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Bushnell AR Optics

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,833 ratings

Price: $118.88 $451.99 Free Return on some sizes and colors

Illuminated
BDC Reticle
Brand Bushnell
Color Black
Style Illuminated
Sport Tactical
Item Weight 510 Grams
Magnification Maximum 1 x
Objective Lens Diameter 24 Millimeters
Magnification Minimum 4 x
Compatible Devices Shotgun, Rifle
Mounting Type Picatinny Mount

About this item

  • Versatile 1-4x magnification range for short to mid-range shooting
  • Waterproof Construction for use in rugged conditions
  • Adjustable length throw lever for fast magnification changes even while wearing gloves
  • Illuminated Ballistic Drop Compensated reticle for easy hold over shooting to 600 yds
  • Fully Multi Coated optics for bright, clear views of the target

From the brand


Product Description

Bushnell 1-4x24 Riflescope with Illuminated BTR-1

Illuminated First Focal Plane BDC Reticle

The illuminated FFP BDC reticle provides outstanding low-light performance and accurate holdovers out to 500 yards with 5.56 NATO. It is calibrated for use with 223 Rem/5.56 ammunition loaded with 55-62 grain bullets.

Second focal plane illuminated BTR reticle

Delivers Exceptional Clarity and Durability

Multiple layers of anti-reflective coating on all air-to-glass surfaces deliver bright, high-contrast images. Designed for use in rugged conditions, this riflescope is both shockproof and waterproof.

Side view of Bushnell 1-4x24 Riflescope with Illuminated BTR-1

Throw-Down Power Change Lever and Exposed Turrets

This Bushnell AR Optics Riflescope features a throw-down power change lever for near-instant magnification changes. Exposed turrets allow you to dial for windage and elevation adjustments quickly and accurately.

Hunter with multiple Bushnell products

Bushnell: The Industry Leader in High-Performance Sports Optics

Since 1948, our guiding principle has been to provide the highest-quality, most reliable and affordable sports optics on the market. Our award-winning products enhance the enjoyment of every outdoor pursuit and empower everyone to get out and experience their passion. Combining cutting-edge design and performance with a commitment to being accessible to all, Bushnell is the most recognized and reputable sports optics brand in the world.

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
1,833 global ratings

Customers say

Customers like the quality, value, clarity, appearance and ease of use of the aiming scope sight. For example, they mention it's a solid product, it has a decent drop reticle and it'll make the gun so much more capable.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

110 customers mention96 positive14 negative

Customers like the quality of the aiming scope sight. They say the build is of typical Bushnell quality, the clarity is great, and it holds up to the jostling about that goes on when running with the rifle. Some mention that the glass quality is OK, and the reticle is crisp.

"...Does not illuminate, but I dig the crosshairs. Perfect thickness and millilidot design. In my opinion, looks great too. It is a 30mm tube, not 1”...." Read more

"...n't say anything about brightness, but during the day it's a fine scope of an air rifle." Read more

"This optic is clear and has a decent drop reticle. The side parallax works great...." Read more

"...Not at all it zeroed easily holds its zero after being bumped hit and drug out the woods hitting trees for 2 full weeks of everyday hunts...." Read more

42 customers mention38 positive4 negative

Customers are satisfied with the clarity of the aiming scope sight. They mention that it is crystal clear, has a decent drop reticle, and provides clarity in the dark. Some say that the scope itself is very clear and is of a quality build.

"...The zoom-lever works great. Very smooth. SUPER clear glass. Does not illuminate, but I dig the crosshairs. Perfect thickness and millilidot design...." Read more

"This optic is clear and has a decent drop reticle. The side parallax works great...." Read more

"...Perfect scope for medium game varmints. Provides clarity in the dark when shining for coyotes...." Read more

"...The clarity is perfect the parallax is non existing and the eye relief has from near to far away it never blurs or blacks out...." Read more

42 customers mention42 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the value of the aiming scope sight. They say it's a nice starter optic for a modest budget, with good quality and awesome clarity. Some customers also mention that it keeps the weight down.

"...But worth the weight. It makes the gun so much more capable. It also comes with tools, cloth and lens caps...." Read more

"This scope is great for the price. Plus, it's a Bushnell. The name speaks for itself.I bought one for me and one for my cousin...." Read more

"...Price is outstanding for what you get. I was inside the bullseye in only 4 shots at 30 yds. The glass is nice, bright and clear...." Read more

"...I like the fact it is 1" because it keeps the weight down. I caught it on sale for $168...." Read more

29 customers mention29 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the aiming scope sight. They mention that it looks great, has nice glass, and reticle. The scope is bright and has awesome design and features.

"...Perfect thickness and millilidot design. In my opinion, looks great too. It is a 30mm tube, not 1”...." Read more

"...The eye focus works great for focusing the reticle, perfectly crisp and clear...." Read more

"...At 4x, this scope really shines. It's bright. It's crisp, even in low light conditions. It's forgiving on the eye relief...." Read more

"...I was inside the bullseye in only 4 shots at 30 yds. The glass is nice, bright and clear. I am very happy with this scope. Good job Bushnell!" Read more

27 customers mention22 positive5 negative

Customers like the performance of the aiming scope sight. They say it works well, performs beautifully, and has great side parallax. Some mention that it works great for hog hunting, and is great for use with any 233/556 rifle that doesn't require illumination. The glass is clear enough, and it works as a red dot at 1x.

"...But, otherwise, it fits an AR Pistol 10.5” barrel well. The zoom-lever works great. Very smooth. SUPER clear glass...." Read more

"This optic is clear and has a decent drop reticle. The side parallax works great...." Read more

"Works as it should, nice scope all in all for the price" Read more

"...200 yards to really test its accuracy yet, but 200 yds and in, it does great." Read more

26 customers mention22 positive4 negative

Customers find the aiming scope sight easy to use. They say the clear optics and the position of the parallax make it easy to operate. Some say the sight is easy to install and zero in. It also makes target acquisition quick and easy.

"...But I did use a bore laser and it was easy to dial in. I’m in IN and it’s cold. I’m curious to see how it does in the cold...." Read more

"...The turrets can be reset to zero but do not have an adjustable zero stop like some other scopes...." Read more

"...With my bare eyes, I can't really see the post-it, but it was pretty easy to spot with this scope at 8x...." Read more

"...it has Tactical turrets that can be zeroed. The only miss is it is only 1" instead of the preferred 30mm tube. Price is outstanding for what you get...." Read more

25 customers mention22 positive3 negative

Customers like the zoom of the aiming scope sight. They say the throw lever is great for quickly adjusting the scope magnification. They also appreciate the adjustable magnifying bar and the flip-out magnifier lever. The zoom lever is quick, easy, and clear.

"...The flip out magnification lever makes it very easy to adjust the magnification control...." Read more

"...The lever folding mechanism is awesome. Only thing I regret is not buying it sooner." Read more

"...Throw lever is great for quickly adjusting the scope magnification only issue is the parallax adjuster knob sticks when adjusting it sometimes and..." Read more

"...Target style turret caps in mils. Side mounted parallax adjustment, good brightness except at full 18 power to name a few...." Read more

22 customers mention6 positive16 negative

Customers are dissatisfied with the focus of the aiming scope sight. They mention that it does not maintain focus throughout the magnification range, the knob lost all detent, and the focal plane is less than they thought. Some customers also mention that the optics are not clear enough and that the scope is not very powerful.

"...The image is not as sharp or as crisp as it is at 4x or 6x, especially in well shaded woods, but that's to be expected...." Read more

"...and the reticle a tad too thick for my taste - yes, it's not a precision scope but totally adequate at 200 yards and maybe even beyond...." Read more

"...The optic holds zero and is quick to aim and acquire targets with...." Read more

"...purchase when you are zoomed all the way out it is excruciatingly easy to lose the perfect sight as your looking through!..." Read more

Better than anticipated
4 Stars
Better than anticipated
This optic is clear and has a decent drop reticle. The side parallax works great. The eye focus works great for focusing the reticle, perfectly crisp and clear. The turrets work well and are resettable to zero once the scope is zeroed. The flip out magnification lever makes it very easy to adjust the magnification control. The lever folds away so it does not obstruct your bolt handle. I chose a 3-12x40mm sized scope and placed it in medium height rings for a nice low fit. Perfect for a light compact hunting rifle like the American Ranch.The optic holds zero and is quick to aim and acquire targets with. Once zeroed returning the turrets to zero was a straight forward process and the supplied Allen key worked for that. The turrets can be reset to zero but do not have an adjustable zero stop like some other scopes.It does not come with flip-up scope covers or rings which is fine, but commonly offered at this price point. I like to choose my own rings, but If it had come with flip-up covers instead of the the bungee style hard bikini cover, I would have given it 5 stars. It did come with a lens cloth and Bushnell scope adjusting accessory tool. The paper work it comes with is minimal as Bushnell offers manuals online from their web site.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2020
Size: 1-4x24mmStyle: Non-IlluminatedConfiguration: BDC ReticleVerified Purchase
Solid construction. I have an AR Pistol 10.5” barrel. I thought it’d be perfect for 10yds-150yds. I haven’t had the chance to shoot it yet to see if it holds it’s zero. But I did use a bore laser and it was easy to dial in. I’m in IN and it’s cold. I’m curious to see how it does in the cold. I’ll shoot and report back. But, otherwise, it fits an AR Pistol 10.5” barrel well. The zoom-lever works great. Very smooth. SUPER clear glass. Does not illuminate, but I dig the crosshairs. Perfect thickness and millilidot design. In my opinion, looks great too. It is a 30mm tube, not 1”. For the price and a 30 year warranty from Bushnell. Kind of a no brainer. GET IT! You won’t be sorry. The ONLY negative report would be, compared to a red-dot, it’s heavy. But worth the weight. It makes the gun so much more capable. It also comes with tools, cloth and lens caps. I’ll shoot 90-150 5.56 rounds and get back to you if it goes bad. I really like this scope so let’s hope it goes well!
Customer image
5.0 out of 5 stars Summary Of an Excellent Optic
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2020
Solid construction. I have an AR Pistol 10.5” barrel. I thought it’d be perfect for 10yds-150yds. I haven’t had the chance to shoot it yet to see if it holds it’s zero. But I did use a bore laser and it was easy to dial in. I’m in IN and it’s cold. I’m curious to see how it does in the cold. I’ll shoot and report back. But, otherwise, it fits an AR Pistol 10.5” barrel well. The zoom-lever works great. Very smooth. SUPER clear glass. Does not illuminate, but I dig the crosshairs. Perfect thickness and millilidot design. In my opinion, looks great too. It is a 30mm tube, not 1”. For the price and a 30 year warranty from Bushnell. Kind of a no brainer. GET IT! You won’t be sorry. The ONLY negative report would be, compared to a red-dot, it’s heavy. But worth the weight. It makes the gun so much more capable. It also comes with tools, cloth and lens caps. I’ll shoot 90-150 5.56 rounds and get back to you if it goes bad. I really like this scope so let’s hope it goes well!
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26 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2024
Size: 3-9x40mmStyle: Non-IlluminatedConfiguration: BDC ReticleVerified Purchase
This scope is great for the price. Plus, it's a Bushnell. The name speaks for itself.
I bought one for me and one for my cousin. I'm going to buy one more for my son in law for his birthday.
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2024
Size: 3-9x40mmStyle: Non-IlluminatedConfiguration: BDC ReticleVerified Purchase
Haven't used it early dawn or late dusk so can't say anything about brightness, but during the day it's a fine scope of an air rifle.
Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2023
Size: 3-12x40mmStyle: Non-IlluminatedConfiguration: BDC ReticleVerified Purchase
This optic is clear and has a decent drop reticle. The side parallax works great. The eye focus works great for focusing the reticle, perfectly crisp and clear. The turrets work well and are resettable to zero once the scope is zeroed. The flip out magnification lever makes it very easy to adjust the magnification control. The lever folds away so it does not obstruct your bolt handle. I chose a 3-12x40mm sized scope and placed it in medium height rings for a nice low fit. Perfect for a light compact hunting rifle like the American Ranch.

The optic holds zero and is quick to aim and acquire targets with. Once zeroed returning the turrets to zero was a straight forward process and the supplied Allen key worked for that. The turrets can be reset to zero but do not have an adjustable zero stop like some other scopes.

It does not come with flip-up scope covers or rings which is fine, but commonly offered at this price point. I like to choose my own rings, but If it had come with flip-up covers instead of the the bungee style hard bikini cover, I would have given it 5 stars. It did come with a lens cloth and Bushnell scope adjusting accessory tool. The paper work it comes with is minimal as Bushnell offers manuals online from their web site.
Customer image
4.0 out of 5 stars Better than anticipated
Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2023
This optic is clear and has a decent drop reticle. The side parallax works great. The eye focus works great for focusing the reticle, perfectly crisp and clear. The turrets work well and are resettable to zero once the scope is zeroed. The flip out magnification lever makes it very easy to adjust the magnification control. The lever folds away so it does not obstruct your bolt handle. I chose a 3-12x40mm sized scope and placed it in medium height rings for a nice low fit. Perfect for a light compact hunting rifle like the American Ranch.

The optic holds zero and is quick to aim and acquire targets with. Once zeroed returning the turrets to zero was a straight forward process and the supplied Allen key worked for that. The turrets can be reset to zero but do not have an adjustable zero stop like some other scopes.

It does not come with flip-up scope covers or rings which is fine, but commonly offered at this price point. I like to choose my own rings, but If it had come with flip-up covers instead of the the bungee style hard bikini cover, I would have given it 5 stars. It did come with a lens cloth and Bushnell scope adjusting accessory tool. The paper work it comes with is minimal as Bushnell offers manuals online from their web site.
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12 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2020
Size: 1-8x24mmStyle: IlluminatedConfiguration: BTR-1 ReticleVerified Purchase
These AR Optics from Bushnell are absolutely perfect for the AR 5.56 platform. Whether you get the 1-4, 1-6, or 1-8, you really can't go wrong. Here are my observations. I love the 1x magnification because you can use it as a Red Dot for close-in work, but you can quickly use the lever to quickly unlock the true potential of an AR: reaching out and touching something at 400 yards.

On an AR with an A2 front sight (the tall front post), you will be able to cowitness above the A2 sight, but the A2 post disappears as you magnify to 2x, beyond that, the A2 post is not visible beyond 2x magnification as your field of view will be entirely above the A2 post. Most mounts that you can get rest 1.6" to 1.7" above the rifle, so Monstrum or Burris work just fine. I zerod this scope with a bore laser at 50 yards and that was close enough to get me on paper at the range and from there you can fine-tune. A bore laser costs less than $20, so you can buy that or go to the range and use the money to buy a box of ammo and do it the old fashioned way. I like gadgets so I opt for the laser when I can. Also, you don't have to be perfectly level when you use a laser to zero a scope so long as your distances are correct.

At 1:1 magnification this scope performs a lot like a red dot. I have the Bushnell TRS25 Red dot. I would say that the TRS25 Red dot is just a hair crisper at 1:1 than this scope. That said, it's not really noticeable and it's perfectly acceptable to use as a red dot and it's a very tiny price to pay to have the power of a scope behind you and be able to quickly jump to 4x or 8x magnification and be able to reach out and touch something at 300 yards. After all, an AR, even a carbine, is a powerful tool capable of accuracy at 600 yards, if you can see that far.

At 8x this scope really shines. I placed a small post-it-note 2x2 at about 50yards in the back of my house, just to test it out. It's fairly wooded and well shaded back there. With my bare eyes, I can't really see the post-it, but it was pretty easy to spot with this scope at 8x. Bear in mind that the aperture on this is 24mm, so you're not going to get an expansive field of view and it doesn't collect enough light to be a true hunting scope for dusk or dawn. It's truly a self-defense scope at 1x that enables you to effectively engage targets at distances 100-400 yards. I'd feel comfortable responsibly harvesting smaller deer at 100 yards with this.

My recommendation would be to zero it at 50/200 to get a long mpbr window and use it for both home defense and for small game or varmintin under 400 yards. If you have a rifle and not a carbine, you might consider zeroing it at 100 yards and then it's a real ranged weapon. By the way, the notch marks on the BRT1 scope are set for 5.56 62gr FMJ zeroed at 100 yards, so you'll get the most out of this scope if you zero it at 100 yards and use the built in illuminated reticle. Although the description reads BTR2, I have not been able to find this scope in BTR2 so I think that description is a typo. I can only find the BTR2 reticle in Bushnell's Elite line of scopes which are significantly more expensive. Regarding focal plane, this is a SFP scope, so the reticle marks are only relevant at 8x magnification. Regarding the illumination, in bright daylight, you don't need it (of course). As light level drops, I find that having it on 2 or 3 works best. I love that you have an off between the illumination levels (1, off, 2, off, 3, off, etc). On many illuminated scopes you have off and then you have to twist 4-5 times until you get it where you want it from an illumination standpoint. By having an off between every illumination level, you're always one click away from having the illumination you like. I find that Bushnell is very battery efficient. If you don't use it much, your battery will last for a year easily - just replace it once a year and you'll be great.

I also like the weather proofness of this scope. It's IP7 so it's pretty much waterproof, but don't take it diving. It also comes with screwed in caps which helps make it waterproof and dustproof -- awesome pro feature there.

Should you buy the 1-4, 1-6, 1-8? I have not tested the 1-4 or the 1-6 but I do have those magnification options on this scope and assume the other scopes are similar:

- At 4x, this scope really shines. It's bright. It's crisp, even in low light conditions. It's forgiving on the eye relief. I will stick to this magnification when possible to scan.
- At 6x, this scope is very nice. It's still very bright but not as bright as on 4x. It's still very crisp, and it's fairly forgiving on the eye relief (I don't have to be perfectly centered on the scope before I can see a clear sight picture)
- At 8x, this scope shows you things that you just can't see as clearly at 4x or at 6x, but it comes at a bit of a price. The image is not as sharp or as crisp as it is at 4x or 6x, especially in well shaded woods, but that's to be expected. Also, you don't have as much eye placement flexibility. If you want to get a sight picture, you have to be pretty well centered and at the correct distance to get a sight picture. Also at 8x, the 24mm field of view narrowness is starting to impact you and because you have to be fairly well centered to get a sight picture, it will be harder to hunt for a target when you're in the scope. In bright sunlight, the drawbacks I mention in this bullet are nonissues. In bright light, the scope is bright and crisp at 8x, but you do have to be pretty well centered to get a sight picture.

That said, I am very happy to have purchased the 8x scope, because I can really see detail that I couldn't at 4x. If hunting, I will certainly scan at 4x or with binoculars, and then zoom in for making a shot farther than 50 yards. If the eye relief on the 1x4 scope is the same as this scope, then that's definitely an option, and can save you some money, if you are not going to be shooting beyond 50 yards.

Is this an upgrade from a Red Dot TRS25? Heck yes!! Every day of the week. If you want to use your AR as a rifle (the way it was intended) and more than just point blank tactical home defense tool, get this scope. You will be happy you did and if I had to do it again, I would have gone straight to this scope; although, the TRS25 is a spectacular Red Dot and likely the very best red dot for the money out there. Also, if you are only going to be using your AR for true tactical short-range work, then just get a Red Dot and save yourself the money and the weight. There's no use having a scope on a rifle if you're not going to be using it, and it does make your rifle heavier, by about 1.5lbs by the time you're done with the scope and the mount.

Would I get this for an AR10? No. I think that once you're into the .308, you are truly dealing with a powerful weapon that is intended to reach out and engage targets outside of home defense and short range tactical combat ranges. For an AR10, I'd get a more powerful scope that unlocks the true potential of that platform, and you can use that to hunt pretty much anything in North America (where legal). Also the BTR1 reticle markings in this scope are set for 223/5.56, so they won't be of much use to you. Bushnell offers some great scopes suitable for the more powerful longer-range 308/7.62 caliber if that's what you're looking for.
95 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2024
Size: 3-12x40mmStyle: Non-IlluminatedConfiguration: BDC ReticleVerified Purchase
Zoom, windage and hight adjustments are smooth and accurate. Put the 3-9x on my AR and within 5 shots I had it sighted in at 400 yards. Was 1 mil off at 50 yards and dead on all the way back. Perfect scope for medium game varmints. Provides clarity in the dark when shining for coyotes. Has taken a beating as it is on one of my cheeper rifles so it gets thrown around in the truck a lot. Has stayed dead on since sighting in and never once have I needed to re sight. Windage and hight are dead on 1 click is 1/4”. Had this thing in a sled at 100yds and it was right on. The lever folding mechanism is awesome. Only thing I regret is not buying it sooner.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2023
Size: 3-9x40mmStyle: Non-IlluminatedConfiguration: BDC ReticleVerified Purchase
I thought when I bought this it was gonna be another you get what you pay for kinda thing. I WAS WRONG the quality and clarity of this scope is better than good it’s great! I was worried that a scope made for a 223 would break because I put it on my 350 lengend. Not at all it zeroed easily holds its zero after being bumped hit and drug out the woods hitting trees for 2 full weeks of everyday hunts. The clarity is perfect the parallax is non existing and the eye relief has from near to far away it never blurs or blacks out. And for a bonus it has never fogged up in the cold weather in northwest Indiana great buy!!!’
6 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Wilfred robbins
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome
Reviewed in Canada on January 6, 2024
Size: 1-4x24mmStyle: Non-IlluminatedConfiguration: BDC ReticleVerified Purchase
This product is awesome for the price
Stephen J Harbridge
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good scope
Reviewed in Canada on April 1, 2024
Size: 3-12x40mmStyle: Non-IlluminatedConfiguration: BDC ReticleVerified Purchase
Very impressed
CW
1.0 out of 5 stars Poor quality, broke after 30 rounds of low recoil .223
Reviewed in Canada on August 10, 2022
Size: 1-8x24mmStyle: IlluminatedConfiguration: BTR-1 ReticleVerified Purchase
Well the scope seemed great at first after mounting it seemed solid and I liked the reticle but unfortunately when I took it to the range the first time, I was only 30 shots in and all of of sudden the reticle started rotating inside the scope, I was only shooting .223 @ 2900 fps, so the recoil on my wk-180 gen 2 wasn’t even that bad at all for it to break it so easily, I’m disappointed in Bushnell’s quality these days. I’m going to go with a vortex instead, on a positive note Amazon’s return policy is great and I had no problem getting a full refund! Amazon was great, the scope was a disappointment, I do not recommend this scope.
De_papabear
5.0 out of 5 stars Very clear optic
Reviewed in Canada on May 30, 2022
Size: 4.5-18x40mmStyle: Non-IlluminatedConfiguration: BDC ReticleVerified Purchase
The glass is very clear. I've got it mounted on a Winchester XRP .308 (I Know its not a .223) I haven't had a chance to shoot more than a couple rounds, so i don't know about it holding zero yet. So far happy though. Good zoom, good parallax adjustment and nice eye relief. The reticle is a bit heavy, but not impossible to use.
2 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great lenses, basic scope. Sharp clear.
Reviewed in Canada on June 30, 2021
Size: 3-9x40mmStyle: Non-IlluminatedConfiguration: BDC ReticleVerified Purchase
Very basic scope, with great optic. Lenses, the optic is what is crucial, and Bushnell delivers. The focus is clear. Like it, recommended.
One person found this helpful
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