Birdshot Podcast

#349 | Red Dot Sights for Turkey Guns with Greg Maher


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In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Greg Maher of Meadow Creek Mounts for a conversation about the practical shift from traditional beads to optics in the turkey woods. They dig into the engineering behind rib-mounted sights, the "equalizer" effect of a red dot on gun fit, and why seeing more of the bird is a significant advantage when the shot counts.

Greg Maher is an engineer and a lifer in the turkey woods with over 20 years of experience. After identifying a need for better optic placement on shotguns that weren't originally drilled and tapped, he launched Meadow Creek Mounts in 2020. Based in South Carolina, Greg is a dedicated public land hunter who has pursued turkeys in over 20 states, bringing a perspective focused on gear reliability and the "why" behind every piece of equipment in his vest.


Expect to Learn:

  • Why a red dot acts as an "equalizer" for head position and consistency in the field.

  • The technical differences between open and enclosed reflex sights and how they handle the elements.

  • Why mounting an optic on the rib provides a superior field of view compared to receiver mounts.

  • A practical "one-shot" method for zeroing your optic to save on expensive TSS ammunition.

  • How to use a bore laser and a reference sheet to ensure your zero hasn't shifted during travel.

    Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

    • [00:02:46] – Greg Maher and Meadow Creek Mounts in a Nutshell 

    • [00:07:02] – From Beads to Red Dots: The "Aha" Moment in the Woods 

    • [00:15:39] – The Engineering of Rib Mounts vs. Receiver Mounts 

    • [00:21:47] – Understanding Reflex Sights, Astigmatism, and Reticle Options 

    • [00:31:32] – Battery Life, "Shake Awake," and Avoiding "Amazon Specials" 

    • [00:40:55] – Step-by-Step: Zeroing and Patterning for Precision 

    • [00:50:07] – Greg’s Personal Setup: The Mossberg SA-20 and Hand-Loaded TSS 

    • [00:56:41] – Red Dots for Wingshooting? 

    • [01:00:27] – Perspective on "Slams" and Returning to the Spring Woods 

    • [01:04:36] – Where to Find Greg and Closing Thoughts 

      Follow The Guest, Greg Maher:

      • Website: https://meadowcreekmounts.com/ 

      • Follow the Host, Nick:

        • Instagram: @birdshot.podcast

        • Website: www.birdshotpodcast.com

          Listening Links:

          • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/17EVUDJPwR2iJggzhLYil7

          • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birdshot-podcast/id1288308609

          • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkIF3w6P9rkuciwX-jEMG3g

            SUPPORT

            • Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% on https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app

            • Use Promo Code | BSP10 to save 10% on https://meadowcreekmounts.com/ 

            • Use Promo Code | BS10 to save 10% on https://trulockchokes.com/

              The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: https://www.onxmaps.com/

              Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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              Birdshot PodcastBy Nick Larson

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