Bushnell AR Optics 1-4X24mm Review – 2022 Guide

The Bushnell AR 1-4x is the final answer to all your tactical scope requirements. A compact, rugged and user-friendly design that'll be your go-to pick for hunting and defense applications.

Here we’ll dig deeper into the in’s and out’s of this amazing scope and why its worth picking up if you're in the market for a scope. 

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Best suited for CQB and varmint hunting
  • 1-4x magnification with BDC-223 reticle for 500 yds
  • Compact and rugged design with scratch-proof coat
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Pros

  • BDC Reticle
  • Large Eyebox
  • Especially Clear Lenses
  • Turret Action is Precise
  • Compact and Quick - Great for Competitions

Cons

  • A Little Heavy
  • Not For Low Light Use

Bushnell AR Optics 1 4X24mm Specs

Eye Relief: 3.5 inches

Adjustment Options (Parallax, windage, elevation): W/E: 0.25 MOA and 120 MOA/34.0 Mil max. Parallax: 100 yards fixed

Type of Reticle: Drop-Zone 223

Image of Reticle:

Magnification: 1-4 x

Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane

Objective Lens: 24 mm

Field of View: 112 - 27 ft at 100 yds

Pros

The Bushnell AR scope has quite a few qualities which qualify it as a simple but effective compact riflescope. Let’s take a look at them one by one. 

BDC Reticle

The AR 1-4x is equipped with a Drop Zone .223 reticle that has dot marks to estimate bullet drop up to a distance of 500 yards. This can be a very helpful feature when taking long-range shots on a calm non-windy day. Since the scope has a magnifying power of 1-4x, that’s the farthest practical range you can accurately reach out with a .223 bullet. The reticle is not illuminated for low light use, but can’t be beaten for broad daylight use. 

Compact and Quick

This scope measures only 9.4 inches in length. Which is perfect for mounting it on tactical assault or small hunting rifles. The compact size is easy to handle and also features a rugged build that can last for years without a breakdown. The eyepiece offers quick acquisition and a ridged power ring for quick adjustments. You also get the option to use a detachable power lever for quick magnification adjustments. Additionally, the scope’s outer coating is rust and scratch proof. 

Good Eyebox

Eyebox refers to the area around the eyepiece where you can adjust the position of your eye socket and still get a clear image. This 1-4x offers 3.5 inches of eye relief and an exit pupil of 5.2 - 13.1 mm. That’s enough to get comfortable on the field when shooting targets from different stances. The field of view is also great and helps with better backdrop awareness. Overall, all the eyepiece qualities of a compact tactical hunting scope. 

Clarity and Turrets

The clarity, brightness, and quality of images delivered by this scope are phenomenal thanks to the multi-coated optics. The glass-etched reticle is exceptionally clear and the scope can help you differentiate between white and black hair at a close range. The turrets are low profile, and their capped design helps with safer operation. 

Cons

After all the good this scope has to offer. Let’s look at some downsides which are not exactly deterrents. But important considerations when buying. 

Weight

The AR 1-4x scope weighs 18 ounces or 1.125 pounds. Many users believe it to be some extra weight for the scope of this capacity and size. While that’s not completely false, a weight of 1.1 pounds is manageable on a CQB or hunting rifle for shorter durations. 

Low Light Use

While this scope is astounding for broad daylight use at a short-range. It’s low light usage is very questionable. Which is due to the fact that it does not offer an illuminated reticle and doesn’t have a very large objective lens either. Bushnell could’ve added a red dot to make it more ‘tactical’ for low light use. The scope has an illuminated BTR reticle version. But this variant is only for daylight use. 

Best Uses For the Bushnell AR Optics 1 4X24mm

The magnifying power and internal design of the AR 1-4x scope make it an ideal choice for certain applications. Which are certainly limited to a short range of fewer than 500 yards. 

CQB

A 1-4x magnification is complimented by a BDC reticle, tactical turrets, quick acquisition, and a compact size. Collectively these qualities make it an ideal tactical scope for CQB or home defense. But essentially under broad daylight. Since the reticle isn’t illuminated. The 1x magnification is slightly more than 1x which offers a slight advantage in some situations. 

Hunting

Another great use for this scope is hunting. Which especially includes varmints like hogs, squirrels, and prairie dogs. This scope is best for shooting targets that change position quickly. The BDC reticle is also very useful when taking longer shots up to a distance of 300 yards. The eye relief is generous for its magnifying power and so is the eyebox for quick head adjustments. 

Practice

This scope will suit the practice requirements of beginners. Being an inexpensive rifle optic, and certainly a rugged and complete design. You’ll find it suitable for practice or plinking at the range. This scope can prove to be a workhorse for the casual shooter who lives on a farm. 

This scope is astoundingly simple to use, even for a beginner. The turrets are very responsive and the reticle isn’t cluttered with tons of dots and lines. 

Is the Bushnell AR Optics 1 4X24mm Compatible With Any Rifle?

The rifle that best suits this scope is the AR-15. That’s what this scope is named after. But by AR, Bushnell means that this scope will work with other similar rifles that are used for hunting and CQB. It is a compact and rugged scope for use in daylight. 

Rifles like the M&P 15, Ruger PC9, AK, Mini-14, and others in the class will work very well with this scope. However, on the other hand. This scope is not a fit for precision rifles. Whether they be tactical or long-range. Since the design and features of this scope are pretty basic and not suited for high-end applications. 

What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Bushnell AR Optics 1 4X24mm?

The AR 1-4x is a simple scope that doesn’t require any special skills to mount. Just get a pair of low medium height rings, align and position the scope on the receiver and attach the screws. The scope doesn’t have a parallax adjustment knob so there’s nothing to snag with the left side of your rifle. Thus also allowing you to lay your rifle flat on the ground. 

Also, remember that your Bushnell scope is covered by a lifetime warranty which also covers damages against normal use. 

What Makes the Bushnell AR Optics 1 4X24mm Stand Out From the Competition?

The size, ruggedness, and price are the three major features that make this scope stand out from the competition. Sure, there are a ton of scopes on the market with similar magnification and design. But the Bushnell AR 1-4x offers unmatched quality at a very reasonable and affordable price. Plus, the scratch-proof exterior and durability is what you commonly can’t find on low priced scopes. Additionally, the Bushnell lifetime warranty is an exceptional ‘no questions asked’ cover for your purchase. 

Conclusion

The Bushnell AR 1-4x24 is a compact and rugged scope that is best suited for close and short-range shooting. Which includes CQB, plinking, and hunting. The scope has a non-illuminated BDC reticle with dots out to 500 yards. It is an affordable and tough scope for a beginner or casual shooter. 

People Also Ask

Let’s find out the answers to some common queries for this Bushnell AR scope about a warranty, battery life, weight, and relevance in daylight use. 

What Kind of Warranty Does the Bushnell AR Optics 1 4X24mm Come With?

The Bushnell AR 1-4x24 scopes are covered by the standard Bushnell lifetime warranty. Which covers manufacturing defects and user damages from normal use for the entire lifespan of the scope. This is a transferable warranty with no receipts required to prove the purchase. Bushnell will repair or replace your scope under this warranty. 

Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm

How Much Does the Bushnell AR Optics 1 4X24mm Weigh?

The Bushnell AR 1-4x24 scope weighs 18 ounces or 1.125 pounds or 510 grams. That’s slightly on the heavy side for such a compact scope and probably the only downside. 

Can You Use Bushnell AR Optics 1 4X24mm in Low Light?

This scope is available in illuminated or non-illuminated reticle options. The illuminated variant offers some low light acceptance. However, the non-illuminated variant (reviewed here) is not suitable for low light shooting

How Long Does the Battery Last on the Bushnell AR Optics 1 4X24mm?

The battery life on the illuminated reticle version of the Bushnell AR 1-4x24 is not a specific number and depends upon the brightness setting. However, an average number would be around 150 hours on medium brightness setting. 



Ankit

Ankit Kumar is an engineer turned writer who specializes in topics related to firearms, gun safety and weapon tech. His passion towards enrolling in the Army drifted his interest towards light and heavy firearms. He’s a qualified competitive air rifle shooter and an avid nature lover. His other areas of expertise include survival, prepping and firearms/ammo storage. When he’s not writing, he’s either learning a new skill, trekking or enjoying a long drive.