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Choose a rifle scope by distance, tube size and reticle

By the Plain Prepper editors. Updated 2026-10-18.

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Quick answer

Pick magnification for your distances, then match rings to the tube diameter. Bushnell's R3 3-9x40 is a 1 inch tube with a DOA Quick Ballistic reticle marked to 600 yards. The R5 4-12x40 adds an illuminated reticle with drop points to 800 yards, side focus and target turrets. The R5 1-6x24 starts at 1x with 110 ft of field of view at 100 yards and uses a 30 mm tube. All three are IPX7 waterproof, second focal plane and covered by Bushnell's lifetime warranty.

What the numbers mean

A scope name like 3-9x40 gives the magnification range (3x to 9x) and the objective lens diameter (40 mm). Bushnell lists field of view at each end: the R3 3-9x40 sees 37.5 ft at 100 yards on 3x and 13 ft on 9x. Lower magnification gives a wider view for close, moving targets; higher magnification helps at longer range.

Low-power, mid-range or longer range

Bushnell's R5 1-6x24 starts at 1x, with 110 ft of field of view at 100 yards, and a reticle with 22 MOA of total elevation drop marks. The R3 3-9x40 covers a common middle range with drop points out to 600 yards. The R5 4-12x40 reaches 12x with drop points and 5 and 10 mph wind holds out to 800 yards.

Match the scope to where you actually shoot rather than the longest shot you can imagine.

Tube diameter and rings

Scope rings are sized to the tube. Bushnell lists a 1 inch tube on the R3 3-9x40 and R5 4-12x40, and a 30 mm tube on the R5 1-6x24. Buy rings or a mount in the right diameter for the rail or bases already on your rifle, and follow the mount maker's torque instructions.

Eye relief is how far your eye sits behind the scope. Bushnell lists 3.7 inches on the R3 3-9x40 and 4.0 inches on both R5 models.

Reticle, illumination and turrets

All three are second focal plane, per Bushnell. The R3 uses a non-illuminated DOA Quick Ballistic reticle. Both R5 models add an illuminated reticle with off positions between settings and run on an included CR2032 battery.

Bushnell lists 0.25 MOA clicks on all three, capped turrets on the R3 and capped target turrets on the R5 models, plus side focus on the R5s. Adjustment range is 65 MOA (R3), 70 MOA (R5 4-12x40) and 120 MOA (R5 1-6x24).

Weather and weight

Bushnell rates all three IPX7 waterproof and recoil tested, with an EXO Barrier lens coating that it says repels water, oil, dust and debris. Weights are 14.6 oz (R3 3-9x40), 19.6 oz (R5 4-12x40) and 17.3 oz (R5 1-6x24).

Glass and coatings

Bushnell lists multi-coated lenses on the R3 3-9x40 and says they deliver bright, crisp images in low light. The R5 models step up to what Bushnell calls HD glass with fully multi-coated optics for dawn and dusk. All three carry the EXO Barrier protective coating.

Each model has its own manual on Bushnell's product page, listed by product ID: BU-R3-3940S11, BU-R5-41240S25 and BU-R5-1624S26. Read the manual for the exact model before mounting, and keep the lens caps on when the rifle is cased.

Safety when mounting and zeroing

Mount and adjust a scope only on an unloaded rifle. Project ChildSafe says firearms should be unloaded when not in use and to keep your finger off the trigger until you intend to shoot. At the range, NSSF says to be sure of your target and what is beyond it, and that all shooters should wear shooting glasses and hearing protection. See our shooting targets guide and rifle case guide.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

What does 3-9x40 mean on a scope?

3x to 9x magnification with a 40 mm objective lens. Bushnell's R3 3-9x40 shows 37.5 ft at 100 yards on 3x and 13 ft on 9x.

What size scope rings do I need?

Rings that match the tube diameter: 1 inch for the Bushnell R3 3-9x40 and R5 4-12x40, 30 mm for the R5 1-6x24.

Is an illuminated reticle worth it?

It lights the aiming point. Bushnell's R5 models add illumination with off positions between settings and run on a CR2032 battery; the R3 is non-illuminated.

Are these scopes waterproof?

Bushnell rates all three IPX7 waterproof and recoil tested.

How much elevation adjustment does each scope have?

Bushnell lists 65 MOA on the R3 3-9x40, 70 MOA on the R5 4-12x40 and 120 MOA on the R5 1-6x24, each with 0.25 MOA clicks.

Sources

• R3 3-9x40 Riflescope (bushnell.com), Bushnell
• R5 4-12x40 Riflescope with Illuminated DOA-LRH800 (bushnell.com), Bushnell
• R5 1-6x24 Riflescope with Illuminated DD2-QA (bushnell.com), Bushnell
• Rules of Firearms Safety (nssf.org), NSSF
• Ten Tips for Firearm Safety in Your Home (projectchildsafe.org), Project ChildSafe (NSSF)

Sources checked 2026-10-18.