shotgun scope

[96trigger]

Looking for a good shotgun scope. What kind of scope can I put on there? Will any rifle scope work, or should I stick with the shotgun scope? Are the shorter shotgun scopes simply short for eyerelief? Would a 3x9 rifle scope work also, just weighing my options.

Should note that its going on a gas operated semiauto, so recoil shouldn't be that bad. I know some scopes have problems with recoil on shotguns.

[candiru]

I would get a shotgun scope. They are built for the recoil and closer ranges(parallax-or focus point). I would also go with less power than a 3x9, better for close shots.

Leupold makes a nice 2x7 shotgun scope (~$200) that I really like. The one problem with mine is that it takes a shot to move the crosshairs. Shoot, adjust, shoot twice to see where you end up. I also kind of "drop" the butt of the gun on the bench to give it a slight shock. I sold a gun that had a 1.5x5 Weaver Grand Slam. I also liked that one. I also have some experience with a Bushnell 1.75x4 Shotgun/turkey scope (~$100). I liked and did not have any issues with that one either. Also, sold the gun.

[Steve Foss]

I chose a shotgun scope specifically because of the recoil, and chose a top brand and fairly high end scope for the same reason. Seems like the cheap ones just have too many bad reviews.

I went with a Leupold 3-9 x 40mm Rifleman muzzleloader/shotgun scope for my Mossberg 695. I'm eager to get it mounted and boresighted and on the range. Candiru, thanks for that tip on moving the crosshairs. Likely, knowing that will avoid a LOT of frustration.

In a semi-auto, with that recoil being largely eaten up, I wonder if a rifle-specific scope would fare better.

[candiru]

It took me a couple of trips to the range to figure it out - expensive.

I will also add that the Leupold had the clearest picture. I remember the Weaver and the Bushnell being a little fuzzy at high-power. All were good at low power. I always hunt with them on low. I bought them for the low end.

[Steve Foss]

Yeah, aside from sighting in, mine will spend most of its time on the low end, too. Thick woods, shotgun, etc. In those conditions anything over 3x is a liability. I will like the higher mag in some cases (logging and power line cuts) when I've got a sturdy rest and some open country.

[trolloni]

Nikon Omega slug hunter its the one with the bdc reticle 5 cross hairs got mine set 50 yds - 200 yds dont even try the 5 th one with my slug gun ,it works good on my muzzeloader though. Im really happy and impressed with it on my benelli sbe 11 it loves winchester partition gold slugs.Super clear ,waterproof ,fogproof ,and shockproof. also a lifetime warranty kinda pricey though ,i found out though, buy the best you can afford cause you wanna be huntin and fishin not fixen when seasons on !About the muzzeloader, scopes are legal in my state.

[PostFrontal]

I use a Leupold VX-I 3-9x40. They make a shotgun/muzzleloader scope and a rifle scope. Can find them for around $200. Has always worked great.

That being said, I bought a Nikon ProStaff 3-9x50 this last year for my 300 Win Mag and if you could fit it on the slug gun I would only buy 50 mm lenses from now on. So much brighter in low light, 1/2 hour before sunrise and 1/2 hour after sunset, and when looking through brush. Great buy at $200 as well.

Would need a high comb on a monte carlo stock, or what I did was get the sleave with foam inserts from Gander to put on the stock to get a good cheek weld. Love it!

[PostFrontal]

Forgot about your other questions. Obviously, where the scope goes on the gun depends on each person and where the rings are mounted.

I've still got the tatoo between my eyes from my old 870 that kicked like a mule. I have a Benelli Super 90 which is semi-auto for my slug gun and with that and all guns I mount the scope as far forward as possible. With that you can always adjust your cheek forward, but if you have the scope mounted further back, it doesn't feel as comfortable if you have to move your head back. Length of the scope hasn't matter. Only use the shorter ones on my pistols. That's all personal prefernce and not right or wrong.

Leupold 3x9-40-I usually leave on 4. Doesn't bounce around and works for further distances and if they are up close. If they are a ways away it's nice to be able to power it up to 9 not usually to shoot because it's bouncing around but to get a better look at it and have plenty of time to power it back down for them to get closer.

Nikon 3x9-50-I usually have on 5 or 6 unless I'm going to be shooting close. Don't know what is different about it, but doesn't jump around like the Leupold when it is turned up.

[96trigger]

Thanks, I figured that it would either be a Leupold, Nikon, or Burris. Belas makes a few scopes that interest me, they make one for a shotgun adn another for a ML. I like them both but they are pretty cheap and even though they are warrented for life, I know that I will get what I pay for. I really like the glass on the Burris but they don't make a shotgun scope, which was why I was wondering about just putting on a 3x9. I will probably end up with a leopold. Thanks again for the info.