too shoot and can hold a good group out too 200 yards. I’d seriously do your homework before pulling the trigger on a shotgun for deer.
 
Damn.. well alright guys now I’ve gotta do some research! The 12g was more of a lazy decision but I guess I’ll have to check out a .450. Thanks for the input everyone!
 
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