Bushnell Nitro Firsthand Experiences?

[Skylerbone]

Just beginning to look at Bushnell’s rebadging and new model efforts and wondering if anyone has firsthand experience with the Nitro. Specifically I’m looking at the 5-20x44 FFP Deploy MRAD. I’m trying to decide between it and a Nikon Black FX1000 which I have seen locally.

 

[troy fairweather]

Interested to see what guys say, I have a few questions I hope they answer. I saw a black 1000 last week local for 75% off.

 

[IMtheNRA]

I have a Nitro SFP / MOA. The image is very nice, but I have not tested the scope's tracking and return-to-zero performance as I use it only for load development on test rifles. The scope was a warranty replacement from Bushnell for a broken scope that is now out of production.

Before buying a Bushnell, I recommend that you try calling their support line to get a taste of what it's like if you ever have to make a warranty claim on a Bushnell scope. I've been unable to get through since September of last year. It feel like Bushnell has thrown in the towel on customer service. I'd never-ever buy a Bushnell product.

 

[LoonWulf]

Before buying a Bushnell, I recommend that you try calling their support line to get a taste of what it's like if you ever have to make a warranty claim on a Bushnell scope. I've been unable to get through since September of last year. It feel like Bushnell has thrown in the towel on customer service. I'd never-ever buy a Bushnell product.

For a warranty claim its actually pretty easy, its getting to talk to a real person thats a pain in the arse lol.

For warranty work, you just fill out their form and mail off your product. They will 99% of the time just replace it as long as it dosent have electronics, if it DOES Its hit or miss.

 

[Skylerbone]

These are good points to know. As many years as I’ve owned scopes and red dots I’ve only this week had a warranty issue. That is being handled by Vortex who, after a 2-minute phone call, emailed me with a pre-paid label (pdf) and an apology for the product’s performance with a promise to make it right. I suppose I could deal with an automated response if need be but I’d like to think Bushnell would stand behind their products.

 

[Varminterror]

I’ve had a few bushnell scopes damaged, Bushnell has not been difficult to contact for me. A guy does have to do some digging if you insist on talking to someone, as they’re website path keeps you web-based to submit the request without even picking up the phone.

Quite ironic, however, to talk about Bushnell having poor support, despite decades of proven quality customer service from them, at the same time contrasting it against Nikon, who has already discontinued production of all of their riflescopes and is exiting the market entirely. How do you expect they’ll honor their lifetime warranty in 5 years if your new Black starts fogging, or you tip over your rifle on the bench and damage the optic?

I’ve favored Bushnell over Nikon for 20+ years, and the current market climate between the two has only solidified that preference.

 

[Skylerbone]

Honestly I think Bushnell would make it right and I don’t think they’re making delicate flowers that will require service barring unforeseen accidents.

The above Vortex I mentioned managed some 200 rounds during 2 range sessions on a BuckMark before it was kaput, hopefully an anomaly because I don’t think Vortex is making complete chintz either.

Do I think Nikon would handle warranty service beyond NOS availability? Probably not. I was rather impressed with the Black model I peeked through locally though and so it still holds an outside chance for consideration. I know it probably sounds wishy-washy because it is.

Most of my previous choices in optics have left me feeling underwhelmed but not necessarily under served based on purpose. This being a toe dip further I feel some pressure to finally strike a better balance between value and performance. Apart from a few rounds through friends’ rifles or a once over at a retail counter my familiarity is sorely lacking.

Perhaps the better question would be what to top a 5.56 AR with for 400-600 yard ranges? The rifle is not yet built, owner will be a 13 year old who is quietly competitive and has nearly eclipsed my abilities already.

 

[Skylerbone]

@LoonWulf, @Varminterror, @cdb1 (because you guys never have enough stuff and because LoonWulf might have an eligible purchase)

Well I finally broke today and ordered the Nitro 5-20x44mm FFP MOA Deploy reticle version. Normally I would let a thread like this go after a fair lapse of time, but CameralandNY still has these and other models on clearance and there is a 29% rebate from Bushnell on Forge/Nitro/Prime if purchased before 03/15/2020. That would drop the price from $269 to $191 which is a screaming value if it’s as decent as I think and I will be glad I waited an extra couple of weeks.

 

[Varminterror]

@Skylerbone - I added one of the 4-16x to my cart this week with the next DMR II I want to order, payday is tomorrow

 

[troy fairweather]

Hope they have them when I have the money lol. Sucks I'd have to pay sales tax tho. I so under if they have a store front, I am less then 1.5 hours away from them.

 

[LoonWulf]

@LoonWulf, @Varminterror, @cdb1 (because you guys never have enough stuff and because LoonWulf might have an eligible purchase)

Well I finally broke today and ordered the Nitro 5-20x44mm FFP MOA Deploy reticle version. Normally I would let a thread like this go after a fair lapse of time, but CameralandNY still has these and other models on clearance and there is a 29% rebate from Bushnell on Forge/Nitro/Prime if purchased before 03/15/2020. That would drop the price from $269 to $191 which is a screaming value if it’s as decent as I think and I will be glad I waited an extra couple of weeks.


View attachment 896800

yeah, no joy for me I bought mine like a week early lol

Good price for that scope tho imo

 

[Skylerbone]

I’m half tempted to replace a few more including adding a Forge but I’ve already decided on a plan to swap this onto a 6.5 and throw the 3-9x Minox on the .350 Legend when it arrives from Brown. But...the wife wants a new sofa that seats at least 8 so I’m going to be good. I could cash in a few I Bonds...hmm.

 

[Walkalong]

That would drop the price from $269 to $191 which is a screaming value if it’s as decent as I think

Indeed!

 

[cdb1]

Good deal. Camera Land is by far my favorite optics retailer. Even if they are a little higher than another dealer, which isn’t often, I’ll purchase from Doug. It’s worth it to me because of the incredible customer service.

 

[DocRock]

Huh?.I got mine last week - that scope - from Doug for $199. Strange. Different reticle it seems. I believe mine are MOA hashmarks? Much love for Camera Land.

Very pleased. It's pretty hefty. I wanted that because it went on my synthetic stocked Mossberg Patriot in 375 Ruger. I'd say it's the heaviest scope I own. But it feels solid. Glass quality is upper mid-range. I get some edge fade at the highest magnification. But I am very unlikely to go above 12x anyway. It's way more scope than I need on this rifle, but the price was right and it's hefty!

 

[Skylerbone]

They have a SFP model listed at $199, the one I chose is the FFP. I’d really like to try the DMR II but me = cheapskate and I’ve had another $5,000 week with that much more in furniture likely in the coming week.

 

[Skylerbone]

It has arrived! It is big. A little porky. Very respectable glass and controls. Looking forward to getting it mounted once I decide on rings and which rifle as the physical size is a mismatch for what I intended. Happy with the conundrum however it works out.

Parallax yardage is viewable to the shooter.


as is the magnification ring.


Yep, it’s really big.

 

[LoonWulf]

It has arrived! It is big. A little porky. Very respectable glass and controls. Looking forward to getting it mounted once I decide on rings and which rifle as the physical size is a mismatch for what I intended. Happy with the conundrum however it works out.

Parallax yardage is viewable to the shooter.
View attachment 898483

as is the magnification ring.
View attachment 898484

Yep, it’s really big.
View attachment 898485

Its on the larger size for a hunting optic, but still what id call a middling size scope. My midas is larger (tho no heavier), and my buddies shv is significantly heavier, and noticeably larger...or at least it seems like it is.
They fit will on larger rifles, but on something smaller, or even "regular" sized they are too big.
Anyway, that looks externally the same as mine, i wonder if its not a little heavier for being ffp...for some reason they seem heavier than sfp.

 

[Skylerbone]

The plan was for my daughter’s compact(ish) 6.5 which currently hosts a Minox 3-9x. As of today I find myself the owner of a new 783 in .243 which will also need glass. I thought I was digging out but by all accounts I’m deeper than before.

 

[DocRock]

@Skylerbone love the description! Big and porky was exactly what the 375 Ruger Patriot needed.

 

[TBL65]

Out of curiosity... Being that you peaked through the Nikon Black and were impressed, how would you say your Bushnell purchase compares to what you saw with the Nikon?

 

[troy fairweather]

Looking at the 2-10 I was a little disappointed in the weight compared to the 5-20 the 2-10 tube is only about 4tenths of a inch shorter and only one ounce less. I guess 23oz is not bad for a 30mm tube and 44mm objective.

Still like to check one out tho.

 

[Skylerbone]

Being that you peaked through the Nikon Black and were impressed, how would you say your Bushnell purchase compares to what you saw with the Nikon?

Its been a few minutes between the two events but my recollection is there were no glaring deficiencies with the Nikon Black and I feel the same about the Bushnell. Both manage to strike a good balance when it comes to solid feel, positive engagement of detents without a bunch of backlash and both have clearer glass to my eye than my Leupold VX-2s.

I think given the circumstances of a Bushnell 29% rebate atop deep discounts vs Nikon’s exiting the market that the Nitro is the hands down better choice. If all else were equal, I’d declare a virtual tie.

Again, this is based on my recollection and vision.

 

[Skylerbone]

It’s “Prime” time. I just got the 4-12x in (ordered this one from Bushnell due to availability) and I’m just as impressed as I was with the Nitro. They are cut from different cloth, each having advantages though sharing common traits so here’s my quick assessment of the Prime.

First the similarities: good, bright glass on par with a VX-2, smooth, easy to read turrets/power ring, and very little discernible backlash. Unlike the Nitro the Prime is built with a 1” tube, is noticeably lighter in weight, and is positively petite even for its magnification range. Eye relief, as with the Nitro, is very good throughout the power range and far more consistent than most scopes I’ve looked through at this price range.

Drawbacks: no sunshade which may hamper it due to the forward placement of the objective lens (not overly recessed within the bell). The other notable concern has to do with mounting for those lacking a 1-piece rail. The available real estate for ring placement is far smaller than I’m used to. I mocked it up on the 783 I had on hand and had no problems using the included 2-piece bases, each with 2 cross slot positions but your mileage may vary.

Overall I am impressed by the Prime and left wishing I’d ordered 2 or 3 more before the rebate period ended. Between rimfires and inexpensive hunting rigs I could easily see the Prime replacing a dozen other scopes that fall short of its performance and even at the non-rebate price it’s a bargain.


Front to back: Prime 4-12, Leupold 3-9, Nitro 5-20 (with 2 1/2” shade).


L to R: Prime, Leupold, Nitro.


The Prime up close. Elevation turrets are included for multiple calibers as well as a basic MOA turret and a field cap that covers things up if you’re a set and forget type.


Prime mounted on a barebones Remington with Burris Signature rings.

 

[DocRock]

The Prime is positively dainty compared to the hephalump of the Nitro! I shot the Patriot yesterday with the Nitro and I did notice that up at 18 -20 x there was some noticeable fade. Doesn't matter to me because I will never use such high magnification with that rifle, but, other than obesity, it's the only issue I have found with the Nitro.