Magnification: 3-12X
Power Variability: Variable
Objective Diameter: 44 mm
Length/Weight/Tube Diameter: 13.4 inches/24.4 ounces/30 mm
Field of View: 34.8 - 8.96 feet/100 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: 3.74 inches/12.1 - 3.7 mm
Reticle: G2H
Adjustment Info: Mrad/Click
Optics Coatings: Fully Multi-Coated
Finish: Black Matte
Waterproof/Shockproof: Yes/Yes
Parallax Setting: 50 yards+
Airgun rated: No
Illuminated Reticle: No
Mounting Rings Included: No
Best Uses: Big Game Hunting, Varmint Hunting, Target Shooting, Tactical Use
This Elite LRHS 3-12x44 with G2H reticle has been discontinued by Bushnell but our line up of the best tactical scopes offers up some great alternatives.
Bushnell Elite Long Range Hunting Scope
This Bushnell Elite LRHS 3-12X44 rifle scope has helped to change the way long range hunters and tactical shooters regard the optics company. While Bushnell specializes in budget scopes, with the Elite they have also proven their workmanship in the long range, and tactical world too.
Every once and a while there's a hunter who wants to push his equipment just a little bit harder, to test his scope just a little bit further, and wants to hunt with just a little more skill. This long range hunting scope is Bushnell's answer to that innate need.
While I've also featured two more affordable Bushnell rifle scopes, for the realistic working man's budget, I thought we'd splurge a little and explore what Bushnell thinks we want in a maximum distance hunting scope.
There's a lot more to go into a scope that's designed for the long range shot. With such a jump in feature quality compared to the more inexpensive scopes, let's see how well this LRHS is equipped for the job.
Pros:
- Tactical reticle
- High quality coatings
- Weather/Shock proof
- 30 mm tube
- Parallax turret
Cons:
- No illuminated reticle
- No MOA clicks
Elite LRHS 3-12X44 Rifle Scope Q&A:
Does this have a hunting reticle or a tactical reticle?
This Elite rifle scope has the G2H reticle that is in the first focal plane and can be used at any magnification range. That's a bonus feature that more hunters are turning to in high-end scopes that is consequently ending the days of being limited to using ballistic reticles on only the highest magnification setting.
The "Christmas Tree" style mil dot reticle is visible enough to use without having to make any adjustments to the turrets. But, the most obvious feature of the reticle is the gaping "circle of death" that takes up 4 mrad of space on the lens.
The G2H reticle is a tactical and a hunting reticle combined to allow you to take out that deer at 75 yards or make tight group precision shots at 600 yards.
Is the Bushnell LRHS scope factory-set for parallax?
Although this Elite rifle scope is at the lower end for magnification ranges for the long range hunting scope, it still comes with a side focus for parallax correction. When you're ranging out past 8-10X zoom, you're going to want to be able to adjust for parallax if that occurs.
Is the LRHS waterproof?
Absolutely! Since Bushnell's inexpensive rifle scopes are fully waterproof, you'd better be told that this one is too. It's 100 percent waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof.
On top of its weather-proof abilities, it has HD optics that are protected by Bushnell's RainGuard technology and Ultra Wide Band lens coatings. All these fancy terms mean that rain drops, mud, dirt, and dust won't have a fighting chance to stick to the lens. Nothing is going to get in the way of you and your trophy.
Does this Bushnell 3-12X44 have a zero stop?
The elevation turret on this Bushnell LRHS has RevLimiter technology that allows you to easily return to your original zero no matter how many mrads you've strayed off course. You don't have to remember how many clicks you made here or how many you made there, your original zero will always be there.
How much does this rifle scope cost?
Bushnell's leading-edge long range hunting scope will require some deep pockets, running you into the ground approximately $1200.
Because it's such a high-ticket item, a lot of independent and online sellers will provide free shipping for standard delivery anywhere in the United States. If you're looking to buy internationally, there will be extra shipping costs. However, Bushnell does have retailers in every continent and every major country in the world.
Is this a compact Bushnell scope?
If you're trying to compare this champion long range hunting optic with a little, bitty sub-200 yard scope, that wouldn't be a fair comparison. This Bushnell Elite scope weighs in at a heavy 24.4 ounces and is as long as 13.4 inches. While it's bigger than many 3-12X40 models, the Bushnell Trophy XLT 4-12X40, and even the 6-18X50 model, you're getting a heck of a lot more quality, coatings, side focus lens, and fiber optics in the glass.
For all the glass perks you're getting, I think wanting a lighter scope that's only going to be a few ounces less, makes you a baby. Its weight and compactness? - non-issue.
- EXO Barrier Anti Water-Fog, Smudge Debris: Bushnell’s premiere protective lens coating repels water, oil, fog dust and debris
- Fully-Multi Coated Optics: Multiple layers of anti-reflective coating enable superior light transmission and bright images
Does this rifle scope measure in 1/4 MOA clicks?
No. The LRHS has the G2H reticle that's measured in Mrads or Milradian increments. This is more of the European style measuring system. The tactical turrets are also going to feature the same mrad style set up to be able to match the measuring system in the reticle.
While this might be a downer for those of you that are used to the MOA system, it might still be worth giving it a try. While it may be a new learning opportunity, this system is fairly easy to use once you've got the hang of it.
Is this reticle illuminated?
Unfortunately, the G2H reticle doesn't illuminate and this model doesn't have an illuminated counterpart.
That's a shame since sometimes that lit-up reticle can make all the difference in low light conditions and especially extreme long range shots. If you're worried about being able to see the reticle for your 400 yard first-shot only-shot targeting, don't be too worried. The G2H reticle is located in the first focal plane.
You're going to be able to see the reticle increase in size relative to the target as you increase magnification for that distance. While the lack of illumination isn't a big deal to most of you, it still would've been nice to see it come with the option to have it. If lack of illumination is a deal-breaker for you, check out our other picks of the best rifle scopes, many of those have illuminated reticles.
Noteworthy Features:
- 4X zoom for ultimate versatility for long range hunters
- Fully multi-coated lens, RainGuard HD protection, and Ultra Wide Band coatings for pristine clarity and fully-enhanced image quality
- Side focus for parallax correction
- Amazing 95% light transmission for quality low light hunting
- Tactical plus hunting G2H Mrad reticle
- Positive finger-tip adjustable Mrad clicks with reset-zero tactical turrets
- 4 Mrad circle at center of cross hair for almost-instant target acquisition at any zoom
- 2" sunshade included
- 100% fog-proof, shockproof, and waterproof for all-weather survival in harsh conditions
- Robust and solid 30 mm tube body for increased scope adjustment travel
- First focal plane reticle allows for distance ranging and target acquisition at any magnification
- Backed by Bushnell's No Questions Asked Lifetime Warranty
Our Verdict on the Elite Long Range Hunter Scope
According to the bull's-eye, the Bushnell Elite LRHS scope can pump out precision shots if you have the skill. Bushnell certainly went above and beyond to make this top-of-the-line scope. However, for its high price, you would hope to see a few more perks like an illuminated reticle. It's also a downer that you would have to become accustomed to Mrad adjustments versus MOA.
If spending a grand just isn't in the budget right now, then you need something cheaper. We've got you covered. The Trophy XLT Bone Collector Edition 3-9X40 scope is a heck of a lot cheaper. Granted, you're not getting the extra reach or the slightly larger objective. But, you can still have the option of getting a 600 yard ballistic reticle for those long range shots.
If you've got the grand to spend on a rifle scope, then we have to tell you about the Swarovski Z3 4-12X50 BT scope. You're getting serious long range distances with this unit. Do we even need mention that it's a Swaro? We think you need to stroll past that review if you're going to spend your grand wisely.
What makes a hunter an elite hunter? Having a Bushnell Elite on your rifle. It's that simple. If you want to set yourself apart from the rest, mount something worth mounting!
This Elite LRHS 3-12x44 with G2H reticle has been discontinued by Bushnell but our line up of the best tactical scopes offers up some great alternatives.
Further Reading
