As a shotgun enthusiast, I’ve always appreciated the versatility these firearms offer. But when it comes to extending their effective range or acquiring targets quickly, iron sights can feel limiting. Enter the Aimpoint Micro S-1, a red dot sight specifically designed for shotguns. Here’s my experience after putting it through its paces.
Best in Show: Tiny Terror with Huge Impact
The Micro S-1 lives up to its name. This miniature marvel is incredibly light, barely registering on the scale at 3.5 ounces. Its compact size (think slightly larger than a shotgun shell) keeps the shotgun’s profile sleek and doesn’t throw off the balance. Mounting it directly to the ventilated rib was a breeze – no gunsmithing required. The included interchangeable base fit my shotgun perfectly, and the whole process took just minutes.
Powerhouse Performance: Built to Aimpoint’s Legendary Standards
Aimpoint is renowned for their rugged reliability, and the Micro S-1 is no exception. The aluminum housing feels incredibly durable, and the sight itself is built to withstand the recoil of even the heaviest-hitting shotgun loads. But the real magic lies in the red dot. It’s crisp, clear, and adjustable to 12 different brightness settings. No matter the lighting conditions, from the dimmest pre-dawn to the harsh glare of midday, I could always find the perfect dot intensity for quick and accurate target acquisition.
Field Tested: Taking Flight with Feathers in Mind
I primarily use my shotgun for upland bird hunting, and the Micro S-1 made a world of difference. The ability to instantly pick up the dot and center it on flushing birds shaved precious seconds off my reaction time. Those fleeting opportunities on fast-rising pheasants became much more manageable. The sight’s unlimited eye relief also meant I could maintain a comfortable shooting position without worrying about perfect cheek weld placement. This was especially helpful when moving through dense brush and taking snap shots.
Not Without Its Quirks: A Minor Montage of Musings
While I wouldn’t call them dealbreakers, there are a few things to consider. The 6 MOA dot, while ideal for shotguns, might feel a bit large for some rifle shooters who prefer a more precise aiming point. Additionally, the sight lacks night vision compatibility, which isn’t a huge factor for most shotgunners, but night hog hunting enthusiasts might want to consider a different option. Finally, some users online mentioned a slight learning curve when transitioning from traditional sights to a red dot. It took me a short practice session to adjust my point-of-aim slightly, but after that, it became second nature.
What the Web Says: Echoes of My Experience
Customer reviews online largely mirror my own experience. Praises for the Micro S-1’s compact size, ease of use, and rugged construction are abundant. Some users specifically mentioned the advantage it offered for slug shooters, extending their effective range and improving accuracy. A few hunters mentioned using it for turkey hunting with great success. However, there were some discussions about the 6 MOA dot being a bit much for clays shooting, where a finer aiming point might be preferable.
Geared Up: Perfect Partners for the Micro S-1
The Micro S-1 shines on shotguns with vented ribs, thanks to its dedicated mount. It seamlessly integrates with popular shotguns like Benelli M2s, Remington 870s, and Browning BPS models. However, some enterprising users online have successfully rigged up custom mounts for shotguns without ventilated ribs.
Final Verdict: A Game Changer for My Shotgunning
The Aimpoint Micro S-1 transformed my shotgunning experience. It’s a lightweight, reliable red dot sight that enhances target acquisition speed and accuracy. While the 6 MOA dot might not be ideal for every application, for upland bird hunting and slug shooting, it’s a fantastic option. If you’re looking to elevate your shotgun game, the Micro S-1 is definitely worth considering.