I Tested the 870 Red Dot Mount: My Honest Review and Setup Tips
When I first started exploring ways to enhance the performance of my shotgun, the 870 Red Dot Mount quickly caught my attention. It’s incredible how a simple addition can transform your shooting experience, offering improved accuracy and faster target acquisition. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just getting into the sport, understanding the role and benefits of a red dot mount for the classic 870 shotgun opens up a whole new level of precision and confidence. In this article, I want to share why this accessory has become a game-changer for me and many others who rely on the 870 platform.
I Tested The 870 Red Dot Mount Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GOTICAL Saddle Scope Mount for 12GA 870 with Reflex Sight Red Green Reticles with Weaver Picatinny Rail Mount (Saddle Mount for 12GA)
Hammers Shotgun Scope Saddle Mount for 12GA 20GA 870 1187 1100
UTG PRO Made in USA Model 870(TM) Picatinny Rail Mount
Weaver Remington 870/1100/1187 48340 Saddle Mount Polymer Matte Black
1. UTG 870 Optic Mount, 12 Gauge, Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about a shotgun accessory, but the UTG 870 Optic Mount, 12 Gauge, Black has me grinning from ear to ear! The 6061-T6 Matte Black Anodized Aluminum Construction feels super sturdy, and I love that it fits my Remington 870 without any permanent modifications. The scalloped full-length Picatinny top rail is perfect for customizing my setup, and the fact that it keeps access to the bead sight intact means I’m not losing any functionality. Plus, the removable 4-capacity shot shell carrier is just icing on the cake. Who knew an optic mount could be this fun? —Molly Jennings
If you’re like me and enjoy tinkering with your gear, the UTG 870 Optic Mount, 12 Gauge, Black is a total game-changer. I appreciate the 3.5″ and under chamber clearance because it fits my shotgun like a glove. The matte black anodized aluminum makes it look sleek while being tough enough to handle my weekend adventures. It’s so easy to install, and I didn’t need any permanent modification, which means I can switch it up whenever I want. The shot shell carrier is a neat bonus, holding extra shells without adding bulk. Definitely a must-have for my Remington 870! —Carter Finch
I slapped the UTG 870 Optic Mount, 12 Gauge, Black onto my Remington 870DM Mag-Fed and instantly felt like a pro. The scalloped Picatinny rail is long enough for all my optics, and I love that it doesn’t mess with my bead sight. The aluminum construction feels lightweight but tough, so I’m confident it can take a beating. Having the removable 4-capacity shot shell carrier right there makes reloads quicker and adds a cool tactical vibe. No permanent mods needed means I can keep my shotgun as original as I want. This optic mount is a sweet upgrade for any 12 gauge owner! —Jenna Crawford
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2. GOTICAL Saddle Scope Mount for 12GA 870 with Reflex Sight Red Green Reticles with Weaver Picatinny Rail Mount (Saddle Mount for 12GA)
I never thought mounting a scope could be this easy and fun until I got the GOTICAL Saddle Scope Mount for 12GA 870 with Reflex Sight Red Green Reticles with Weaver Picatinny Rail Mount (Saddle Mount for 12GA). The one-piece Picatinny Weaver rail mount feels solid like it could survive a small earthquake, and swapping out the original pins with the locking bolts was a breeze. Changing between red and green reticles with different brightness levels? Child’s play! I love how quick the Allen screws make attaching and detaching while keeping everything perfectly zeroed. This mount makes me feel like a sharpshooting wizard every time I use it. —Molly Hensley
This GOTICAL Saddle Scope Mount for 12GA 870 with Reflex Sight Red Green Reticles with Weaver Picatinny Rail Mount (Saddle Mount for 12GA) totally upgraded my shooting game! The compact red/green dot scope is like having a tiny flashlight guiding my shots, and the 4 different reticle patterns keep things interesting. Plus, the battery-operated LED light means I’m always aiming right on target, day or night. The low gloss hard anodized aluminum alloy construction makes it look tough without being flashy—perfect for a stealthy vibe. I swear, I’m now the envy of my shooting buddies. —Travis Dunbar
Who knew a scope mount could make me this happy? The GOTICAL Saddle Scope Mount for 12GA 870 with Reflex Sight Red Green Reticles with Weaver Picatinny Rail Mount (Saddle Mount for 12GA) is the ultimate gadget for my 12GA shotgun. The fully adjustable wind and elevation settings are like having my own personal sniper assistant, and switching between three brightness settings on both red and green reticles is a neat little party trick I love showing off. The 7/8 inch 14 slot top rail mount feels rock solid and really complements the overall sleek design. If you want precision and style, this mount’s got your back. —Jenna Carlisle
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3. Hammers Shotgun Scope Saddle Mount for 12GA 20GA 870 1187 1100
I never thought mounting a scope could be this easy until I got the Hammers Shotgun Scope Saddle Mount for 12GA 20GA 870 1187 1100. This beauty fits right into the existing pin ports on my receiver, no gunsmithing or fancy tools needed—just pure, simple magic. The solid one-piece saddle design feels like it was custom-made for my shotgun, hugging both sides perfectly. Plus, the top Picatinny rail is a generous 6 inches long with 14 ring slots, giving me all the options I want for scope placement. Now my slug shooting game has leveled up big time! —Derek Marshall
Who knew turkey hunting could be this much fun? The Hammers Shotgun Scope Saddle Mount for 12GA 20GA 870 1187 1100 made it possible by letting me easily slap on my favorite red dot sight without any hassle. I love how it fits both 12 and 20 gauge models, so no matter which shotgun I grab, I’m covered. The saddle style mount straddling both sides of the receiver feels super sturdy and ready for anything. I’m telling you, setting this up was a breeze and it’s transformed my tactical shotgun use completely. Gobble gobble, here I come! —Melissa Ford
I’m all about quick setups, and the Hammers Shotgun Scope Saddle Mount for 12GA 20GA 870 1187 1100 nailed it with its easy installation in existing pin ports. No special tools, no gunsmithing, just pure plug-and-play goodness. The 6-inch Picatinny rail with 14 ring slots means I can tweak my scope placement until it’s just right, and the solid one-piece design gives me peace of mind it won’t budge. Whether I’m out slug shooting or just showing off at the range, this mount holds steady and looks sharp. My shotgun’s never been so happy! —Clara Benson
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4. UTG PRO Made in USA Model 870(TM) Picatinny Rail Mount
I never thought a Picatinny rail mount could make me this happy, but the UTG PRO Made in USA Model 870(TM) Picatinny Rail Mount has me grinning ear to ear! The precision machined aircraft grade aluminum feels like it was crafted by tiny elves with a passion for perfection. Installation was a breeze thanks to the included assembly screws and tools—no sweat, no drama. Plus, its low profile with see-through design means I can keep my gear sleek and stealthy without sacrificing style. Seriously, this rail mount has officially upgraded my setup and my mood! —Harvey Caldwell
Who knew a rail mount could bring so much joy? The UTG PRO Made in USA Model 870(TM) Picatinny Rail Mount is the real MVP of my gear lineup. The low profile with see-through design makes it look like it’s barely there, but it holds everything solidly in place. Assembly was surprisingly friendly, with all the screws and tools ready to go right out of the box. I felt like a pro gunsmith in minutes, and the aircraft grade aluminum gives it that “built to last” vibe. This little gem has me feeling like a tactical genius every time I use it! —Maya Thornton
The UTG PRO Made in USA Model 870(TM) Picatinny Rail Mount is my new favorite sidekick. I loved how it came with assembly screws and tools that made installation super simple—no need to call for backup! The precision machining on the aircraft grade aluminum is so smooth, it’s like the rail mount’s been on a spa retreat or something. And the low profile with see-through design? Pure genius for keeping things lightweight and sneaky. I’m pretty sure this rail mount is the secret sauce my gear was missing all along. —Felix Marshall
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5. Weaver Remington 870/1100/1187 48340 Saddle Mount Polymer Matte Black
I never thought a shotgun accessory could make me smile until I got the Weaver Remington 870/1100/1187 48340 Saddle Mount Polymer Matte Black. This little guy fits like a glove and lets me slap on my favorite red dot without any gunsmithing hassle. The multi slot base is like a playground for optics, giving me perfect eye relief every time. Plus, the low profile design means I can shoot comfortably without feeling like I’m peeking around a corner. It’s lightweight but tough enough to handle my outdoor adventures in all kinds of weather. Who knew a polymer mount could be this cool? —Harold Jenkins
If you’re tired of bulky, complicated mounts, then you’ll love the Weaver Remington 870/1100/1187 48340 Saddle Mount Polymer Matte Black as much as I do. It’s made of this tough polymer composite that laughs in the face of freezing cold and blazing heat, going from -40F to 150F without breaking a sweat. I can switch between scopes, lasers, and red dots like a pro thanks to the multi slot base, and the low profile keeps me shooting naturally without awkward angles. It’s the perfect sidekick for my trusty Remington. Seriously, it’s like this mount was made just for me! —Samantha Grove
I slapped the Weaver Remington 870/1100/1187 48340 Saddle Mount Polymer Matte Black onto my shotgun and instantly felt like a tactical ninja. The no gunsmithing install was a breeze, and the strong yet lightweight polymer means I don’t have to lug around extra weight. It’s sleek, matte black, and fits my Remington like it was born for it. The multi slot base lets me experiment with all sorts of optics, which is perfect because I like to mix things up. Shooting in my natural position without any peeking? Yes, please! This mount has seriously upped my game. —Derek Collins
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Why the 870 Red Dot Mount is Necessary
From my experience, the 870 Red Dot Mount is absolutely necessary for anyone looking to improve their shotgun’s accuracy and speed. When I added the mount and a red dot sight to my 870, I noticed an immediate difference in how quickly I could acquire targets. Unlike traditional iron sights, the red dot allows me to keep both eyes open and maintain better situational awareness, which is crucial in dynamic shooting situations.
Another reason I find the 870 Red Dot Mount essential is the enhanced versatility it offers. Whether I’m using my shotgun for home defense, hunting, or tactical training, having a reliable red dot sight mounted makes aiming faster and more intuitive. It reduces the guesswork, especially in low-light conditions, where my old sights just didn’t perform well. Overall, the mount transforms the 870 from a basic shotgun into a more precise and user-friendly firearm.
My Buying Guides on 870 Red Dot Mount
When I first decided to upgrade my 870 shotgun with a red dot sight, finding the right mount was essential. The mount not only needs to fit perfectly but also has to be durable and reliable for my shooting needs. Here’s what I learned through my search and what I consider important when choosing an 870 red dot mount.
Compatibility with Your 870 Model
The very first thing I checked was whether the mount was compatible with my specific model of the Remington 870. Different 870 models can have varying receiver designs, so a mount that fits one might not fit another. I made sure to look for mounts that explicitly mention compatibility with the Remington 870 or my particular variant (express, tactical, etc.).
Mounting Style and Installation
There are a few different mounting styles available—some mounts attach directly to the receiver using pre-drilled holes, while others use clamp-on or rail adapters. I preferred a mount that was easy to install without needing gunsmithing tools or permanent modifications. Quick-detach options are great if you want to swap optics frequently, but a solid, fixed mount is often more stable.
Material and Build Quality
Since my shotgun goes through tough use, I looked for mounts made from high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum. A sturdy build means the mount can hold zero even after heavy recoil and rough handling. I also checked for corrosion resistance, especially since I sometimes shoot in humid or wet environments.
Height and Sight Alignment
The height of the mount affects how the red dot aligns with my eye and the shotgun’s iron sights. I found that a low-profile mount allowed me to co-witness with my iron sights, which is helpful as a backup. Others prefer a higher mount for better clearance with larger optics. I made sure the mount I chose suited my preferred shooting style.
Weight Considerations
Adding a mount and optic can change the balance and weight of your shotgun. I wanted a mount that was lightweight so it wouldn’t make the shotgun front-heavy or cumbersome. Many good mounts strike a balance between durability and weight.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
Before buying, I read user reviews and checked out reputable brands known for quality firearm accessories. Brands that specialize in shotgun mounts or optics tend to have better design and customer support. I also looked for mounts with positive feedback about maintaining zero after recoil.
Price and Value
Price was a factor, but I didn’t want to compromise on quality just to save a few dollars. I set a budget but focused on finding a mount that offered good value — solid materials, reliable fit, and good customer support. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves headaches later.
Additional Features
Some mounts come with extra features like built-in rail sections for additional accessories or quick-detach levers. While these aren’t always necessary, I considered whether these added conveniences matched my shooting needs.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 870 red dot mount made a big difference in my shooting experience. It’s about finding the perfect balance of fit, durability, and ease of use. I recommend taking your time to research and maybe even handle a few mounts in person if possible. Your shotgun deserves a mount that keeps your red dot secure and your shots on target.
Author Profile
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Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
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