Bushnell R3 and R5 Scopes

[Rick67]

These came out this year; kinda behind the radar.

The illuminated DOA reticle with a floating center dot on the R5 looks really nice:


https://www.bushnell.com/scopes/new-riflescopes/r5-4-12x40-riflescope-with-illuminated-doa-lrh800-reticle/BU-R5-41240S25.html


Various models models for each series; AO or SF or non; multiple reticle selection; reasonable price point, just scroll down:


https://www.bushnell.com/scopes/new-riflescopes/


They're most probably made in SoKor or the PRC; I hope it's the former, like the Engage when they first came out. Clear scope, that one, but not a fan of the Deploy MOA reticle with its too closely-spaced unnumbered hashes.

Going back, I like it that they have adapted the Elite's black B logo, giving it more class instead of the cartoonish bright white insignia scope manufacturers seem to prefer. The inscriptions also seem subdued, akin to Burris's bronze-like coloring, which looks very nice in person. I could be mistaken about their (Bushnell's) lettering though, but it seems to be not white at all. I remember Nikon coming out with their Black Series years ago; they looked so elegant with their grey lettering 👍...I'm all for form and function, and most often, people don't like it when I criticize (or critique) something, lol!

[Rick67]

Today, Natchez sent me a response to my inquiry regarding the R5’s provenance—-they’re the only one who replied despite me sending emails to several vendors including Bushnell who doesn’t even answer phone calls 

So, the R5 (did not ask about the R3 ‘cuz I’m not interested, lol!) hails from South Korea, which is a good thing 👍

[Rick67]

I ordered the R5 4-12x40, about $250 including tax, version today  So from January 2024 to this very day, I’ve spent no more than $310 on AG-related stuff, so I don’t feel too bad 

Ah, to repeat, I like it that it’s not made in the PRC but South Korea, and, again, I also relish the fact that it has dark prints instead of the gaudy white most manufacturers prefer to emblazon their products with 

I think it’s a handsome scope with simple and elegant lines.

Oh, the illuminated reticle with a floating center dot is really my deciding factor on this one, me having owned 2 SWFA scopes with the MOA reticle equipped with a floating center dot; SWFA’s is extremely small though but ideal for very long range shots. To add, I was also seriously looking at the Burris Fullfield lV 4-16x50 with the Creedmore reticle, but it’s Chinese in manufacture and has too big a head for a 1” tube, although it does have better magnification and warranty——and cheaper by $50 if you know where to look…I’ll most probably buy one though before the year ends, hmm 🤔

So, I know most of you have tried floating dots, but to those who haven’t, they’re wonderful for aiming at bull’s eyes and are superior to the fine and simple crosshair, at least for me

Note: reticles on the R5 are etched.

[Yogi]

Are they springer rated?

-Y

[Rick67]

Are they springer rated?

-Y

I have no idea, Yogi sir, but I was going to ask Bushnell that but they never answered my calls nor emails 

I even asked them on YouTube with the same results 

The Burris Fullfield lV I mentioned here though appears to be rated for springers; saw a member having that scope atop his HW97—-and they have warranty like Vortex’s 👍

[Rick67]

ETA is Tuesday.

I was wanting to get it during the weekend for me to try it out 

For my next purchase for this year, I am looking at 3 candidates: the 6-18x50 model of this scope, the 4-16x50 Burris Fullfield lV with Creedmore or E3 reticle, and the Riton Primal 4-16x44—all with 1” tubes and w/in the $200-300 range 

[Yogi]

Is the Burris a fixed a/o scope?

-Y

[Rick67]

Is the Burris a fixed a/o scope?

-Y

Side focus with a 10-yard to infinity adjustment.

If ever, don't go for the Long Range MOA reticle; had one and it was too thick.

[Rick67]

I'd go for the illuminated E3 or the non-illuminated Creedmore for their thinner reticles.

The one in the photo is illuminated; the side focus knob has an extra length for the light switch.

[Rick67]

I find it very odd that Amazon (vendor is Amazon itself and not another party) hasn’t charged my card yet despite my buying the scope 7-8 days ago 

They haven’t shipped it yet either, although it’s supposed to be delivered tomorrow….Their WH here probably has them in stock 

If this one fails to happen it might be an ominous sign for me to switch scopes, hmm 🤔

The  Riton Primal 4-16x44, said to be backed up by excellent warranty by those who own an item from them, looks promising and has a nice enough reticle (photo attached), although non-illuminated——and it’s made in China, which I am trying to avoid but…..

[Yogi]

Not enough hold over points for me and my shooting.

-Y

[Rick67]

I only have 25 yards, so it’s good for me 👍

I don’t shoot closer either 😂

[Rick67]

As I suspected, it hit a snag 😂

I can wait 👍

[Rick67]

ETA is indefinite 🤔

In another email, the earliest would be late November, but they didn’t charge my card yet either.

There are other vendors on Amazon, but Eurooptic and Midway don’t accept returns, hmmm…

I might switch to the Burris FF 4…

[Yogi]

I just heard a report that Amazon sold 13 million counterfeit products last year.
Buyer beware!!!!

-Yogi

[Rick67]

I just heard a report that Amazon sold 13 million counterfeit products last year.
Buyer beware!!!!

-Yogi

Thanks for the warning 👍

[Rick67]

ETA is indefinite 🤔

In another email, the earliest would be late November, but they didn’t charge my card yet either.

There are other vendors on Amazon, but Eurooptic and Midway don’t accept returns, hmmm…

I might switch to the Burris FF 4…

Cancelled it today ‘cuz it’s just too long a wait period.

I think I’ll just order it from Sportsman’s WH and pick it up from the store, so that if I don’t like it in person I can return it right away 👍

I really wish they had some in ready stock for me to be able to check them out PRONTO.

[Rick67]

My Sportsman WH has both the 4-12 and the 6-18, so I checked out the former last night.

Incredibly bright and clear glass with marvelous reticle, but it’s not made in SoKor but China 

[10Gauge]

I saw the Bushnell R3 4-12x40AO model at Cabelas and decided to fiddle around and find out.  IMO a 4-12x40 AO is just right for an accurate breakbarrel.  I will put it on my R9 and see how she holds up.

[Rick67]

I saw the Bushnell R3 4-12x40AO model at Cabelas and decided to fiddle around and find out.  IMO a 4-12x40 AO is just right for an accurate breakbarrel.  I will put it on my R9 and see how she holds up.

I hope she’s rated for springers ‘cuz it’s pretty hard to get in touch with Bushnell 👍