Tested: Bushnell Enrage Reflex Sight

by
posted on May 30, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
enrage.jpg

Engaging non-static targets swiftly at close range demands an easy-to-use optic offering immediate acquisition. Forget traditional riflescopes; regardless of magnification level or eye relief, they play “second fiddle” to red-dot optics for target acquisition and for tracking moving targets—particularly in low-light conditions. For 2017, Bushnell added several red-dot sights to its lineup, including the Enrage, which is reviewed here.

Turrets on the top and right side of the Enrage are used to make elevation and windage adjustments, respectively, to the optic’s 2-m.o.a. reticle. Meanwhile, a 16-position rheostat, providing eight brightness settings and an “off” position between each, is found on the unit’s left side.

Although it fits in the Bushnell “AR Optics” line, the unmagnified Enrage is intended for use beyond the realm of the modern sporting rifle. Accompanying the optic are two sets of Allen head screws that, when paired with the reversible base and included spacer, enable it to be mounted at different heights to minimize clearance issues and for preservation of cheekweld on a range of long guns. It can be used on certain handguns, too. The mount is touted as fitting both Picatinny- and Weaver-style rails; however, we found it attached properly only to the former. The locking nut/knob includes cutouts so that a slotted screwdriver or coin can be used to supplement hand tightening.

When compared to other red-dot sights, dimensionally the Enrage occupies the middle ground; the 9.8-oz. unit measures 41/2" long, 238" wide and 23/4" tall (with spacer). Removing the top and right turret caps enable elevation and windage adjustments, respectively, to be made. Clicks are audible and tactile, and valued at 1/2 m.o.a.

The 16-position rheostat, which features eight brightness settings and an “off” position between each, is on the Enrage’s left side. Movements of the rheostat are consistent and solid; there’s no undesirable mushiness. Powering the unit is a single CR2032 battery that, according to Bushnell, provides double the life compared to its older models, and when used at mid-level settings, is comparable to other companies renowned for the efficient energy use of their red-dot sights. Housed within multi-coated glass, the prefocused, 2-m.o.a. illuminated dot is sized ideally for instant target acquisition at close range, and yet is small enough for acceptably precise bullet placement at moderate distances as well. Eye relief is “infinite,” as such, diligence in maintaining a suitable eye-to-optic distance is not required.

The Enrage is advertised as waterproof, fog-proof and shock-proof, and we sought to substantiate those assertions during our testing. First up was “shooting the square”—using a T/C Contender with an 18" SSK Industries .338 Whisper barrel—to confirm the value and repeatability of the clicks. Due to the close proximity of clicks and imprecision of a 2-m.o.a. dot for aiming, this was a trying test. Nonetheless, movements appeared to be accurate and repeatable.

A Benelli Super Black Eagle II 12-ga. shotgun and four boxes of assorted 2¾" and 3" magnum waterfowl, buckshot and turkey loads were utilized to determine that the Enrage is shock-proof. Once zeroed, there was no discernible deviation in the pattern core—except when the Enrage’s dual base screws loosened halfway through. Re-tightening the screws solved the issue. Thread-locking compound is recommended.

Lastly, we challenged the Enrage to survive submersion in water after a short stint in the freezer. Though it fogged temporarily, which was expected, no signs of water defeating the seals was evident—it is waterproof.

Our battery of testing, as well as mounting it atop a range of firearms, illustrated to us that the Enrage is well-suited for a variety of tasks as diverse as home protection, competition and pursuing spring gobblers.

Latest

Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1
Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Taurus Expedition

Taurus entered the bolt-action rifle market with its Expedition, a Remington 700-pattern design that's built to be versatile and affordable.

New For 2025: Charter Arms Pathfinder II

Charter Arms updated one of the oldest models in its lineup with the new Pathfinder II, which features a lightweight 7075 aluminum frame, making it more well-balanced and easier to carry.

Review: Kimber 2K11

The 2011-style pistol was designed to address the capacity limitations of the single-stack M1911 platform, and Kimber's approach to the concept is its 2K11, a competition-ready offering with several notable features.

Favorite Firearms: A High-Flying Hi-Standard “A-D”

Manufactured in New Haven, Conn., in late 1940, this Hi-Standard pistol was shipped as a Model “A,” but a heavier Model “D” barrel was installed later to replace the original, light barrel, leading one American Rifleman reader to call it a Model “A-D.”

Ruger Helps Families In Need Through The Kids & Clays Foundation

In the effort to help tens of thousands of critically ill children and their families across the nation through local Ronald McDonald Houses, Ruger is among some of the industry’s foremost Platinum-level sponsors of The Kids & Clays Foundation.

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.