As you read this, you’re likely either preparing for the next turkey season or licking your wounds from missing the big one this past go-around. If it’s the latter, don’t feel bad. Many of us have missed what seemed like an easy bird, but in some ways, we were set up to fail. By now, you’ve likely switched to TSS shells or at least heard of how they’re dropping long-distance toms across the country. My personal best is a 63-yard one-shot kill, confirmed with a range finder. The problem we face, however, is that the bead on most shotguns was never meant to hold a pattern at distances like that. Years ago, you’d be shooting lead, and most would consider anything outside of 30 yards to be questionable. Since shots with shells made of this material were close, it wasn’t a problem if your barrel patterned loose or a few inches off-center. Because today’s shells pattern tighter, you lose some of your safety net right off the bat. Combine that with a little bit of trajectory to deal with, and you’re sure to leave the woods empty-handed. So, what’s the fix? Adding a red dot. Putting a reliable red dot on your shotgun gives you the tools you need to dial in while offering you the best low-light solution on the market. At the top of the list of candidates is the Mini-Shot M-Spec M3 Solar.
There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to red dots, but defending mine is relatively easy. First, the device is simplistic. Since you likely only pick your turkey gun up a few times a year, having to remember what does what might be a realistic problem. Heck, the biggest problem might even be remembering to turn it on! The M-Spec M3 Solar is 100% buttonless and automatic. Pick it up; it's illuminated. Go somewhere bright, it shines brighter; go somewhere dark, it dims. It conducts these functions from an onboard CR1620 battery that is supplemented by a solar panel, which brings me to my second point: it’s reliable. Battery life is rated by years these days, and that’s fair. However, not all batteries are created equal, and often, that lifespan is based on the unit being periodically turned off or at least dimmed significantly. The M-Spec M3 features a top-mounted solar panel that powers the unit anytime there is even a scrap of light available. This includes a shaded blind or overgrown woods. Lastly, it’s adaptable. The M-Spec includes an RMS-C mounting plate as well as a Picatinny adapter, so odds are you already have everything you need to install this sight.
The mounting system of the M-Spec is truly unique and worthy of a few words. Since it’s a closed emitter system, what is typically the mounting deck is inaccessible from the top. This isn’t a bad thing, as water on an emitter will either change your zero or eliminate your reticle altogether. To solve this, a plate is mounted to the firearm, and then the M-Spec is attached to the plate. The Picatinny plate is going to be the most universal solution, but many shotguns, such as the Mossberg 500 Turkey, come with a nifty optics cut for this sight. Simply screw it to the gun, and you’re ready to zero. The plus side of this system is that it sits tighter to the bore. This lets you keep your head down, minimizing your exposure. Using the Picatinny mount puts it higher, which also has its advantages. I’ve taken at least one turkey that busted me before I could position to get a proper cheek weld. Having the sight up high lets me shoot from an awkward position and still take home meat.
High-end shotgun shells aren’t cheap, so I begin my zeroing process with the heaviest birdshot I can find. Once I’m on paper at 25 yards, I switch in the rounds I plan to hunt with and send just one to compare. If the point of impact is acceptable, I push out to 50 yards to confirm the pattern is still on the right track and observe any elevation loss that might have occurred. If an adjustment is needed at this distance, I’ll reconfirm at 25 before calling it a day. Using this process, you should be able to zero using less than five rounds of the pricey stuff. After that, simply leave it alone, and you’ll be set for a lifetime. Now, all that’s left is to find a good spot, learn to speak turkey, and clear out a little room in your freezer.
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