Good Morning Gentlemen,
I’ve been a long time lurker and finally decided to make a contribution. I’ve learned so much from this group that I decided to start giving something back.
I was looking for a new optic for my latest build (an LMT/BCM hybrid, basic M4 configuration). I’m definitely the kind of guy that would rather pay for quality up front…I’m currently running an M2 on a Colt 6920 and an AccuPoint 3-9x40 on a Daniel Defense A2 setup and they are both fantastic optics. I just think it doesn’t get any better than Aimpoint and Trijicon…I’ve been using Aimpoints since 1986 when I bought a Mark III for an Uzi. I tried Eotech out a couple of years ago but it was a disaster. My 552 had constant problems holding zero and with the battery life. I went through three units before giving up. But I never forgot that awesome Eotech reticle. I loved that big, fat circle for the close stuff. So when I saw the Bushnell Zoom dot had a 1-10 variable MOA that sounded great. But when I went to look for reviews I couldn’t find much. I could only find two red dots that had true variable MOA from 1-10…the Bushnell and Nikon Monarch VSD. I couldn’t find much on either one but I really liked the fact that the Bushnell adjusted dot brightness automatically via a light sensor and the electronics are easily replaceable if it goes tits up for some reason. So for $219 delivered I bought one.
I know I’m gonna catch shit for saying this, but I would put this thing up against any red dot sight I’ve ever owned (based solely on my own experience). I mounted it on my 6920 and put a thousand rounds through it (total) at 100, 50 and 25 yards. That big 10 MOA dot at 25 yards is perfect for super fast target acquisition. The auto brightness function works perfectly…I have no complaints at all. Even in the very bright sunlight the 1 moa dot was clearly visible but if you want it a bit brighter you can just turn up the size a bit…a good compromise IMO. It comes with a single ring mount that locks on tight and stays put. The height is perfect and it cowittnesses well with my BUIS. Zeroing was easy and held just fine the first thousand rounds. But even though it looks and feels extremely durable how can you tell? I know my other optics are battle tested and even though Bushnell claims this is being fielded in Iraq and Afghanistan that could be bullshit. So I tied up the Zoom Dot in a pillow case and proceeded to beat the crap out of it. I kicked it up the street about a hundred yards and then back. Then I threw it up in the air a half dozen times (maybe 20 feet up) and let it fall back onto packed dirt. Not too scientific but I figured this would weed out anything that wasn’t pretty solid. It probably sounds stupid but I was totally willing to sacrifice this thing before having to maybe depend on it one day. During all this the caps stayed tightly in place, the glass was intact and there were no dents in the aluminum. The pillow case kept it from getting scuffed up. So, next time I’m at the range I slapped it back on the Colt and when I fired my first shot it was high a couple of inches (at 50 yards). One small adjustment and it’s back on track. I’ve put another thousand rounds on it and I like it so much I’m going to leave it on my 6920. I just love the ability to dial the MOA down for the long shots and up for the close stuff. For me the 10 MOA dot is the next best thing to the Eotech circle/dot. Oh, I almost forgot…it’s been on for two and a half months now and is still going. I’ll let you know when the batteries fail.
I’ve been shooting for 35 years now and about 10 with the AR so I know that there are many more experienced folks out there with infinitely more knowledge than me. I’m not telling anyone to ditch their Aimpoints or ACOGs and go buy a Zoom Dot. So just take this for what it is…just my experience with one sight. Only time will tell if this product will hold up. Hope this helps anyone who might be thinking of trying out a Bushnell Zoom Dot!
Stay Safe!
Heavyweight