Bushnell Trophy Red Dot Scope

Long known for the solid value exhibited by its conventional riflescopes and for the innovative nature of its holographic electronic sights, Bushnell has in recent years brought to market a line of red-dot sights that offers both value and innovation. Foremost is the Trophy 1X 28 mm red-dot sight.

Externally, the Trophy resembles other sights of its type. It is built on a one-piece, machined-aluminum body with a main tube onto which the adjustment turrets, reticle selector, reticle intensity switch/battery compartment and power switch are mounted. The cylindrical 30 mm objective and ocular are compatible with conventional scope rings, and vertically split aluminum rings are included for mounting to a Weaver-style rail or bases. The ocular is rubber-covered to protect the shooter's eye in those cases where the sight is mounted conventionally; but, because eye relief is unlimited, the Trophy can be used on handguns, shotguns or in scout-style rifle applications mounted forward of the action.

The scope's reticle selector switch is on the left rear of the main tube. Markings on the knob denote small and large dots, crosshairs and a donut-style reticle. The reticle intensity switch is at the top front of the main tube with settings from "0" to "11." It does not have mechanical limits and can be rotated in either direction to any setting. A sealed compartment for a single CR2032 battery occupies the inner portion of the knob. The battery is replaced by removing the knurled, slotted top cover.

The elevation turret rests atop the rear of the main tube. Like the windage turret at the rear of the main tube's right side, its settings are adjusted with a coin and protected by a removable cap that tightens against the sight body with a rubber seal.

On the main tube's forward right side is the main power switch. Its knob is marked "F," "O" and "A" to represent, curiously, off, on and automatic settings, respectively. The final setting indicates the Trophy's most distinctive feature – an automatic power shut-off activated when the unit is rotated greater than 45 degrees on its axis for more than five seconds.

Once mounted to an appropriate Weaver-style rail or bases, operation of the Trophy red dot is straightforward. Turn the main power switch to "O" or "A," select the desired reticle and simply look at the target while bringing the gun to the firing position. Keeping both eyes open, superimpose the red reticle on the target and fire. It is in that method of quick, instinctive shooting that red-dot sights shine. And the Trophy pleasantly offered no surprises in that regard.

Having mounted the Trophy on a Ruger Mini-14 carbine fitted with an UltiMAK Scout Scope rail, we fired rapid shot strings at close range and found that it allowed quick target acquisition and exhibited reliable operation. In addition, we shot it for accuracy off the bench at 100 yards using the smallest dot and found that it allowed the gun to perform to its full accuracy potential.

The Bushnell Trophy 1X 28 mm red dot offers features not found in other red dot sights with a price that places it well below those of military-grade red dots. For the hunter or sport shooter looking for a red-dot sight with selectable reticles and a battery-saving automatic shut-off feature, the Trophy is worthy of consideration.

Importer: Bushnell Outdoor Products; (800) 423-3537; Bushnell.com
Model: Trophy 1X 28 mm
Magnification: 1X
Field Of View: 68 ft. at 100 yds
Click Value: 0.33" at 100 yds.
Maximum Internal Adjustment: 50-m.o.a. windage and elevation
at 100 yds.
Reticle: Selectable between 3-m.o.a. red dot, 10-m.o.a. red dot, 65-m.o.a. red crosshairs and 65-m.o.a. red circle with 3-m.o.a. red dot
Battery: One 3-volt No. 2032 lithium cell
Finish: Matte-black anodized aluminum
Length: Overall, 5 1/2" (7" with sunshade and filter); mounting length, 4 1/16"
Weight: 7 ozs.
Accessories: Aluminum, Weaver-style rings, sunshade, polarizing filter
Suggested Retail Price: $164