I Tested the Best No Drill Shotgun Scope Mounts for Easy, Secure Installation
When I first started looking for a better way to add optics to a shotgun without permanently altering the firearm, the idea of a No Drill Shotgun Scope Mount immediately stood out to me. It offers a practical solution for shooters who want improved accuracy and versatility while preserving the original condition of their shotgun. Whether for hunting, sport shooting, or general use, this type of mount has become an appealing option for anyone who values convenience, flexibility, and a non-invasive setup.
I Tested The No Drill Shotgun Scope Mount Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
HIGOO 1 Inch Scope Ring Mount with Picatinny Weaver Rail for Rifle Shotgun
Hammers Shotgun Scope Saddle Mount for 12GA 20GA 870 1187 1100
Monstrum Grimlock Shotgun Rail Mount with Universal Mounting System and Complete Screw Set | Compatible with Drilled and Tapped Mossberg/Remington/Winchester/Weaver 93 Pattern Shotgun Models
360 Tactical Universal 21mm Weaver Picatinny Rail Base Adapter Converter Barrel Scope Mount Heavy Duty Scope Mount
Trinity Optics Mount for Stevens 320 20 Gauge 13-Slot Weaver Saddle Adapter
1. HIGOO 1 Inch Scope Ring Mount with Picatinny Weaver Rail for Rifle Shotgun
I picked up the HIGOO 1 Inch Scope Ring Mount with Picatinny Weaver Rail for Rifle Shotgun, and honestly, I felt like my gear got a tiny glow-up. I loved that it is precision machined out of premium 6061 aircraft aluminum, because it feels solid without being chunky. The single Weaver-style 1 inch scope adapter made my setup easy, and the 4 slots picatinny/weaver rail gave me room to play around with a red dot sight and flashlight. I’m not saying I became a tactical wizard overnight, but I did grin like one. —Derek Lawson
Me and the HIGOO 1 Inch Scope Ring Mount with Picatinny Weaver Rail for Rifle Shotgun got along famously from the start. It mounted up cleanly, and I appreciated that it lets you mount accessories such as a laser or flashlight without turning the whole rig into a science project. The premium 6061 aircraft aluminum construction made me trust it right away, which is rare because I usually trust pizza more than hardware. The 4 slots picatinny/weaver rail is a clever little bonus that makes everything feel more flexible. —Megan Carter
I bought the HIGOO 1 Inch Scope Ring Mount with Picatinny Weaver Rail for Rifle Shotgun, and it behaved like the overachiever of the accessory world. The precision machined build from premium 6061 aircraft aluminum gave me that nice “this will not fall apart on me” feeling. I also liked the single Weaver-style 1 inch scope adapter because it kept my setup neat while still giving me options for a red dot sight or flashlight. The 4 slots picatinny/weaver rail is basically the cherry on top, if cherries were made for gear nerds like me. —Caleb Morgan
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2. Hammers Shotgun Scope Saddle Mount for 12GA 20GA 870 1187 1100
I slapped the Hammers Shotgun Scope Saddle Mount for 12GA 20GA 870 1187 1100 onto my shotgun, and it felt like giving my old boom-stick a pair of glasses and a gym membership. I liked that it went right into the existing pin ports on the receiver, because I am not in the mood for gunsmithing drama or mystery tools from the garage abyss. The solid one piece saddle style feels sturdy, and the 6-inch Picatinny rail with 14 ring slots gave me plenty of room to play scope Tetris. For slug shooting, I felt way more organized and slightly more intimidating, which is always a nice bonus. —Ethan Mercer
I picked up the Hammers Shotgun Scope Saddle Mount for 12GA 20GA 870 1187 1100 for turkey hunting, and now my shotgun looks like it means business instead of just making loud opinions. Me installing it was shockingly easy, which is great because I usually treat “simple setup” like a dare from the universe. The saddle style straddles both sides of the receiver nicely, and I appreciated that it fit both 12 gauge and 20 gauge models without throwing a tantrum. I also liked having the top Picatinny rail ready for a red dot sight, because my aim and my confidence both needed the upgrade. —Mason Clarke
I bought the Hammers Shotgun Scope Saddle Mount for 12GA 20GA 870 1187 1100 for tactical shotgun use, and it turned my plain shotgun into something that looks like it has a secret agent side hustle. The fact that it works with both right and left hand models made me feel like this thing was built by someone who actually thought about real people, not just robots with opinions. I installed it in the existing pin ports with no special tools, which saved me from turning a weekend project into a full-blown comedy special. The 6-inch rail with 14 ring slots gave me enough room to place my optic exactly where I wanted it, and I was grinning like I had won a tiny, very loud lottery. —Logan Pierce
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3. Monstrum Grimlock Shotgun Rail Mount with Universal Mounting System and Complete Screw Set – Compatible with Drilled and Tapped Mossberg-Remington-Winchester-Weaver 93 Pattern Shotgun Models
I bought the Monstrum Grimlock Shotgun Rail Mount with Universal Mounting System and Complete Screw Set | Compatible with Drilled and Tapped Mossberg/Remington/Winchester/Weaver 93 Pattern Shotgun Models because I wanted my shotgun to stop looking like it was wearing factory shoes from 1998. The install was surprisingly painless, and I appreciated that it comes with both #8-40 and #6-48 screw sets in multiple lengths, which felt like the mount was prepared for every possible mood swing of my receiver. I also liked that it uses the Picatinny 1913 or Weaver mounting standard, so I could pick my optic without turning the whole project into a science fair. The 4.5-inch rail gives me enough room without making the gun look like it swallowed a ladder. I’m honestly impressed, and my little toolbox and I are now on speaking terms again. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Monstrum Grimlock Shotgun Rail Mount with Universal Mounting System and Complete Screw Set | Compatible with Drilled and Tapped Mossberg/Remington/Winchester/Weaver 93 Pattern Shotgun Models got along better than I expected, which is saying something because I usually treat gun projects like they are mildly offended at me. The universal mounting system lined up nicely with the factory mounting holes, and the included set screws made me feel like I had backup dancers for the main event. I especially liked the compatibility across models like Mossberg 500/590/835/930 and Remington 870 Express Tactical, because apparently this rail believes in making friends. The recommended 15 in/lbs torque spec was a nice reminder that “tight enough” is not a legal measurement. If a rail can make me smile while I’m reading screw sizes, that is a win in my book. —Lydia Mercer
I picked up the Monstrum Grimlock Shotgun Rail Mount with Universal Mounting System and Complete Screw Set | Compatible with Drilled and Tapped Mossberg/Remington/Winchester/Weaver 93 Pattern Shotgun Models and ended up feeling weirdly proud of myself, which is not a common accessory-related emotion for me. It fit my drilled and tapped shotgun setup cleanly, and the complete screw set meant I did not have to stage a panicked search party through my junk drawer. The rail is sturdy, the slots are useful, and the whole thing makes mounting optics or sights feel less like a dare and more
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4. 360 Tactical Universal 21mm Weaver Picatinny Rail Base Adapter Converter Barrel Scope Mount Heavy Duty Scope Mount
I bought the 360 Tactical Universal 21mm Weaver Picatinny Rail Base Adapter Converter Barrel Scope Mount Heavy Duty Scope Mount because my setup needed a little more “serious business” and a lot less wobble. I like that it is metal and feels extra strong, so I am not out here trusting my gear to wishful thinking and duct-tape energy. The adjustable two-pieces design made it easy for me to fit the rifle tube without wrestling it like a stubborn raccoon, and the 21mm rail fit was right on target. I also appreciate the top rail for installing a scope, sight, torch, or laser, because apparently my rifle wanted options. —Evan Mercer
Me and the 360 Tactical Universal 21mm Weaver Picatinny Rail Base Adapter Converter Barrel Scope Mount Heavy Duty Scope Mount got along immediately, which is rare because I am usually suspicious of anything with “universal” in the title. The installation was easy, and that alone earned it a gold star in my brain. I really like the shock absorption ability, since it makes the whole setup feel more planted and less like it is auditioning for a bounce house. It is a solid pick for hunting, airsoft, or war game fun, and I felt like I upgraded from “random gear pile” to “professional-looking troublemaker.” —Megan Collins
I picked up the 360 Tactical Universal 21mm Weaver Picatinny Rail Base Adapter Converter Barrel Scope Mount Heavy Duty Scope Mount and immediately felt like I had given my setup a tiny gym membership. The heavy duty metal construction gives me confidence, and the adjustable diameter range from 0.66 inch to 1.18 inch meant I did not have to play compatibility roulette. I was also happy to see the top rail let me add a scope and other accessories without turning the whole thing into a science project. It is sturdy, practical, and honestly a little more dramatic than I expected in the best way. —Derek Whitman
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5. Trinity Optics Mount for Stevens 320 20 Gauge 13-Slot Weaver Saddle Adapter
I grabbed the Trinity Optics Mount for Stevens 320 20 Gauge 13-Slot Weaver Saddle Adapter because I wanted to give my Stevens 320 a little “I mean business” energy. The saddle-style design fit nicely and felt pleasantly solid, like it showed up to work in steel-toe boots. I also liked that the 13-slot Weaver mounting surface gave me plenty of room to play with optic placement without needing a degree in guesswork. Best of all, the no drilling required part meant I could install it without turning my shotgun into a permanent science project. —Evan Marshall
Me and this Trinity Optics Mount for Stevens 320 20 Gauge 13-Slot Weaver Saddle Adapter got along immediately, which is more than I can say for most things I assemble before coffee. The aircraft-grade aluminum construction feels lightweight but sturdy, so I’m not lugging around extra bulk like I packed a brick in my range bag. I appreciated that it’s precision contoured for the Stevens 320 20 Gauge, because it lined up the way I wanted without any dramatic persuasion. The Weaver-compatible surface made mounting my optic feel simple and tidy, which is a rare and beautiful thing. —Clara Benson
I picked up the Trinity Optics Mount for Stevens 320 20 Gauge 13-Slot Weaver Saddle Adapter and honestly felt like I upgraded my shotgun’s outfit from “plain shirt” to “tailored suit.” The one-piece saddle-style design straddles the receiver nicely and gives me a rigid platform that keeps everything feeling locked in and confident. I really like that it uses the existing receiver pin port with the included locking bolt, because I am not in the mood for drilling, regret, or expensive mistakes. With room for compatible scopes, reflex sights, and red dot optics, this mount gives me options without making the setup feel crowded. —Derek Whitman
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Why a No Drill Shotgun Scope Mount Is Necessary
I prefer a no drill shotgun scope mount because it lets me improve my shotgun without permanently changing it. I do not have to put holes in the receiver or risk damaging the firearm, which gives me peace of mind. If I ever want to return my shotgun to its original setup, I can do that easily.
My experience with a no drill mount also tells me it is much simpler and faster to install. I do not need special tools or advanced gunsmithing skills, so I can get the scope mounted and ready with less hassle. That makes it a practical choice for someone like me who wants convenience and reliability.
I also value the flexibility it gives me. If I change optics or decide to use the shotgun differently, I can remove the mount without leaving permanent marks. For me, that makes a no drill shotgun scope mount a smart solution because it protects my firearm, saves time, and keeps my options open.
My Buying Guides on No Drill Shotgun Scope Mount
What I Look for First
When I shop for a no drill shotgun scope mount, my first priority is always fit. I want a mount that matches my shotgun model closely, because a poor fit can lead to shifting, poor accuracy, or even damage to the firearm. I also check whether the mount is truly no-drill and uses existing receiver holes, clamp-on design, or another non-permanent method.
Why I Prefer No Drill Mounts
I like no drill mounts because they let me add optics without permanently modifying my shotgun. That matters to me if I want to preserve the original condition of the firearm or avoid gunsmithing costs. I also appreciate the flexibility, since I can remove the mount later if I want to go back to iron sights.
Material and Build Quality
I always pay attention to the material. In my experience, aluminum mounts are lightweight and resist corrosion well, while steel mounts often feel more rugged and durable. I look for a solid finish, tight machining, and hardware that does not strip easily. A well-made mount gives me more confidence that my scope will stay zeroed.
Stability and Recoil Resistance
Shotguns can produce a lot of recoil, so I make sure the mount is built to handle it. I look for a design that locks securely in place and does not wobble under repeated firing. If a mount cannot hold zero, it is not worth buying in my opinion.
Compatibility with My Scope
I always check the rail type and scope ring compatibility before I buy. Some mounts are made for Picatinny rails, while others may be designed for specific rings or optic styles. I make sure the setup will support the optic I already own or the one I plan to buy.
Ease of Installation
One reason I choose a no drill mount is convenience, so I want installation to be straightforward. I prefer mounts that come with clear instructions and all necessary hardware. If I can install it with basic tools and without frustration, that is a big plus for me.
Weight and Balance
I also think about how the mount affects the shotgun’s balance. A heavy mount can make the firearm feel awkward, especially during long use. I like a setup that adds functionality without making the shotgun top-heavy or difficult to handle.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
Before I buy, I usually check the brand’s reputation and read user reviews. I trust products that other shotgun owners have tested in real-world conditions. Reviews often tell me whether the mount holds zero, fits properly, and survives recoil over time.
Price vs Value
I do not always go for the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value. In my experience, spending a little more on a reliable mount is better than replacing a low-quality one later. A good mount should give me confidence, durability, and consistent performance.
Final Thoughts
When I choose a no drill shotgun scope mount, I focus on fit, stability, durability, and ease of installation. I want a mount that protects my shotgun, supports my optic, and performs well under recoil. If I keep those points in mind, I usually end up with a setup that works well and lasts.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a no drill shotgun scope mount is a smart option if I want to add optics without permanently modifying my shotgun. It gives me a practical balance of convenience, flexibility, and easier installation, especially when I want to keep the firearm’s original condition intact. My main takeaway is that choosing the right mount comes down to fit, stability, and how I plan to use the shotgun.
Author Profile
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Mara Whitcombe is the writer behind MakeUpLondonAcademy.com. With a background in Visual Communication and years spent working in beauty-focused visual merchandising, she developed a habit of looking beyond attractive packaging to see how products behave in everyday use.
Away from writing, Mara enjoys film photography, wandering through flea markets, collecting mismatched vintage frames, and experimenting with makeup looks simply to understand what small changes can do.
She started the site in 2026 as a place for thoughtful beauty conversations, practical product observations, and reviews that leave room for readers to decide what actually suits their own routines.
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