Reviews & Ratings for Bushnell 3-9x40mm Elite Argon Purged Rainguard HD Rifle Scope — 21 reviews — Page 1

This isn't a bad scope. After I ordered it, I price checked it on the internet to make sure I hadn't paid too much. I couldn't find any other retailer that carried this scope. I called Bushnell and asked them what the heck I bought. The customer service rep said it is 3200 glass and a glow in the dark reticle. With a name like Firefly, I thought I had purchased an illuminated scope on sale. No big deal but a little more clarity as to what the reticle actually is, would have been nice. Speaking of the firefly reticle, it must be charged with light before use. There was a small, keychain flashlight that sometimes works, sometimes doesn't, included with the scope. I'm guessing it was included with the scope to charge the reticle? I'm not sure but it's in the trash now. The firefly reticle is black in daylight. It does glow. It's not as good as an illuminated reticle but better than nothing, if you've got a light source with you to charge it. I'm not sure how long a "charge" would last but my hopes aren't too high. Like I said, it's not a bad piece of glass but my money would have been better spent on a 3200 or another known good quality scope for slightly less money.

I purchased this scope for my .308 Savage. There is very little difference between this scope and my Leupold VX-3. I would say the VX-3 performs a little better during low light conditions but not by much. The Bushnell will definitely work past legal shooting light. Adjustments have a solid click and stay put. I like the 0 reset on the adjustments too. Variable power adjustment is smooth and solid. Crosshairs are crisp and well defined with no fadeout. I have shot around 100 rounds with it and it is still exact. I looked thru a friends Nikon Prostaff and it didn't come close to the clarity of this Bushnell. If I had the extra cash I would probably buy another Leupold but this scope is more than adequate for hunting.

The Bushnell Elite series (with no numbers following) was a very good one, though now discontinued. This scope is very bright and clear, and with the RainGuard HD they tend to stay that way over time. The RainGuard does work to some extent, making it easier to use in light mist or when one's breath might fog the scope (very useful when coyote calling with a mouth call).

The scope does have a nice "proper" look to the externals, as it does not overwhelm any bolt action rifle. The power ring and focus ring are easy to manipulate. The mounting length is excellent, giving the ability to mount this scope on nearly any bolt action, even a long magnum. The click adjustments are positive and stay in place.

The Firefly reticle on this Elite series (not the early numbered series) is the most useful "duplex" style in existence. It compares almost exactly to the older Zeiss Diavari reticle, in that it has very heavy outer posts then all four posts step down to a nice fine crosshair. This version of the Firefly does not have three steps like the original and does not have a very tight center (both of which were problems with the original Firefly as it was too confining). This reticle is just right.

If there is a drawback to this scope, it would be that the image resolution is not quite on par with high-end glass such as the Zeiss Diavari. This would be impossible to notice if you do not have the scopes side-by-side, but when you do you can tell that the glass is ground just a ...
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Lots of light, crisp clear view, and a great deal. Would definitely recommend. Put it on my 3030 to be used in swampy woodlands at close range, but has the capability for open range out to 250 yards on deer size targets.

Great scope, you would be hard pressed to find a clearer/tougher scope for the same money. Three of my rifles are now fitted with bushnell elites. any weather any condition, I trust bushnell. I would buy another.

I have been a Bushnell fan for a number of years, mainly purchasing the lesser priced Banner and Trophy models, which are great scopes for the money. Last year I bought my first Elite model and was so impressed that I just recently bought a 2nd one. The first is mounted on a Remington 760 chambered in .35 Remington and the second is now mounted on a Remington 700BDL in 30-06. The gloss black looks fabulous with the deep, rich bluing on the two guns. Putting that aside, the optics are great and I have had zero issues of any sort. I am convinced that dollar for dollar, the Bushnell Elite is competitive with any brand at any price. Pull the trigger on this scope and you will not regret it. An Optic Planet's quick shipping and great customer service is second to none.

Great scope, good quality and not too expensive. Seem swell constructed and intuitive to use. I was used to the mil spec sight, but the retical X is great. I'm new to this, but the scope came highly recommended.

Just sighted rifle in at the range today using this scope so, this is fresh.
Mounted on a "new" .280 Remington MDL 700 SF CDL Limited Edition using Weaver aluminum bases (that's all Sportsman's had and I'm running out of time) and Warne steel rings.
Laser bore sighted night before.
First shot on paper at 25 yards at 3 power but, took seven more to bullseye.
Moved on to 100 yards at 9 power which took an additional five rounds to not quite bullseye but, close enough with all that was going on at the range today.
Popped off a couple rounds at 200 yards to test the DOA 600 reticle concept since it's the first time I've used anything but crosshairs, Multi-X style in Remington line, and was a little disappointed that the two shots were on line but about six and eight inches low.
I had sighted in a second rifle today as well and time was getting short so I didn't get this resolved to my liking. Probably not a scope issue but I will figure out later. In the mean time I can use the knowledge of the ballistics for my ammo, like always, to compensate.
Loved the focus and clarity of the glass. Not a bright day but, not as bad as can get and targets really stand out. Can ALMOST get by without bino's or spotting scope at 100 yards just using the scope. Didn't get to test the coating for rain but, I've looked through a buddies scope with that treatment and am impressed with the view through a wet objective lens which happens a lot in Western Washington.
Right now, perfectly ha...
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Superior price and service. Owned dozens of scopes. Many brands. Tried just about all. The elite is as bright as any. Eye relief is good. Scopes adjustments are true. Body is as tough as any. Mounting dimensions are more than generous. Reticle is as good as any. For the money, I would rank them the best. You can spend more and get practically nothing for it. This scope does it all and a good warranty to back the product. I quit messing around with scopes. This scope will not disappoint. Looks good on long or short actions and a finish to match any gun. To get better you will need to spend WAY more dollars. 5 star value for a lifetime of hunting!

This is a great light weight rifle scope. It is clear and bright and is a good value. It has held its zero after several boxes of ammo from my .308. I have bought other top brand scopes that are more expensive in the past 20 years, but this scope is on par with any of them at a much lower price.
Pros: Clear and bright optics. Made in Japan.
Cons: None so far