My Colt LE6920 wore this Bushnell for six months of range sessions and coyote hunts. The 4.5-18x magnification range works great for AR shooting distances, and the included throw lever speeds up transitions. But the turrets failed to return to zero, which killed any chance of using it for serious dialing.
Spend a bit more on the Athlon Talos BTR Gen 2. It delivers the reliability this scope can’t.
Table of Contents
How I tested the Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18×40
I mounted this scope on my Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II using medium height Vortex Pro rings. The 1 inch tube meant plenty of ring options. I torqued everything to spec at 18 inch pounds.
Started with a bore sight to get on paper. Then moved to live fire zeroing at 50 yards before confirming at 100.
My main goal was checking turret reliability. That’s where budget scopes usually fall apart.
I ran a standard box test at 100 yards using Federal American Eagle 55 grain FMJ. The test involves dialing up 5 MOA, right 5 MOA, down 5 MOA, and left 5 MOA to return to your starting point.
A reliable scope returns to zero within a quarter MOA. This one didn’t. I was off by a full minute after completing the square. That told me everything about using these turrets in the field.
I also tested tracking accuracy by shooting a vertical ladder. Fired a shot at my zero, dialed up 2 MOA, fired again. Repeated this five times and measured the actual distance between impacts.
Perfect tracking would show exactly 2 MOA between each shot. The Bushnell showed deviations from 1.7 to 2.3 MOA between adjustments. That 15 to 20 percent variance means if I dial for a 400 yard shot, my actual correction could be off by several inches.
Glass quality testing happened across multiple lighting conditions. I compared targets at dawn, midday, and 30 minutes after sunset at various magnification levels.
At 6 to 10x, the scope performed reasonably well with decent edge to edge clarity. I could identify prairie dog sized targets out to 350 yards in good light. Cranking up to 18x revealed significant image degradation with soft edges and chromatic aberration around high contrast areas.
The fully multi coated lenses handled low light better than I expected for the price. Maintained usable clarity well into twilight at moderate magnifications.
The Drop Zone 223 BDC reticle got tested at multiple distances with 55 grain loads. Bushnell claims the holdover dots correspond to 200, 300, 400, and 500 yards. They don’t specify the exact velocity or bullet weight used for calibration.
I shot at known distances to verify. At 300 yards, the first holdover dot put me about 15 yards low with my loads running 3,240 fps. The chunky dot size made precise aiming difficult at distance since each dot covers roughly 1 MOA of the target.
Durability testing involved normal field use rather than extreme abuse. The scope stayed mounted through about 500 rounds of mixed ammunition, including some rapid fire drills that heated up the barrel. I transported the rifle in a soft case in my truck bed over rough terrain.
The turrets got accidentally bumped several times. Each time they moved at least one click without me noticing until I checked zero again. The exposed turret design means they’re vulnerable to field damage.
Parallax adjustment stiffness improved slightly after the first 50 or so adjustments. It never became smooth though.
I frequently needed two hands to turn the side focus knob, especially wearing gloves. The magnification ring was similarly stiff initially but broke in better than the parallax adjustment.
Why should you trust me
I’m Richard Douglas, and I’ve been a firearms instructor and tactical advisor for years. My work appears in leading firearm publications, and I’ve consulted for optic manufacturers like Bushnell, Leupold, and Sightmark on product development.
My background includes roles as a National Defense Security Consultant and extensive hands on experience with marksmanship training. I’ve personally tested hundreds of scopes and wasted thousands of dollars on garbage optics before finding what actually works.
Via-NRAPubs
Every scope I review goes through the same testing protocol. I mount it properly, zero it, shoot it at multiple distances, and run drop tests to verify zero retention. I measure actual MOA groupings instead of trusting manufacturer claims. This Bushnell also spent months on my AR-15 through 500 rounds of live fire. Not just a quick range session for content.
Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18×40 Review
Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18×40 Product Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Magnification Range | 4.5-18x |
| Objective Lens | 40mm |
| Tube Diameter | 1 inch |
| Reticle | Drop Zone-223 BDC (Second Focal Plane) |
| Lens Coating | Fully Multi-Coated |
| Turret Adjustment | 1/4 MOA per click |
| Windage/Elevation Range | 50 MOA |
| Parallax Adjustment | Side Focus (10 yards minimum) |
| Eye Relief | 3.7 inches |
| Field of View | 22 ft @ 4.5x / 5.5 ft @ 18x (100 yards) |
| Length | 12.4 inches |
| Weight | 21.5 oz |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Wide magnification range
- Side parallax focus
- Affordable price point
- Decent low-light clarity
- Throw lever included
Cons:
- Turret tracking inconsistent
- Poor return-to-zero
- Stiff adjustment rings
- Limited high-power clarity
Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18×40 Data Range Analysis Test Results
| Test Parameter | Results |
|---|---|
| 100 Yard Zero Accuracy | 0.8 MOA group average |
| Turret Tracking Deviation | 15-20% variance from dialed value |
| Return to Zero | 1.0 MOA shift after adjustments |
| Low Light Performance (30 min post-sunset) | Target ID clear to 350 yards @ 12x |
| BDC Reticle Holdover Accuracy (300 yards) | 4.4 MOA / ~15 yard variance |
Testing conducted with Federal 55gr .223 Remington FMJ ammunition at various distances under moderate temperature conditions (60-75°F).
Glass Clarity & Reticle
I mounted this on my AR-15 and headed to the range expecting the worst. The glass actually surprised me at lower magnifications. Targets came through sharp and clear even as the sun dipped below the horizon.
I could identify silhouettes out to 350 yards at 12x with no issue. Not bad for a scope in this price range.
Via-Mrgunsngear Channel
Crank it up to 18x though, and things fall apart. The edges get soft. There’s noticeable barrel distortion in the corners. For an AR platform where you’re realistically shooting inside 400 yards, this isn’t a deal breaker if you stay around 10 to 14x.
Via-Mrgunsngear Channel
The Drop Zone 223 BDC reticle is a mixed bag. It’s second focal plane, so those holdover dots only work at max power. The dots themselves are chunky, probably 1 MOA each.
Bushnell doesn’t even include the subtensions in the manual. I had to dig around online to find they’re set for 200, 300, 400, and 500 yards with a 55 grain load.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The 3.7 inches of eye relief is adequate for an AR, but just barely. I found myself creeping forward on the stock more than I’d like, especially shooting from prone.
Via-NRAPubs
If you run a charging handle with an extended latch, be mindful of placement.
The eye box is unforgiving at higher magnifications. Move your head a quarter inch and you’re staring at a black ring. At 4.5x it’s comfortable and forgiving.
At 18x? You better have your cheek weld nailed down perfectly or you’ll be hunting for the sight picture.
Durability
I ran about 500 rounds of mixed .223 through my carbine with this scope mounted. No issues with the glass itself. Everything stayed clear and the zero held through recoil. The tube is one piece aluminum and feels solid enough for typical AR use.
Via-Mrgunsngear Channel
The turrets are a different story. They’re exposed and the caps feel cheap.
I accidentally bumped the windage knob against my shooting bag and moved it a full click without noticing. If you’re tossing this rifle in a truck bed or hunting dense brush, those turrets will get knocked around.
Via-NRAPubs
I didn’t baby this scope but I also didn’t go out of my way to abuse it. For a range gun or casual varmint rifle, it’ll hold up fine. For hard use? I’d want something with capped turrets or at least more robust knobs.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
Here’s where this scope really let me down. The turrets feel mushy. Each click is vague and inconsistent. Sometimes you get a crisp detent, sometimes it’s more of a suggestion.
Via-Mrgunsngear Channel
I ran a box test with Federal 69 grain loads. The results were ugly.
My return to zero was off by a full minute. The tracking was all over the place. One side measured 15 to 20 percent off from what I dialed. For a scope with exposed turrets, this is unacceptable.
After cleaning out the factory grease and removing the O-rings, the feel improved slightly. But there’s still about 1/8 MOA of slop in each turret.
Via-Mrgunsngear Channel
Set your zero and lock these down with the included Allen screws. Don’t try to dial for elevation or you’ll be chasing your shots all day. The Athlon Talos BTR Gen 2 costs about sixty bucks more and actually tracks properly. That’s where your money should go if turret reliability matters to you.
Magnification & Parallax
The 4.5-18x range is perfect for AR platform shooting. I spent most of my time between 6 and 12x, which is the sweet spot for this scope.
The throw lever that comes included makes magnification changes quick. I appreciated that during drills where I needed to transition from close to mid range targets.
Via-NRAPubs
The side parallax adjustment goes down to 10 yards, which is nice on paper. In reality, the knob is stiff as hell.
It took two hands to adjust initially. Even after breaking it in, it wasn’t smooth. The markings are clear though, and once I got it set for 100 yards, I could make corrections without too much fuss.
At 18x the image quality drops off enough that I rarely used it. The parallax adjustment becomes more critical at higher magnifications. But between the stiff knob and degraded image, I found myself backing off to 14x for most precision work.
Accessories
The included lens covers are basic flip ups that’ll protect the glass but nothing special. I’d recommend upgrading to something more robust if you’re hard on your gear.
- Vortex Optics Pro Series 1-Inch Rings: These medium-height rings provide a solid mount and proper eye relief positioning for AR platforms without breaking the bank.
- Aero Precision Ultralight 1-Inch Scope Mount: If you want a one-piece mount, this gives you a rock-solid platform with minimal added weight to match the scope’s lightweight design.
- Butler Creek Flip-Open Scope Covers (Size 25-26-27 Objective & Size 19-20 Eyepiece): I run these Butler Creek flip-opens on all my scopes—they snap open fast and seal tight against moisture and dust, exactly what you need in the field.
By the Numbers
Glass Clarity & Reticle
3/5
Good at lower magnifications with decent low-light performance, but image quality degrades significantly at 18x and the BDC reticle lacks proper documentation.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
3/5Adequate 3.7-inch eye relief for AR use but the eye box becomes very tight and unforgiving at higher magnifications.
Durability
3/5The tube and glass hold up to normal AR recoil and field use, but exposed turrets are vulnerable to accidental bumps and feel cheaply constructed.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
2/5Mushy feel with inconsistent clicks, poor tracking accuracy with 15-20% deviation, and failed return-to-zero test by a full MOA.
Magnification & Parallax
3/5Excellent 4.5-18x range for AR shooting with included throw lever, but parallax knob is extremely stiff and image quality suffers above 14x.
Overall
2.8/5See how I test & rate in my reviews. Learn more >
Summary
This scope tries to pack high end features into a budget package. The compromises show.
The glass quality at lower magnifications genuinely impressed me for the price. I could glass targets clearly into twilight hours at 10 to 12x. But dial up to 18x and you’re looking through mediocre optics with soft edges.
The real killer is those turrets. When you put exposed adjustments on a scope, they need to work. These don’t.
My box test revealed tracking errors that would have me missing prairie dogs at 300 yards. The scope failed to return to zero. Set your zero at 100 yards, lock those turrets down, and forget about dialing corrections.
The BDC reticle becomes your holdover tool. You’ll need to do your own ballistics work since Bushnell barely documents it.
For casual range use on an AR-15 where you’re not making turret adjustments, this scope gets the job done. The magnification range is practical. The throw lever is handy. The glass is acceptable for the money.
Just understand this is a set it and forget it optic. If you need reliable turret adjustments or serious precision work, spend more elsewhere. This scope is inexpensive for a reason, and you’ll feel every dollar you didn’t spend when those turrets let you down.
How the Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18×40 Compares Against Others
| Features | Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18×40 | Athlon Talos BTR Gen 2 4-14×44 | Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 | Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$210 | ~$270 | ~$350 | ~$550 |
| Magnification Range | 4.5-18x | 4-14x | 4-16x | 3-15x |
| Objective Lens | 40mm | 44mm | 44mm | 44mm |
| Tube Diameter | 1 inch | 30mm | 30mm | 30mm |
| Focal Plane | Second (SFP) | First (FFP) | First (FFP) | Second (SFP) |
| Reticle | Drop Zone-223 BDC | APLR2 MIL | EBR-2C MOA/MRAD | EBR-2C MOA/MRAD |
| Turret Adjustment | 1/4 MOA | 0.1 MIL | 1/4 MOA or 0.1 MRAD | 1/4 MOA or 0.1 MRAD |
| Total Adjustment | 50 MOA | 20 MIL (65 MOA) | 85 MOA | 60 MOA |
| Parallax Adjustment | Side Focus (10 yds) | Side Focus (10 yds) | Side Focus (10 yds) | Side Focus (25 yds) |
| Eye Relief | 3.7 inches | 3.2 inches | 3.8 inches | 3.4 inches |
| Length | 12.4 inches | 12.9 inches | 14.0 inches | 14.3 inches |
| Weight | 21.5 oz | 25.9 oz | 23.1 oz | 28.1 oz |
| Lens Coating | Fully Multi-Coated | Fully Multi-Coated | Fully Multi-Coated | XD/Fully Multi-Coated |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime | Lifetime | VIP Unlimited | VIP Unlimited |
| Pros | – Wide magnification range – Side parallax focus – Affordable price point – Decent low-light clarity – Throw lever included | – Precision zero stop – Reliable turret tracking – First focal plane – Illuminated reticle – 30mm tube strength | – Glass clarity at all mag levels – Reliable turret tracking – Generous adjustment range – Zero-reset turrets – Strong warranty support | – Premium glass quality – Exceptional low-light performance – Rock-solid turret reliability – FFP option available – Industry-best warranty |
| Cons | – Turret tracking inconsistent – Poor return-to-zero – Stiff adjustment rings – Limited high-power clarity | – Lower max magnification – Nitrogen vs argon purged – Tighter eye relief – Less refined glass | – Heavier than competitors – Higher price point – Eye relief tighter at max mag – Reticle options limited | – Most expensive option – Heaviest of the group – Lower magnification range – Larger overall size |
The Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18×40 is the cheapest option here, and you get what you pay for. The turret tracking issues are real and frustrating. If you’re just setting a 100 yard zero and using holdovers, it’ll work. But if you need to dial adjustments, you’ll be chasing your tail. The glass is decent for the money at moderate magnifications.
The Athlon Talos BTR Gen 2 4-14×44 fixes the Bushnell’s biggest weakness. Turret tracking actually works. That first focal plane reticle is a huge advantage, and the precision zero stop system is a feature you typically see on more expensive scopes.
For about sixty dollars more than the Bushnell, you’re getting a scope that actually functions like it should. The 30mm tube is stronger and gives you more internal adjustment too.
The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 is where things get serious. Glass quality stays consistent through the entire mag range, unlike the Bushnell that falls apart past 14x.
Turrets track true, and that VIP warranty means Vortex will fix or replace it no questions asked. It’s heavier and costs more, but you’re buying reliability. This is what the Bushnell should have been.
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 is the premium choice if you’ve got the budget. The glass is noticeably clearer in low light. The turrets are bulletproof. The build quality is several steps above the rest.
You’re paying more than double what the Bushnell costs, but you’re getting a scope that’ll outlast your rifle. The lower magnification range isn’t ideal for long range work, but for most AR shooting inside 600 yards, it’s more than enough.
To Summarize
I tested the Bushnell on my AR-15 because I wanted to see if a budget scope could handle real shooting. It can’t. At least not if you plan to use those turrets for anything beyond setting your initial zero.
The tracking deviation and return to zero failures make it unreliable for precision work.
If you’re serious about your AR setup, get the Athlon Talos BTR Gen 2 4-14×44 instead. It costs more but the precision zero stop and reliable turret tracking make it worth every penny. The APLR2 reticle is clear and useful for holdovers, and the 30mm tube gives you a solid foundation.
I use Athlon scopes on a couple of my rifles because they deliver performance that punches way above their price point. That zero stop feature is something you usually only see on more expensive glass.
The Vortex Diamondback Tactical is the better overall package if you can swing the extra cash. Superior glass and that unbeatable VIP warranty give you peace of mind.
The Viper PST Gen II is overkill for most AR applications unless you’re building a dedicated precision rig. But if you want the best and plan to keep this scope for decades, it’s a solid investment.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18×40 hold zero?
Yes, the Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18×40 holds zero through normal shooting and recoil. I fired 500 rounds through my AR-15 with this scope mounted and my initial 100 yard zero stayed consistent. The problem isn’t holding zero from recoil. It’s returning to zero after you make turret adjustments, where it failed my box test by a full MOA.
What is the eye relief on the Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18×40?
The eye relief is 3.7 inches across all magnifications. This is adequate for AR-15 platforms but just barely. I found myself positioning the scope fairly far forward on the receiver to maintain comfortable eye relief. If you run an extended charging handle latch, pay attention to placement during mounting to avoid interference.
Can you dial turrets on the Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18×40?
No, I don’t recommend dialing the turrets on this scope. My tracking test showed 15 to 20 percent deviation from dialed values, and the return to zero test failed by a full MOA. Set your zero at 100 yards and lock the turrets down. Use the BDC reticle for holdovers instead of trying to dial corrections.
What magnification should I use on the Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18×40?
I recommend staying between 6 and 12x for the best image quality. The glass performs well at these magnifications with decent clarity and minimal distortion. Above 14x, the image quality degrades noticeably with soft edges. I rarely used 18x because the image wasn’t clear enough to justify the narrow field of view.
Is the Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18×40 good for hunting?
It works for casual varmint hunting where you set your zero and use holdovers. I used it for prairie dogs and ground squirrels successfully at ranges under 300 yards. The glass clarity at moderate magnifications is acceptable for identifying small targets. Don’t rely on it for any hunting scenario requiring turret adjustments or long range precision.
What rings do I need for the Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18×40?
You need 1 inch diameter scope rings in medium height for AR-15 platforms. I used Vortex Pro Series rings and they provided proper eye relief and clearance over the receiver. Medium height gives you enough clearance for most AR setups while maintaining a good cheek weld on standard stocks.
