Turkey hunting forum for turkey hunting tips

General Discussion => General Forum => Topic started by: bcuda on June 01, 2021, 10:48:42 AM

Title: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: bcuda on June 01, 2021, 10:48:42 AM
Was looking at the open style type red dots out there .
I do not have anything at present on my 870 express 12 ga and
am wanting to put some kind of a scope. What I have heard is
the red dot open style is very easy and faster to get your target in view.
Could you all give me the pros and cons on a regular style red dot scope
and the open style red dot. Also if I do chose an open style red dot what
do you all recommend .
Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: Tom007 on June 01, 2021, 10:54:44 AM
If your gun is not tapped and you don't want to fool around with any mounts, the Aimpoint Micro S-1 is a great option. Not cheap, but mounts right on most ribs right out of the box. Military tough, reliable battery life. It has a 6 moa size red dot. Sits nice and low on rib. It is a great option. Good luck...
Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: Tail Feathers on June 01, 2021, 11:14:18 AM
I like my Nikon.  It has no blue tint when looking thru it, has less orange glare on the turkey side of it to spook a bird and has worked well for me.  I went looking for a second one for my other gun and found out they no longer make them tho.
I will be watching this thread.  Most will say Fastfire III or maybe the upcoming IV.
Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: bcuda on June 01, 2021, 11:44:34 AM
This looks like it might be a good way to mount one on an 870 instesd of drilling and tapping the receiver anyone ever use one of these.


Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: lunghit on June 01, 2021, 12:41:38 PM
Research the speed bead before you buy it. I have read it bends under the pressure of turkey loads and you will never get it zeroed. No experience but it's what I have read. 

Also the Aimpoint micro S1 is no doubt a top of the line red dot but make sure it fits before you buy it. I just had to return mine because it did not fit my Winchester SX3 20 gauge. After trying to get it mounted with no luck I called Aimpoint directly and they said it does not fit a lot of American guns including mine.  There was a thread on here started last year about the same issue but I fiigured a Belgian gun might work but I was wrong.
Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: Pluffmud on June 01, 2021, 01:48:05 PM
Getting your receiver drilled and tapped really is not that costly or complicated. It's literally a few holes that are drilled and a tap is run through each hole. A good machinist with a DRO can have your receiver drilled and tapped in less than an hour.
Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: Meleagris gallopavo on June 01, 2021, 02:13:25 PM
Quote from: Pluffmud on June 01, 2021, 01:48:05 PM
Getting your receiver drilled and tapped really is not that costly or complicated. It's literally a few holes that are drilled and a tap is run through each hole. A good machinist with a DRO can have your receiver drilled and tapped in less than an hour.

I agree.  I've had a few drilled and tapped just for red dot sights, but I knew a local machinist that could do it.  I prefer the solid bases from Sumtoy for my mounts.
Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: grayfox on June 01, 2021, 02:38:27 PM
If you want it drilled & tapped give William at Sumtoy Customs a call. He'll take care of you. He did my 870 years ago.
Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: bcuda on June 01, 2021, 02:49:01 PM
Quote from: grayfox on June 01, 2021, 02:38:27 PM
If you want it drilled & tapped give William at Sumtoy Customs a call. He'll take care of you. He did my 870 years ago.

I tried calling them three different times it rings one time and goes dead. I went to their web site and used that number. I then went to their facebook page and their latest post is only a day old but no contact number on that page.
Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: bcuda on June 01, 2021, 02:58:09 PM
I just ordered another similar mount similar to the sumtoy, I hope it works.

Wish the phone at sumtoy was working.

Here is the mount I ordered.
Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: silvestris on June 01, 2021, 06:29:51 PM
I didn't read the OP as a question as how to mount the sight on the gun but rather which sight is better   " What I have heard is the red dot open style is very easy and faster to get your target in view."  Either should work for you.  Then mounting comes into play, not to the gun, but to your shoulders.  I say shoulders plural as you should be able to shoot with either shoulder as required by the situation with BOTH EYES OPEN.  Sit in your easy chair and practice mounting your gun until it becomes automatic as you build muscle memory.  Get the sight you like and you will be fine.  Shooting clay pigeons with the sight is great practice.
Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: Tail Feathers on June 01, 2021, 09:46:23 PM
I'm thinking of trying the new Bushnell.  The RXS 100 is $100 and the real rugged version is $250.  Got to find em somewhere to handle them before next season. 
Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: Cut N Run on June 01, 2021, 11:00:13 PM
Quote from: lunghit on June 01, 2021, 12:41:38 PM
Research the speed bead before you buy it. I have read it bends under the pressure of turkey loads and you will never get it zeroed. No experience but it's what I have read. 

I have the Speed Bead mount for 6 years and never had it change zero.  Originally came with a Fast Fire II on it, but I switched to a FF III because it is more waterproof.  The sights only change zero if I do it, is my experience.

Jim
Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: Dtrkyman on June 02, 2021, 08:17:15 AM
I saw a mount for burris ff and vortex venom type sights that mounts to the rib, was like 55 bux.

A reflex type sight (vortex venom) is what I would recommend.

Speed bead mount always looked sweet!
Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: lunghit on June 02, 2021, 12:56:22 PM
Quote from: Dtrkyman on June 02, 2021, 08:17:15 AM
I saw a mount for burris ff and vortex venom type sights that mounts to the rib, was like 55 bux.

A reflex type sight (vortex venom) is what I would recommend.

Speed bead mount always looked sweet!

That's the Meadow Creek mount and I have one that's been perfect so far. Holds the sights really solid.
Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: lunghit on June 02, 2021, 12:59:16 PM
Quote from: Cut N Run on June 01, 2021, 11:00:13 PM
Quote from: lunghit on June 01, 2021, 12:41:38 PM
Research the speed bead before you buy it. I have read it bends under the pressure of turkey loads and you will never get it zeroed. No experience but it's what I have read. 

I have the Speed Bead mount for 6 years and never had it change zero.  Originally came with a Fast Fire II on it, but I switched to a FF III because it is more waterproof.  The sights only change zero if I do it, is my experience.

Jim

That's good to know. I love the idea of that sight and will definitely consider it next time.
Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: Neill_Prater on June 02, 2021, 01:55:12 PM
I spent more money than I ever thought I would when outfitted my 20 gauge with a Holosun. I think the model number is HE507C-GR, but I believe they have released a newer version. I have a Vortex Strikefire II on my 11-87, a more traditional tube type sight, which offers the option of the green reticle, that I really like.

However, I went to the 20 to save weight, so it didn't make sense to me to install an 8oz sight on it. But, I REALLY prefer the green reticle. My first thought was to purchase a Vortex reflex since their customer service and warranty is excellent, but, alas, they don't make the Venom or Viper in green. I contacted their customer service department, just in case they had one in the works, but got some BS answer about it being a difficult thing to do from an engineering and technical standpoint. Okay, but others are doing it? 

Anyway, guesswho told me about the Holosun, which I had never heard of. Available in red or green, it offers the option of dot, dot within a circle, or circle only, which is what I ultimately chose for hunting. I really prefer it, because the eye tends to center an object naturally, which is the logic behind peep sights.

Additionally, the Holosun offers a solar system which backs up and greatly extends battery life.

As for your original question regarding an open, reflex sight vs a traditional sight. This is the first reflex sight I have owned, or peered through outside of a store, but quickly became a fan. I am trying to think of an excuse to replace the Strikefire on my 11-87 with one, even though I probably won't hunt with it in the future.

Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: Mossberg90MN on June 02, 2021, 05:14:37 PM
If by open, you mean reflex sight style red dot. Then I would say the Vortex Venom. I also have the Burris Fastfire 3. But the Burris was having trouble holding zero and is on its way back to Burris at the moment.

My vortex venom is great. I like it better then my Burris.

It helps have a better field of view because there's no obstruction. You can scan the woods and acquire the target very easily.

I always have a reflex style red dot on my Turkey guns.

I highly recommend it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: bcuda on June 02, 2021, 07:16:15 PM
Ok I was going to go with the Vortex Venom but have changed my mind after reading here about the Holosun 507C and reading some reviews. I think the wake up mode along with the the Solar panel and the multi reticle did it for me.

Now I can not seem to find a non picatinny type mount that sets really low for a 870 (I realize I will have to get it drilled and tapped)  I want a mount that sets it right down on the receiver as low as possible.
Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: Tail Feathers on June 02, 2021, 08:53:42 PM
Lots of folks like the Sumtoy mount.  I don't have one, but I bet a search will turn up a pic on here somewhere.  I don't know how low they are tho.
Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: bcuda on June 03, 2021, 10:12:30 AM
I tried calling Sumtoy again, the phone only rings one time but if you just wait about 5 or so more seconds someone will pick up. I ordered the mount I need for the Holosun 507c to go on my Remington 870 12 gauge. They were very helpful and really know what they are doing , I would order from them again no problem.
Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: Mossberg90MN on June 03, 2021, 10:34:01 AM
Getting it drilled and tapped is no problem. I had my Stoeger M3020 drilled and tapped for a sight.

It was like $45 bucks


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Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: Greg Massey on June 05, 2021, 11:02:58 PM
Regardless if you get it drill and tap .. be sure and look at the Swampfox in green or red dot.. It's a good simple circle green dot or you can get the red circle dot.. Use Code : SARGE20 and get  extra 20 percent off regular price is 199.00 which will cost you 167.03 including shipping..
Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: N2TRKYS on June 06, 2021, 10:55:59 AM
I prefer the Vortex Venom over the Fastfire lll.  I also prefer the Burris Fastfire base over the Sumtoy one.  I've been using them on my 870s and 11-87s for a few years now with no issues.  Great setups. 
Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: bcuda on June 17, 2021, 05:00:17 PM
I went with a Sumtoy base and the Holosun 507C just got it mounted today.
I like the way it is set on the receiver but only have one worry, the gunsmith
was worried about the shock from the 870 super mag on the Holosun red dot
He was concerned it would not hold up to the shock very long and told me He
had a problem with one after only 20 shells fired.
Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: TRG3 on June 17, 2021, 09:06:35 PM
I purchased a saddle mount via Amazon for my Remington 870 12 gauge and mounted a Bushnell TRS-25 on it. I've taken many gobblers with it as well as whitetails, several deer out to 100 yards, without touching the scope's settings. Don't forget to turn it on when you first see game coming your way!
Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: TRG3 on June 17, 2021, 09:13:28 PM
In my post above, I forgot to mention that I use a H.S. Strutt Undertaker choke tube for turkeys and a screw-in rifled choke tube for shooting Slug-R-Us sabots or handloaded roundballs for whitetail deer in my smoothbore Remington 12 gauge 870 express.
Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: bcuda on June 18, 2021, 01:16:22 PM
Here is a picture of it mounted.

Title: Re: Advice on RED DOT open style
Post by: Jimspur on June 18, 2021, 01:29:12 PM
Looks good. Hope it works out for you.