Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
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People sometimes have challenges in choosing a good shotgun scope. Now you can drift faraway those worries in the ocean, as I have a list of suitable top shotgun scopes you can choose from based on necessity. Most shotguns don’t come with an optic, and rear sight will help you get an accurate lead on your target. Using shotguns without a scope is not advised. Consider getting a good and reliable one. Choosing a shotgun with a durable scope and a perfect optic will help you get your shots accurately. Shotguns scopes can assist you in aiming correctly to reach your target point without missing.
Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight with QRP2 Mount and Spacer - 2 MOA - 12841
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- Absolute co-witness with iron sights (with the supplied spacer installed)
- Features 2 MOA red dot for accurate target engagement
- Includes front and rear plastic flip cap lens covers
- Features 10 brightness settings including one extra bright for use in bright sunlight
- Up to 30,000 hours (over 3 years) of constant operation from 1 DL1/3N battery
Usually, scopes are always needed for rifles that are used for long-range shots. It is advisable to use a red dot on your shotgun for better target acquisition to engage targets easily. Shotgun scopes can be used on some, not all rifles. When you use a shotgun scope, you get shots quickly and easily in short-range focus, but it is best to use a red dot. It will give you more focus on the front sight or rear sight to hit your target appropriately. Shotgun scopes can serve different purposes. They can be used in hunting, for house defense, and controlling of varmints. It is better to use optics with lower magnification in improving accuracy when you aim at targets.
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If you are in a hurry to purchase the best shotgun scopes, and you want to make the best decision, here are our top 3 picks:
Top 3 Best Shotgun Scopes
I suggest you choose an optic that suits your rifle. The marksmanship of scope is better to be considered than accuracy. A rugged shotgun optic is a good option for hunters hunting, especially in the woods at night/noon. With a scope on your rifle, you can prevent missing targets and hunt/meet your targets quickly. The scope is suitable for use when you are out hunting for deers in the woods. You can get a clear and perfect shot in any kind of weather with a good optics attached.
Most shotguns are used in short-range, but you can use a good optic with it. A red dot optic is the right choice in getting a long-range shot accurately without missing. You must check the information stated by the manufacturers well enough to prevent the selection of a shotgun scope that is not good enough. Before going into the review, let me provide you with tips on what to consider in choosing a shotgun scope.
8 Best Shotgun Scopes (Ranked And Reviewed)
Specifications
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Dimensions:
6.75 x 4.63 x 3.38 Inches
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Weight:
0.49 Pounds
The Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight is made of high-quality materials with 30000hours/3years constant battery life making it a right sight choice to mount on your rifle. It comes with 4-night vision capability settings and 6 daylight settings and includes front and rear flip-up lens cover to protect the sight. With an Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight, you can aim at targets at any time. It has several night vision settings and light for easy target acquisition when sunny and even at night, especially for those who prefer a shot out at night. The optic is perfect to use and worth the money; it is the lowest price professional Red Dot sight available. Designed to perform exceptionally well in harsh conditions.
I suggest this sight/scope as it includes a rugged Aimpoint QPR2 mount and a removable spacer for adjusting the sight. Aimpoints are reliable and proven optics for great usage. This sight is of good value and can be used indoors because of its perfect light setting. For instance, when you need to be on the lookout when it is not safe in your area/environment. It is ideal for defending your home. Also ensures safety when you are in danger in the woods, especially at night. With the Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight, you can get your targets at several yards easily without missing your shot. It comes with 2 MOA Red Dot for accuracy at all times, and it can be submerged into water to 150feet.
Positive
- Allows for enhanced speed on target and increased first shot hit probability
- It comes with protective flip-up lens covers, allowing the sight to be used even with the caps not flipped up for easy use in bright sunlight
- It will work well with a 3x magnifier
- It is night site compatible
- The durability of the sight is fantastic
- It comes with 2 MOA red dot mount that works well
- Easy to mount and works well on the AR
- Batteries are included with it and last longer
- It has an off switch, but you can leave it on if you like
- It is very affordable and, at the same time, of very high quality
- It is parallax free and also has unlimited eye relief
Negatives
- It does not come with cross sights
- You can see the red dot from the front of the optic
- It cannot work well on the Sig 516
- The reticle is not as crisp as Eotech
2. Holosun HS510C 2 MOA Dot Or A 65 MOA Open Reflex Circle Dot Solar Power Holographic Red Dot Sight
Specifications
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Dimensions:
4.75 x 3.62 x 3.12 Inches
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Weight:
8.3 Ounces
Using a Holosun HS510C 2 MOA Dot is advisable as it has an unlimited field of view, powered by both battery and solar. The sight is a new advanced technology allowing it to be used for up to 50,000hours of operation on one CR2032 battery for easy use. The sight is shock resistant and titanium alloy, making it durable to use in aiming at targets in any situation. Its reticle will give you fast acquisition at a closer range, and the mount can be easily released with the convenient latch keeper. It is the best reflex sight to opt for, and the reticle is very sharp with zero parallax allowing you to hit targets more accurately.
I recommend the Holosun HS510C 2 MOA Dot as you can still use it without a battery because it is solar powered due to its advanced quality. It is very affordable and, at the same time, of high quality. If you need a sight for home defense, the Holosun HS510C 2 MOA Dot is very bright and reliable. Easily co-witnesses with the pop-up sights, and the reflex ability is pretty good. It turns itself off and then back on when you move the gun, saving battery. It is a perfect optic for easy usage. Has an excellent optic preferable for accurate shots at targets.
Positive
- It works on a weaver rail
- It is the best affordable and high-quality optic
- Powered by both battery and solar
- You can set the brightness level and still utilize the motion on a feature
- Great battery life
- Easy to mount and remove
- Mount is built on sight
- It has an open frame for a complete sight picture
- The reticle does not get blurry if you focus on the target downrange
Negatives
- It does not have auto brightness adjustment
- Not built with night vision capabilities, but it can be used with night vision goggles
- The auto ambient turns down the reticle making it hard to see at a distance of 35 yards
- Mount cannot be taken off
3. Nikon Prostaff P3 Predator Hunter BDC Predator Riflescope
Specifications
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Dimensions:
4.92 x 0.79 x 0.79 Inches
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Weight:
0.94 Pounds
The Riflescope feature allows you to sight your target at whatever range you like. It includes an aluminum quick focus eyepiece making it easy for accurate target acquisition. With the Nikon Prostaff P3 Predator Hunter BDC Predator Riflescope, you can be assured of consistent eye relief. I suggest that you purchase a BDC Predator Riflescope as it can meet long-range targets of up to 400 yards. This reticle scope is designed for hunting. For deer hunters, the Riflescope is an excellent sight to opt for. The scope is made with Nikon’s quick range finding reticle for hunting and can be used in varmint/pest control.
Positive
- It will handle the recoil from a 308 rifle
- The optical system is fully multicoated
- It comes well secured in a box
- It is a good scope for deer hunting and can also be used in controlling varmints/pests
- With it, you can sight targets up to 400 yards
- Can be mounted on a 12 gauge deer hunting slug gun
- The MOA can be easily adjusted
- Includes instant zero-reset turrets
Negatives
- Not sure the eye relief works is consistent
4. TRUGLO GOBBLE-STOPPER 30mm Turkey Hunting Dual-Color Dot Sight
Specifications
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Dimensions:
9.3 x 7.2 x 1.7 Inches
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Weight:
1 Pound
This scope is an excellent scope with specially designed reticles for hunting turkey. It includes detachable sunshades, 3V-CR2032 batteries, both main and spare. It is light weighted and easy to mount. TRUGLO GOBBLE-STOPPER 30mm Turkey Hunting Dual-Color Dot Sight with Weaver Rings is well constructed of CNC-machined aircraft-grade aluminum of high quality. The reticle has dual-color [red and green] to choose from in sighting targets more accurately. The sight is very suitable to use as it can be used in all kinds of situations. It is affordable with long-lasting batteries and can be easily adjusted, giving a shooter a vast advantage. It also includes unlimited eye relief, an adjustable rheostat for controlling brightness level, and flip-up lens covers.
Positive
- It is parallax free
- It fits anything with a weaver rail or Picatinny rail
- It is fog proof, waterproof, and shockproof
- It comes with a detachable sunshade and weaver mounts
- The brightness adjusts well from low light to the brightest conditions, and the circle dots help in ranging birds
- It is easy to mount
- It can also be used for deer hunting
- It assists in getting your targets accurately
- Has a good battery life
Negatives
- It is designed for shotguns, not sure it will work on a rifle
- The recoil does not hold a zero
- It will mount on most 12 gauge shotguns, not all
- Cover caps can slide off
5. Hammers Cantilever Barrel Deer Slug Shotgun Scope 2-7×32 With Weaver Rings
Specifications
-
Dimensions:
3.2 x 2.3 x 4.5 Inches
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Weight:
1 Pound
The scope is a high quality small, lightweight, and powerfully built with turret adjustment that can be locked in place after sighting to avoid accidental movement. It includes zoom power from 2x-7x, fine line circle x reticle for meeting targets quickly. The Hammers Cantilever Barrel Deer Slug Shotgun Scope 2-7×32 with Weaver Rings has a field of view at 100yards with eye relief. I suggest that you use this scope as it is a great choice and quality scope worth every penny. I recommend this scope for shooters to mount on their shotguns as long-range shots can be achieved with the Hammers Cantilever Barrel Deer Slug Shotgun Scope.
Positive
- It has a quick focus ring at the end of the eyepiece for easy target acquisition
- Continuous zoom power allowing images/targets to be seen clearly
- It is parallax-free at 50 yards
- Comes with premium quality multi coated optics, which gives a clear and sharp view
- It has tight windage and elevation click value adjustment that can be reset with fingers easily
- The scope can be used for different activities such as hunting, home defence, etc
Negatives
- Not sure it can be mounted on all types of guns
- It can only be used on rifles with heavy recoils
6. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope
Specifications
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Dimensions:
5.4 x 3.4 x 2.2 Inches
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Weight:
0.23 Pounds
Well constructed sight to perform at a high level for all types of shooters. It is a small, compact red dot with a durable metal housing. The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope is easy to mount on and works well with most Picatinny rails. This sight can be used for various kinds of activity, for instance, if you are shooting in the woods or spending a day at the range to practice shooting. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope has extended battery life, allowing you to worry less about it going off. It includes an O ring sealed optics, which makes it resistant to water, 3 MOA Dot reticle with 11 brightness settings.
Getting a Rifle Scope is advisable because it is durably built to withstand bumps, bangs, or drops, especially those going to real battle or those caught in an urgent situation. The dial to brightness control works perfectly well, making it easy for shooters to adjust even in darkness and bright sunlight. It is cheap to purchase and can maintain its accuracy for a lifetime. It has a one-year limited warranty for materials and workmanship.
Positive
- It comes with a long-lasting battery
- It can be used on air guns
- It has unlimited eye relief for easy two eye use
- It includes nitrogen purged waterproof/fog proof construction
- All types of shooters can make use of this sight
- Compatible with pistols, shotguns, rifles, muzzleloaders, and more
- You can easily adjust the red dot brightness with an adjustment dial in tuning the brightness for any situation
- The red dot does not wobble when aiming
- Has an amber lens
Negatives
- The red dot is very sensitive to the illumination level
- No auto turnoff feature was included
- It does not come with an additional riser
- This scope does not fit all guns
- It cannot co-witness with the optic without a riser
- The windage turret cannot be adjusted
- The reticle has a starburst effect
- Obviously not for long-range shots
7. TRUGLO 4X32mm Compact Rimfire and Shotgun Scope Series
Specifications
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Dimensions:
0.5 x 0.5 x 6 Inches
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Weight:
1.05 Pounds
The TRUGLO 4X32mm Compact Rimfire and Shotgun Scope Series are very reasonable and affordable for deer and turkey hunting. It comes with a fully coated lens providing appropriate brightness, clarity, and contrast. The reticle is a diamond reticle model, including a Weaver-style scope mounting rails for easy mounting on rifles and shotguns. It is specially designed for shotgun hunting and is perfect for hunters who would like to hunt for deers and turkeys. I suggest the use of this scope, especially for hunters. It comes with a rubber eye guard, which is very durable, preventing scratches. The duplex reticle model includes ⅜” scope mounting ring ideal for rimfire and air rifles.
Positive
- It has plenty of infinite eye relief
- It is clear and crisp but not expensive
- It comes with removable lens covers
- It is made of high-quality material, making it durable enough to use
- Very easy to mount and get sighted in
- It works on shotguns and weaker firearms
- Suitable and accurate for deer and turkey hunting
- This scope has crosshairs
- It can work up to 100 yards
- It is designed as a shotgun scope; it should hold up to a 3inch magnum load
Negatives
- It will shake apart on an AR
- It is not designed to tighten up on the Picatinny rail
- The scope is basically for rimfire rifles
8. StrongTools Waterproof Green Dot Laser Sight Adjustable Sight for Rifles & Shotguns With Mounts and Cable Press Switch
Specifications
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Dimensions:
6.38 x 5.16 x 1.69 Inches
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Weight:
144 Grams
The StrongTools Waterproof Green Dot Laser Sight is durable and of high quality. It comes with a cable pressure switch to control laser on and off, and it is perfect for novice shooters as well as professionals. Very reliable to be used in all kinds of shooting activities. Made of aerospace-grade aluminum with anodized finish. I recommend this scope for a shotgun as you are at an advantage even when shooting competitively. It includes a highly visible green laser that can be used in any environment with improved accuracy.
With this scope, you can meet your Aimpoint up to 100 yards during the day and at night without missing your target. A complimentary 1” barrel/scope clamp mount is attached to make the green laser compatible with any 20mm width weaver base. It is well constructed with quality materials allowing it to be used in any weather or condition; it is resistant to water. The use of a high-quality laser module like the green laser with qualified electronic components will support the scope for a lifetime. The laser can be adjusted based on the direction your target is located.
Positive
- The beam is bright enough, but not too bright
- Has solid construction with a rugged body tube
- The adjustment screws allow pointing alignment in a snap
- The green laser can be used in daylight or at night
- It is designed to be waterproof
- It comes with an on and off switch installed
- Easy target acquisition is guaranteed; the performance stays consistent
- The lens is a high clear glass lens, very bright to sight in even at night
- It will fit the weaver style or Picatinny rail systems
- Laser keeps a zero on an AR-style semi-auto 12 gauge shotgun
- Includes two mounts, 1 Picatinny mount, and 1 shotgun mount
Negatives
- The battery is not rechargeable
- The eyes don’t seem protected when exposed directly to the beam
- Too large to be used on a full-size handgun
- At 25 yards, the dot will be blurred
- It is too heavy to mount on a rifle
What To Consider While Buying The Best Shotgun Scopes?
In purchasing a good quality shotgun scope, there are essential/vital things to consider to avoid visible issues while using your shotgun/rifle’s scope.
Price and Reliability
Checking the scopes’ warranty is very crucial in choosing a very reliable scope. When you miss out on this information, you may not get what you thought you have initially wanted. Shotgun scopes are easy to purchase because they are cheaper than other scopes. You are even at an advantage when you get a shotgun scope since you don’t have to purchase something expensive and later regret it. Some scopes may be expensive and not of high quality, while some may be affordable and worth every penny. I suggest that you find a scope with a full lifetime warranty that also covers damages to be on a safer edge of usage.
Accuracy and Magnification
The magnification of the scope is of high quality as you can quickly get your targets without stressing too much. With the scope, target acquisition is a piece of cake, as you can get them accurately without missing. A higher magnification level will be needed if you are engaging in long-range shooting with a distance close to 1000yards. It is advisable to choose a scope with a high level of magnification for long-range shots acquisition.
Range
When you want to purchase a scope, you have to look at its construction. Using a scope with larger tubes will increase the range of adjustment, which is vital in getting long-range shots quickly.
Eye Relief
Getting a scope with eye-relief is advisable if you don’t want to strain or get your eye bruised when aiming at shoots. When your scope has eye relief, you can quickly look through the reticle with both eyes with no worries about having your eyes stressed. Some come with infinite/long eye relief allowing you to look or sight in with both eyes, and some do not come with eye relief. You need to access the product well before picking it.
Quality Lens Coating
When a lens is well coated, the light reflection will be reduced, and there will be an increase in light transmission within the lens. A good scope must have a quality coated lens.
Construction
In different weather conditions, especially when it is foggy or raining, you can aim accurately even in the rain and when it is foggy. Selecting a waterproof, shockproof scope, and fog proof is highly recommended to enjoy hunting even during the night. A scope that is well constructed can be used in all kinds of situations. For instance, when submerged in water, maybe you are a marine soldier, you can still sight in your targets. And your scope is safe underwater too since it is water-resistant.
Turrets and Adjustments
The knob on the right side of the scope is an adjustment for windage. Both the windage and elevation knobs adjust the reticle and help you match your aim point of the firearm with the crosshairs. If you are a hunter, choosing a scope with high quality and reliable turrets is essential not to be caught halfway in urgent situations. A scope with an easy parallax adjustment can allow you not to miss targets if you adjust it well. A scope with a right turret gives you an advantage, as you can adjust windage and elevation appropriately. Getting a scope with a tight windage and elevation adjustment is advised.
Weight
In selecting a good shotgun scope, it is necessary to consider the weight. The weight of a scope can determine whether it can be mounted well on a rifle/shotgun. A lightweight scope is highly recommended for easy mounting on all types of guns. Scopes come in different sizes and weights; the components added can either make it heavy or light. Having a scope that is lightly weighted is preferable for easy movement and use.
FAQs
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
It depends! Being able to use a shotgun scope on a slug gun relies solely on the mounting system. It is better to check the product details and reviews well to decide if it can be used.
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
In purchasing a good shotgun scope, you need to check if its construction is of high quality, if the scope has an adjustable turret and auto on/off switch, and battery life is essential.
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Yes, but this depends on the kind of product purchased. I suggest you choose a good quality shotgun scope that best suits your needs.
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Using a shotgun scope for a shotgun is highly recommended, as you can get shots quickly from a long-range without missing. It is the best choice for 1000 yards.
Conclusion
In acquiring your target as a shooter, it is good to use a suitable gun/rifle with a high-quality scope. Sometimes, you may not be sure of the scope that should go with your shotgun/rifle. Mounting the right shotgun scope for your shotgun can be done by selecting the appropriate scope from a series/list of different products by several manufacturers. The first thing to check when you want to purchase a scope is its lens/reticle and construction. Importantly, you need to check the yardage of the scope so as to be assured of an accurate shot at your target from a long-range angle. Being able to shoot from a long-range is one of the major concerns of shooters, especially hunters. Some shotgun scopes can be used with all types of guns and in any kind of situation. I recommend that you pick a scope that is resistant to shock, water, and fog.
With a scope that can be used in any condition and weather, you are at an advantage. Hunters are at an advantage as some shotgun scopes can be used for hunting deers and turkeys easily. I recommend the use of shotgun scopes to be mounted on shotguns for accurate shots at targets even at night or in urgent situations. With sharp and accurate optics, a hunter’s speed is increased, allowing for faster target acquisition. Shotgun scopes are mostly designed for hunting birds, deers, coyotes, and controlling varmints. I suggest you get a good shotgun scope to hit your target more accurately without missing at all times. Different manufactures have different specs available for you to choose from; you just need to pick a reliable and reasonable spec that best suits your needs.
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Our curated list of products has been provided to you by our experienced team of researchers and writers at Ballachy who have tested and scrutinized product recommendations on the market. Our experience in the field, in-depth research and hands-on approach has allowed us to objectively analyse products for years and continuously providing value for buyers who are looking to get accurate and unbiased reviews. If you would like to know more about our research methods, we welcome you to visit our page here detailing how our recommendations are done. Furthermore, as we are always looking keep our guides updated and welcome any feedback from readers regarding different experiences or recommendations to adjust our list. If you consider that we have missed on some important recommendations, please let us know here, so we can add-on any valuable feedback.
Author Profile
- Gabriel Tackett
- Gabriel Tackett is an experienced shooter and hunter for over 15 years with a degree in Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He is also a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) officer for 10 years And his passion lies in teaching others how to safely enjoy the hobby by recommending the best practices & products in the gun industry.