Affordable red dot options for shotgun?

[JimNZ]

I am a complete noob when it comes to red dot sights on a shotgun. The only red dot I've ever used was an Armson OEG, more than 30 years back on a tranquilizer gun.

I'm looking for recommendations for an affordable red dot, and more importantly, why. The application is very close range snap shooting in dense, usually quite dark bush for pigs and goats. A long shot would be 20m / 66'.

Any product in NZ is more expensive than the USA, so Eotech and Trijicon are more expensive than I can afford. A 2nd hand Eotech 512 is currently selling for NZ$1000 (US$ 700)...

What is there in the middle of the market that is still rugged and reliable but not premium price?

Thanks in advance.

 

[12Bravo20]

I prefer two things when it comes to a red dot on my shotguns. I want a circle dot reticle (works great with bird shot and buckshot) and I prefer having a tube type red dot. For a defensive shotgun, I also like having an optic with the Shake to Wake feature. I would personally stick with a name brand that is available in NZ. Stay away from the super cheap Chinese stuff from eBay and Amazon.

 

[Virginian]

What do you consider reasonable ? What type of gun ?

 

[JimNZ]

@Virginian - The shotgun is a Remington 870 Clone, 18.5" with ghost ring sights. Reasonable would be less than US$300. Looking at Bushnell TRS25, Konus, Vector Optics, but like I said, I have very little knowledge about such sights.

 

[12Bravo20]

The Bushnell TRS25 is a good RDS for the money and they hold up quite well. I have abused them along with the Primary Arms version for years now. I just put a Swampfox Liberator RDS with a circle dot reticle on one of my shotguns to see how well it holds up.

 

[kje54]

I have a cheap CVLife on my Norinco M37 and a cheap Pinty on my KS7, both are red/green dot and both under $40. Never had a problem with either of them, they work perfectly fine for me. I'll be putting another $22 Pinty on my semi-auto Bullpup 12 gauge when it arrives.

 

[Odd Job]

I have a Burris Fast Fire 3 in a flat top mount on my Bora BR99 shotgun.
It is robust, holds zero and allows good peripheral view.

 

[Virginian]

I have had a $25 WalMart Tasco on my .22LR semi auto for about 20 years. Still works excellently.
I have a Burris SpeedBead I have used on various shotguns for about the same length of time. Never any problem. I would suggest the 8 mil dot if you plan on doing any wingshooting or other fast daylight shooting..

 

[webrx]

I have a TRS 25 on my 870 20 gauge, not a lot of rounds through it yet but seems to be holding up just fine.

 

[JimNZ]

That Burris ticks the boxes. I'll definitely put it on the shortlist although it is right at the top end as far as NZ cost goes - NZ $750.
The TRS-25 seems to be a very reasonable option, especially at the price - NZ $260.
Thanks for the replies - keep them coming!

 

[Michiganteacher]

Have you looked at Swampfox?

 

[Dragonfly]

I had a Holosun 403 on my UTAS UTS-15 and never had any issues with it.

 

[Alte Schule]

I have a Burris Fast Fire 3 in a flat top mount on my Bora BR99 shotgun.
It is robust, holds zero and allows good peripheral view.

I second this. On Amazon now for U.S. $230. More budget friendly recommendations are the Sig Romeo 5, Bushnell and Truglo.