Another Red Dot Scope

[Darrell]

I'd been looking around for a decent/not expensive red dot scope to slap on the PLR16. I checked out the Burris Fastfire, Burris XTS-135, SPOT Mk III (which are pretty much the same thing), and a few others. I already have a couple of Kobra holosights and PK-AS red dot/black dots for the AKs, and a Vortex Strikefire Aimpoint clone on the AR. I wanted something a bit different, and not an Aimpoint, Trijicon Reflex/ACOG or the like due to cost. The Burris Fastfire is very nice, but darn it's tiny, and I thought it rather difficult to acquire the dot (the Fastfire is used on LaRue's Iron Dot scope/mount for AKs, btw). The local gun shop has a Bushnell Trophy red/green dot (T-bar w/center dot, actually), it's a sorta ACOG looking tube, but with no magnification. I was rather impressed with the thing's quality--nice glass, crisp reticle, even has backup "iron" sights atop the scope ACOG style. I was rather turned off by the copycat, high speed/low drag looks of the thing, but really liked the optics. The local shop was asking $250, which is way overpriced. I found that Midway has them on clearance this month for $164, then discovered them at Amazon for $147 plus change. I wound up getting the one from Amazon; just received it today. Turns out the Amazon version has the T-bar reticle but no center dot, oh well. It ought to go well with the ray gun looks of the PLR at any rate.

Here it is at Midway, they've marked the price down even more to $153.30:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?p ... ber=859535

And here it is at Amazon, $147.85, with free shipping:

http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Tactical ... 227&sr=8-1

I was at first thinking about the Konus 40mm red dot, $89.95, but couldn't get a straight answer on whether it would fit on a Pic rail:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?p ... ber=189747

Konus has a good reputation for decent optics at a good price.

ETA: Here's a pic or two of the scope mounted on the gun:

[rightisright]

Nice... looking forward to a range report.

I particularly like the BUS feature.

[Darrell]

I talked with Bushnell tech support this morning, and yes, there's supposed to be a dot at the center of the T bars. They said they'd cover repair or replacement under warranty if I send it to them, but it'd take four to six weeks. They suggested I talk to Amazon, so I did. Another is on its way, should be here next Tuesday. I get to pay shipping to return the old scope. Ah well. I'll be sure to post a report once I get to try it.

[Netpackrat]

Not sure how Bushnell can stay in business with all of the warranty work, unless it is because most people don't bother sending in a bad scope, and buy something else instead. Several years ago, my brother and I both purchased identical model Bushnell scopes, and we both had reticle problems.

[Darrell]

I have a Bushnell Elite 3200 10x40 on the PTR91, it's been faultless so far. I also have a Bushnell cheapo on the K31, it's not acted up yet. I am aware of Bushnell's reputation, first from their junky astronomy optics.

[Darrell]

Just to update: Amazon sent me another scope w/free shipping, got it today and it works okay. Amazon also sent me a return label and return authorization via email, just printed it out, slapped the label on the box and returned the old scope. Amazon also covered return shipping. Nice.