Today I’m going to show you the best sights for the KSG.
In fact:
I’ve hand-tested over two dozen optics alone for this review.
The best part?
I’ve sorted the red dots by use. So whether you’re on a budget or need the best for home defense, you’ll find it here.
Best Sight for KSG | Category | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | $445.00 | |
Best for Home Defense | $199.00 | |
Best Holographic Sight | $309.00 | |
Best for the Budget | $66.00 |
The Best Sights for KSG
If you’re pressed on time, here’s a quick list of the best KSG sights:
- Aimpoint PRO: Best Overall
- Vortex Strikefire II: Best for Home Defense
- Holosun HS510C: Best Holographic Sight
- Bushnell TRS-25: Best for the Budget
1. Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Red Dot Sights Optic (PRO): Best Overall
The KSG is no ordinary tactical shotgun and deserves to be paired with the best reflex sights.
That’s why I chose the Aimpoint PRO as the best sight for KSG overall.
- 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
Distortion-free lenses, waterproof and shock-resistant, extremely long-lasting battery— those are just a few highlights!
So, let’s go over the rest of the impressive features of the Aimpoint PRO, starting with….
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The Aimpoint PRO’s glass quality is fantastic: crystal clear with a slight blue tint.
The lenses are optically coated to reduce glare.
Also, the internal space is purged and filled with inert dry gas to prevent the lens from fogging up.
The Aimpoint Pro features a 2 MOA red dot for precise targeting.
Even when using a 3X magnifier, the dot is still small and doesn’t block my target downrange while shooting.
The Pro’s red dot comes with ten brightness settings: 6 for daytime use and 4 for night vision compatibility.
I find that it’s best to keep the brightness as low as you can for your situation because the brighter the dot, the more it bleeds in the dark.
The Aimpoint Pro has an impressive battery life of 30,000 hours. With its “always-on” feature, you can leave the red dot sight running for 3+ years.
I’ve had the original battery in the unit for almost four years on a brightness setting 7. I just recently changed to a spare battery.
By the way…
If you’re seeing a cluster— like a raspberry or grapes— instead of a single dot, opt for holographic sights instead.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Like all of the best sights, the Aimpoint PRO has unlimited eye relief.
The eye box is slightly smaller compared to its competitors, but it has a great sight picture.
Durability and Weight
The Aimpoint Pro is insanely durable—no kidding.
Also, the Aimpoint PRO is completely waterproof up to 150 feet.
I probably won’t go swimming with the reflex sight, but it’s nice to know that heavy rain won’t prevent me from using it.
However, if you’re looking for a downside, it would be the Aimpoint Pro’s weight.
At 12.7 oz with the spacer, it tips the scale on the heavier side. But, this is just a natural consequence of building a nearly indestructible device.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The Aimpoint Pro’s elevation and windage knobs are distinct and reliable.
The caps are slotted and are easy to tighten or loosen. I used a penny and a nickel, and both worked equally well.
Out of the box, zero was way off but easy to fix. Once zeroed, I was shooting 1.5″ groups at 25 yds during my first range session with this reflex sight for Kel Tec.
I fired roughly 200 rounds, then took the reflex sight off and tossed it on the ground. When I mounted it back to my rifle, it was still hitting on point.
Parallax & Magnification
The Aimpoint pro features a 1x magnification and is parallax-free.
It’s super easy to shoot with both eyes open, which is useful when engaging multiple targets.
With the PRO, you can easily aim at a target as far as 100 yards away. If you’re looking to go further, you can pair it with the Vortex VMX-3T magnifier.
Mounting & Rings
The Aimpoint Pro reflex sight for Kel Tec comes with a standard, removable AR-15 riser and a QRP2 mount that was a breeze to install.
The great thing is you can’t over-tighten the locking lugs. There is a mechanism that limits the torque on the bolt, which is pretty neat.
You simply pick the location on your rail, tighten the knob until it clicks 3 times, and you’re good to go!
The only downside is that it sticks out the side of the rifle, which looks a little goofy, but not too bad.
The Aimpoint PRO can also be co-witnessed with iron sights and it comes with an extra spacer.
Additionally:
Flip-up lens covers are included, and I especially like the clear rear cover.
If you shoot with both eyes open, you don’t even need to open either cap! Your eyes/brain will make the front cover just disappear.
This is invaluable when the weapon is carried in bad weather. Can’t get any better than that!
Is the Aimpoint PRO worth it?
If you want a heavy-duty, high-quality optic that you can rely on, I highly recommend the Aimpoint PRO.
- 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
Here’s a review of its best features…
- Crystal clear glass
- Unlimited eye relief
- Crisp 2 MOA red dot
- Works well with night vision
- 30,000-hour battery life
- Durable and weatherproof
- Easy installation and removal
For the cherry on top:
The Aimpoint PRO is covered by a 10-year warranty. So if it ever breaks, Aimpoint will repair or replace it for free.
What are you waiting for? Just go ahead and pull the trigger on this purchase!
If you want to check out more of the best shotgun scopes, read my latest review!
2. Vortex Strikefire II: Best for Home Defense
Red dot sights are designed for when speed and accuracy matter—like in a self-defense situation.
But there’s always the question: What if it breaks, or the battery dies, or the lens fog up and you can’t see?
Don’t worry! I’ve taken all that into consideration when I tested the Vortex Strikefire II.
- The new 2019 Strikefire II Red Dot is a rugged, reliable red dot sight that is at home in a variety of applications allowing users to operate between 11 illumination settings.
- With aesthetics and functionality in mind, the power controls are at the rear of the Strikefire for easy access. The Strikefire II Red Dot runs off a CR2 battery and has been updated with improved...
- An offset cantilever mount is provided; allowing you to move the sight forward to be used in conjunction with a magnifier and backup iron sights all on the same rail.
Here’s why it’s the best RDS for home defense…
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The Strikefire II comes with clear and crisp glass.
Its fully multi-coated lenses are not tinted, which gives you an unfiltered sight picture.
The Strikefire II features two options: Red Dot or Red/Green reticle.
The first option gives you a bright red dot that won’t get washed out, even in super bright backgrounds.
The latter allows you to switch between a red and green dot, but the dot isn’t as bright. After testing both, the washout was very minimal.
Also, the green reticle option is favorable if you have astigmatism because green reacts better with the human eye.
The Strikefire II comes with 11 brightness settings— with the lower two intensities compatible with night vision devices.
There are many shooters who don’t like the 4 MOA red dot. Trust me, unless you’re trying to shoot beyond 200 yards, this shouldn’t concern you.
Besides that, you’ll get quicker target acquisition with 4 MOA when it comes to close-range targets— perfect for those late-night, sudden intruders.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The Vortex Strikefire II comes with unlimited eye relief and a wide field of view.
You’ll have no issues shooting with both eyes open. This gives you a broader range of vision and therefore, quicker target acquisition.
Durability
True craftsmanship is put into the Vortex Strikefire II, and it shows.
The aluminum alloy construction is rugged and can withstand the heavy recoil of the KSG. It’s also compact and lightweight— at just 7.2 ounces and 5.5” in length.
While the nitrogen purged and o-ring seals make it waterproof and fog proof, it’s not submersible.
So, don’t drop it into your hot tub!
The Vortex Strikefire II boasts improved battery life up to 80,000 hours at setting 6, so it’ll work even longer when used with night vision.
If you’re concerned about saving power, you’ll be glad to know that the red dot sight for Kel Tec automatically shuts off after 12 hours.
I will note:
The on and off button requires a hard push. But, this keeps the unit from being accidentally turned on and running down the battery.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The Strikefire II elevation and windage adjustments are firm and make a nice solid click.
They were a bit stiff at first, but I’ve definitely experienced worse.
On the bright side: zeroing was a breeze.
I started at 10 yards with a laser bore red dot sight to get the shots on paper, then 2 shots at 10 yards, and finally, 2 shots at 50 yards to dead center.
After allowing the barrel to cool, I placed a 3 shot 1/4″ grouping which landed dead center on the bullseye.
Despite multiple trips and a couple of accidental knocks, the Strikefire II held zero throughout.
Parallax & Magnification
The Vortex Strikefire II comes with 1x magnification and is parallax-free.
Also, the 30mm objective lens size allows for a great collection of light and an excellent field of view.
Mounting & Rings
The Vortex Strikefire II red dot sight for Kel Tec includes all the accessories you need.
It comes with a 1/3 co-witness cantilever mount that will work for Picatinny or Weaver rails, but you can use 30mm rings too.
Take note:
Mounting screws won’t be an issue since it only needs one, which may scream instability. But despite our multiple torture tests, it has proven to be pretty stable.
Inside the box, you’ll also find a pair of flip-up lens covers, a wrench, and a CR2 battery.
Is the Vortex Strikefire II Red Dot Sight for you?
If you want a simple yet reliable home-defense reflex sight, then get the Vortex Strikefire II.
- The new 2019 Strikefire II Red Dot is a rugged, reliable red dot sight that is at home in a variety of applications allowing users to operate between 11 illumination settings.
- With aesthetics and functionality in mind, the power controls are at the rear of the Strikefire for easy access. The Strikefire II Red Dot runs off a CR2 battery and has been updated with improved...
- An offset cantilever mount is provided; allowing you to move the sight forward to be used in conjunction with a magnifier and backup iron sights all on the same rail.
Here’s a recap…
- Clear glass
- Crisp 4 MOA dot
- 80,000-hour battery life
- Red or Green reticle Illumination
- Compatible with night vision
- Fogproof and recoil resistant
- Firm windage and elevation turrets
To top it off:
The Strikefire II is backed up by the Vortex’s legendary VIP Warranty and renowned customer service.
So to answer the question of “What if it breaks?”…
Just send it to Vortex and they’ll fix or replace it, free of charge. This covers the entire lifetime of the reflex sight— even if you aren’t the original owner.
So, what’s the final verdict?
The Strikefire II is one of the best Vortex red dot sights for home defense, and still exceptional for everything else.
3. Holosun HS510C: Best Holographic Sight
The Holosun HS510C is one of the best holographic sights in its class.
- Holosun HS510C open Reflex sight
- 1x, 30mm diag, 2 MOA Red dot + 65
- Moa ring reticle, matte black, Absolute co-witness mount
It comes with a multi-reticle system, excellent battery life with solar backup, and exceptional durability.
But, is it worth the $300 price tag?
Keep reading to find out!
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The Holosun HS510C’s glass is practically flawless.
The lenses have multi-layer coatings for maximum light transmission and scratch resistance— all while reducing glare.
The Holosun HS510C features a multi-reticle system.
You can choose between a single 2 MOA red dot, a 65 MOA open circle, or a fast acquisition red dot reticle.
It also comes with an auto-brightness feature to adjust the dot’s intensity so it matches ambient lighting conditions.
It works great for most applications, but it does have one downfall:
When I’m shooting under a shade into a bright area, the unit reacts by dimming down the red dot reticle. This makes it hard to see the red or green reticle against the target.
The good news is:
I can easily disable the auto-brightness by holding the + button for 3 seconds.
The HS510C is rated at 50,000 hours for dot-only and 20,000 hours for dot + segmented circle. It uses a single CR2032 which you can find at nearly every store.
Additionally, Holosun designed this Kel Tec KSG sight with a “Shake Awake” feature.
It senses motion so if you simply pick it up, the HS510C automatically turns on. It also turns back off during periods of motionlessness to save critical battery life.
And if that doesn’t impress you…
The HS510C is built with Solar Power Failsafe Technology which allows you to continuously use the dot— even if your battery fails.
Now that’s what I call a power move!
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The HS510C comes with unlimited eye relief and a large viewing window.
It’s about the same size as an EOTECH, but the protective aluminum housing isn’t as bulky (it’s plenty thick, but fits the actual optic better).
You can comfortably shoot with both eyes open, resulting in greater situational awareness and enhanced target acquisition.
Durability
The Holosun HS510C is built to last.
Constructed using a shock-resistant hood that’s reinforced with titanium, it’s basically indestructible.
With an IP67 rating, this KSG shotgun sight is water-resistant up to the depth of 1 meter and is 100% protected against dust and debris.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The Holosun HS510C comes with solid turrets for elevation adjustments.
The elevation adjustment screw is located at the top of the optic, and the windage adjustment is on the right side.
The adjustments come in ¼ MOA clicks and have a range of +/- 50 MOA.
It zeroed very quickly and I was able to shoot 2-3 inch groups from a rest at 50 yards with ease.
I put over 500 rounds through it and the HS510C held zero the whole time.
Parallax & Magnification
The Holosun HS510C comes with 1x magnification and almost no perceptible parallax.
I had paired it up with a Holosun HS3X magnifier in front and was able to shoot targets up to 200 yards.
- SEAMLESS TRANSITION: Holosun's HM3X ambidextrous flip to side design will allow operators to seamlessly transition from unmagnified to 3x magnification for improved sight downrange
- ADJUSTABLE FOCUS: The HM3X features an adjustable diopter to dial in the desired focus.
- COMPATIBLE WITH: An integrated QD mount with an optional spacer for Absolute Co-Witness and Lower 1/3 Co-Witness is included.
Mountings and Rings
The fact that the HS510C comes with a quick-release mount is worth its weight in gold.
Plus, it fits standard Picatinny rail systems without the need for tools!
Also:
Since it’s a quick-detachable mount, you can easily switch optics or move the red dot sight to another shooting platform.
Is the Holosun HS510C for you?
If you want a top-class holographic sight for your KSG shotgun, then grab the Holosun HS510C!
- Holosun HS510C open Reflex sight
- 1x, 30mm diag, 2 MOA Red dot + 65
- Moa ring reticle, matte black, Absolute co-witness mount
Why? It’s got…
- High-quality glass
- Multi-reticle system with elevation adjustments
- 12 levels of brightness settings
- Anti-reflection device
- 50,000-hour battery life
- “Shake Awake” functionality
- Solar Power Failsafe Technology
Here’s the trade:
The HS510C is only covered for up to three years. If the illuminated reticle goes out after that period—or if you buy second-hand— it won’t be covered.
Still, the Holosun HS510C will be a valuable addition to your KSG.
4. Bushnell TRS-25 Reflex Sight: Best for the Budget
Bushnell is known to produce high-quality, reliable, and affordable optics.
But:
When I saw the TRS-25 with a $70 price tag, I was honestly skeptical about its performance.
- Matte black featuring a 3 MOA Dot reticle with 11 brightness settings; Mounts easily on most picatinny rails and is compatible with pistols, shotguns, rifles and muzzleloaders.Adjustment Range : 70+...
- Waterproof construction: O ring sealed optics stay dry inside, even when totally immersed in water. Parallax - 50
- Shockproof construction: Built to withstand bumps, bangs, drops and the rough and tumble environment of the field
I decided to give it a shot anyway. I was set to be disappointed and find problems right off the bat.
Guess what? I didn’t. Here’s exactly why…
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The Bushnell TRS-25 provides superb optical clarity.
The front glass has a reddish-orange tint that’s coated to prevent glare and improve light transmission.
The large wheel on the side controls your 11 brightness settings, which works great for low light and extreme daylight.
The TRS-25 features a 3 MOA dot reticle for quick target acquisition and precision for longer distances.
I will note that the red dot tends to get blurry at high settings. It’s not ideal, but it’s acceptable at this price point.
Bushnell states the TRS-25 comes with 5,000 hours of battery life on the medium setting.
Unfortunately, I find myself swapping batteries at least once a year. If it had an auto-off feature or motion-sensing— like the Sightmark Ultra Shot—it probably would’ve helped.
But, I don’t expect that from a $70 optic. So, not bad at all!
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The Bushnell TRS- 25 reflex sight sports unlimited eye relief.
You can easily mount this reflex sight close to the rear or well down the barrel.
I’m not a fan of how small the viewport is. Looking through, you’ll see some rings and layers, which can be distracting.
Although it would be nice to see more of my target, it’s still a pretty decent field of view.
Durability
The Bushnell TRS-25 is durable yet lightweight.
For a low-cost reflex sight that weighs 3.6 ounces, I didn’t expect it to pass my torture test.
Boy was I wrong!
I’ve purchased several red dot sights below $100 and none have been able to withstand the recoil of my KSG.
Once they reach the 500 round mark, all have failed—even the ones that were advertised to be completely shockproof.
The TRS-25 is the only reflex sight under $100 that has survived and remained accurate.
In fact, I now use it on most of my rifle platforms.
This red dot sight is also filled with dry nitrogen gas and sealed with O-rings— which makes it fog-proof and waterproof.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The elevation and windage knobs have a tactile and audible click.
On the right, you’ll find the horizontal adjustment, and on the top, you’ll find the vertical adjustment.
They’re tight enough so you can make your adjustments without worrying that recoil will loosen them up.
Every click on the dials equals 0.5 MOA and by the way, you’ll need either a dime or a screwdriver.
I was able to zero it within 10 rounds and it has held zero to date with minimal adjustments every now and then.
Parallax & Magnification
The Bushnell TRS-25 comes with 1X magnification.
If you want to shoot at a further range, the UTG 3x Magnifier is the way to go. I use it with a variety of reflex sights and it’s very reliable.
- Broadband Multi-coated Lens to Provide Crystal Clear 3X Image, Wide Field of View - 30% Bigger Than Comparable Models from Other Brands.Compatible Rail-Picatinny/Weaver.
- Windage/Elevation Adjustability for Optimum View Centering. Refer user manual for list of compatible manuals
- 42mm Center Height for Most Common Dot Sight Combination, Innovative Flip-to-Side Mechanism for Quick Transition between 1X and 3X Image.Objective Diameter:25mm;Field of View @ 100 yards:45'
There is slightly more parallax with the TRS-25 compared to a higher-end red dot, but overall acceptable.
Mounting & Rings
The Bushnell-TRS 25 is a pretty versatile accessory.
It comes with an integrated weaver rail mount that fits easily on most picatinny rails.
Thanks to this, the TRS-25 is compatible with pistols, shotguns, rifles, and muzzleloaders.
Is the Bushnell TRS-25 Red Dot Sight for you?
If you’re looking for a durable red dot sight that won’t break the bank, the Bushnell TRS-25 is for you!
- Matte black featuring a 3 MOA Dot reticle with 11 brightness settings; Mounts easily on most picatinny rails and is compatible with pistols, shotguns, rifles and muzzleloaders.Adjustment Range : 70+...
- Waterproof construction: O ring sealed optics stay dry inside, even when totally immersed in water. Parallax - 50
- Shockproof construction: Built to withstand bumps, bangs, drops and the rough and tumble environment of the field
Here’s a quick review:
- Clear glass
- Affordable price tag
- Multi-coated lenses
- Resists heavy recoil
- Easy to mount and detach
- Fog-proof and Water-proof
Plus:
The TRS-25 is covered by Bushnell’s Lifetime Warranty. If it arrives with any defects or gets damaged, they’ll replace or repair it.
Now It’s Your Turn
I hope you enjoyed my best sights for KSG guide.
Now I want to turn it over to you:
Which of the best sights will you pick for your KSG? Or perhaps you already have one and would like to share your thoughts.
Either way, let me know by leaving a quick comment down below.
FAQ:
Absolutely! Mounting the best sights onto a shotgun can increase your overall shooting performance.
You get quicker target acquisition, a better aim for hunting, and you won’t have to worry about shooting in the dark.
Additionally, you’ll get a more accurate lock on your target compared to iron sights alone— especially when you can’t afford to miss a shot.
If you have more questions on how to use a red dot sight, check out my latest guide!
The KSG was originally designed for para-military or security-type applications.
It’s compact and a little heavy, but it’s fast and maneuverable. Just make sure there are no issues with feeding and extracting.
As long as your KSG functions properly, I don’t see a reason why you can’t use it for protection. Plus it comes with 14 rounds, which is a good capacity for home defense.
If you’d like to learn more on how to pick the best red dot sight for your shooting application, check out this awesome video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7Dpvhrtfgw
Yes, but there are precautions. Unlike the top metal picatinny rail, the KSG’s lower rail is made of molded plastic.
A vertical grip will be fastened to two of the rail’s “teeth” at best, which will cause stress and possible breakage over time.
If you plan on adding a vertical grip to your shotgun, I recommend the Kel-Tec KSG Billet Safety Lower Picatinny Rail. This accessory will reinforce and protect the rail— plus the most important part, your fingers.
Unfortunately, the Kel-Tec KSG doesn’t come with sights.
The good news is: the shotgun includes top and bottom picatinny rails, which you can use to mount all kinds of accessories.
On my KSG, I added the Magpul BUIS front and rear flip-up sights. These low-profile sights are well-constructed, easy to adjust, and solid. You can easily pop them up or flip them down out of the way.
- Impact resistant polymer construction provides light weight and resists operational abuse
- Spring-loaded flip up sight easily activated from either side or by pressing the top
- Detent and spring pressure keeps sight erect but allows for unobstructed folding under impact, etc.