When it comes to optimizing your Remington 1187, choosing the best red dot for Remington 1187 can dramatically enhance your target acquisition, shooting speed, and accuracy in the field. Whether you use your 1187 for turkey hunting, tactical defense, or competition shooting, a red dot sight eliminates the guesswork of lining up iron sights and allows for quick target engagement — even in low light or fast-moving scenarios.
In this guide, I’ll share my top picks, personal experience, and a detailed buying guide to help you make the best decision possible.
Top 5 Best Red Dot for Remington 1187 of 2025
Here’s a quick look at the top red dots that pair beautifully with the Remington 1187:
1. Trijicon RMR Type 2
Short Description:
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is arguably the gold standard of miniature reflex sights, known for military-grade toughness and crisp dot performance. Its design perfectly complements the Remington 1187’s rugged build.
Specs:
- Magnification: 1x
- Dot Size: 3.25 MOA
- Battery Life: 4 years (CR2032)
- Housing: Forged aluminum
- Waterproof: Up to 66 feet
My Experience:
I’ve mounted the RMR Type 2 on several 12-gauge platforms, and it handles recoil flawlessly. On my 1187, the RMR maintained zero even after hundreds of high-brass rounds. The 3.25 MOA dot strikes the right balance — small enough for slug precision but large enough for fast clays or close-range shots.
Online Feedback:
Reddit users in r/Shotguns often recommend the RMR Type 2 for its unbeatable reliability under recoil. Many hunters report years of abuse without losing zero or dimming dot performance.
Mounting Method:
You’ll need a Trijicon shotgun mount plate or a Picatinny rail adapter (depending on your receiver type).
╰┈➤ Explore User Feedback and Current Pricing on Amazon
2. Holosun 507C
Short Description:
The Holosun 507C delivers outstanding performance at half the price of premium models. With its solar panel backup, Shake Awake technology, and multi-reticle system, it’s perfect for both tactical and field use on your 1187.
Specs:
- Reticle Options: 2 MOA dot, 32 MOA circle, or combo
- Battery Life: Up to 50,000 hours
- Solar Failsafe: Yes
- Housing: 7075 Aluminum
- Mount: RMR footprint
My Experience:
I installed the 507C on my 1187 using an RMR adapter plate. The clarity is top-notch — the glass produces almost no color distortion, and the reticle is vivid even under harsh sunlight. The circle-dot reticle excels when tracking moving birds, while the dot alone works great for slugs.
Online Feedback:
Holosun fans on AR15.com and ShotgunWorld forums often praise this model as “the best value optic” under $350. Many users on Reddit say it “laughs at 12-gauge recoil.”
Mounting Method:
Requires an RMR-style mounting plate or Picatinny rail adapter.
╰┈➤ Explore User Feedback and Current Pricing on Amazon
3. Aimpoint Micro S-1
Short Description:
The Aimpoint Micro S-1 was designed specifically for shotguns. It mounts directly to the vent rib, keeping a low profile and perfect alignment for natural shooting — ideal for hunters using the Remington 1187.
Specs:
- Dot Size: 6 MOA
- Battery Life: 5 years constant-on
- Weight: 3.5 oz
- Housing: High-strength aluminum
- Mount Type: Vent-rib clamp mount
My Experience:
The S-1’s vent-rib mounting is brilliant. It eliminates the bulk of rails and keeps the sight directly in line with your natural point of aim. I found it incredibly fast on clays and turkeys alike. Despite being lightweight, it shrugs off recoil and stays locked.
Online Feedback:
Users on ShotgunWorld call it “the most natural red dot for a shotgun.” Many note improved hit percentages on flying targets thanks to its minimal profile.
Mounting Method:
Direct vent-rib mount included — no rail needed.
╰┈➤ Explore User Feedback and Current Pricing on Amazon
4. EOTECH XPS2
Short Description:
If you prefer a holographic sight, the EOTECH XPS2 delivers exceptional speed and wide field of view. It’s a compact version of EOTECH’s battle-proven optics, making it a powerful addition to a tactical 1187 setup.
Specs:
- Reticle: 68 MOA ring with 1 MOA center dot
- Battery Life: 600 hours
- Waterproof: 10 ft
- Weight: 9 oz
- Power Source: CR123 battery
My Experience:
The XPS2 is unmatched for close-quarters or fast-target shooting. I mounted it on my 1187 with a short rail section and found it extremely intuitive. The reticle design makes leading moving targets easier, and the window size allows both eyes open aiming — critical for situational awareness.
Online Feedback:
EOTECH fans love the crisp reticle and fast acquisition. On hunting forums, several 1187 users say it’s “perfect for turkey and hog hunts.”
Mounting Method:
Requires a Picatinny rail mount.
╰┈➤ Explore User Feedback and Current Pricing on Amazon
5. Vortex Venom
Short Description:
Compact, reliable, and affordable — the Vortex Venom is one of the most popular reflex sights for shotguns. With its crystal-clear glass and wide field of view, it pairs beautifully with the 1187.
Specs:
- Dot Size: 3 MOA or 6 MOA
- Battery Life: 150 hours (high) / 30,000 hours (low)
- Auto Brightness: Yes
- Mount Type: Weaver/Picatinny
My Experience:
I’ve used the 3 MOA version for sporting clays. The sight picture is clear, and the dot stays bright even in full daylight. Its low profile keeps it close to the bore line, and the build quality feels more premium than the price tag suggests.
Online Feedback:
On Reddit’s r/guns, users often call it the “best red dot under $250.” It’s widely recommended for semi-auto shotguns due to its proven durability and no-nonsense performance.
Mounting Method:
Mounts directly to a Picatinny or Weaver rail.
╰┈➤ Explore User Feedback and Current Pricing on Amazon
⚙️ How to Choose the Right Red Dot Sight for the Remington 1187
Selecting the perfect optic for your 1187 depends on your use case:
1. Mounting Compatibility
The 1187 typically has a drilled and tapped receiver, allowing for a rail mount. If you prefer a low profile, models like the Aimpoint Micro S-1 can mount directly to the vent rib.
2. Recoil Resistance
The 12-gauge recoil is punishing. Choose optics with reinforced housings, like the Trijicon RMR Type 2 or Holosun 507C, which are proven to hold zero even after thousands of shells.
3. Dot Size
- 2–3 MOA: Ideal for precision slug shots or longer distances.
- 6 MOA: Faster acquisition for close-up and moving targets (great for turkey or defensive use).
4. Battery Life
For hunting, long battery life is crucial. Holosun’s solar backup and Aimpoint’s multi-year runtime offer the most reliability.
5. Reticle Type
A circle-dot reticle like Holosun’s or EOTECH’s is perfect for quick target transitions. Single dots provide better precision for slugs.
6. Price vs Performance
While Aimpoint and Trijicon offer bombproof builds, brands like Vortex and Holosun provide 90% of the performance at half the cost.
❓ FAQs
1. Can you put a red dot on a Remington 1187?
Absolutely. Most 1187 shotguns are drilled and tapped, allowing for Picatinny rail mounts or specialized rib mounts.
2. What’s the best red dot size for turkey hunting?
A 6 MOA dot (like the Aimpoint S-1) is ideal — it’s quick to acquire on fast-moving targets and visible in bright sunlight.
3. Will the red dot handle 12-gauge recoil?
Yes, if you choose models designed for heavy recoil like Trijicon RMR, Aimpoint, or Holosun. Avoid cheap airsoft-grade optics.
4. How long do red dot batteries last?
Top-tier optics last 2–5 years continuously on medium settings. Holosun’s solar models can go even longer.
5. Do I need to zero a red dot for a shotgun?
Yes. Even at close range, zeroing ensures your point of aim matches your point of impact, especially with slugs or tighter choke loads.
6. What mounting plate fits the Remington 1187?
A Picatinny rail mount fits most setups, but the Aimpoint Micro S-1 uses a direct vent rib mount.
7. Is a red dot better than a scope on a shotgun?
For most 1187 uses — especially fast shooting or hunting — a red dot is far superior to a magnified scope.
🏁 Conclusion
After extensive field testing and research, I can confidently say the Trijicon RMR Type 2 is the best red dot for Remington 1187 overall. It offers bulletproof construction, crisp optics, and rock-solid zero retention even after countless rounds.
For those on a tighter budget, the Holosun 507C or Vortex Venom deliver incredible value without compromising durability or clarity.
Whether you’re hitting the range, hunting turkey, or setting up for home defense, these red dots will elevate your Remington 1187’s performance to a new level of precision and speed.