I’ve always been a bead-sight traditionalist when it comes to shotguns. But after struggling with aging eyes and the desire for a quicker target acquisition on clays, I decided to dive into the world of red dot sights. Enter the Aimpoint Micro S-1, a sight specifically designed for shotguns. Here’s what I discovered after putting it through its paces.
Specs and Features:
- Compact design: This little guy sits low on the shotgun’s rib, maintaining a familiar sight picture.
- 6 MOA red dot: A good balance between a precise aiming point and fast acquisition for moving targets.
- 12 brightness settings: From low-light turkey hunting to bright clays under the summer sun, there’s a perfect dot intensity.
- Rugged construction: Aimpoint is known for its bombproof reliability, and the Micro S-1 is no exception.
- Long battery life: Boasts up to 5 years on a single CR2032 battery (though I still plan to replace it annually).
Best in Show:
The biggest win for me is the speed of target acquisition. With both eyes open, focusing on the clay and having the red dot appear instinctively makes a world of difference. My follow-through feels smoother too, thanks to the reduced need to line up the bead and front sight.
Advantages Over Iron Sights:
- Faster target acquisition, especially on moving targets like clays or birds.
- Improved low-light performance.
- More forgiving eye placement compared to iron sights. This is a huge benefit for aging eyes or shooters who struggle with a consistent cheek weld.
Not Without Some Quirks:
- Price: This sight isn’t cheap, but Aimpoint’s reputation for quality and durability helps justify the cost.
- Initial learning curve: It takes some practice to get used to the red dot sight picture and not focusing on the housing itself.
My Experience:
After the initial adjustment period, I was amazed at the difference the Micro S-1 made on the clay range. My hit rate went up noticeably, and I found myself focusing less on the mechanics of aiming and more on the target itself. It’s also given me the confidence to consider taking the shotgun out for turkey hunting in the pre-dawn hours.
What Others Are Saying:
Online reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Shooters praise the speed and accuracy it brings to their shotgun game. A few users mentioned the dot size being a bit large for long-range slug applications, but ideal for close- to mid-range birdshot.
Final Verdict:
The Aimpoint Micro S-1 isn’t just a red dot sight; it’s a game-changer for shotgunners. While the price tag might sting a bit, the increased speed, accuracy, and low-light capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants to elevate their shotgun performance.
Aimpoint S1 Owner –
Geesh. How else would you see the projected red dot? Come on "optics planet"- this Aimpoint S1 is an incredible sight & you're not responding to a negative review talking about the sight being askew… anybody else reading this- this sight will 100% allow you perfect sight picture and perfect tracking on moving birds. Do research before believing a negative review. Yes, I own two of these- one on a 12 ga versamax & one on a Remington 1100 20 ga. They are awesome and I wish they were less expensive.
Jeremy –
Installed my red dot today after I received it yesterday. After I had it all installed and lined up, I noticed that the front lens is askew. It's not something I can fix, and it shouldn't happen on a $700 optic. I am sending it back today, but I still want one for my turkey gun so hopefully there's another one in stock.
Gobbler hunter –
Pro: easy to mount, easy to sight in, Aimpoint quality and built like a tank. Con: costThink it will score 5 stars but I haven’t had it long enough to deserve that yet. I will drag it around for a turkey spring before a final score is earned.
Lawsboss –
Come on aimpoint, its a red dot. Why is this 800$ its basically a slightly smaller sig romeo. Your paying for the brand on the side its stupid. Id consider it if it were 300-350 but 8 FRIGGIN HUNNIDS? COME ON NOW. Ya out ya mind
John C –
Best site on the market for a shotgun!!! I have several different Vortex and Burris sites and this one is by far superior. The clarity of the glass and levels of brightness make all the difference. Great for low light situations.