Bushnell Scope Trouble

Smoky1 · Jan 2, 2023

I have a Bushnell scope that I mounted on my Browning 270 serval years ago. Have taken many deer over that time. In the last couple of years it won’t hold zero at a 100 yards after 1 or 2 shots. This year same thing. This time I’m not able to zero the scope at 100 yards. I run out of adjustment and never am able to achieve zero at a 100 yards. Mounts are still tight. Tried to return the reticle to zero then bore sight at 25 yards. Still don’t have enough adjustment to zero. No sense shooting when I won’t be able to adjust. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks

e rex · Jan 2, 2023

I'd start shopping for a different scope. I know that's not what you want to hear but I think it may be the answer.

CoalCrackerAl · Jan 2, 2023

My son is having the same issue with his scope on his 6.5 CM. He's sending it back under warranty. 150.00 scope. So the postage to send back is worth it. I do believe Bushnell has a warranty too. Might be worth sending yours back too Smokey.

Odd Job · Jan 2, 2023

I would want to exclude the mount and rings first. I would take the scope off the gun, secure it in a padded vise and then see what range of adjustment you have with the scope. If it fails on the vise, contact Bushnell and see what they can do for you.

BobABQ · Jan 2, 2023

Sounds like it is time to send it for warranty service or just replace it.

CoalCrackerAl · Jan 2, 2023

We put my sons scope on one of my 22's. To test it. It did ok for 10 shots. Then the hits got erratic.

LiveLife · Jan 2, 2023

Smoky1 said:
I have a Bushnell scope that I mounted on my Browning 270 serval years ago ... won’t hold zero at a 100 yards after 1 or 2 shots.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Contact customer service.

Bushnell scopes come with lifetime warranty (No receipt required and fully transferrable ... 30 years for scopes and 20 years for binoculars) and THR members posted Bushnell will replace or upgrade to better scope if damaged/defective scope is no longer in production - https://www.bushnell.com/bu-warranty.html

Smoky1 · Jan 2, 2023

My rings have windage adjustments. Not sure why that would change. I made an adjustment and now the the scope in slightly low but on center. I recenter the reticle so I now should have some room to adjust. Going to fire some rounds through it and see if I can zero it at 100 yards and will it stay. Probably still send it off to be looked at.
Thank you all for your responses!!

redneck2 · Jan 2, 2023

Smoky1 said:
My rings have windage adjustments. Not sure why that would change. I made an adjustment and now the the scope in slightly low but on center. I recenter the reticle so I now should have some room to adjust. Going to fire some rounds through it and see if I can zero it at 100 yards and will it stay. Probably still send it off to be looked at.
Thank you all for your responses!!

You can do as you wish, but personally I wouldn’t waste the ammo. This comes from someone who had the same issue with a scope and didn’t realize the scope was defective. In my case it was a really costly error.

I had a friend that had a not so super expensive Bushnell. They replaced it free.

Smoky1 · Jan 3, 2023

redneck2 said:
You can do as you wish, but personally I wouldn’t waste the ammo. This comes from someone who had the same issue with a scope and didn’t realize the scope was defective. In my case it was a really costly error.

I had a friend that had a not so super expensive Bushnell. They replaced it free.

I’m thinking you’re correct. Deer season is coming to a close and I have my daughters rifle, which has worked well, when I even get to see a deer. No sense wasting expensive ammo for something thats been going on for a while. Thanks for the push!!

d2wing · Jan 3, 2023

I had a couple Bushnells fail.

arsterling180 · Jan 3, 2023

Here’s a question. What model is it? If it’s a banner it probably crapped. They aren’t good scopes. Even the made in Japan ones from eons ago were still the basement tier option.

Smoky1 · Jan 3, 2023

The model is a 71-4164D (Banner)
Made is China, hence the problem.
Can I even get a good scope for hunting for $800 or less? Average shooting distance 100 yards. Top distance probably no more than 200 yards. Been looking at the Vortex. I’ve been trying to learn as much as I can but I just don’t have enough knowledge to make a sound decision.

redneck2 · Jan 3, 2023

Smoky1 said:
. Can I even get a good scope for hunting for $800 or less? Average shooting distance 100 yards. Top distance probably no more than 200 yards. Been looking at the Vortex. I’ve been trying to learn as much as I can but I just don’t have enough knowledge to make a sound decision.

I haven’t bought a scope in years. But, if I were looking for something that fit your requirements this is where I’d start. MSRP is $699 so you can very likely get it cheaper. At very first and last light the Firedot is excellent.

I’m sure other guys that have better knowledge of recent market offerings will chime in.
https://www.leupold.com/vx-3hd-3-5-10x40-cds-zl-illum-firedot-twilight-hunter

HowieG · Jan 3, 2023

LiveLife said:
Contact customer service.

Bushnell scopes come with lifetime warranty (No receipt required and fully transferrable ... 30 years for scopes and 20 years for binoculars) and THR members posted Bushnell will replace or upgrade to better scope if damaged/defective scope is no longer in production - https://www.bushnell.com/bu-warranty.html

Yep! Bushnell has taken VERY good care of me!!

HowieG · Jan 3, 2023

BobABQ said:
Sounds like it is time to send it for warranty service or just replace it.

Send it for warranty and they will probably replace it for you.

HowieG · Jan 3, 2023

Smoky1 said:
The model is a 71-4164D (Banner)
Made is China, hence the problem.
Can I even get a good scope for hunting for $800 or less? Average shooting distance 100 yards. Top distance probably no more than 200 yards. Been looking at the Vortex. I’ve been trying to learn as much as I can but I just don’t have enough knowledge to make a sound decision.

Yes! You can easily find good hunting scopes for way less than $800. Less that $500 actually. Last two I bought (in 2020) were both on closeout. A Sightron S1 3-9x40mm for $141 and a Weaver Grand Slam 2-8x36mm for $274.

I am partial to Leupold scopes. Go on ebay and look at used VX-II and the like. If you pick one up and something is wrong, just send it to Leupold on warranty and they will take care of it. Frankly, there isn't anything wrong with a Leupold VX Freedom brand new. They will typically run you between $300 and $400.

If it's knowledge you want, pick up a copy of "Optics for the Hunter" by John Barsness.

Smoky1 · Jan 4, 2023

All boxed and ready to ship to Bushnell. We’ll see what happens. Still going to buy a better scope If they fix it great. If they replace it, even better.
Thank you all for your input!! It is appreciated.

HowieG · Jan 4, 2023

I hope you are pleasantly surprised. My experience was great. I had a 1985 Scopechief stored away for about 35 years. I yanked it out and it hadn't aged well so I sent it in to Bushnell. I ended up with an Elite Tactical LRTS-i! I think that was a smoking deal and I am pro Bushnell for sure. Actually had to go out and buy a new rifle just to mount that scope on.

Smoky1 · Jan 12, 2023

Waiting to hear back from Bushnell. Still plan on buying another scope. Looking at the leupold VX-3HD with the 50MM objective lens. Is it worth another 100 dollars for the 50 verses the 40 for light transmission? Most of my hunting success has always been in the last 30 minutes of light before total darkness. Thanks!

Varminterror · Jan 12, 2023

Smoky1 said:
Looking at the leupold VX-3HD with the 50MM objective lens. Is it worth another 100 dollars for the 50 verses the 40 for light transmission?

Kinda depends what magnification level you want/need. If you’re shooting a 3.5-10x, then exit pupil at 10x in a 40mm is still huge and bright, so a 50mm just adds FOV, but also adds cost, weight, and size. If you’re shooting something 16x or higher at the top end, like almost all of my scopes I use for hunting, then in a 40mm objective, the exit pupil starts getting a bit small - still >2mm, so usually still bright up to ~20x, but don’t get lured into a 6.5-20x40 or 6-24x40.

I like the larger FOV offered by 50mm objectives, and don’t mind the extra size, so I’d personally get a 50mm most of the time.

CoalCrackerAl · Jan 12, 2023

Maybe you would like a burris scope. I have this one on my mini 14. And it's holding up well.
Amazon.com : Burris Droptine Riflescope with Ballistic Plex Reticle, 4.5-14x 42mm : Sports & Outdoors

hawg · Jan 12, 2023

Smoky1 said:
The model is a 71-4164D (Banner)
Made is China, hence the problem.
Can I even get a good scope for hunting for $800 or less? Average shooting distance 100 yards. Top distance probably no more than 200 yards. Been looking at the Vortex. I’ve been trying to learn as much as I can but I just don’t have enough knowledge to make a sound decision.

Leupolds start at 300.00 and have a lifetime warranty.

ms6852 · Jan 12, 2023

I love my Bushnell banner that came as a package with my Savage 30-06. Bought it about 40 years ago for and still works. At the distance you are shooting Leupold has a nice 1.5 - 4X20 for $299, if they can't repair your Bushnell. Good Luck and keep us posted.

stillquietvoice · Jan 12, 2023

CoalCrackerAl said:
Maybe you would like a burris scope. I have this one on my mini 14. And it's holding up well.
Amazon.com : Burris Droptine Riflescope with Ballistic Plex Reticle, 4.5-14x 42mm : Sports & Outdoors

I have that on my AR darn good scope for under 200.00. Basically the same as a fullfield 2 of which I have 2 and can't see a difference optically.

Bushnell Scope Trouble

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