Bushnell AR Optics 3-12x40

• 3-12x magnification range: Covers the gap between close to mid-range shooting and more deliberate shots at distance, so one riflescope can handle fast target acquisition at lower power and finer aiming at higher magnification.
• Drop Zone-223 BDC reticle: The reticle is set up for practical holdovers with .223/5.56-style trajectories, helping shooters make quicker elevation corrections without dialing for every shot.
• Side-focus parallax adjustment: Lets the image and reticle be brought onto the same focal plane at varying distances, which helps reduce aiming error and keeps the sight picture sharper during precision work.
• Tactical multi-turn turrets: 1/4 MOA clicks and generous adjustment travel support repeatable zeroing and deliberate corrections, making the scope useful for range work as well as field rifles.
• Fully multi-coated optics in a 1-inch tube: The coatings improve contrast and light transmission, while the 25.4 mm tube keeps mounting straightforward on many common rifle setups.

About the Bushnell AR Optics Series

Bushnell AR Optics is a riflescope family built around the needs of AR-15 and AR-10 compatible modern sporting rifles, with an emphasis on practical handling, cartridge-matched reticles and a layout that suits both recreational and serious use. The series spans multiple magnification classes, from low-power models for fast shooting to higher-magnification versions intended for more precise work, and it includes different reticle patterns and both 1-inch and 30 mm tubes.

A defining trait of the line is its focus on usable ballistic references. Bushnell offered AR Optics models with reticles such as Drop Zone 223, Drop Zone 22LR and other caliber-oriented designs, giving shooters hold points that match common rifle applications. The series also uses fully multi-coated lenses and is described with high-definition glass, aiming to deliver a clear image without making the scopes overly bulky. In the lineup, AR Optics sits as a purpose-driven option for shooters who want familiar controls, practical magnification ranges and reticle choices that make sense on modern sporting rifles.

About the Bushnell AR Optics 3-12x40

The Bushnell AR Optics 3-12x40 is the more reach-oriented member of the AR Optics family, intended for shooters who want a scope that still feels at home on a compact rifle but gives enough magnification for careful shot placement farther out. Its 3-12x40 configuration makes it versatile for varmint shooting, range use and general-purpose centerfire setups where targets may vary in size and distance. At 3x, the scope remains manageable for scanning and engaging nearer targets; at 12x, it gives a more precise view of small aiming points.

The Drop Zone-223 BDC reticle is placed in the second focal plane, so its appearance stays consistent as magnification changes. That gives the shooter a reticle that remains easy to see at low power while still offering ballistic hold references when used as intended. Because the scope is non-illuminated, the sight picture stays uncluttered and simple, which many shooters prefer for daylight range work and straightforward hunting use.

This model also combines side-focus parallax adjustment with tactical 1/4 MOA turrets, giving it more precision potential than a basic hunting optic. The side focus helps sharpen the image and reduce parallax error at different distances, while the multi-turn turrets allow deliberate zeroing and correction work. A fast-focus eyepiece, nitrogen-filled construction, IPX-7 waterproofing and shockproof, fogproof build round out a scope designed for regular field use without unnecessary complexity.

About Bushnell

Bushnell was founded in 1948 by Dave Bushnell, who began selling optical products from a photographic shop in Pasadena, California. The company developed into a broad sports-optics manufacturer with product lines covering binoculars, riflescopes, red dot sights, rangefinders, spotting scopes and trail cameras. Its focus has long been practical optics for hunting, target shooting and outdoor observation rather than niche laboratory or industrial instruments.

Within the shooting and field-optics market, Bushnell is known for series such as Legend, Prime, Elite Tactical and AR Optics. The company has also introduced proprietary features including EXO Barrier, a lens coating designed to repel water, oil, dust and debris. Bushnell’s reputation in riflescopes is built on offering functional reticle designs, durable construction and a wide catalog that covers everything from entry-level hunting optics to more specialized tactical and precision-oriented models.

Main Features

• Magnification: 3.00 x - 12.00 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
• Turret type: Tactical
• Zero stop: No
• Elevation adjustment range: 14.50 mrad / 50.00 MOA
• Windage adjustment range: 14.50 mrad / 50.00 MOA
• Eye relief: 88.90 mm
• Field of view: 9.60 m/100m - 2.30 m/100m
• Parallax adjustment: Yes - side focus
• Exit pupil: 13.30 mm - 3.40 mm
• Lens coating: Fully Multicoated
• Length: 305.00 mm
• Weight: 539.00 g
• Nitrogen filled: Yes
• Waterproof rating: IPX-7
• Fogproof: Yes
• Shockproof: Yes
• Fast focus eyepiece: Yes
• Color: Black

Warranty

10 years. Bushnell lists this riflescope with a 10-year warranty, giving defined long-term coverage rather than an unspecified warranty term.