Let’s Dive into Crimson Trace Brushline Pro 3-9x40mm BDC Pro Reticle Rifle Scope
The Crimson Trace Brushline Pro 3-9x40mm BDC Pro Reticle Rifle Scope promises accuracy and versatility in a budget-friendly package. Crimson Trace aims to deliver a scope tailored for the demands of brush hunting, offering a BDC reticle and ballistic calculator support. This scope piqued my interest as I often hunt in densely wooded areas where quick target acquisition and accurate holdovers are crucial.
My aging scope on my deer rifle was failing, offering poor light transmission and inconsistent adjustments. I needed a reliable, affordable scope capable of withstanding harsh conditions, and the Crimson Trace Brushline Pro seemed like a viable option. Out of the box, the scope felt surprisingly solid, with a reassuring weight and a clean matte finish. The turrets had a positive click, and the zoom ring moved smoothly.
I considered the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 and the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 before settling on the Crimson Trace. The Vortex felt a bit cheaper in construction, and the Leupold, while excellent, was significantly more expensive. My initial excitement stemmed from the promise of the BDC Pro reticle and Crimson Trace’s ballistic calculator, hoping for a simpler solution for long-range holdovers. I was eager to see if it could deliver on its promises.
Real-World Testing: Putting Crimson Trace Brushline Pro 3-9x40mm BDC Pro Reticle Rifle Scope to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Crimson Trace Brushline Pro at my local shooting range, mounting it on my trusty .30-06. The weather was overcast with a slight drizzle, presenting a decent challenge for light transmission. Initial zeroing at 100 yards was straightforward, and the 0.25 MOA adjustments felt precise. The reticle was easy to see, even in the less-than-ideal lighting.
During the first session, the ballistic calculator proved invaluable for estimating holdovers at various distances. I did experience a slight parallax issue at higher magnifications beyond 200 yards. This required careful cheek weld adjustments. Otherwise, the scope performed as expected and zeroed quickly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including a full deer season, the Crimson Trace Brushline Pro has held up admirably. There are minimal signs of wear and tear, despite being subjected to harsh weather and rugged terrain. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a lens cloth and occasional wipe down of the body.
The scope maintained its zero throughout the season, even after a few bumps and scrapes in the woods. Comparing it to my old scope, the Crimson Trace offers vastly improved light transmission and more consistent adjustments. While a high end scope may deliver better clarity, the Brushline Pro certainly exceeded my expectations for its price point. It is now the primary optic on my favorite deer rifle.
Breaking Down the Features of Crimson Trace Brushline Pro 3-9x40mm BDC Pro Reticle Rifle Scope
Specifications
Manufacturer: Crimson Trace.
Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm, allowing for good light gathering in various conditions.
Magnification: 3-9x, providing versatile use for close to mid-range shooting.
Reticle: CT Custom BDC Pro, designed for bullet drop compensation using Crimson Trace’s ballistic calculator.
Tube Diameter: 1 in, a standard size for easy mounting.
Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP), meaning the reticle size remains constant regardless of magnification.
Finish: Matte, reducing glare and providing a non-reflective surface.
Field of View: 11.5 – 33.5 ft at 100 yds, offering a decent field of view for target acquisition.
Eye Relief: 4 in, providing a comfortable distance between the eye and the scope.
Color: Black, a standard and versatile color for most rifles.
Weight: 15.2 oz, a reasonable weight that won’t significantly add to the rifle’s overall weight.
Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA, allowing for precise adjustments.
Length: 12.4 in, a compact size that won’t make the rifle unwieldy.
Adjustment Type: MOA, the standard unit for angular measurement adjustments.
Parallax: 100 yds, fixed parallax suitable for most hunting situations.
Illumination Type: Non-Illuminated, relying on the etched reticle for visibility.
Fabric/Material: Aerospace Grade Aluminum, ensuring durability and lightweight construction.
Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated, maximizing light transmission and image clarity.
Water Resistance Level: Waterproof, providing protection against harsh weather conditions.
Shockproof: Yes, designed to withstand recoil and impact.
Package Type: Box, standard packaging.
Magnification Type: Variable, offering flexibility in different shooting scenarios.
Gun Type: Rifle, specifically designed for rifles.
Lens Diameter: 40 mm, as mentioned above, aids in light gathering.
These specifications translate into a scope that’s lightweight, durable, and provides a clear image with precise adjustments. The BDC reticle, combined with the ballistic calculator, simplifies holdover estimations, making it especially useful for hunters. However, the fixed parallax may be a limitation for some shooters engaging targets at significantly varying distances.
Performance & Functionality
The Crimson Trace Brushline Pro 3-9x40mm BDC Pro Reticle Rifle Scope performs its job admirably, particularly considering its price point. Accuracy is excellent, with consistent groupings achievable after proper zeroing. The BDC reticle, when used with the Crimson Trace ballistic calculator, provides reliable holdover points, simplifying long-range shooting. Usability is straightforward, with easy-to-adjust turrets and a smooth zoom ring.
The main strength lies in its simplicity and affordability, offering essential features without unnecessary frills. A minor weakness is the fixed parallax, which could be an issue for shooters engaging targets at varying distances. However, for typical hunting scenarios, it meets expectations and provides reliable performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Brushline Pro’s build quality is impressive for its price range. The aerospace-grade aluminum provides a sturdy and lightweight feel. The matte finish reduces glare, and the overall design is aesthetically pleasing. It’s comfortable to use, with a generous eye relief and easy-to-grip turrets.
The scope’s design is user-friendly, with no significant learning curve. Mounting is simple, and the adjustments are intuitive. The scope is designed well, considering the shooter experience at all levels.
Durability & Maintenance
The Crimson Trace Brushline Pro feels like it will last for many years with proper care. The waterproof and shockproof construction inspires confidence in its ability to withstand harsh conditions. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lenses and a wipe down of the body. It should provide good durability with easy to access components for cleaning.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Crimson Trace Brushline Pro comes with standard lens covers. Since it uses a 1-inch tube, it is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket rings and bases. There are no built in customization options, but users can easily swap out the mounting hardware to suit their rifle and shooting style. The lack of included accessories is a trade off for its affordable price.
Pros and Cons of Crimson Trace Brushline Pro 3-9x40mm BDC Pro Reticle Rifle Scope
Pros
- Affordable price point, making it accessible to a wide range of shooters.
- BDC Pro Reticle simplifies long-range holdovers when paired with the Crimson Trace ballistic calculator.
- Fully Multi-Coated lenses provide good light transmission and image clarity.
- Durable construction ensures reliability in various weather conditions.
- Easy to use and adjust, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced shooters.
Cons
- Fixed parallax at 100 yards may limit precision at significantly different distances.
- Non-illuminated reticle may be less visible in very low-light conditions.
Who Should Buy Crimson Trace Brushline Pro 3-9x40mm BDC Pro Reticle Rifle Scope?
Perfect for: Hunters seeking an affordable and reliable scope for deer, hog, or other medium-sized game. Also ideal for recreational shooters looking for a versatile optic for target practice and general use. Beginners who want a simple and easy-to-use scope without a steep learning curve can greatly benefit from Crimson Trace Brushline Pro 3-9x40mm BDC Pro Reticle Rifle Scope.
Who should skip this product? Competitive shooters requiring extremely precise adjustments and parallax correction, or those hunting in extremely low-light conditions where an illuminated reticle is necessary.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality set of scope rings to ensure secure mounting and proper eye relief. Consider a bubble level to prevent canting and improve long-range accuracy.
Conclusion on Crimson Trace Brushline Pro 3-9x40mm BDC Pro Reticle Rifle Scope
The Crimson Trace Brushline Pro 3-9x40mm BDC Pro Reticle Rifle Scope is a solid performer that offers exceptional value for its price. The combination of a BDC reticle, durable construction, and clear glass makes it a reliable choice for hunters and recreational shooters alike. The ballistic calculator is a genuine value add, making long-range holdovers more manageable.
At $159.49, the price is definitely justified, especially considering the features and performance it delivers. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable, reliable, and user-friendly scope for hunting or general shooting.
If you’re looking for a scope that won’t break the bank but will still provide accurate and reliable performance, the Crimson Trace Brushline Pro 3-9x40mm BDC Pro Reticle Rifle Scope is worth considering. Give it a try; you might be surprised at how well it performs!