Best bushnell scopes

Bushnell AR Optics

4.5-18x40mm

Bushnell AR Optics

1-4x24mm AR91424

Bushnell Banner

6-18x50

Bushnell Trophy Xtreme

20-60x65

Bushnell Banner

3-9x40 613944

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PROS

Compact and lightweight design
Quick and easy side focus parallax adjustment
Good magnifying power for medium/long range
Wind-hold/BDC reticle helps with trajectory estimations
Short and long quick throwdown levers for magnification

CONS

Battery life could be better
More expensive than the Sony WH-1000XM3s

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.

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.

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.

PROS

Very generous field of view
Compact and easy-to-use design
BDC reticle calibrated for .223 bullets
Reticle offers good horizontal reference
Suitable for scouting and short-range use
Optional replaceable magnification doubler

CONS

A bit on the heavy side

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.

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.

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.

PROS

Slim and robust design
Stain and scratch proof prime glass
¼ MOA fingertip turret adjustments
Parallax adjustable from 10 yards to infinity

CONS

No reticle options

Turrets are non-locking

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.

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.

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.

PROS

Super clear BAK4 lenses
Rotating tripod ring on the base
Comes with a tripod mount in the box
High magnification with a wide field of view
Adjustable sunshade and built-in objective cover

CONS

Tripod isn’t fantastic

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.