Bushnell Trophy Red Dot Scope

by
posted on September 4, 2009
20099414432-bushnellred_fs.jpg

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

Latest

Ruger’s Generation II American Rifle shown with riflescope on wood with ammunition dynamic quartering angle spiral barrel gray stock
Ruger’s Generation II American Rifle shown with riflescope on wood with ammunition dynamic quartering angle spiral barrel gray stock

Raising The Bar: Ruger’s Generation II American Rifle

Ruger’s original and well-regarded American Rifle line has been joined by a second-generation family that takes the bolt-action platform to new levels through a series of practical, attractive enhancements.

Springfield Armory Offers 2024 M1A Gear Up Promotion

Customers who purchase a new Springfield Armory M1A rifle between Sept. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2024, are eligible to receive two 20-round magazines and an M1A scope mount for free as part of the Gear Up promotion.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 7, 2024

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Scope Leveling On A Budget

A level scope is vital for precision shooting as it ensures that any windage or elevation adjustments made actually work the way they’re supposed to.

Preview: Wyoming Sight Drifter

Adjusting the fit of iron sights in their dovetails typically requires complex jigs or a hammer, punch and gun cradle, which can be awkward to handle or take to the range.

Walther Brings Back Its Classic PP

When it was first introduced in 1929, the Walther Arms PP was revolutionary. Now, this venerable classic is back in production for the first time in nearly 25 years.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.