I’ve been hearing a lot of bitching about the quality of a scope/sighting system that is below the price point of $500-$1500 dollars. I’ve been using a Bushnell MP Trophy for almost two years, and just recently procured the 2nd Generation unit to replace my first. No outstanding differences in operation, other than a built-in iron sight, and a better fit and finish.
After reading this thread, there should be no excuse for ANYONE to even think about getting a “Clonepoint” Chicom knockoff optic. The price point is too similar, and I can absolutely guarantee you will not get satisfactory performance from those optics. My primary motivation was to provide further proof that real RDS can be procured for only a modest difference in price than the toy optics strapped together with electrical tape, and lead based matte finishes. Unlike the bogus sights, everyone’s pimping for the budget-conscious, this will perform on anything up to a 12ga Hammer of God. I’ve read the thread on TOS on bogus optics, and it’s patently shameful anyone can believe an $80 bogus Aimpoint should be bolted to their favourite blaster, especially considering reputable companies are making something that actually CAN perform on your weapon.
It has multiple brightness settings for variances in ambient lighting conditions. The reticle(s) consist of a “T” that are three disconnected lines intersecting at a central dot.
Bushnell Trophy 1x32 GEN I
Bushnell Trophy 1x32 GEN II
GEN II - Mounted to M4
Features of the BTMP RDS:
Multi-coated optics: Creates better contrast
100% waterproof: Proven below in my torture test
Dry-nitrogen filled: Eliminates fog
CR2032 battery: Has about a 100-125 hour battery life
Finish: Matte
Eye Relief: Unlimited
Magnification: 1x
Objective Lens Diameter: 32mm
Field of View @ 1000 Yards: 44 ft.
Exit Pupil: 32mm
Reticle: Red/Green T-dot
Length (in): 6.75 inches
Weight (oz): 12.3 oz.
Differences between the 1st and 2nd Generation versions include:
A completely different housing.
Windage and Elevation knobs have changed, but the inner workings have not.
Generation II feels a bit more rugged, and has slightly more heft
Generation II has a threaded area inside the lens hood, possibly to accomodate a KillFlash/ARD
Generation II is a uniquely styled optic / Generation I is very close in appearance to a Trijicon ACOG TA01LAW
Generation II can cowitness out of the box with most flip-up irons / Generation I may need a riser
The Torture Test
Below is a photo of the Aiming “T” reticle, pre-testing. Prior to testing, the RDS had been mounted on a Bushmaster Carbon-15 Pistol, which kicks like a mule, and has no stock or foregrip to reduce recoil, further burdening this optic. 720 cartridges were expelled, no problems with RDS. Optic never lost zero, and no loctite was used in the mounting process.
Water: Many manufacturers idea of “waterproof” means water can be spilled on a unit, with very little adverse effect. While not soaked in a brine solution, or at extreme depths, unit was switched on, and placed under running water for 15 minutes. After showing no performance drop, unit was submerged in approximately 8" of water for 2 hours. Reticle lost no brightness, unit suffered no ill effects.
Cold: Following my “Rule of Two”, after assessing the unit post submersion, I placed the unit in the freezer for two hours. Fogging occurred, but after settling to room temperature, and thawing occurred, reticle appeared normal / scope functioned properly.
Drop: No video, but testimony. Dropped unit from a height of approximately 4’, ten consecutive times, onto concrete pavement.
Below is the unit, after “Torture Test”:
I will promptly be mounting the GEN II to the M4 pictured with Loctite. Considering all the hubris about Chicom optics, the same people seeking those out could afford to procure a quality scope, such as the BTMP, for around $200, and it can actually perform, without being held together with electrical tape…
