Bushnell is the pioneer of affordable optical devices. Let’s checkout Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 Review but before that let’s know something about its background.
From being the first company that made quality binoculars accessible to the working class to blossoming into one of the most trusted scope brands today, this American owned firm has come a long way. Bushnell doesn’t only specialize in rifle scopes, but also in a lot of other optical devices like telescopes, binoculars, game cameras, and night vision devices. Therefore, you can rest assured that they know what they’re doing when it comes to a good visual experience.
The Banner series is one of their newest series. It consists of 7 sleek rifle scopes that put clarity and durability on top priority. No matter what your range, budget or preferred hunting hours are, you can count on the Bushnell Banner series to boost your performance. Their affordable options include the 3-9 x 40, the 1.5-4 x 32, the 4 x 32, the 6-18 x 50, the 6-24 x 40 and the 3-9 x 40 Multi-X. Today, we will be reviewing the last one.
The Bushnell Banner 3-9 x 40 Multi-X is a good one to consider if you’re a short to mid range hunter looking for a crisp and accurate scope. From the reticle to the body to the quick target acquisition, this fighter is packed with exciting features. Let’s take a look at what else it has to offer.
Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 Review
Compared to the other Banner scopes, the Bushnell Banner 3-9 x 40 has found a sweet spot with regards to its effective range. The scope is only available in one colour, i.e. matte black and the only reticle option is the Multi-X reticle. You can find this scope easily for under $100.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get on to the Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 Review.
Optics
The glass on this scope is honestly quite remarkable for the price range. First up, the 40 mm objective is nice and bright.It offers a good field of view. Crispness and glare reduction is ensured by fully multi coated lenses. Further, the signature Banner Dusk And Dawn brightness coating lets you shoot in any lighting condition without any hiccups. If you’re looking for a quick,cheap partner to take on your next twilight hunt, I’d highly recommend this Bushnell Banner scope.
The multi-x reticle (another name for a duplex style) is simple, elegant and perfect for the shooting range of this scope. The crosshairs are thicker towards the outside to guide your vision and thin out in the middle for a precise aiming point. The reticle is placed in the second focal plane of the Banner scope, which means that it remains consistent in size when you zoom in and out. This is great since you will have complete visibility at all times and don’t have to worry about your multi-x reticle becoming too thin. You will have the same clear aiming point whether you’re shooting at 100 yards or 300 yards.
In conclusion of the optics, the visual experience is pretty good. The fact focus eyepiece allows for speedy, no-fuss acquisition. You don’t have to worry about any internal fogging either.
Magnification and range
This Bushnell Banner scope comes with a 3-9x magnification range, which translates to a very convenient 3x zoom. You can shoot effectively for a range of up to 450 yards. As I mentioned earlier, best for short to mid range hunting.
The clarity across the magnification settings is pretty consistent and praiseworthy. It can come down slightly at the highest setting, but to a level where it is excusable. The large objective of the Banner makes sure that enough light passes through the scope when you’re aiming at a target that’s far away.
Adjustments
The windage and elevation adjustments on the Bushnell Banner are MOA (minute of angle) based. They’re capped and can be adjusted on the go using just your fingers. You get 1/4th of an inch with every click, which is a true and tested value. I love how every click is satisfyingly audible. The turrets are quite easy to use and don’t cause any problems. I don’t have any complaints with the magnification adjustment either.
Zeroing in this scope is child’s play. (Personally, I could do it within 3 shots.) You will especially smile when you’re shooting at the 100-200 yard range. It’s also capable of holding this zero exceptionally well. Therefore, if you’re planning to pair your Bushnell Banner with a powerful weapon, you can go right ahead without any worry.
The parallax for this device is fixed at a 100 yards.
User friendliness
I believe that the user friendliness of a scope goes beyond its usability on the field. A scope that is truly ‘user friendly’ should not only be accurate and simple, but should also last you several trips. The durability of the Bushnell Banner ensures this. A single-piece tube means minimum crack points and an uninterrupted line of vision. The high quality shockproof device can definitely take a beating. It comes with IPX4 water resistance, which means that it can resist wet splashes from any direction. It is also purged with dry nitrogen for fog proofing.
The eye relief stands at 3.5 inches and is actually quite comfortable given the shooting range. It’s a compact device that is 12 inches long with a 1 inch tube. At just 13 oz, the Bushnell Banner is a lightweight hero. The installation process is sweat-free.
However, I wish there was a sunshade that I could use with this rifle scope. You also can’t count on the warranty that covers this particular scope. I haven’t tested the warranty personally, but a couple of users reported problems.
Compatibility
The Bushnell Banner is versatile and can be used with a variety of firearms and cartridges like the AR15, AR10, 3006, .17HMR, Remington 22, etc. It also works on a number of muzzleloaders and slug guns. It’s pretty strong and sturdy, so don’t worry about the kickback of your weapon. The comfortable eye relief will also allow you to shoot fearlessly. You can use 1″ mount rings for the installation.
Why don’t you checkout some of our other scopes for .223 Remington. (Includes one of the finest Bushnell Scope)
Pros
Cons
FAQ
At such a low price, how can I trust that this scope is as good as it claims to be?
Yes, the price does seem too good to be true for such a clear and accurate scope. However, this is only possible because of Bushnell’s years and years of experience and expertise in the optics field. They know what needs to be prioritized in order to build an effective scope. Moreover, their familiarity with the visual world has taught them how to be cost efficient. Rest assured, your Bushnell Banner will not disappoint you.
Can I use this rifle scope on an air rifle?
Yes. The Banner is a sturdy beast.
What’s the difference between an FFP scope and an SFP scope? Which one is better?
No one focal plane is better than the other. In an FFP scope, your reticle changes in size as you zoom and in an SFP scope, the size remains constant. While an FFP scope doesn’t require calculations and is better for long distances, an SFP scope is easier to see and better for short distances. It’s all a matter of intent and preference. As far as the Bushnell Banner 3-9 x 40 is concerned, the SFP works perfectly. Actually, given its intended use, you’d hardly be able to tell the difference.
Does this scope work well in bright daylight or is it only suited for dusk and dawn?
The Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 scope works extremely well and provides a wide field of view even in bright light. It’s fully multi coated for glare reduction and minimized disturbance. You can shoot seamlessly right from the wee hours of the morning to late evening. The only time you can’t use this scope is during the night. Since it does not have any illumination, I do not recommend taking it on a nighttime adventure.
Where is this scope made?
One of the reasons Bushnell scopes are so affordable is because they are imported from countries like Japan, Korea and China. Most American brands like Leupold and Vortex also outsource their devices. This particular rifle scope, the Bushnell Banner 3-9 x 40, is made in Korea.
Conclusion
That concludes this rifle scope review. The Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 definitely over-delivers for the price. The glass is impeccable and the magnification range is just right. It is not cheaply made in the least- the adjustments are sharp, audible and precise. Bushnell has paid attention to every detail, including the eye relief and installation process. They haven’t compromised on quality either – this is a sturdy and durable device made using good materials. The warranty part can get a little iffy, but this is a very small risk that can be taken.
If you’re looking for a good mid-range scope under the $100 price tag, I would advise that you look no further and purchase this one right away. If you love the features but you require a scope for a slightly different range, I suggest you look at the other scopes in the Banner series (available magnifications go as low as 1.5 x and as high as 24 x). They are as strong and affordable as this one.
Happy hunting!