Here is the long waited for Aimpoint Micro S1 review articles that everyone has been waiting for. Let’s make this very quick and easy; the Aimpoint Micro S-1 is ONLY used for shotguns.
Some say it’s the best red dot scope for turkey shotgun, and some say it’s a waste of money.
So we borrowed it from a friend who had the setup, and we tried it out, and here are our thoughts on it.
The biggest selling point – The Aimpoint Micro S1 is made for hunting style shotguns with vent ribs.
The sight has a carbon fiber reinforced mounting system. It has the lowest optical axis on the shotgun without adding any extra weight.
The Micro S-1 is a dedicated sight for shotguns with barrel ribs.
It’s basically an Aimpoint Micro H1 with a different mounting system.
Key Feature Specs
- 6 MOA dot size
- High daylight brightness settings
- Low carbon fiber reinforced ventilated rib mount
- Interchangeable base plates for different size ribs
- Just as tough as the original Aimpoint H1
Best Aimpoint Micro S-1 Price On The Internet
Earlier we talked about the ridiculous price tag for the Aimpoint Micro S-1. It’s pretty much the same as the Micro H1, but without the Picatinny rail. The MSRP for a brand new sight is $812.00, and the street price is around $695.
Compare the best deal on OpticsPlanet here (OpticsPlanet usually offers 5%-12% OFF coupon codes)
3 Main Reasons To Have Red Dot Sights For Shotguns
Having a red dot sight for a shotgun might seem like you’re trying to show off on the range. Most people believe that red dot sight is pointless on a shotgun, and some people have real practical reasons to use it.
Read More: Click here for zeroing shotgun dot sight
This sight on a shotgun is perfect for sporting clays, hunting and shooting slugs.
- The shotgun slug can reach as far as 75 yards in a smooth-bore barrel. A red dot sight can greatly increase the shooter’s ability to be accurate with a small size red dot.
- Competition clay shooting with a red dot optics is old news for years. It increases the shooter’s target acquisition speed and situational awareness.
- Hunters can benefit from red dot sights on a shotgun in the field more than they even realize. It allows the shooter to have both eyes open while tracking the target. In important moments losing the sight picture means losing the hunt.
Is the Aimpoint Micro S-1 the Best For Turkey Shotgun?
So far, most people can’t justify the cost of the Aimpoint Micro s-1 for a turkey hunting shotgun. There are many other options on the market.
For example, the Burris FastFire mini red dot sight for around $300 you can get the job done. For the price, I don’t think it’s the first option a turkey hunter should look for.
Hunting with a red dot sight on a shotgun might take some practice for some people. I would definitely recommend you to borrow this from someone and try to out before committing $700 for it.
Are The New Aimpoint Shotgun Rib Mount Options Reliable?
The Micro S-1 ‘s mounting system is ONLY for shotgun vent ribs. The packaging comes with different size plate to accommodate different size rib width. It also comes with detailed instructions mounting. Then you match the best fitting piece as clamping plate.
The biggest benefit for using the Micro S-1 is to have an extremely low optical axis. It's perfect for clay shooting and hunting. It is so low that it co-witness with your front sight.
Can I Mount The Micro S-1 On AR-15 & Shotguns With Picatinny Rail?
The answer is no. The Micro S-1 mounting system is only for shotgun vent ribs. Unlike the Aimpoint Micro H1 and T1. They can accept many different aftermarket mounts for Picatinny rails.
If you plan on using the sight for other purposes, then you should buy the H1 model instead.
Is Micro S-1 Different Than The Aimpoint Micro H-1?
Besides the mounting method, the optic is overall the same as the H1 model. They are both 1X fixed sight using the 3V CR2032 battery. The objective lens is 18mm and it last 50,000 hours just like the H1.
The only difference is the S-1 model has 6 MOA dot size, and the H1 model only has 4 MOA.
Where To Mount The Sight On The Shotgun Vent Rib?
I like to mount the dot near the handguard area if you have the room. About halfway down of the vent rib is a good spot to mount it, where the red dot sits just right above the front bead. When you present the gun, that big 6 MOA dot shows up ASAP and ready to shoot.
The clamp will go into the rib section. You just have to experiment with it to find what works best for you.
Final Thought
The Aimpoint Micro series red dot is for the elite shooters. Keep both eyes open for maximum situational awareness is important. When we tested the sight doing some clay shooting it was very easy for me to pick up the red dot.
To learn more about shooting with the best combat red dot optics, click here for the full guide on our site.
The low mount on the shots really delivered fast sight picture acquisition speed. Shooting clays have never been so much easier with a red dot sight, and I highly recommend it.
