Reflex vs Red Dot vs Bead

[bvoss55]

What is your preference? Why? Do you have a particular one you recommend?

 

[Andy S.]

I've hunted with a bead or rifle sights (to correct POI issues) since day one. It's what I know and as long as I can execute the shot, I do not plan on changing.

 

[Southern Sportsman]

I take no issue with using a bead so long as your gun shoot true to point of aim. But the reality is, many do not. It's rarely noticeable when wing shooting because the pattern size compensates for slight variations in where the true center of the pattern is. But you choke down a turkey gun, particularly with many of the good loads today that shoot very uniform patterns, and it often becomes noticeable. If half your pattern is hitting high or left, it wont take much to miss a turkey. So adjustable sights are sometimes needed.

I've used rifle sights and like them fine for turkeys that are standing still. But lining up a rear sight and front sight and getting a clean aim at a running turkey aint easy, even for somebody with a lot of practice using rifle sights. I was hunting with a buddy who crippled a turkey once. I had a plenty-good opportunity to kill him running away but drawing quickly and trying to get everything lined up for the shot was tough. I missed (badly) and we never found the turkey. I could have missed him with anything, but I don't think I would have. So I switched to a reflex red dot and absolutely love it (Burris Fastfire III). 3 MOA dot is more precise than a beed, no magnification, and unlimited eye relief. Clean sight picture, easy target acquisition, and instinctively easy to use on a moving target. I left one on my .410 (because I didn't feel like taking it off and putting it back on) and shot doves with it this past fall. The only drawback I have found is hunting in the rain. Water beads on the glass make it tough. I killed a turkey in a severe thunder storm last spring, but when I drew down and had to REALLY work to make out his blurry red head and line it up with my blurry red dot, I would have really loved to have only a bead or rifle sights. Battery was one early concern. But they last for thousands of hours and most models have an auto shutoff feature after 10-12 hours, so that's been a non-issue. Out of an abundance of caution, I just put a new battery in at the beginning of each spring. Also, the reflex sights can mounted very low atop the gun for better shooting form and easier aiming.

When you say red dot, I assume you mean a tube-style scope with a dot reticle. (Many people use "red dot" interchangeably with the reflex sights). Someone may give you a "pro" list for them, but I don't know of any - except they are often cheaper than reflex style sites. They are bulkier, a little heavier, have a more limited field of view since you are looking through a scope tube, and they still have the same drawbacks with quick target acquisition, water on the glass, and need for batteries.

:2c:

 

[Southern Sportsman]

I'm looking for another sight for a new 20 gauge now. Burris Fastfire III and Vortex Venom are beloved by many and there is very little difference between them. I will probably land on one of those. I've also looked at the Swampfox Kingslayer. Looks like a great sight, comparable to the other two mentioned, and you can find them a little cheaper. But they have an auto-off feature after 4 hours. Not a huge deal to push a button again after 4 hours of hunting - unless you forget and try to aim at a turkey and have to fumble for the button when you should be shooting.

 

[Uncle Jesse]

What's a reflex sight? Is that the ones that only have 1 piece of glass?

 

[REN]

I've used a Burris FF3 for many years now and can never go back to a bead. Just adds so much confidence and takes some of the guess work of making sure you are down on the stock.

Having said that I'd shoot a bead before a tube style sight personally.

 

[Boll Weevil]

I've used a Burris FF3 for many years now and can never go back to a bead. Just adds so much confidence and takes some of the guess work of making sure you are down on the stock.

Having said that I'd shoot a bead before a tube style sight personally.

^This.

 

[Southern Sportsman]

What's a reflex sight? Is that the ones that only have 1 piece of glass?

Yes, small unit that emits a small light onto the one-piece sight window. The dot you see looking through the sight is a reflection of the light behind it. "Reflection" has been shortened to "reflex" sights. Several companies make them, but google Burris Fastfire or Vortex Venom or Viper for some examples.

 

[SKFOOTER]

I just bought 2 of the Kingslayers from Swampfox Optics website. I got the green circle/dot and I am well pleased with them. Use the Coupon Code DAILYSHOOTER and get a $44 discount. You will not be disappointed with this sight!

 

[REN]

I just bought 2 of the Kingslayers from Swampfox Optics website. I got the green circle/dot and I am well pleased with them. Use the Coupon Code DAILYSHOOTER and get a $44 discount. You will not be disappointed with this sight!

Just curious what the benifit to that vs the FF3 that's in the same price range with basically the same options. I didn't see the warranty on this one but Burris was lifetime at one time (theirs may be the same)

 

[deerfever]

The swampfox kingslayer has a 50,000 shot warranty! They don't count so in other words lifetime. Use the code WLS15 and get 55 dollars off. I don't know of anyone else having that green circle dot if that is what you want. I am about to get one of these, the venom or Burris myself. I don't believe you can go wrong with any. I have a Mueller quick shot that I like also but I want one of these that are even smaller.

 

[Displaced_Vol]

I take no issue with using a bead so long as your gun shoot true to point of aim. But the reality is, many do not. It's rarely noticeable when wing shooting because the pattern size compensates for slight variations in where the true center of the pattern is. But you choke down a turkey gun, particularly with many of the good loads today that shoot very uniform patterns, and it often becomes noticeable. If half your pattern is hitting high or left, it wont take much to miss a turkey. So adjustable sights are sometimes needed.

I've used rifle sights and like them fine for turkeys that are standing still. But lining up a rear sight and front sight and getting a clean aim at a running turkey aint easy, even for somebody with a lot of practice using rifle sights. I was hunting with a buddy who crippled a turkey once. I had a plenty-good opportunity to kill him running away but drawing quickly and trying to get everything lined up for the shot was tough. I missed (badly) and we never found the turkey. I could have missed him with anything, but I don't think I would have. So I switched to a reflex red dot and absolutely love it (Burris Fastfire III). 3 MOA dot is more precise than a beed, no magnification, and unlimited eye relief. Clean sight picture, easy target acquisition, and instinctively easy to use on a moving target. I left one on my .410 (because I didn't feel like taking it off and putting it back on) and shot doves with it this past fall. The only drawback I have found is hunting in the rain. Water beads on the glass make it tough. I killed a turkey in a severe thunder storm last spring, but when I drew down and had to REALLY work to make out his blurry red head and line it up with my blurry red dot, I would have really loved to have only a bead or rifle sights. Battery was one early concern. But they last for thousands of hours and most models have an auto shutoff feature after 10-12 hours, so that's been a non-issue. Out of an abundance of caution, I just put a new battery in at the beginning of each spring. Also, the reflex sights can mounted very low atop the gun for better shooting form and easier aiming.

When you say red dot, I assume you mean a tube-style scope with a dot reticle. (Many people use "red dot" interchangeably with the reflex sights). Someone may give you a "pro" list for them, but I don't know of any - except they are often cheaper than reflex style sites. They are bulkier, a little heavier, have a more limited field of view since you are looking through a scope tube, and they still have the same drawbacks with quick target acquisition, water on the glass, and need for batteries.

:2c:

I've patterned my guns for ducks a couple times, and only once or twice for turkey loads. That's going to change this year and I'll be starting with checking POI/POA on both my 12s. Going to use full chokes for both and target loads.

After we get that ironed out it'll be on to more serious turkey loads.

That's a pretty good review of the reflex sights,SS. Going to really hope my bead is on target... if not I'll be sorely tempted to drop a couple hundred on a Burris.

 

[deerfever]

Back to topic I have used bead , tube red dot and now getting Into the reflex. I think that I will like the reflex the best just because of how low they mount and how small they are. I have been using an inexpensive Tasco red dot tube and they have never failed me or cost me a gobbler. As for battery life it is amazing what they will do now. I never turn mine on until I set up on a bird. To me it just came down to the patterns the guns and choke tubes will throw now and my aging eyes! I actually tried a red dot for my son and then got hooked myself!

 

[Setterman]

Once I went to a Burris fast fire I can never go back. Greatest sight I could ever imagine

 

[REN]

The swampfox kingslayer has a 50,000 shot warranty! They don't count so in other words lifetime. Use the code WLS15 and get 55 dollars off. I don't know of anyone else having that green circle dot if that is what you want. I am about to get one of these, the venom or Burris myself. I don't believe you can go wrong with any. I have a Mueller quick shot that I like also but I want one of these that are even smaller.

to be clear I dont know anything about the kinglsayer sight so I have no opinion one way or the other on it, just curious at the price point what advantages does this one have over a tried and true FF3 as an example?

 

[Levee Jumper]

I shoot a bead and try to keep my head down just like I do for all critters I shoot at with a shotgun.

IMO If you're really only going to shoot out to 40 yds your better off opening up that choke a bit and treating a shotgun like a shotgun and not a rifle (especially with TSS). Way more turkeys missed at 15 yds. than 40 yds.

This certainly excludes the sub gauge rage given the reduction in payload. You need all the help you can get with a 410. ;)

 

[Southern Sportsman]

The swampfox kingslayer has a 50,000 shot warranty! They don't count so in other words lifetime. Use the code WLS15 and get 55 dollars off. I don't know of anyone else having that green circle dot if that is what you want. I am about to get one of these, the venom or Burris myself. I don't believe you can go wrong with any. I have a Mueller quick shot that I like also but I want one of these that are even smaller.

to be clear I dont know anything about the kinglsayer sight so I have no opinion one way or the other on it, just curious at the price point what advantages does this one have over a tried and true FF3 as an example?

I've researched them a lot. By all accounts they are a very good sight on par with the Burris and Vortex models. They've only been around since 2018, but seem to have exceptional customer service. They offer a couple different dot options, including green (which some people really seem to like) and 3MOA dot with a larger circle around it. I think I would like that. I almost bought one but changed my mind when I figured out that they automatically shut off if you don't press a button for 4 hours. Battery life is adequate, but considerably less than Burris and Vortex. I'm guessing that's why they set the auto shutoff at a relatively short 4 hrs. I like to turn my sight on when I get out of the truck and turn it off when I put it back in the truck. So a 4 hr shut off was a deal breaker for me. Might not bother others.

If using a mounting plate instead of a picatinny rail, it uses the RMR footprint. Same look/function once mounted, but different hole pattern than the Burris/Vortex sights.

 

[deerfever]

Swampfox if I read correctly just started in 2018 with the kingslayer. I have been looking for a while and read quite a bit and they seem solid. I emailed the company last Saturday and they got back with me within 30 minutes. I have read and heard nothing but good. They have three choices of dots, red , circle red , or circle green. Again I think it's just a matter of which one you like better, green seems to show up better to me I have a Tru glo gobble dot with green. As far as price point you can get one for 164 with the code I give. I don't think I have ever seen a Burris for that. They will also do things on certain holidays and you can get them at an even better price. All you read about Burris and vortex is great but I don't believe either have the circle dot if a man preferred it. That's a big plus for me, I wouldn't hesitate to buy any of the three for the right price. I am sure they all give codes and have sales at certain times of the year.

 

[REN]

Cool thanks for the replies. Was just genuinely curious


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Uncle Jesse]

What's a reflex sight? Is that the ones that only have 1 piece of glass?

Yes, small unit that emits a small light onto the one-piece sight window. The dot you see looking through the sight is a reflection of the light behind it. "Reflection" has been shortened to "reflex" sights. Several companies make them, but google Burris Fastfire or Vortex Venom or Viper for some examples.

Ain't that how all red dot sights work?

Anyway, I started out with a red dot sight, then went to rifle sights, then realized I didn't want a shotgun that didn't shoot where I'm looking. Bead only now for me

 

[stringtalker]

I've used a bead, and reflex sight, then tried a diamond reticle scope and love it.

 

[Uncle Jesse]

There ya go... No batteries

 

[Southern Sportsman]

What's a reflex sight? Is that the ones that only have 1 piece of glass?

Yes, small unit that emits a small light onto the one-piece sight window. The dot you see looking through the sight is a reflection of the light behind it. "Reflection" has been shortened to "reflex" sights. Several companies make them, but google Burris Fastfire or Vortex Venom or Viper for some examples.

Ain't that how all red dot sights work?

Not exactly. Tube-style sights are typically prism sights. Etched reticle that is illuminated. And some red dots are holographic. Technically holographics use reflexion, but it's through a series of lenses. Not just an LED reflecting directly from a single lens.

 

[bvoss55]

Thanks for the info. I appreciate it.