Review: Bushnell Elite Tactical 1-6.5x (BTR-2 Reticle/FFP)
Bushnell was kind enough to send me one of their 1-6.5x24 "Elite Tactical" scopes to "T&E" with their BTR-2 reticle with a FFP (First Focal Plane) model #ET1624J.
I am going to use this thread to add my findings over the next month while I have it for testing.
To put a bit of context on my experience with magnified optics, I have been running a Trijicon TR24G 1-4x for the past 3+ years on my patrol/duty carbine. That has been my only (extended) experience with a quality magnified optic. I have run my TR24G Triji at multiple monthly club and LE matches. I have also run it at the NPRC (National Patrol Rifle Competition) held up near Detroit, MI. So while I have put my TR24G Triji to good use over the past few years, my experience is very limited with other makes & manufacturers magnified optics.
I'll start it off with a few pics and some initial impressions of the scope....
Packaging:
http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/6...1031123249.jpg
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/816...1031123504.jpg
Mounted on my work carbine in a LaRue Tactical LT-139 SPR-E mount. (My test bed will be my custom built by me, Noveske 16" SS middy work carbine):
http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/7...1031141803.jpg
http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/4...1031141734.jpg
Reticle:
http://img805.imageshack.us/img805/5...lbtr2popup.jpg
Here is my attempt at some indoor reticle cellphone pics. Illumination was set on the #6 brightness setting for theses pics:
1x:
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/1...1031150516.jpg
3x:
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/5...1031150625.jpg
6.5x:
http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/3...1031150729.jpg
6.5x (No illumination):
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/974...1031150838.jpg
Weight: 18.5oz (compared to 15oz with my Triji TR24G for reference)
Length: 10.50" (Bushnell) vs. 10.25" (Triji TR24G)
The Bushnell feels very well built. It is made in Japan (As is my Triji) so I expect the quality to be excellent.
The only thing that has me slightly concerned is the durability of the adjustable pop-up turrets. They appear to be made of plastic? They are covered turrets of course, but with the Mil/hash reticle I can imagine dialing with this scope isn't something that would be out of the question. Going off of "feel", I think a normal impact to the ground could damage the pop-up turrets if left uncovered. Everything else about this scope feels very solid.
Turrets:
http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/5...1031160903.jpg
Glass is as good as anything I have ever handled/shot within this class of scope. I have very limited hands-on/shooting experience with the new Vortex 1-6x, the new (yet to be released) Leupold 1-6x and the 1-6x Elcan Specter.
Illumination seems to work perfectly in all lighting conditions I have available to me today. I plan to take it out a couple of times over the next week and take some more outdoor reticle pics for this review.
Standbye over the next few days & weeks for more detailed info as I run the Bushnell through it's paces....
Stay safe,
Nick