Magnification: 3-9X
Power Variability: Variable
Objective Diameter: 32 mm
Length/Weight/Tube Diameter: 8.11"/13.9 oz/1"
Field of View: 37.7-14 feet/100 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: 4.2-3.2"/10.6-3.6 mm
Reticle: TRE mil-dot
Adjustment Info: Mil-dot/1/4 Click
Optics Coatings: Unknown
Finish: Black/Matte
Waterproof/Shockproof: Yes/Yes
Parallax Setting: Yes/AO
Airgun rated: Yes
Illuminated Reticle: Yes
Mounting Rings Included: Yes
Best Uses: Big Game Hunting, Varmint Hunting, Small Game Hunting, Target Shooting, Tactical Use
UTG 3-9X32 AO BugBuster Scope Review
All too often, you may come across a cheap rifle scope and assume it's a junker. Well, welcome to UTG who offers quality scopes for cheap prices. When you see their low prices, it's no joke. They offer their optics at wholesale prices ensuring that anyone around the world can get their hands on their product while also making it an affordable option.
The UTG BugBuster rifle scope is no kids toy. For an AR-15 scope under $100, it's been loaded with features that you'd typically only see on high-end scopes. For example, it has parallax adjustment with its AO feature that can be fine-tuned to as a close as 3 yards.
You're also getting the RGB Swat Illumination that offers various brightness settings to really improve either daytime and low light shooting for any lighting condition you may find yourself or your target in. The reticle itself is a 9 dot wire range estimating duplex that UTG has named the Tactical Range Estimating(TRE) mil-dot reticle. With 9 dots on either side of the windage and elevation crosshairs, you have a total of 18 dots, plus the center and inner edges of the duplex crosshairs to bring a total of 21 dots for adjustment.
For further evidence of premium features, this scope also has lockable turrets with a zero-reset feature to maintain your zero no matter how many adjustments you make. If that's not enough, UTG also throws in free mounting rings in the purchase. Now that's how you get more bang for your buck!
When it comes to approval from the masses, the positive reviews say it has it. For a scope under $100, it sure does earn its place in the market. However, counterfeits and defective scopes have sure left a sour taste in the UTG buying market. But, we have more to say on that below. For now, the price and functionality you get out of the BugBuster is worth the risk in buying it!
Pros:
- Price
- Zero-rest/lockable turrets
- Swat illumination
- TS platform
- Included rings
Cons:
- Quality control issues
- Limited life
UTG's 3-9X32 AO BugBuster Rifle Scope Q&A:
What are the Quality Control Issues?
The BugBuster has been criticized by buyers for a various defective features such as broken turrets, misaligned reticles, and inability to zero the scope to the rifle. However, UTG offers The Best Never Rest Lifetime Warranty that guarantees optics that "are free from defects in material and workmanship." If your product isn't up to par, send it back.
What does Limited Life mean?
Users say that they've only been able to get about a year or two maximum of use from the rifle scope. While this is a negative, since you don't plan on replacing scopes this often, it's a rifle scope that does last a lot longer than many other cheap scopes in the market.
What is the Swat Illumination on the BugBuster Scope?
The RGB Swat Illumination is the illuminated reticle. RGB stands for Red, Green, and Black. You can adjust the intensity of the both the red and green illuminated options by using the side turret for illumination control.
What Batteries does the BugBuster Require?
To take advantage of the illuminated reticle, the BugBuster scopes includes the CR1620 3V battery. Without the battery, the scope continues to function with the black reticle only.
What is the UTG TS Platform?
UTG has outfitted the BugBuster rifle scope with the True Strength scope platform that has been designed with their smart spherical structure (SSS). This process ensures a tough and strong tube to secure precise and accurate adjustments through the most harshest recoil you can dish out.
Who is UTG?
UTG and Made-in-USA UTG PRO are both brands owned by Leapers, Inc.
They have gained worldwide recognition and participate in both the SHOT SHOW in the USA and IWA SHOW in Europe.
Leaper and UTG products are either made in one of their manufacturing facilities in either the USA or the UTG China Manufacturing Center.
How to Avoid UTG Counterfeits?
Unfortunately when there's something good in the market, there are almost always knock-offs too. To avoid purchasing a counterfeit UTG product, ensure you're buying from a licensed retailer. The product should never be shipped directly from an overseas retailer as UTG always ships FOB from Livonia, Michigan. The product should arrive in a well-designed retail package, not a plastic bag, and it should bear the item # and trademark logos and designs.
Is the BugBuster UTG Rifle Scope Air-Gun Rated?
The BugBuster is air-gun rated. UTG rigorously tested the BugBuster to ensure it will withstand both forward and reverse recoil for air guns as well as on "elephant rifles with extreme recoil." The parallax adjustment also caters for ranges that air gun users would require.
Noteworthy Features:
- Swat Illumination with RGB reticles
- TS Platform for tube strength and adjustment integrity
- Includes rings and removable sunshade
- Lightweight, compact, and air-gun rated
- AO parallax correction for as close as 3 yards
Our Verdict on the UTG BugBuster
According to the bull's-eye, the UTG 3-9X32 AO BugBuster rifle scope is a hit with the majority of the shooting crowd and has plenty of positive reviews. As a versatile and compact scope, it has the potential to be mounted to various rifles for a range of shooting activities. However, even for the price, you have to be aware of counterfeits and defective products.
Within its price range and features, you could compare the BugBuster to the CVLIFE 2.5-10X40e rifle scope. It doesn't have parallax correction, but it does have a gun sight laser to offer with illuminated reticle options to boot!
But, the Barska 3-12X50 IR Huntmaster Pro Rifle Scope currently holds our number one spot for the 'Best Rifle Scope Under 100' for its optical specs and quality features.
UTG knows how to appeal to buyers in the market with their quality products for low prices. With the versatile potential the BugBuster has to offer, it's no wonder it has hundreds of loyal followers behind it. Will you be one of them too?
Further Reading
