Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope Review

My first impression of Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope

The Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope is a classic optic that promises versatility and reliability without breaking the bank. From Bushnell’s renowned Trophy line, this scope is designed for hunters and shooters seeking a dependable and clear sight picture across various distances. It immediately caught my eye as a potential upgrade for my son’s .223, primarily for coyote hunting.

I was on the hunt for a scope that offered a decent magnification range, good light transmission, and robust construction without emptying my wallet. My son had been using a basic fixed-power scope, and his accuracy at longer ranges was suffering. The Bushnell Trophy seemed to hit the sweet spot between affordability and performance, especially with its reputation for clarity and durability.

Upon unboxing, the scope felt solid and well-built for its price point. The matte black finish is clean and functional, and the turrets turned with a satisfying click. I was impressed with the overall feel of quality, particularly considering its price of $125.49. It weighs in at 14.10 oz, which is light enough not to throw off the balance of most rifles.

I considered the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 and the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 before settling on the Bushnell Trophy. While the Vortex offered similar features at a comparable price, the Bushnell had a longer track record and seemingly better reviews regarding glass clarity. The Leupold, while undeniably superior in glass quality, was significantly more expensive, pushing it beyond my budget for this particular rifle.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. Could a scope at this price point truly deliver the clarity and reliability I needed? I was eager to mount it, zero it, and put it through its paces in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope to the Test

First Use Experience

I mounted the Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope on my son’s AR-15 chambered in .223 and headed to our local shooting range. The initial setup was straightforward, and zeroing the scope at 100 yards was relatively quick and painless. The turrets provided clear, audible clicks, making adjustments easy to track.

The weather was partly cloudy with a slight breeze, which provided a good opportunity to test the scope’s visibility in varying light conditions. The Bushnell Trophy performed admirably, offering a bright and clear image even as the clouds rolled in. The eye relief, advertised at 4″, proved to be comfortable and forgiving.

There were no immediate issues or surprises after the first range session. The scope held zero perfectly, and my son was immediately impressed with the improved clarity and magnification compared to his old optic. He was able to achieve tighter groupings and confidently engage targets at 200 yards.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple range trips and a few coyote hunts, the Bushnell Trophy has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, and the finish remains intact despite being exposed to the elements.

The scope requires minimal maintenance, primarily just wiping down the lenses with a microfiber cloth after each use. We haven’t experienced any issues with fogging or water intrusion, even during a particularly damp morning hunt. The Rainguard HD lens coating seems to be doing its job effectively.

Compared to other budget-friendly scopes I’ve used in the past, the Bushnell Trophy definitely outperforms them in terms of clarity and durability. It doesn’t quite match the performance of high-end optics, but for the price, it’s an exceptional value. It has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer, boosting my son’s confidence in the field.

Breaking Down the Features of Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope

Specifications

The Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope boasts the following specifications:

• Magnification: 3-9x. This allows for versatile target acquisition at varying distances, making it suitable for both close-range and long-range shooting.
• Objective: 40mm. The 40mm objective lens provides ample light gathering ability, resulting in a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions.
• Field of View: 3-38 ft @ 100 yds. This wide field of view makes target acquisition and tracking easier, crucial for hunting and dynamic shooting scenarios.
• Eye Relief: 4″. The generous 4″ eye relief helps prevent scope bite, especially on rifles with heavier recoil. It also allows for comfortable shooting positions.
• Tube Diameter: 1″. The 1″ tube diameter is a standard size, making it compatible with a wide range of mounting options.
• Length: 12″. The compact 12″ length ensures the scope doesn’t add excessive bulk to the rifle.
• Weight: 14.10 oz. The lightweight design minimizes the overall weight of the rifle, improving handling and maneuverability.
• Finish: Matte Black. The matte black finish reduces glare and provides a non-reflective surface, crucial for stealth in hunting situations.
• Reticle: DOA600. The DOA600 reticle provides holdover points for different distances, allowing for more accurate shots at longer ranges.

These specifications combine to create a scope that is both versatile and user-friendly. The magnification range, objective size, and field of view contribute to its overall performance, while the eye relief and weight enhance the user experience.

Performance & Functionality

The Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope performs admirably, especially considering its price point. Accuracy is excellent once properly zeroed, and the scope consistently holds zero even after repeated use. The 3-9x magnification range provides sufficient versatility for most hunting and target shooting applications.

While the glass clarity isn’t on par with high-end optics, it’s surprisingly good for the price. The image is bright and clear, even in low-light conditions. The turrets provide positive and audible clicks, making adjustments easy and repeatable.

A notable weakness is the lack of a side parallax adjustment. While the product description mentions a side parallax adjustment, the model tested does not have this feature, which is disappointing and inaccurate.

Design & Ergonomics

The Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope features a simple and functional design. The matte black finish is durable and non-reflective, and the overall build quality feels solid and well-made. The scope is relatively lightweight, which helps maintain the balance of the rifle.

The scope is easy to use, with intuitive turrets and a comfortable eyepiece. There’s a slight learning curve to fully utilize the DOA600 reticle for holdover at different distances, but Bushnell provides ample resources and information to help with this.

Durability & Maintenance

The Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope is built to last. The waterproof construction and dry nitrogen purging ensure that the scope remains fog-free and resistant to water damage. The Rainguard HD lens coating helps to repel water and prevent smudging, maintaining a clear sight picture in adverse weather conditions.

Maintenance is simple and straightforward, primarily consisting of cleaning the lenses with a microfiber cloth. I anticipate that this scope will provide many years of reliable service with proper care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope does not come with many accessories, typically just including lens covers. Its standard 1″ tube diameter makes it compatible with a wide range of aftermarket scope rings and bases.

There are no direct customization options for the scope itself, but users can personalize their setup with different mounting solutions and aftermarket accessories such as sunshades or anti-reflection devices. The DOA600 reticle cannot be changed.

Pros and Cons of Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope

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Who Should Buy Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope?

The Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope is perfect for hunters and recreational shooters who are looking for a reliable and versatile optic without breaking the bank. It’s particularly well-suited for those who hunt in varying terrains and need a scope that can perform well in different light conditions. It’s also a great choice for youth hunters or anyone starting out, as the price point makes it a low-risk investment.

Those who demand the absolute best glass clarity or need advanced features like side parallax adjustment should skip this product and invest in a higher-end optic. Serious long-range shooters might find the DOA600 reticle limiting and prefer a more precise reticle system.

A must-have accessory for this scope is a good set of scope rings to ensure a secure and stable mount.

Conclusion on Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope

The Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope is an excellent value for the money. It offers a compelling combination of clarity, durability, and user-friendliness at an affordable price point. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of high-end optics, it delivers reliable performance and a clear sight picture, making it a solid choice for hunters and recreational shooters.

The price of $125.49 is more than justified for the performance and features that this scope offers. It’s a significant step up from basic scopes and provides a noticeable improvement in accuracy and overall shooting experience.

I would definitely recommend the Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope to anyone looking for a dependable and versatile optic on a budget. It’s a great investment that will provide years of reliable service. Upgrade your shooting experience today with the Bushnell Trophy – you won’t be disappointed!

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