The Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope – 4″ Eye Relief, 3 – 38 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 3-9x Adjustable Magnification, 12″ Length Made a Bold First Impression
The Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope is a workhorse optic, designed for hunters and recreational shooters alike. This scope promises reliable performance and clear visibility without breaking the bank. Bushnell, a name synonymous with quality optics, aims to deliver a scope that can withstand the rigors of the field while providing a clear sight picture for accurate shots.
I was looking for a scope to mount on my son’s new .223 rifle; something that could handle some moderate recoil and allow him to effectively engage targets, primarily coyotes, at reasonable distances. I needed something clear, reliable, and relatively affordable, as this was his first dedicated hunting rifle. The Bushnell Trophy seemed to fit the bill perfectly.
Unboxing the Bushnell Trophy, I immediately noticed the solid feel of the scope. The matte black finish appeared durable, and the adjustments felt positive and secure. The overall build quality seemed more robust than I expected for a scope in this price range.
I was also considering a Vortex Crossfire II and a Leupold VX-Freedom, both in similar configurations. I ultimately chose the Bushnell Trophy because of its reputation for reliability and its slightly larger field of view, which I thought would be beneficial for my son. The Bushnell also felt a bit more rugged in hand.
My initial impression was one of pleasant surprise. The scope felt well-made, and the optics seemed clear and bright right out of the box. I was excited to get it mounted and see how it performed at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope – 4″ Eye Relief, 3 – 38 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 3-9x Adjustable Magnification, 12″ Length to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Bushnell Trophy was at my local shooting range. I mounted it on my son’s .223 and proceeded to zero the scope at 100 yards. The adjustments were easy to make, with audible and tactile clicks.
We experienced a light rain during our range session, and the Rainguard HD lens coating proved its worth. The lenses shed water effectively, maintaining a clear sight picture despite the damp conditions. The ease of adjustment and the clarity of the view were immediately impressive.
The scope required minimal adjustment to zero. We quickly dialed in our shots and were consistently hitting the bullseye at 100 yards. No issues or surprises arose.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Bushnell Trophy has proven to be a reliable and durable optic. It has held zero consistently, even after being subjected to some rough handling in the field. There have been no durability issues.
I’ve noticed no significant signs of wear and tear beyond some minor scratches on the finish. The scope is easy to clean with a microfiber cloth. Occasional lens cleaning is all that’s needed.
Compared to other scopes I’ve used in the past, the Bushnell Trophy holds its own remarkably well. It’s not a high-end optic, but it offers excellent performance for the price, easily outperforming some more expensive scopes I’ve owned. It’s a solid choice for recreational shooting and hunting.
Breaking Down the Features of Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope – 4″ Eye Relief, 3 – 38 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 3-9x Adjustable Magnification, 12″ Length
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x adjustable magnification allows for versatile use at various distances. This is essential for both close-range and longer-range shots.
- Objective Lens Diameter: The 40mm objective lens provides a good balance between light gathering and size. This results in a bright and clear image in most lighting conditions.
- Eye Relief: The 4″ eye relief offers comfortable viewing and reduces the risk of scope bite. This is especially important for rifles with significant recoil.
- Field of View: The 3-38 ft @ 100 yds field of view provides a wide view for target acquisition. This is beneficial in scenarios where quick target acquisition is crucial.
- Tube Diameter: The 1in tube diameter is standard and allows for easy mounting with readily available rings. This makes the scope compatible with a wide range of rifles.
- Length: The 12″ length is compact and won’t add excessive weight or bulk to the rifle. This ensures the rifle remains easy to handle and carry.
- Rainguard HD Lens Coating: This proprietary coating repels water and reduces fogging. This ensures clear visibility in adverse weather conditions.
- Finish: The matte black finish reduces glare and provides a tactical look. This helps prevent the scope from reflecting light and giving away your position.
- Waterproof Construction: The O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged construction ensures waterproof and fog-proof performance. This ensures reliable performance in all weather conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm performs its job admirably. Its primary strengths lie in its clear optics, reliable adjustments, and durable construction. The accuracy is excellent, and the scope holds zero consistently even after repeated use.
The main strength is its value for money. It offers performance comparable to scopes costing significantly more. The weakness is that it lacks some of the advanced features found on higher-end scopes, such as illuminated reticles or more precise adjustment turrets.
The scope meets my expectations. It’s a solid, reliable optic that delivers excellent performance for its price point. I would happily recommend it to anyone looking for a budget-friendly hunting scope.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is solid, with a sturdy tube and well-machined adjustments. The scope feels robust and capable of withstanding the rigors of field use.
The scope is easy to use, with intuitive adjustments and a comfortable eye relief. There is virtually no learning curve. Anyone familiar with rifle scopes will find this optic easy to use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bushnell Trophy is built to last. The waterproof and fog-proof construction ensures reliable performance in all weather conditions, and the durable finish resists scratches and wear.
The scope requires minimal maintenance. Cleaning the lenses with a microfiber cloth is all that’s needed to keep it in top condition. The durable construction and ease of maintenance mean it should last for many years with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The scope doesn’t come with many accessories beyond basic lens caps. There are no customization options beyond mounting it with different rings.
The Bushnell Trophy is compatible with any standard 1-inch scope rings. This makes it easy to mount on a wide variety of rifles. No specific accessories are required.
Pros and Cons of Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope – 4″ Eye Relief, 3 – 38 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 3-9x Adjustable Magnification, 12″ Length
Pros
- Excellent value for the money. Provides performance comparable to more expensive scopes at a fraction of the cost.
- Clear and bright optics. The fully multi-coated lenses provide a sharp and clear image in a variety of lighting conditions.
- Durable and reliable construction. Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of field use.
- Easy to use and adjust. Simple and intuitive adjustments make it easy to zero and maintain accuracy.
- Rainguard HD lens coating. Effectively sheds water and reduces fogging, maintaining a clear sight picture in adverse weather.
Cons
- Lacks advanced features. Does not have illuminated reticle or other advanced features found on higher-end scopes.
- Basic adjustments. The adjustment turrets are functional but not as precise as those found on more expensive models.
Who Should Buy Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope – 4″ Eye Relief, 3 – 38 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 3-9x Adjustable Magnification, 12″ Length?
The Bushnell Trophy is perfect for hunters, recreational shooters, and anyone looking for a reliable and affordable optic. It’s particularly well-suited for those who are new to rifle scopes or who need a budget-friendly option for a hunting or target shooting rifle. It excels at medium ranges and in environments where simple, rugged performance is paramount.
Those who require advanced features like illuminated reticles, or those who need extremely precise adjustments for long-range shooting, should skip this product. Also, competitive shooters might want something with finer adjustments.
Must-have accessories include a good set of scope rings suitable for your rifle and a lens cleaning kit. These are necessary for mounting and maintaining the scope. A scope cover is also a good idea to protect the lenses when not in use.
Conclusion on Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope – 4″ Eye Relief, 3 – 38 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 3-9x Adjustable Magnification, 12″ Length
The Bushnell Trophy 3-9x 40mm Matte Black Rifle Scope is a solid and reliable optic that offers excellent value for the money. It’s a no-frills scope that delivers clear optics, durable construction, and easy-to-use adjustments, making it an excellent choice for hunters and recreational shooters. The Rainguard HD is a feature that really makes a difference.
The price is definitely justified. You get a lot of performance for a reasonable cost.
I would absolutely recommend it. It’s a great scope for the money, and it’s proven to be a reliable performer in the field. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hunting scope that won’t let you down, the Bushnell Trophy is an excellent choice. Consider adding this to your kit and take your shooting to the next level!