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..... setting up a scope on my 870 this off season. Shot the double bead rite down the barrel for many years. After setting up a red dot on my daughters 870, i did like it. I think a scope would suit me better with aging eyes..
That Hawk Vantage caught my eye, but tell me about your scope please?
I have 2 shotguns set up with a scope. One with a Pentax light seeker and 1 with a bushnell 2x36. Both have the circle reticles. They are heavier to carry around but a nice swap from an open bead.
I was considering the hawk for my next turkey gun, but have been looking into Prism scopes in 3 power, Quite a few out there but many are too heavy in my opinion.
But found an off brand cheap and light I may try?
Primary Arms seem to be one of the better scopes for the money and not crazy heavy, eye relief might be an issue with a heavy recoiling gun? If I try one it will go on a .410 so not an issue!
I have a few ... LOL
I have the Nikon Turkey pro, Simmons pro diamond, Bushnell Banner, Tasco, Redhead Ascent, Simmons Master Series with illuminated reticle and BSA ... all of these scopes are turkey scopes ... Some are smaller in size. I just prefer scopes in most situations, but also use red dots / green circle dots ...
Field hunting mostly scopes and wood mostly red dots / scopes. I have the older eyes, but in the woods I do feel a scope can limit your view in the woods somewhat but I wouldn't say a scope is a deal breaker at all for the woods ... IMO
I have a leupold vx freedom 1.5-4x.
I got it dipped to match my SBE3 in new bottomland. It's a sweet set up for sure
My 870 has a Simmons Master Series 4x. Have it mounted on a cantilever barrel. Makes an already heavy gun heavier and more bulky but works great if needed. Warning - if you intend to mount with the mounts that clamp on replacing the two trigger housing pins do not over tighten. Myself and a friend both had bad experiences with them on 870s. We think we over tightened. It is the reason I paid the extra $$ for a separate barrel. Good luck.
Btw - I seldom use it anymore so if you want to drive down from MN I'll make you a good deal on the scope and barrel. I went back to the two beads Lol.
I have the Hawk Greenleaf on my 1187. Best Scope I ever used, illuminated reticle if you want, red or green. If not, the crosshairs are there, no battery worries. It's fantastic! Good luck
(https://i.ibb.co/spp6Tyxn/4-B723165-7678-4499-89-BA-523027-E31834.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hxxZGDQb)
Quote from: deathfoot on May 31, 2025, 03:27:06 PMI have a leupold vx freedom 1.5-4x.
I got it dipped to match my SBE3 in new bottomland. It's a sweet set up for sure
Have you shared a picture of your shotgun on OG? I would like to see that set up.
Quote from: MISSISSIPPI Double beard on May 31, 2025, 04:09:14 PMQuote from: deathfoot on May 31, 2025, 03:27:06 PMI have a leupold vx freedom 1.5-4x.
I got it dipped to match my SBE3 in new bottomland. It's a sweet set up for sure
Have you shared a picture of your shotgun on OG? I would like to see that set up.
I haven't. I'll try to see if I can post an actual picture of it when I can.
.you guys are great.
thank you all for the info so far....
A prism is a better option.
Quote from: Tom007 on May 31, 2025, 03:49:24 PMI have the Hawk Greenleaf on my 1187. Best Scope I ever used, illuminated reticle if you want, red or green. If not, the crosshairs are there, no battery worries. It's fantastic! Good luck
(https://i.ibb.co/spp6Tyxn/4-B723165-7678-4499-89-BA-523027-E31834.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hxxZGDQb)
PM sent
I have a Nikon turkey pro but no longer made. Also a swampfox reflex green circle dot and a bushnell sportsman 1.5 x 4.5 circle dot well built but not as nice of glass as the Nikon but will do the job.
Quote from: MISSISSIPPI Double beard on May 31, 2025, 04:09:14 PMQuote from: deathfoot on May 31, 2025, 03:27:06 PMI have a leupold vx freedom 1.5-4x.
I got it dipped to match my SBE3 in new bottomland. It's a sweet set up for sure
Have you shared a picture of your shotgun on OG? I would like to see that set up.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250601/d4f68196bf916ff9a69693fa2996da9f.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250601/8cacc58fc50c02790f729c42161dd3f3.jpg)
Here a few pics of my set up
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I have the Hawk and I put a Leupold 1.5-4 on my Dad's gun. The Hawk wins in every point except optical quality.
I love my leupold turkey plex 1-4x. I picked up a spare leupold shotgun scope 1-4x in heavy duplex just in case I ever set up another gun. hard to find a good shotgun scope these days. but I love using one. normally I keep it on 1x, but will use 4x if a bird is coming in and I want the extra magnification. the turkey plex is also great for a quick range estimate to be sure the yardage is less than 50yds if you crank it to 4x.
I have a few on guns they are either Nikon turkey pro's or Leopold 2-7x32mm turkey scopes. Out of those I prefer the Leopold's. But both are great scopes and both hunt equally well. Both have range finding reticle.
Simmons pro diamond for me and have bought an extra for backup - I love mine and wouldn't change anything- my older eyes were having trouble lining up beads and heads - a lot of folks complain about weight- take something out of your vest you haven't used in last 3 years it will even out !!
I have the Simmons Pro Diamond been on my Winchester1300 for at least 25yrs + has,nt let me down yet. Amazed its held its gas seal this long. :OGturkeyhead:
Quote from: Gooserbat on May 31, 2025, 10:54:38 PMI have the Hawk and I put a Leupold 1.5-4 on my Dad's gun. The Hawk wins in every point except optical quality.
had me on the hawk untill that statement. Hard to give in to optical quality .
Quote from: strum on June 01, 2025, 07:55:21 PMQuote from: Gooserbat on May 31, 2025, 10:54:38 PMI have the Hawk and I put a Leupold 1.5-4 on my Dad's gun. The Hawk wins in every point except optical quality.
had me on the hawk untill that statement. Hard to give in to optical quality .
Now the hawk ain't bad. But just understand the Leupold has it beat
My eyes too have gotten worse the last few years due to old age & cataracts on both my eyes. I had the Hawk but I returned it. It was not bad though. I just put a Konus Pro M-30 1-4X24 on my 870 about a month ago to try next season. I've been really impressed with the optical quality of it, especially for the price. The only negative I could say about it is that it is heavier than I would like for it to be. I would strongly recommend you check it out. I think you would really like it. If not I would go for the Leupold. Just my opinion.
The optics on the Hawke are very clear, the eye piece focus adjust cleared mine up perfectly. The think that I like most about it is the lighted cross hair stays crystal clear, no star-burst like some of my red dots. I do have Leopoldo's, Bushnell, Nikon Monarchs, this Hawke for Turkey hunting is the best one I've ever used. This is just my experience. Hawke listened to Turkey hunters needs for sure, keeping the quality up and the price affordable.
I like my Red and Green dot Holosun optics but when looking at scopes for my turkey setup 2 or 3 years ago I just never found anything I liked.
Ultimately I ended up mounting a Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8 x 24. Great scope, and outstanding company to work with if you ever have a problem.
Quote from: Turkeybutt on June 02, 2025, 07:27:55 AMI like my Red and Green dot Holosun optics but when looked at scopes for my turkey setup 2 or 3 years ago I just never found anything I liked.
Ultimately I ended up mounting a Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8 x 24. Great scope, and outstanding company to work with if you ever have a problem.
I have a Holosun 501C Green on my Retay Turkey 20 gauge and love it. I've got a Vortex Defender on my "liberal state" pump Winchester SXP 20 gauge. But after all this talk, I'm leaning to trying out a Hawke on that liberal state gun. The issue with my 12 GA SBE 3 and the leopold is the scar on me and my friends forehead from patterning it in with TSS. But I do love a scope and the Hawke seems good. I love Leopold but the issue is buying one, then spending another $200 or so getting it dipped because I'm gonna have to have it camo. Looks like the Hawke would be better than the red dot I have. So now I have decisions to make lol
One thing I will add about using a scope, is buy yourself good quality scope mounts at least 2 screws to each side of the mount ... IMO
I love the Simmons Pro Diamond. wish they still made them
Quote from: Gooserbat on June 01, 2025, 09:14:33 PMQuote from: strum on June 01, 2025, 07:55:21 PMQuote from: Gooserbat on May 31, 2025, 10:54:38 PMI have the Hawk and I put a Leupold 1.5-4 on my Dad's gun. The Hawk wins in every point except optical quality.
had me on the hawk untill that statement. Hard to give in to optical quality .
Now the hawk ain't bad. But just understand the Leupold has it beat
Has it beàt in optical quality? Which leupold reticle do you have? Finding a good turkey scope I find limited options. Thanks
I think it's the pig plex
I've never used a scope on a shotgun, what is the advantage over a red/green dot? I've ran Fastfires and now a Holosun with a green circle and cannot see myself ever changing anything, but just curious as to the differences with a actual scope. I love the circle in the Holosun and it's proved to be deadly.
Quote from: Greg Massey on June 02, 2025, 11:43:21 AMOne thing I will add about using a scope, is buy yourself good quality scope mounts at least 2 screws to each side of the mount ... IMO
X10 here. The shotgun recoil demands strong rings for sure. Burris makes some solid tactical rings.
Quote from: Sixes on June 02, 2025, 03:31:55 PMI've never used a scope on a shotgun, what is the advantage over a red/green dot? I've ran Fastfires and now a Holosun with a green circle and cannot see myself ever changing anything, but just curious as to the differences with a actual scope. I love the circle in the Holosun and it's proved to be deadly.
Scopes provide magnification and clarity for those without great vision. For those with astigmatism, red and green dots become distorted and appear as starbursts. I have a holosun with the circle as well but the circle is wayyy too large. It's as large as the entire turkey at 20 yards. How did you deal with this issue? Thanks!
Quote from: BDeal on June 02, 2025, 03:58:54 PMQuote from: Sixes on June 02, 2025, 03:31:55 PMI've never used a scope on a shotgun, what is the advantage over a red/green dot? I've ran Fastfires and now a Holosun with a green circle and cannot see myself ever changing anything, but just curious as to the differences with a actual scope. I love the circle in the Holosun and it's proved to be deadly.
Scopes provide magnification and clarity for those without great vision. For those with astigmatism, red and green dots become distorted and appear as starbursts. I have a holosun with the circle as well but the circle is wayyy too large. It's as large as the entire turkey at 20 yards. How did you deal with this issue? Thanks!
I have an astigmatism and had issues with solid dots, that is why I went with the circle. My circle doesn't appear large at all. They make 2 different reticles, mine is not the ACSS which appears to be a huge circle with a dot in the middle where mine is a small dot with a crosshair looking circle in it. I'm fairly certain mine is 2 MOA which would be 4 inches at 50 yards and all I see on a 6 inch target at 35 yards is the circle around the edge of the aiming spot. Close in, a turkey's neck fills the whole circle. I think you might have the other reticle
Quote from: BDeal on June 02, 2025, 03:58:54 PMQuote from: Sixes on June 02, 2025, 03:31:55 PMI've never used a scope on a shotgun, what is the advantage over a red/green dot? I've ran Fastfires and now a Holosun with a green circle and cannot see myself ever changing anything, but just curious as to the differences with a actual scope. I love the circle in the Holosun and it's proved to be deadly.
Scopes provide magnification and clarity for those without great vision. For those with astigmatism, red and green dots become distorted and appear as starbursts. I have a holosun with the circle as well but the circle is wayyy too large. It's as large as the entire turkey at 20 yards. How did you deal with this issue? Thanks!
I found this video, check it out and see if you have the ACSS reticle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNjx8zREt8Y
I have a very nice Leupold NWTF FDE with turkey plex rectical for sale in classys.
Quote from: Sixes on June 02, 2025, 04:15:55 PMQuote from: BDeal on June 02, 2025, 03:58:54 PMQuote from: Sixes on June 02, 2025, 03:31:55 PMI've never used a scope on a shotgun, what is the advantage over a red/green dot? I've ran Fastfires and now a Holosun with a green circle and cannot see myself ever changing anything, but just curious as to the differences with a actual scope. I love the circle in the Holosun and it's proved to be deadly.
Scopes provide magnification and clarity for those without great vision. For those with astigmatism, red and green dots become distorted and appear as starbursts. I have a holosun with the circle as well but the circle is wayyy too large. It's as large as the entire turkey at 20 yards. How did you deal with this issue? Thanks!
I have an astigmatism and had issues with solid dots, that is why I went with the circle. My circle doesn't appear large at all. They make 2 different reticles, mine is not the ACSS which appears to be a huge circle with a dot in the middle where mine is a small dot with a crosshair looking circle in it. I'm fairly certain mine is 2 MOA which would be 4 inches at 50 yards and all I see on a 6 inch target at 35 yards is the circle around the edge of the aiming spot. Close in, a turkey's neck fills the whole circle. I think you might have the other reticle
I have the 507C Green with the dot, circle dot, or circle reticle options. Sounds like we have the same one??
Quote from: Sixes on June 02, 2025, 04:18:04 PMQuote from: BDeal on June 02, 2025, 03:58:54 PMQuote from: Sixes on June 02, 2025, 03:31:55 PMI've never used a scope on a shotgun, what is the advantage over a red/green dot? I've ran Fastfires and now a Holosun with a green circle and cannot see myself ever changing anything, but just curious as to the differences with a actual scope. I love the circle in the Holosun and it's proved to be deadly.
Scopes provide magnification and clarity for those without great vision. For those with astigmatism, red and green dots become distorted and appear as starbursts. I have a holosun with the circle as well but the circle is wayyy too large. It's as large as the entire turkey at 20 yards. How did you deal with this issue? Thanks!
I found this video, check it out and see if you have the ACSS reticle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNjx8zREt8Y
Mine is the 507C. It is a 32 MOA circle and 2 MOA dot. SO the circle at 20 yards is 6.4 inches. Not very precise. Is yours different? Thank You!!
That sounds about right but for me, it works perfect to put the circle around the neck with the dot still there. When target shooting, the circle is around the main part of the target. Here is an example from when I put it on a few years back, the green circle would encircle the solid center of the target. Works well for me, neck in the circle, dead turkey
Quote from: Sixes on June 03, 2025, 05:31:23 PMThat sounds about right but for me, it works perfect to put the circle around the neck with the dot still there. When target shooting, the circle is around the main part of the target. Here is an example from when I put it on a few years back, the green circle would encircle the solid center of the target. Works well for me, neck in the circle, dead turkey
OK I was confused. You are using the circle reticle with the dot in the middle, not the plain circle reticle without the dot? Is that correct?
Thank You!!
OK I was confused. You are using the circle reticle with the dot in the middle, not the plain circle reticle without the dot? Is that correct?
Thank You!!
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Yes. Looks like this picture that I found on the net
Yes this is the one I have as well. Thanks for the info!!!