Magnification: 3-9X
Power Variability: Variable
Objective Diameter: 40 mm
Length/Weight/Tube Diameter: 12 inches/13 ounces/1 inch
Field of View: 40 - 14 feet/100 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: 3.3 inches/13 - 4.4 mm
Reticle: Multi-X, Circle-X, Illum CF 500, MZ 200
Adjustment Info: 1/4 MOA/Click
Optics Coatings: Multi-Coated
Finish: Black Matte
Waterproof/Shockproof: Yes/Yes
Parallax Setting: 100 yards
Airgun rated: No
Illuminated Reticle: No
Mounting Rings Included: No
Best Uses: Big Game Hunting, Varmint Hunting, Target Shooting
Bushnell Banner 3-9X40 Review
This Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9X40 rifle scope with Multi-X reticle is one of the most popular, economical rifle scopes around. The Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) Coating used on this scope is Bushnell’s proprietary process which results in optimal focus, sharpness, and clarity during those low light moments. The scope is also shock, fog and waterproof which means nothing is stopping you hunting on a drizzly dawn or a damp dusk – except the call of a warm, dry bed!
These scopes rarely have any problems considering their bottom dollar price tag, and that's because they're not bottom quality scopes. While you could say that this rifle scope is satisfactory for its cost, you can't debate the fact that actual buyers and users of the Dusk and Dawn scope gave it an imposing rating online.
I decided to review this particular Dusk & Dawn 3-9X40 scope because it's definitely the most popular Banner scope to date, and it's under $100! Hot on its tails is the 4-12X40 model with about just as many reviewers online giving it a solid rating also. But, the 3-9X40 is just barely cheaper than the 4-12X40 model, which gives it a bit of an edge for those looking for a budget-friendly scope.
You really can't beat an under $60 sale price online for a scope of this surprisingly satisfying quality, which is why it made our list of the top rifle scopes under $100.
But, if you're concerned about what a roughly $60 scope can't do, kick out the negativity and make room for positivity. With the following Q&A, you're about to be well-pleased about what you can stock your freezer with for around $60.
Pros:
- Price
- Multiple reticles available
- Illuminated reticle available
- Weather/Shock proof
- Multi-coated lenses
Cons:
- Quality control issues
Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9X40 Rifle Scope Q&A:
What is the Multi-X Reticle on the Banner 3 scope ?
This Bushnell riflescope has the Multi-X reticle that is your typical duplex style cross hair. Nothing fancy, no frills, and no distractions. Sometimes that's exactly what a hunter wants. Less is more.
Another available reticle with this model is MZ 200 with BDC for all-around big game hunting. The other is the Circle-X that looks just like the Multi-X, except for the thicker cross hairs meet to form a circle around the center point. While it seems the Multi-X is more popular than the Circle-X reticle, the Circle-X is still more popular than the illuminated CF500 reticle that's available on the Banner scope.
Although you can get green and red cross hairs with a basic BDC on it too, it seems hunters who go for the Dusk & Dawn scopes want to keep it simple without throwing in any illumination to mess with their hunting chi.
Are there any other finishes with Bushnell's 3-9X40 model?
The finish for the 9x40 banner rifle scope is a matte black, which is standard for nearly all rifle scopes with every brand in the market today. With the Multi-X reticle, this is the only finish that's available for the 3-9X40. However, the Dawn & Dusk scope with the Circle-X reticle has the very popular Realtree AP finish.
It does drive up the price a little bit but is still under $100. In fact, that rifle scope has an impressive rating online, I'm thinking it must have something to do with the rad finish...? Either way, the impressive ratings and reviews I'm seeing for the Banner range across the board are starting to reveal a very positive pattern.
How good can the lens really be for a roughly $60 scope?
I heard you thinking this question a mile ago before you started thinking it. It has multi-coated lens - something you don't ever see for less than $100, and you might be lucky enough to find multi-coated below $200. The Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) coatings give it crystal clear vision that's needed for those low light hunting hours.
For such a cheap scope it has more than what you'd expect.
Will the Bushnell 3-9X40 hold up to recoil?
There seems to be a lot of concern online about how well this Banner 3 rifle scope will hold up to recoil. Many people are jumping on to ask about whether it'll hold up to their AR, .308, .270, etc. Bushnell made this scope to withstand the heavy recoil of larger caliber bullets and long rifles. You just have to make sure that you're properly mounting the scope with the right mounting system, rings, and clamps if necessary.
Bushnell built this scope, especially the model with the MZ 200 reticle, for many slug rifles, including the .375 H&H. The MZ 200 model with the 6 inches of eye relief more than satisfies the hundreds of hunters out in the field with a Banner scope today.
Does this Banner 3 have an external parallax adjustment feature?
This 3-9X40 riflescope doesn't have a parallax adjustment feature. And, it would be uncommon to come across a rifle scope that does have one for such low magnifications. But, there is an affordable Banner Dusk & Dawn rifle scope that does have an AO (Adjustable Objective) feature to correct for parallax that's still less than $100 online.
The 4-12X40 mm model has the AO that hunters love - made evident by the over 70 reviewers online giving it an awesome rating. If you're wanting to go a little bigger than the 3-9X40, the 4-12X40 with the AO is a great buy! Otherwise, check out some of our other scope reviews here, you might find some more affordable scopes with an AO among those.
Noteworthy Features:
- 3X zoom for versatility for all hunters in all environments
- DDB multi-coatings for clarity, focus, and sharpness
- Available with 6" of eye relief to clear heavy recoil
- Available with AO feature on the 4-12X model
- Positive 1/4 MOA clicks with numbered, finger-adjustable, and reset-zero turrets
- Light-weight and compact for field hunting and scouting
- Easy to mount, super fast and simple to sight in
Our Verdict on Bushnell's Banner 3-9X40 Scope
According to the bull's-eye, the Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9X40 scope can get you dead on-if you can get it zeroed in. Apparently, defective scopes have made it past quality control and in the hands of dependent hunters. However, it doesn't seem to be the Banner line's track record. It's made it as one of the Top 100 Best Seller Rifle Scopes. For under 100 bucks, this Bushnell is a winner!
With a few bucks more, you could land yourself the cool Trophy XLT Bone Collector Edition 3-9X40 rifle scope. With the DOA 600 reticle, you'll have 600 yards of ballistic holdovers. Not too shabby for $100 aye?
Even more impressive is Barska's Huntmaster Pro 3-12X50 with an illuminated reticle. You won't even have to spend more than a single hundred on this baby. We're dead serious. You've gotta see it to believe it!
The Banner line is Bushnell's bread and butter scope. If you're ready to serve up dinner with the elk you want to tag on your next hunt, sweep up a Banner for your next dusk to dawn hunt!
Further Reading
