Is this a good value for an AR scope?

[Bushwack44]

Just finished an AR build with an 18" barrel. I mounted a 3-9 Nikon that I dusted off a garage shelf but its not as helpful as I'd like (shooting steel at 400 yards). Does the job but with more effort than is needed.

I have an opportunity to buy this Bushnell 4.5-18x40 for much less then advertised (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...ptics_bdc.html). Problem I'm having is I find very few reviews of this scope and not sure if its because it is new (is it new?) or not good.

Just need a scope that is of value for recreational shooting. Would appreciate any input.

[LeadFarmer74]

I really liked the Nikon 3-9 I had mounted on my AR for awhile. It now sits on my dad's rifle. Can't comment on the one your looking at though.

[kenl]

Imho heavy, a large zoom range for a 1" tube with a 40mm lens (probably dim at higher mag) and it's an inexpensive Bushnell. Unless someone else comes in with a stellar review, you may want to pass. Your Nikon is probably a better scope than that one.

[Bushwack44]

Imho heavy, a large zoom range for a 1" tube with a 40mm lens (probably dim at higher mag) and it's an inexpensive Bushnell. Unless someone else comes in with a stellar review, you may want to pass. Your Nikon is probably a better scope than that one.

Appreciate the comments. It's a bench AR - weight not a concern.

[Horrendo Revolver]

A decent scope with 4.5-18 magnification will cost much more than that Bushnell.

[steelheadmike]

It's not bad for the price. That said, a little more $$$ will get you into a better scope. Better glass will beat more zoom every time.

[nedro]

It's not bad for the price. That said, a little more $$$ will get you into a better scope. Better glass will beat more zoom every time.

I disagree.
He wants to shoot out to 400 yards.
you will be extremely unhappy trying to look through that scope at any reasonable distance.
Don't waist your money. Save up for a scope that will do what you want.
12x with good glass beats 26x with mediocre glass.

[waveslayer]

Better glass is more important then anything. Magnification is relative. You can shoot to a 1000 with just 15 power no problem. I use 5 power some times. It's all in the glass.

What's your budget?

For the money a SWFA scope is fine, get a fixed 12 or 10 power. I had the 16 and it was fine. They are affordable and get the job done. I use my ACOG's for 400. If you are going precision?... get good glass that you can use for other guns. Mount it to a LaRue mount and you will have a scope to use on your other rifles. I regularly use my NF BEAST on my AR and my Steiner, depending on what I'm doing

My wife thinks I only have 3 guns

[skohl]

I have 2 of them. Much better than others priced in that area like utg / leapers or barska. I actually like it better than a Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40 that I had on a lever action. It does dim at high magnification just like all high mag scopes. but from 4 to14 or 15 it is very good. Take a chance!

[Ej6fade]

...

[Horrendo Revolver]

Better glass is more important then anything. Magnification is relative.

I agree. Glass always trumps magnification.

[OpticsPlanet]

It is a jump in budget but I really like the Leupold Mark AR scopes

Mark AR 6-18x40

But we also have a decent amount of customer reviews on the
Bushnell AR 4.5-18x40 that you are asking about...36 reviews averaging 4.5 stars

Other choices closer to your budget that I would recommend:

Primary Arms 4-14x44

Nikon P223 4-12x40

-Matt S.

[ejhc11]

A >$300 Nikon, Burris or Vortex 3-9 will be better glass than that Bushnell. I can do the 600yd plates at Angeles with my Burris 3-9x easily.

[KillZone45]

$185? Man come on.....stop being a cheap azz lol, Im serious....buy something that when you hold your gun you are proud of.

[syap34]

I had that Bushnell scope before, it worked well for bench shooting. Was pretty clear. But the problem I had with it, was that I could not folding back up iron sights on my top rail without hitting the rear bell. The eye relief, needed the bell to be right where the iron sights were, and they couldn't clear each other.

Maybe a different mount would work, but I tried a couple different ones I had, and neither cleared the iron sight.