How to Sight In a Red Dot Scope for Your Turkey Gun

A red dot scope can be a game-changer for turkey hunting. It helps you get faster target acquisition, a clearer sight picture, and a higher chance of putting that bird down cleanly. But it won’t do you any good if it’s not sighted in properly. Whether you’re setting up your turkey gun for the first time or just fine-tuning your setup before the season opener, here’s how to get your red dot dialed in just right.

What You’ll Need:

• Your turkey shotgun (obviously)

• Red dot optic (mounted and secured)

• Turkey loads (the same you'll use in the field)

• Targets (preferably turkey head/silhouette targets)

• A steady rest or shooting bench

• Screwdriver/Allen wrench for optic adjustments

• Eye and ear protection

Step 1: Get on Paper at a Close Distance

Start at 10-15 yards. That may sound close, but it's the best way to make sure you're hitting the paper before backing out. Mount your shotgun securely on a rest or sandbags and fire a shot at the center of the target.

Look for your point of impact. It’s not uncommon to be several inches off at this stage, depending on how your optic is mounted.

Pro tip: Use cheap birdshot for these first couple of shots. Save your expensive turkey loads for when you're dialed in.

Step 2: Adjust the Dot

Most red dot scopes adjust in MOA (minutes of angle), which translates to about 1 inch at 100 yards. At 10 yards, 1 MOA is roughly 1/10 of an inch—so it takes more clicks to move the point of impact.

Adjust your windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down) based on where your shot landed. Most turkeys get missed by shooters aiming too high or low, so getting your vertical alignment right is key.

Use your screwdriver or tool to make the needed adjustments, and fire again.

Step 3: Back It Up to 30-40 Yards

Once you're hitting dead-center at 10-15 yards, move your target back to 30 or 40 yards—a common distance for turkey shots. Now’s the time to switch to your actual turkey loads.

Use a full-size turkey target with a clear outline of the head and neck. Take a well-aimed shot using your steady rest, and evaluate your pattern.

You want the densest part of your shot pattern to hit where the red dot is placed—typically right at the base of the neck. If your pattern is off, adjust the optic again.

Step 4: Confirm and Fine-Tune

Take a few more shots to confirm consistency. Adjust in small increments if needed. The goal is to get your shot pattern centered on the kill zone, not just one lucky shot. Ideally, you’ll have 20+ pellets in the head and neck area for a clean kill.

Step 5: Lock It Down and Trust Your Setup

Once you’re dialed in, tighten down your optic mounts, and don’t mess with it. Confidence in your setup is crucial when a tom is strutting at 35 yards and you’ve only got seconds to pull the trigger.

Also, take a few off-hand or kneeling shots from realistic field positions. Make sure you're still dead-on without a bench under you.

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