Shotgun sights aren't just the old bead sight that looks like a BB on the end of your barrel. Some will say that you "don't have to aim a shotgun, the spread will take care of it." This is flat-out false, as any scattergun fan will tell you. Just like any firearm, shotguns need to be aimed at the intended target. That old tried-and-true bead design is still serviceable, but upgrading your sights to match your application will increase the overall performance of your shotgun by helping you increase accuracy. This page has iron-sight designs like shotgun night sights, but we also carry a full line of Red Dot Sights that you can check out. With tons of XS Sight Systems Shotgun Sights, LPA Shotgun Sights, Meprolight Shotgun Sights, and more from top brands in the industry, we're confident you'll find exactly what you're looking for.
This is going to vary a lot depending on what you want to do with your shotgun. Of course, you can have a variety of sights for one gun that can be swapped out with some tools and a little time. A combo of front and rear sights like those seen on rifles used to only be found on slug guns (rifled-barrel shotguns), but today are seen and used on many tactical shotguns to increase accuracy. Since tactical shotguns may be using Buckshot, slugs, or a mix of both shells simultaneously, sights give a huge advantage. Rear shotgun sights can be found in open or aperture configurations, as well as fixed or adjustable. Front sights that can be used with or without a rear sight mounted come in all kinds of high-visibility designs depending on your preferences, including light-gathering shotgun night sights. High-visibility sights are great for both tactical and hunting applications, so if you're going to use your shotgun in low-light conditions, pick some up today.
You can definitely mount sights on a shotgun, but how you do it will vary based on the original design of your shotgun. If your front sight is threaded and can screw out, swapping it is fairly quick and easy. If your receiver is tapped for rear sights you can mount plates or sights with some simple Gunsmithing Equipment and, usually you won't need more than a torque wrench. However, if your receiver isn't tapped and/or your front sight is welded in, you'll need to have the work done by a qualified gunsmith.
Shotgun sights come in more configurations than rifles because they have the option for bead sights in addition to post or aperture rear and blade front sights, red dot scopes, and rifle scopes. Red dot scopes are typically for tactical purposes. Rifle-style scopes for shotguns have become popular for deer hunters using slugs where only short-range weapons are allowed, and turkey hunters have added them because of the tight patterns and headshots required for gobblers.
Shop at OpticsPlanet.com for all of your Shotgun Accessories, including shotgun sights and shotgun night sights, we carry a wide variety for every shotgun application. As money-saving bonus, most orders over $49 get Free Shipping! Learn more about shotguns for hunting and tactical use, along with a whole bunch of other subjects, in our How-To Guides and Articles. If you ever have any questions, please reach out and contact us anytime!