Bushnell AR Optics 3-9x40

• 3-9x magnification range: Covers the practical spread from close-to-medium distances to more deliberate shots farther out, making the scope well suited to AR-platform rifles used for target work, training, and general-purpose shooting.
• Drop Zone-223 BDC reticle: Gives the shooter holdover references matched to .223/5.56-style trajectories, helping speed up aiming at varying distances without dialing every correction on the turrets.
• Side-focus parallax adjustment: Lets the image and reticle be brought into the same focal plane from 9.2m to infinity, which helps maintain a sharper sight picture and more precise aiming across a wide range of distances.
• Fully multicoated 40 mm optics: Improves light transmission and contrast for a clearer image in mixed light, while the 40 mm objective keeps the scope compact enough for practical AR and rimfire setups.
• Tactical multi-turn turrets: Provide 1/4 MOA clicks and generous adjustment travel for zeroing and correction work, giving the shooter a more direct, repeatable interface than low capped hunting turrets.

About the Bushnell AR Optics Series

Bushnell AR Optics was developed around the needs of AR-15 and AR-10 compatible modern sporting rifles, with an emphasis on practical handling, a low-profile layout, and a field of view that works well for fast target acquisition. Within Bushnell’s lineup, the series sits as a purpose-built family for shooters who want optics configured around common AR applications rather than adapting a traditional hunting scope to that role.

The series includes models from 1-4x to 4.5-18x magnification, with different reticle patterns, focal-plane arrangements, and both 1-inch and 30 mm tubes. Bushnell describes the line as using high-definition glass and fully multi-coated lenses, and the range is known for cartridge-oriented reticles such as Drop Zone 223 alongside other BDC and wind-hold designs. The 2019 catalog also lists a Throw Down PCL power-change lever across the series, reflecting the line’s focus on quick magnification changes under field conditions. In practice, AR Optics scopes are aimed at shooters who split time between range use, varmint work, and general-purpose tactical or sporting setups.

About the Bushnell AR Optics 3-9x40

The Bushnell AR Optics 3-9x40 is a versatile variable-power riflescope built around the needs of shooters who want one optic to cover zeroing, target shooting, and practical field use on a 1-inch tube platform. Its 3-9x magnification range gives a useful balance: 3x remains manageable for closer targets and wider observation, while 9x provides enough image scale for more careful shot placement at longer distances. Paired with a 40.00 mm objective, the scope stays trim enough for AR-pattern rifles and rimfire setups without becoming front-heavy.

The Drop Zone-223 BDC reticle is placed in the second focal plane, so its appearance stays consistent as magnification changes. That makes the reticle easy to see and familiar to use, especially for shooters who prefer a stable sight picture rather than a reticle that grows or shrinks through the zoom range. Because it is non-illuminated, the view remains uncluttered and simple, which suits daylight range work and straightforward field shooting.

This model also adds features that matter in real use. Side-focus parallax adjustment from 9.2m to infinity helps sharpen the image and reduce aiming error across short and long distances alike. 1/4 MOA tactical turrets offer a positive dialing interface for zeroing and corrections, while the fully multicoated optics support good contrast and clarity. A nitrogen-filled, IPX-7 waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof build rounds out the scope for regular outdoor use in changing weather and on rifles that see repeated recoil.

About Bushnell

Bushnell was founded in 1948 by Dave Bushnell. The company built its name in sports optics and outdoor products, with product lines covering hunting, target shooting, birding, and general nature observation. Its catalog includes riflescopes, binoculars, red dot sights, rangefinders, spotting scopes, and trail cameras, which reflects a broad focus on field-ready optical equipment rather than a single niche.

In riflescopes and related shooting optics, Bushnell is known for offering distinct families such as AR Optics, Legend, Prime, and Elite Tactical, each aimed at different users and applications. The company has also developed proprietary features such as EXO Barrier, a lens coating designed to shed water, oil, dust, and debris. Bushnell became part of a larger outdoor-products group when ATK acquired Bushnell Group Holdings on November 1, 2013, but the brand remains closely associated with practical optics for sporting and field use.

Main Features

• Magnification: 3.00 x - 9.00 x
• Objective lens diameter: 40.00 mm
• Main tube diameter: 25.4 mm
• Reticle: Drop Zone-223 BDC
• Reticle position: 2. focal plane - SFP
• Illumination: No
• Adjustment per click: 7mm/100m - 1/4MOA
• Elevation adjustment range: 14.60 mrad / 50.00 MOA
• Windage adjustment range: 14.60 mrad / 50.00 MOA
• Turret type: Tactical
• Turret locking: No
• Zero stop: No
• Parallax adjustment: Yes - side focus
• Parallax setting: 9.2m - Infinity
• Eye relief: 88.90 mm
• Field of view: 9.60 m/100m - 3.60 m/100m
• Exit pupil: 13.10 mm - 3.50 mm
• Lens coating: Fully Multicoated
• Fast focus eyepiece: Yes
• Length: 305.00 mm
• Weight: 539.00 g
• Housing fill: Nitrogen
• Waterproof: IPX-7
• Fogproof: Yes
• Shockproof: Yes
• Color: Black

Warranty

10 years. Bushnell covers this riflescope with a 10-year warranty, providing defined long-term support for normal ownership and regular field use.