The Bushnell Banner Dusk and Dawn 3×9-40 riflescope is absolutely remarkable.
In fact:
Thanks to its impressive features, this scope has been my latest go-to for hunting in the dark or during sunrise.
By the end of this Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 review, you’ll know if this optic is worth your money.
Let’s get started!
| Features | Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Bushnell |
| Color | Black |
| Eye Relief | 3.3-inch or 6-inch |
| Magnification Range | 3-9x |
| Reticle Type | Multi-X Reticle (SFP) |
| Reticle Illuminated | No |
| Weight | 13 oz |
| Dimensions | 17.5 x 3.25 x 3.5 inches |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 1” |
Here’s my Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 Review
Let me start by saying Bushnell has once again built a phenomenal riflescope: the Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40.
This Multi-X reticle scope has a ton of great features, from superb optical clarity to durable design— all without costing an arm and a leg (or your hunt).
But, is it worth the purchase?
You’ll learn everything you need to know in this Dusk & Dawn review, starting with…
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The Bushnell Banner Dawn series offers excellent glass quality.
It features Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses for clarity in low light conditions.
This scope’s light transmission has performed great during those precious minutes between dawn and day or day and dusk— when most deer hunting tags are filled.
The Bushnell Banner low-light rifle scope is designed with a Multi-X reticle. It’s very similar to a 4-plex, with thick cross lines that switch to a thin cross-hair in the center.
This simple yet accurate style is one of my personal favorites. If you’re looking for a fancier, high-end brightness circle x reticle, the Bushnell 1-4×24 would be a better option.
The Bushnell Banner is on the second focal plane, meaning that the Multi-X reticle never changes size when the magnification changes.
This gives you a finer aiming point which works wonders for hunting.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The Banner 3-9×40 offers 3.3 inches of eye relief.
This is just about the same as what many of the best 1-4x scopes can provide.
At the lowest magnification, it’s super comfortable. But as you max out the setting, it can start to get a bit tight. So if you’re putting this on a .308 or .30-06 (or any high caliber rifle), make sure you mount it properly or get the 6-inch eye relief version.
Another great option would be the best SKS scopes, those can definitely pack a punch!
The Bushnell Banner comes with a forgiving eye box. You don’t have to be perfectly lined up with the Multi-X reticle to get a good field of view.
Durability
The Bushnell Banner scope is built to last, and it shows.
It’s dry-nitrogen-filled and constructed to be 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof.
At 12 inches in length and 13 ounces in weight, this Multi-X reticle scope works perfectly for those long hunts where you have to carry your rifle for days.
If you think this will be adding excessive bulk or weight, the best prism scopes may be better for you.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The Bushnell Banner’s adjustment knobs have audible and positive “clicks”.
The ¼ MOA capped turrets adjust the windage and elevation. This allows for finer elevation adjustments, especially when you’re pursuing smaller targets.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t provide zero-stop functionality, but the turrets are “finger-adjustable,” which eliminates the need for a tool or coin. Fair enough, right?
Within the first 10 rounds, I was able to zero the scope without difficulty.
The best part?
After firing over 500 rounds, it held zero despite heavy recoil and drop tests — comparable stability to any of the best AR-15 carry handle scopes.
Parallax & Magnification
The Bushnell Banner sports a 3-9x variable magnification and 40mm objective.
This Multi-X reticle is perfect for shooting at medium ranges, anywhere between 100 and 500 yards. If that distance isn’t enough, I’ve recently made a review of the best long-range scopes.
The fast-focus eyepiece is also noteworthy. It gives me rapid sighting and target acquisition.
Parallax is set at 100 yards. The lack of parallax adjustment turrets is a tiny flaw to some shooters but a forgivable one in my opinion.
Mounting & Rings
The Bushnell Banner doesn’t come with mounting rings.
So, I mounted the scope on my Ruger 10/22 using my trusty Burris 420084 Zee Rings (1-Inch, Medium, Matte Black). They’re solid and easy to use.
- Burris 420084 zee Riflescope rings
- 1 inch, medium, matte
- This product is manufactured in United States
They also have a high ring height option: Burris 420087 Zee Rings (1-Inch, High, Matte Black).
- Sport type: Hunting
- Weaver Style
- 1 inch pair of rings
You can always get both and find the one that best fits your rifle configuration and eye alignment, then return the other.
I also bought the Monstrum Rubber Flip-Up Lens Cover (Objective Lens: 37-42mm) to protect the multicoated lenses from dust and scratches.
- Rubberized flip-up rifle scope lens covers that conform tightly around your rifle scope tube, protecting your lenses from dust and abrasion
- IMPORTANT: Sizing is not based on the objective lens size of your scope - a 3-9x40mm scope will not fit with a 40mm sized lens cover. For the correct fitting lens cover, you must physically measure...
- Each package includes one Rubberized Flip-Up Lens Cover
Price
The Bushnell Banner Multi-X reticle is hands down one of the best rifle scopes under $100.
- 3-9x40 Matte Black Multi-X, Box 6 Language
- 3-9x40 Matte Black Multi-X, Box 6 Language
- 3-9x40 Matte Black Multi-X, Box 6 Language
It provides excellent performance and reliability far beyond what you would expect from an optic of its price.
I know what you’re thinking… “This is too good to be true!”
But after torture-testing the Bushnell Banner, I’m pleased to say that there is no catch.
Is the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40 for you?
If you’re looking to buy an affordable yet impressive hunting scope, get the Bushnell Banner.
- 3-9x40 Matte Black Multi-X, Box 6 Language
- 3-9x40 Matte Black Multi-X, Box 6 Language
- 3-9x40 Matte Black Multi-X, Box 6 Language
Why? It’s got…
- Great eye relief
- Adjustable objective lens
- Multi-X reticle with Dusk & Dawn Brightness
- Cheap scope price tag
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- DDB multi-coated lenses with illuminated reticle
- Sleek yet durable design
Plus:
Bushnell guarantees a Lifetime Warranty. If it ever breaks, they’ll repair or replace the scope for free: even if you aren’t the original owner.
As you just read, Bushnell manufactures great rifle scopes like the Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X reticle but don’t overlook their red dot sights!
If you’re interested in one, go check out my Bushnell TRS-25 review!
Now It’s Your Turn
I hope you enjoyed my Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40 review.
Now I want to turn it over to you:
What do you think about the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40 riflescope? Or perhaps you already bought it and would like to share your thoughts.
Either way, let me know by leaving a quick comment down below.
FAQ
Absolutely. It’ll work great on an air rifle or even an AR.
The Banner series are manufactured in China although Bushnell’s optics are mainly sourced from South Korea. Their top-tier scopes come from Japan and are then imported to the US.
Yes. The magnification is adjustable 3x-9x. This will work best for mid-range shooting distances.
Per Bushnell’s website, this scope works great on shotguns and muzzleloaders. The Bushnell Banner Multi-X reticle has worked well on my Remington 870 and Mossberg 500.
Now, the 3.3″ eye relief can be uncomfortable to some people in terms of shooting with a classic sight picture. With the proper mounting, you shouldn’t encounter any issues. Otherwise, you can also get the 6” eye relief version.
Yes, the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X reticle comes with two options: 3.3 or 6 inches of eye relief. You can choose the version that suits your rifle setup and overall preference.
I have a Bushnell Banner 3x9x50 on my .22 calibur Nitro Piston air rifle and it has held up great. A clear scope for my bad eyes.
Bushnell’s “life time warranty” is actually only a 30 year warranty. I found that out when I tried to get them to honor their “life time warranty” on my 4 X Banner scope, a cross hair broke while hunting. I was denied because it was over 30 years old. I’ll stick with Leupold scopes, with a real life time warranty – cost more but worth it.
Lol you’re hating on a company cause your $25 scope would be replaced after 50 years? Ok boomer !!
The cross hairs move I tried it on 6 power 12 power and 18 power and got three different groups they moved 1”to 2” from the 6 power zero
My 30-30 rifle fell off a shooting bench and hit the concrete . Thankfully my scope took 90% of the jolt. It was toast after that. I replaced it with a Bushnell Banner for the time being. Works great !
I inherited a gun with a Bushnell 4×9 Banner Scope. After falling in the woods, I noticed the scope was bent and scratched. Can this be repaired or replaced? My brother and I have both ben pleased with the scope’s performance. Thank you for your service
Nothing bad about your review, however, the Bushnell Banner scopes are made in China and that should tell you a lot. Why didn’t you disclose that information? Nothing durable and/or long lasting comes from China.
My dusk to dawn 3×9 banner was made in Korea. I own a few rifles with expensive scopes, i e Nikon, Luepold but I inherited this on a 30 30 handi rifle. I purchased this rifle to teach my grandson shooting. I wanted a single shot that he had to load , close, safety off, etc. So far it seems a good scope for what it is. He’s doing well and zero hasn’t changed.