Video Product Review: Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24 Tactical Riflescope
The Bushnell AR Optics AR/223 1-4x24 tactical scope gives modern sporting rifle shooters an inexpensive option with outstanding performance.
Inside the 30mm hard anodized aircraft aluminum tube is an illuminated Bushnell Tactical Reticle (BTR), optimized for the Savage MSR rifle, but that will work well with any AR style rifle. The BTR features an inverted crescent shaped aiming halo with holdover marks calibrated to 100 meters, out to 500 meters. The reticle is etched onto the first focal plane, so it gets smaller at close range and larger at maximum magnification to give you more pinpoint accuracy.
Tactical turrets provide 10 rotations of elevation and windage adjustment, which gives you 60 inches of adjustment at 100 yards, and provide reference marks so you know how many rotations you have made for easy return to your original zero mark after adjustment. This setup makes adjustments on the fly easy to make and easy to undo. The scope is calibrated in MRAD and each click of the turret is equal to 0.1 milliradians at 100 meters. By loosening the setscrews in the adjustment cover, the dial can be rotated to zero quickly and then relocked so it doesn’t get bumped and inadvertently moved.
A folding throw Power Charge Lever (PCL) on the magnification ring lets you quickly adjust your zoom and then stows out of the way when not in use.
The illumination dial is on the left side of the scope for quickly turning on the lighted reticle and adjusting brightness up to 11. The etched reticle is also very visible when the illumination is switched off.
The 24mm objective lens decreases parallax distortion by laying closer to the top rail of an AR, which places it closer to the bore axis of the rifle. All told, this makes quick adjustments much easier with less math to get dialed in.
Fully multi-coated lenses provide excellent light throughput and a high twilight factor, free from glare. The sealed and nitrogen purged tube prevents water from leaking inside and also prevents fogging from thermal shock during rapid temperature changes.
With 3.6 inches of eye relief, it is a great fit for adjustable length AR stocks and the 110-36 foot field of view, lets you see plenty of the battlespace downrange.
Whether you use your modern sporting rifle for pest elimination, controlling predators of the two or four-legged variety, or for competition, the Bushnell AR/223 Throwdown PCL is a great fit that performs well without breaking the bank. Bushnell also makes a version calibrated for .300 Blackout. Check them out at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse optics counter.
Dan Kidder
My name is Dan Kidder, I am Managing Editor of Sportsman's News Magazine. I am a former Marine who served with the Fleet Anti Terrorism Security Team Company during Operation Desert Storm. Prior to moving to Utah, I served as communications director for Georgia Congressman Mac Collins in his Washington, DC office. I am the President and CEO of On Target Defensive Training, offering firearms and unarmed combat courses to civilians and law enforcement. My students have included federal agents of the FBI, CIA, Secret Service, Border Patrol, ICE, local and state law enforcement, national celebrities, and the general public. My beat at Sportsman's News includes tactical firearms, personal protection, survival, first aid, camping, and hiking.
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