Bushnell has been a reliable and widely appraised brand of rifle scopes for decades. Their scopes are quite popular with casual hunters, airgun users, and budget buyers. Here we will review some of the best and most versatile rifle scopes from Bushnell and clear your doubts about their service, warranty, quality, and other factors.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Bushnell Scopes
- OUR TOP PICK: Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18x40mm
- RUNNER-UP: Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm AR91424
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Bushnell Banner 6-18x50
Comparison of the Best Bushnell Scopes
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Who is Bushnell?
Bushnell was founded by David P. Bushnell in 1948 when he returned to the U.S after his trip to Japan and brought some binoculars to sell at an affordable price. He sold the company to Bausch & Lomb in 1971 and since then the company changed owners many times. It is currently owned by Orbital ATK under its subsidiary Vista Outdoors.
Most of their products are manufactured in Japan or South Korea and their riflescopes are covered by a limited lifetime warranty. Some of their rangefinders are even covered by a 100% money-back guarantee. Whereas, some of their electronic products only offer one or two year warranty.
Why Are Bushnell Scopes So Popular?
Bushnell scopes are popular due to their affordability and optimal quality. Their scopes have been around for quite a long time, and have always been voted great for their quality. Another reason is the versatility in their product line. From short-range scout scopes to super long-range FFP scopes with illuminated reticles, They’ll always have an optic to suit every user’s need.
Additionally, they have an amazing transferable limited lifetime warranty on their scopes. Bushnell scopes not only touch the firearm market, but they are also a favorable choice for airgun users.
Review of the Best Bushnell Scopes
Bushnell has been manufacturing and selling scopes for about five decades now. A good pick can be very difficult to choose from their long product line and may take hours to scour. Here we have come up with some of the best scopes Bushnell has to offer and the details of their performance and other aspects.
Best Overall:
Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18x40mm
Pros
Cons
Best Uses For the Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18x40mm
This is a medium to long-range AR scope that is good enough to shoot past 500-600 yards. The scope comes with a mil-dot or wind-hash reticle that helps with trajectory estimations. So you can use it for long-range target practice.
The scope has a compact and lightweight design compared to other scopes of similar power. It can be used for hunting during broad daylight. Low light use won’t feel exceptional but is doable. Clarity is amazing and good for people with weak eyes.
Is the Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18x40mm Compatible With Any Rifle?
The model is marketed as an AR riflescope. Since the BDC is calibrated for that caliber. However, it works exceptionally well with .308, .243, 6.5 Creedmoor, and other comparable calibers. There’s a throwdown lever near the eyepiece, so be careful when using left-handed bolt action rifles.
What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18x40mm?
The scope is fairly compact for its capabilities and measures only 12.4 inches in overall length. So it doesn’t consume much rail-estate. The manufacturer recommends using medium height mount rings with this scope. The BDC reticle has been calibrated to suit 55-62 grains .223 bullets. So keep that in mind when using the rifle with other calibers.
The scope turrets are large and finger adjustable. Plus the rear lever also has to be taken care of to prevent snagging.
Runner-up:
Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm AR91424
Pros
Cons
Best Uses For the Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm AR91424
The Bushnell AR optics 1-4 x 24mm scope will be best used for hunting, 3 gun competitions, and short-range defense. The scope offers a staggering 112 feet of view at the lowest magnification and can easily depict accuracy up to 300 yards. That's the range within which most hunting is done.
This scope is also offered in combo with a quick-swap magnifier that doubles the magnifying range of your scope. However, that’s an exclusive offer from Optics Planet.
Is the Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm AR91424 Compatible With Any Rifle?
The model has been calibrated for use with .223 AR-15 rifles. You can extend the use to .300 blackout calibers. The reticle has been calibrated for use with .223. The scope offers an amazingly bright image in low light conditions at close range.
What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm AR91424?
Mounting the scope is very quick and easy. You can use low or medium height rings depending upon whether you want to use BUIS or not. The scope is very compact and doesn’t eat up much space. Sighting is quick and easy. However, make sure to protect those exposed turrets from snagging with objects as you move through thick brush.
Rest everything is great with this scope. It is compact and can be used with QD mounts for quick replacement.
Best for the Money:
Bushnell Banner 6-18x50
Pros
Cons
Best Uses For the Bushnell Banner 6-18x50
This scope offers a 6-18 x magnification which is enough to reach 800 or maybe 1000 yards with great accuracy. This scope will be best used for target shooting and hunting. Animals like deer, pigs, and even small squirrels at about 350 yards can be shot easily with it.
The scope is pretty clear even at 18x magnification, and the parallax setting is a handy feature for hunters who have to regularly shift focus.
Is the Bushnell Banner 6-18x50 Compatible With Any Rifle?
The 6 - 18 x scope works with rifles ranging from .22lr and all the way up to .44 mag. The scope is good out to 800 yards and more. So high power rifles are also a suitable option. However, the best is to stick with .223, 30-08, .243 Win, and similar calibers.
What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Bushnell Banner 6-18x50?
The scope doesn’t come with a mounting base so you are free to choose one for yourself. A large 50 mm objective pushes you to use a high mount to ensure optimal clearance between the barrel and the lens. While also helping with bolt action rifles.
It is 16 inches long and has a 3.5-inch eye relief. So adjustments can be made if the rifle has enough rail space. It will hold zero for longer durations on low caliber rifles compared to high calibers.
Best Bushnell Spotting Scope:
Bushnell Trophy Xtreme 20-60x65
Pros
Cons
Best Uses For the Bushnell Trophy Xtreme 20-60x65
This is a versatile spotting scope since it has the range to effectively track targets at long range and also the clarity to let you gaze at wildlife and nature for hours. This scope can be used for hunting, birdwatching, or anything you need to see clearly at a distance. It is also good for gazing at the moon when it is on the horizon. But not for detailed stargazing.
Is the Bushnell Trophy Xtreme 20-60x65 Compatible With Any Rifle?
This scope definitely has the range to accompany any rifle. You can see targets clearly at distances more than 1000 yards and up to 2000. That’s where most of the long-range shooting is performed. The sunshade can be adjusted so you can use it right in the face of the sun.
What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Bushnell Trophy Xtreme 20-60x65?
The scope features a rotating tripod ring on the base and also includes a tripod in the package. It mounts quickly onto the tripod using a hex screwdriver or allen key. The scope can pan or cant as you desire. The tripod also has one extra leg in the centre that offers more stability.
The eye relief is good and the field of view is generous. However, you may want to buy a hard case to carry it safely.
Best Bushnell Scope 3-9x40:
Bushnell Banner 3-9x40 613944
Pros
Cons
Best Uses For the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40
Having a 3-9x magnification, the best uses for this scope are short to mid-range hunting and practice. You can hunt NY whitetails, bears, deer, and coyotes using this scope. The low light performance is amazing and it gives you those extra 15 minutes for hunting.
This scope is also a great option for beginners or casual hunters who want a value for money scope.
Is the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40 Compatible With Any Rifle?
It works with .223, .243, .308, .30-06, 6.5mm and other mid-caliber rifles. This scope can be used to hit targets with extreme precision up to a distance of 250 yards. The aforementioned calibers are usually used for that kind of distance.
What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40?
First of all, this scope does not come with caps. If you’re planning on buying them, it fits #18 eyepiece and #28 objective caps. Medium size scope rings will work best with this scope but decide it for yourself depending upon the rifle you are using.
The turrets may feel stiff initially but they’ll ease with time. The magnification adjustment ring is very easy to adjust. Which is why it is a bit prone to accidental adjustments. So keep an eye out for that.
Best Bushnell Red Dot Scope and AR Scope:
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope
Pros
Cons
Best Uses For the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope
The micro-red dot is a useful close-quarter combat tool due to its quick acquisition, unlimited eye relief, and a big field of view. This scope is perfect for hunting, competitions, home defense, or practice within a range of 200 yards.
The red dot has multiple brightness settings so you may use it during day or night. The dot is very refined and can be used with both eyes open. The dot is 3 MOA and good for the range.
Is the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope Compatible With Any Rifle?
The best part of using this red dot scope is its compatibility. It can be used with almost any handheld firearm whether it be a pistol or even a muzzleloader. People have been using it successfully with AR-15’s, 9mm handguns, lever-action .30-30 rifles, and much more.
What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope?
The trophy red dot scope has an in-built base that attaches to the most Picatinny rail. Just place it over the rail and tighten it using the Allen key (also included in the package). Once installed properly, the sight doesn’t wiggle. You can also use a riser if you want to co-witness the red dot with your iron sights. Additionally, some rifles/shotguns will definitely require a riser because of the low profile size of this scope.
Types of Scopes From Bushnell
Bushnell has a very extensive line of optics. Ranging from riflescopes to night vision monoculars and other accessories, they have a lot to offer. Let’s take a look at the types of scopes from Bushnell
Rifle Scopes
This is probably the widest array of product categories from Bushnell. They offer everything from low power scout scopes to high power long-range rifle scopes and dedicated scopes for rifles like the AR-15. Their site even classifies scope based upon the type of animal you are hunting or your intended application.
Red Dot Scopes
Bushnell offers a significant number of reflex and red dot sights for rifles and handguns. Their red dots are among the most balanced in quality and price. Their Trophy red dot (reviewed above) is one of their best selling products on the optics market.
Spotting Scopes
Bushnell also offers spotting scopes. They offer a number of these scopes that can be used for hunting, birdwatching, and every other application relevant for a spotting scope.
Night Vision Monoculars
The company offers its Equinox range of night vision monoculars with variants that can view up to a distance of 1000 feet.
Comparison Overview
Now let’s compare Bushnell against some other popular brands of optic scopes.
Bushnell vs. Nikon
Bushnell and Nikon are in the same boat when it comes to the manufacturing location of their optics, and that is Japan. Nikon’s are clearer than Bushnell’s over long range but a slightly steeper in price. However, as Nikon decided to discontinue their line of scopes in 2019. This doesn’t matter anymore.
Bushnell vs. Leupold
Leupold and Bushnell are comparable in terms of their age and price. But Leupold has an edge over the quality and overall warranty. Bushnell on the other hand offers better tracking and better quality reticles in FFP.
Bushnell vs. Vortex
Vortex scopes are more expensive than Bushnell but also offers some perks like more durability and aesthetics. However, Bushnell’s don’t fall far behind and are best for what they are.
Primary Arms vs. Bushnell
That’ a matter of personal preference as both scopes are almost equal in terms of quality. Both offer a lifetime warranty. Additionally, Primary Arms is a winner for short-range scopes.
Bushnell vs. Burris
Bushnell scopes are priced from low to high, whereas Burris offers only medium and high scopes in terms of quality and price.
Conclusion
Bushnell has been around for more than five decades in the optics business. The company has a very long line of products and offers something for every budget. Their scopes are covered by a limited lifetime warranty and feature a durable build and high quality.
People Also Ask
Now let’s resolve some queries about Bushnell and their scopes. Whether they are worth buying, their build, and some other factors.
Are Bushnell Scopes Any Good?
Bushnell scopes are great for what they are. They have a long assortment of products and show impeccable quality control since they are mostly made in Japan. Their scopes offer amazing clarity, good turrets, and versatile designs.
Where is the Model Number on a Bushnell Scope?
The model number on a Bushnell scope is located on the base. Beneath the power ring or the turret.
How Much is a Bushnell Scope Worth?
Bushnell scopes are fairly medium priced. Which is a factor for their popularity. Their scopes last for years and are covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
How to Adjust Bushnell Scope
Adjust a Bushnell scope is just like adjusting any other riflescope. The sighting, zeroing, and focus procedure is the same. You may refer to the user manual or online videos to learn more about it.
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