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Bushnell Trophy XLT Bone Collector Edition 3-9X40 Rifle Scope Review


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bushnell trophy xlt multi x reticle riflescope bone collector edition 3-9x-40mm
Image Credit - Bushnell

Magnification: 3-9X
Power Variability: Variable
Objective Diameter: 40 mm
Length/Weight/Tube Diameter: 13 inches/14.3 ounces/1 inch
Field of View: 33 - 11 feet/100 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: 5 inches/13.3 - 4.4 mm
Reticle: Multi-X, DOA 600
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, Tactical Use

Unfortunately the Bushnell Trophy XLT Bone Collector 3-9x40 rifle scope has been discontinued. An alternative you might be interested in is the Bushnell Trophy 3-9x40mm Multi-X reticle scope. You can check it out at Bushnell & Amazon.

Bushnell Trophy XLT 3-9X40

The Bushnell Trophy XLT 3-9X40mm Bone Collector Edition rifle scope is the leading Trophy XLT rifle scope online to date. It features fully-multi coated optics and is available with a choice of two reticles, the Multi-X or the DOA 600. Waterproof, fog-proof and shock-proof, this scope comes complete with Butler Creek flip-open scope covers. It is an easy to mount, simple to sight in and fast focusing all-purpose hunting optic.

Bushnell's Trophy line has been upgraded to perform better than ever while still fitting the budget of a cost-conscious shooter. Online users seem to think so too, giving the Bone Collector rifle scope a solid rating.

I wanted to review this scope to see what made it worthy of its popularity status. While there were other very admirable scopes in the Trophy XLT line, this one caught my attention. But, just because we're going over the techs and specs of the Bone Collector, I won't ignore the loud ovations the competing Trophy scopes have earned.

If you're just as enthralled by the name "Bone Collector" as I am, then you won't have any problem whizzing through the intriguing Q&A.

Pros:

  • Price
  • High quality coatings
  • Weather/Shock proof
  • Fast-focus
  • Excellent warranty

Cons:

  • SFP reticle

Bone Collector Edition 3-9X40 Rifle Scope Q&A:

What does DOA 600 mean?

Bushnell Multi-X Reticle
Bushnell Multi-X Reticle - (Image Credit - Bushnell)

This particular Bone Collector rifle scope has the Multi-X reticle that makes it popular with most hunters.

But, there is a reticle that the Bone Collector is also available with and that's the DOA 600 - Dead On Accurate at 600 yards. The DOA 600 is a ballistic reticle for precise bullet impacts out to 600 yards.

The most popular combination of Trophy and the DOA 600 reticle is actually also the 3-9X40 model.

With a near perfect customer satisfaction rating and for only around $120, you should recognize fantastic value when you see it.

How much eye relief does the XLT have?

This particular model has a good range of 5 inches of eye relief. That's plenty enough relief for you to slide your cheek on up and still get excellent image quality without knocking out your own eyeballs during recoil.

Although the 5 inches doesn't compare with the 6 inches of eye relief that's available with the Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9X40 with the MZ 200 reticle, it's still larger than the 3 to 4 inches that come standard on so many other riflescopes including those from big, world-famous brands.

How much light transmission is the scope capable of collecting?

The Bone Collector rifle scope has fully multi-coated lens - practically unheard of in this price range. With multiple coatings on every lens, 91 percent light transmission is guaranteed. Bushnell didn't skimp on glass quality with this model.

Bushnell Trophy Rifle Scope with Multi-X Reticle, Matte Black, 3-9 x 40mm
236 Reviews
Bushnell Trophy Rifle Scope with Multi-X Reticle, Matte Black, 3-9 x 40mm
  • Fully multi-coated optics and rain guard HD offer 91% light transmission in any weather
  • 100% waterproof, Fog proof and shockproof 1 inch one-piece tube construction with integrated saddle

Are there other models in the Trophy XLT series?

The Bone Collector rifle scope is a special edition of the XLT series that probably makes it more popular than it should be. But, there are other worthy companions in the Trophy XLT line. Since the inventory is so large, I'll name a few to get your tail wagging.

My highest recommendation would be the 4-12X40 with the DOA 600 reticle because of the high hits it has online, and of course for its low price and great features. It's also a great choice for more versatility in zooming-in on open environments, has the adjustable objectives to correct for parallax, and is also available with the Multi-X reticle.

Both of these 4-12X40 scopes are less than $180 and they are some of the most well-known budget scopes in the hunting and shooting community.

My next recommendation in the XLT line would be the 3-9X40 with the Multi-X reticle in the silver finish - it has quite a few reviewers and comes in at around $100. With an entire 11 models in the Trophy XLT line, there's bound to be one that'll do you right, and the Bone Collector is an all-round, all-purpose big game hunting scope for the serious or recreational hunter.

Does the Bone Collector scope come with a warranty?

This rifle scope is covered by Bushnell's Lifetime Limited Warranty that covers product defects in workmanship and materials.

Bushnell has a high reputation of taking care of their customers whenever the need arises.

Noteworthy Features:

  • 3X zoom for versatility for all hunters in all environments
  • Fully multi-coated lens for superb clarity, focus, and sharpness for this price range
  • Available with 5" of eye relief to clear heavy recoil
  • Amazing 91% light transmission for enhanced image quality in low light conditions
  • Positive 1/4 MOA clicks with numbered, finger-adjustable, and reset-zero turrets
  • Fast focus eyepiece for almost-instant target acquisition at any zoom
  • Butler Creek flip open covers included
  • 100% fog-proof, shockproof, and waterproof for all-weather survival in harsh conditions
  • Light-weight and compact for field hunting and scouting
  • Easy to mount, super fast and simple to sight in
  • Comes with Bushnell's Bulletproof 100% Money Back Guarantee
  • Backed by Bushnell's Lifetime Limited Warranty

Our Verdict on the Trophy XLT 3-9X40

According to the bull's-eye, the Bushnell Trophy XLT Bone Collector Edition riflescope is a dead on accurate optic, likely thanks to its Dead On Accurate (DOA) 600 yard reticle! It was extremely difficult to find a legitimate complaint about this excellent and dependable scope which is why we gave it a spot on our list of the best rifle scopes under $100.

bushnell trophy xlt with flip up scope covers
Image Credit - Bushnell

In the end, the only thing I could even come close to whining about was the most commonly used second focal plane reticle can only use it at max magnification. Even this complaint is a far-stretched one, literally, hardly any issues at all.

Another fantastic Bushnell scope is the Elite LRHS 3-12X44 riflescope. Yes, yes, it might be measured in Mrad clicks, but still, it's worth checking out if you think you can afford it. The tactical ballistic reticle will have you right on the money every single shot-not that we're placing bets or anything, wink wink!

However, a few bucks more can land you the extremely popular Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X40 riflescope. You'll have no buyer's remorse with this unit. It's sassy, accurate, and sleek. It's a beaut!

Bushnell has always been a favorite brand. Why? They're dependable when you want to spend bottom dollar. You can always expect high quality for as little cost as possible!

Unfortunately the Bushnell Trophy XLT Bone Collector 3-9x40 rifle scope has been discontinued. An alternative you might be interested in is the Bushnell Trophy 3-9x40mm Multi-X reticle scope. You can check it out on Bushnell & Optics Planet.

Further Reading

Photo of author

Simon Cuthbert - Founder

Simon is an avid outdoor enthusiast and the founder of Target Tamers. He is passionate about bringing you the most up to date, accurate & understandable information on sports optics of all kinds and for all applications. Simon has contributed to notable publications online and teaches beginners the technical side of optics through his extensive library of optics guides.

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