This is the last Bushnell TRS-25 review you’ll have to read.
In fact, I’ve actually bought the red dot sight and hand-tested its zeroing, accuracy, durability, reticle, glass quality and more.
By the end of this post, you’ll know if the TRS-25 is for you.
Let’s dive in!
Why should you trust me?
Because I actually own a Bushnell TRS-25.
When I searched the market for a reliable, pocket-sparing red dot sight, I was bombarded with lists of possible scopes. I couldn’t make up my mind.
So, after talking to a couple of my hunting buddies, I hesitantly decided to buy the Bushnell TRS-25.
When it arrived, I hand-tested EVERYTHING there is to the sight — reticle performance, adjustment knobs, glass quality, durability and every advanced scope feature.
I took no shortcuts.
What you see below is the result of WEEKS of research, testing and sweat. I hope it helps you as it helped me!
Here’s My Bushnell TRS-25 Review
The Bushnell TRS-25 is the pocket savior of red dots.
It’s compact, durable and holds zero right out of the box. And it doesn’t ask for your arms and legs.
It’s affordable. That’s why I originally bought it, but I’m gonna be honest: I wasn’t expecting much.
The Trophy TRS-25 costs less than a $100 and the packaging didn’t look impressive.
“I bought a bad scope,” I scoffed as I unwrapped the box.
I was later proven wrong. When I took it to the range, the TRS-25 performed like my $200 red dot sights and only costed a FRACTION of the price. How is this possible? I found out.
Red Dot Reticle
The TRS-25 utilizes a sharp, crisp red dot reticle.
It’s not only crisp but it’s bright. Bushnell solved the ‘dim red dot crisis’ problem with their 11 position rheostat that can be adjusted to match the brightness level of your environment.
For me, I dialed the brightness knob to #6 (out of 11) and it was bright enough to see in Texas’ scorching sun.
The sight can also be used with both eyes open (unlimited eye relief), providing rapid target acquisition, stunning accuracy and increasing shooter’s awareness.
And with Amber-Bright high contrast lens coating, you can now quickly distinguish between a brown critter and a brown tree. If you hunt in the woods (like me), this is a lifesaver!
Solid Build
The TRS-25 is built to last.
It’s extremely durable, compact and lightweight — only 3.7 ounces.
The tube is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, offering complete water, fog and shockproof protection for optimal performance.
Also, if you hunt at night or in low-light environments, you’ll have no problem seeing your target — thanks to the scope’s multicoated optics.
It even zeroes very quickly. After 5 – 10 rounds, I was zeroed in. It even held zero — regardless if I fired hundreds of rounds, dropped it a few times and rocked it around.
The TRS-25 is equipped with tactical turrets for rapid windage and elevation adjustments in the field. The knobs are tight and make a nice click! sound when adjusting.
Great Battery Life
The battery life is amazing.
I’ve been running this scope at full brightness for weeks on top of my Mini 14 with no problem.
“I haven’t changed my battery yet,” my friend, Tim, who’s owned the TRS-25 for over a year told me.
What’s even better is that the Trophy TRS-25 uses CR2032 batteries. Not only are these batteries long lasting, but they are very cheap — only $1 per battery.
That’s why I love the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25: it’s reliable, simple, compact and durable.
However, I only had one tiny issue.
The brightness dial (control knob for brightness) was a bit stiff when it first arrived. It was pretty hard to turn. But the more I used the sight, the more it “loosened up.”
The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Value Package
The Trophy TRS-25 scope works on most guns: rifles, shotguns, pistols, etc.
And since the TRS-25 comes ready to mount to your rail as is, you can quickly throw this sight on your gun and head straight to the range to zero it in.
- Matte black featuring a 3 MOA Dot reticle with 11 brightness settings; Mounts easily on most picatinny rails and is compatible with pistols, shotguns, rifles and muzzleloaders.Adjustment Range : 70+...
- Waterproof construction: O ring sealed optics stay dry inside, even when totally immersed in water. Parallax - 50
- Shockproof construction: Built to withstand bumps, bangs, drops and the rough and tumble environment of the field
However, if you are shooting an AR type rifle or rifles alike, you should invest in a riser mount. I personally recommend the UTG 1″ Riser:
- New Gen. Riser Mount for Rifles with Picatinny/Weaver Rail
- 1.6" Long Picatinny Rail with 3 Slots
- Side Plate with Spring Tension for Quick Easy Installation
Speaking of AR, I wrote an in-depth guide covering the best AR-15 red dots and optics.
If you want to aboslute co-witness, then get the .83″ Riser:
- New Gen. riser mount for rifles with Picatinny/Weaver rail
- 1 Picatinny rail with 3 slots
- Side plate with spring tension for quick and easy installation
Also, if you want to add some magnification to the TRS-25, I highly recommend getting the UTG 3x Magnifier. It’s cheap, rugged, and reliable.
- Broadband Multi-coated Lens to Provide Crystal Clear 3X Image, Wide Field of View - 30% Bigger Than Comparable Models from Other Brands.Compatible Rail-Picatinny/Weaver.
- Windage/Elevation Adjustability for Optimum View Centering. Refer user manual for list of compatible manuals
- 42mm Center Height for Most Common Dot Sight Combination, Innovative Flip-to-Side Mechanism for Quick Transition between 1X and 3X Image.Objective Diameter:25mm;Field of View @ 100 yards:45'
Is the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 For You?
If you are looking for a reliable, compact, budget-friendly red dot sight, this is it.
When it arrives, take your old red dot sight and compare it to the TRS-25. See how much clearer and sharper objects appear with the TRS-25. And see how much more durable and accurate it is.
If you don’t see a dramatic difference in your accuracy, then return it back to Amazon within 30 days. You’ve got nothing to lose.
But from what I’ve personally experienced, once you equip this sight on your gun, there will be no way you’ll want to return it.
For its insanely low price point, stunning features and amazing quality plus one-year limited warranty, you’d have wished you bought this sight earlier!
- Matte black featuring a 3 MOA Dot reticle with 11 brightness settings; Mounts easily on most picatinny rails and is compatible with pistols, shotguns, rifles and muzzleloaders.Adjustment Range : 70+...
- Waterproof construction: O ring sealed optics stay dry inside, even when totally immersed in water. Parallax - 50
- Shockproof construction: Built to withstand bumps, bangs, drops and the rough and tumble environment of the field
That said, do you own a TRS-25? If so, what is your experience with it?
Also, feel free to check out my 17 HMR scope guide and top 6 best scopes for M1A.
I agree, for the price, this sight is pretty darn good. But IMO I’d rather spend an extra $50 – $100 and get a much better sight.
Definitely! $56 bucks for this red dot is not bad at all! Thanks for leaving a comment, Jay 🙂
Such as…
I’m interested in mounting this to my pistol. (Ruger Security-9) What options are available? An adapter plate/rail? The pic above looks bulky, heavy, and impossible to holster.
In order to mount the TRS-25 on your Ruger Security-9, it’d require a specialized gunsmith to mount it on. In other words, it’d be really hard to mount this sight on your pistol. And as you’ve already mentioned, it’s quite bulky and heavy, which’ll make it impossible to holster.
That said, I’d recommend getting a micro red dot sight like a Burris FastFire III or a Vortex Venom.
Hope this helps, Jim!
I’ve had my Bushnell TRS-25 for 3 years, and I have run lots of .223 rounds down range though my WW SRC Carbine with ZERO issues. It stays adjusted, battery life is a excellent, it looks great on my flattop, and I wouldn’t trade it. So many folks get hung up on price and peer pressure. Get over it, and get ya one. You won’t be disappointed.
Amen
How much in amazon?
It’s about $80 (as of right now). You can check the latest price here.
What rail is required to mount this to a Mini-14 ranch rifle?
Depends. What model and year is your Mini-14 ranch?
Model 583
2015
Then you’ll need a GG&G 1913 SCP Rail Mount.
(Can be purchased from Amazon or OpticsPlanet)
I cover Mini-14 mounting in-depth here.
Very well done review.
Thanks man!
How would I mount this on a circa 1976 180 Series mini 14?
Hey Alan, I believe you’d need an Amega Ranges Mini 14 Scout Mount.
Looking for something that won’t interfere with my skirmish sights in low light or bright conditions. CQB drills etc. Will a .83 riser allow me the best of both worlds… batteries die? Thoughts?
When you say battery life lasts weeks or maybe a year…is that with in “on” the whole time….or do you turn it off… I have no experience with red dots.
It depends on your use. If you don’t use it that much, then it can easily last 1-2 years before having to replace the batteries.
Personally, I have to change it once a year since I use it quite a bit.
It won’t last a week if you leave it on, trust me, I own one for the last 2 years and it is a POS.
In bright light outdoors the dot is barely visible at the highest setting (11).
Taught me s good lesson though, bought an Aimpoint H2 and have never looked back once, buy once cry once.
Why would you cry? Your comparing a $70 dot to a $700 dot.
I’d like to mount this on my savage 99 (308) for use as my brush gun. Wondering what rail mount you’d suggest and any thoughts you might have.
Great in depth articles, I appreciate it. I went through your links yesterday and bought the Bushnell red dot, UTG magnifier and riser. Weird tho, yesterday the red dot was 65 bucks while today shows 80. Hopefully i just got lucky. Do you have a Facebook we can follow?
Nice! You got the TRS at a good price 🙂
As of right, I don’t have a Facebook page created yet.
Do I need a riser mount to install it on a ksg shotgun.
Hello,
Will the Bushnell TRS-25 mount on a Browning BuckMark 22LR?
What does your setup look like if you run the red dot and magnifier…and is it worth it?
New to your site. Thanks for what you do. What do you mean by this phrase?
“If you want to aboslute co-witness, then get the .83″ Riser
I would like to install the TRS-25 onto a Mini 14(RU5801)will
The Picatinny rail that was provided work ?
is it good for a s&w AR 15?
The TRS-25 works great on my AR using the UTG .83 riser.
do I need anything extra to mount to a Ruger 10/22 takedown?
Hello
I really confused about the bushnell trophy trs 25, I’ve made a purchase when it comes it wasn’t the one I have seen on the picture!
I’ve emailed the caller, he replied saying that last version of the bushnell trophy trs 25 !! Could you confirm me please before I send it back ?
The one I had written with green litter and small and have big litter B circled
Thank you
If I follow your advice and buy the bushnell red dot and utg magnifier, do I have to buy a riser for the red dot to make it line up perfectly with the magnifier? Do I have to buy a riser for the magnifier? Both? Please advise…
I just bought an A15-M 6.5 Grendel 16″ and planning on purchasing this red dot and possibly the UTG 3X Magnifier, would I need the .83 or 1″ high riser mount? Thanks!
I just bought a diamondback DB15SSDG. What all would I need to mount the bushnell TRS25 to this rifle. I am new to ar’s and have no knowledge of what I need. Any information you have for a newbie would be appreciated.
I mounted my trs25 on my over & under 12, ga shotgun . I drilled and tapped my ventilated rib and attached a weaver scope base . The reddot works great . When I purchased the reddot it didn’t look right . I used it for several years but the front lens looked like it was canted at an angle . I sent it back to bushnell and they replaced it at no cost ( lifetime warranty). ., I use the shotgun for goose hunting with the trs 25 it works great !
I tried this out on a .17hmr rifle and I was impressed. I am thinking of trying on my .308 but I wonder if that is too powerful for this? Will the recoil be too much for this? I plan to try it out and will come back on this
For such a small scope, I was hesitant to try out on a higher caliber rifle but I tried it out on a .308 win mag. Seems to be alright, much better than using the open sights. Can’t wait to try it out on some animals such as ringed seals, caribou, belugas, narwhal, maybe even a polar bear.
Do I need a .83 riser for the magnifier if the red dot has a .83 riser?