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Rifle Scopes Bushnell HDMR, first hand impressions?

sentry1

Crayon Eater
Full Member
Minuteman
Jul 7, 2012
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Madison, Alabama
I've been wanting to move up from my Weaver 3-15 to something with a little more magnification, without emptying my wallet. The Bushnell HDMR was recommended, and I like the H58 reticle (in concept, I've never actually used one).

So, does anyone have any first hand opinions for or against this gear?
 
Re: Bushnell HDMR, first hand impressions?

definitely do a search, that particular scope has been discussed in depth. ive got two and plan to keep them. one h58 the other a g2
 
Re: Bushnell HDMR, (I beg to differ Mike...)

Sentry,
Go to the Horus website and to the Horus H59 reticle demo to understand HOW WELL this reticle works. It may look complicated but it's easy to use.

AND - you will not need to use your scope knobs nearly as much with the H 59 reticle (The H 58 has been superceeded by the better, wider H 59.) Competitors use it for speed with precision and the Army is beginning to use it as well in Leupold scopes.

Less knob turning means less wear on the knob internals.
 
Re: Bushnell HDMR, (I beg to differ Mike...)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: litehiker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sentry,
Go to the Horus website and to the Horus H59 reticle demo to understand HOW WELL this reticle works. It may look complicated but it's easy to use.

AND - you will not need to use your scope knobs nearly as much with the H 59 reticle (The H 58 has been superceeded by the better, wider H 59.) Competitors use it for speed with precision and the Army is beginning to use it as well in Leupold scopes.

Less knob turning means less wear on the knob internals. </div></div>

Less wear on the knob internals.....bahahahahahah thats a first.
 
Re: Bushnell HDMR, (I beg to differ Mike...)

^ that's funny..... But I have two of them (g2dmrs) and really like them
 
Re: Bushnell HDMR, (I beg to differ Mike...)

Between the G2 and the H58 reticle, price being equal (and assuming the H59 would cost me an extra $300), does the G2 offer any benefits vs the Horus reticle? I've looked at both, and I'm leaning towards the H58, since it has markings all the way out, and it seems like it would be easier to hold for windage and elevation simultaneously.
 
Re: Bushnell HDMR, (I beg to differ Mike...)

The Horus reticle would be great in the snow. However it washes out on most backgrounds. I use G2 on my AIAE and couldn't be happier, it is by far my favorite reticle design. Simple yet very effective.
 
Re: Bushnell HDMR, (I beg to differ Mike...)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boone</div><div class="ubbcode-body">.....Simple yet very effective. </div></div>

+1 Great scope, features, and performance for the $$$. I like the G2 reticle.
 
Re: Bushnell HDMR, (I beg to differ Mike...)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boone</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Horus reticle would be great in the snow. However it washes out on most backgrounds. I use G2 on my AIAE and couldn't be happier, it is by far my favorite reticle design. Simple yet very effective. </div></div>

^^^Not True^^^ At least not in my experience. I have 2 HDMRs, both with H59 reticles. I have never had the reticle "wash out" under any circumstances. As for the scope, it is the best on the market for the $$$ IMHO.
 
Re: Bushnell HDMR, first hand impressions?

Don't rule out the Bushnell Elite Tactical 6-24x50 FFP G2DMR (ET6245FG) either. Last I looked grabagun.com had it for $804 shipped. The glass in mine is quite good, the mil turrets are positive and the G2DMR, well, it really is that good. 19 mils of elevation. I think it's really an underrated and often overlooked scope.

Joe
 
Re: Bushnell HDMR, first hand impressions?

Just recently purchased the HDMR (H59). It is a phenomenal optic if you fully understand how to use it, especially for the $ when compared to high end scopes. Not to mention I got a great military discount from Horus Vision ($1300), Bushnell offers it for $1150 to LE/MIL but last I heard it is out of stock until March. The Army is starting to integrate the H58/H59 in Leupold optics. This is the future of reticles. The top hat design allows for extremely quick range estimation out to about 600-700 yards. Follow up shots are quick and accurate with little need to dial. Now, I guess if you're not in the business of hunting people this may not be the optic for you but it still definitely has it's place in target shooting as well. It may seem "busy" at first but it takes no time at all to appreciate what you can accomplish with this optic. You won't be disappointed.
 
Re: Bushnell HDMR, first hand impressions?

I was looking at the HDMR for the lower end 3.5x magnification. I'm told that the lower magnification is better for hunting, while the 20x will be good for target shooting at 600+ yards.

Then again, I'm looking at the Horus Falcon scopes now, since they have the H58/H59 reticles, plus illumination, without being very pricey.

I'll need to do some more research on the quality of the Horus Falcon scopes.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: scudzuki</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Don't rule out the Bushnell Elite Tactical 6-24x50 FFP G2DMR (ET6245FG) either.
Joe </div></div>
 
Re: Bushnell HDMR, first hand impressions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sentry1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was looking at the HDMR for the lower end 3.5x magnification. I'm told that the lower magnification is better for hunting, while the 20x will be good for target shooting at 600+ yards.

Then again, I'm looking at the Horus Falcon scopes now, since they have the H58/H59 reticles, plus illumination, without being very pricey.

I'll need to do some more research on the quality of the Horus Falcon scopes.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: scudzuki</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Don't rule out the Bushnell Elite Tactical 6-24x50 FFP G2DMR (ET6245FG) either.
Joe </div></div> </div></div>

I've read that the Falcons offer a lot of bang for the buck... if they stay in one piece.

Mile High has a used HDMR with H59 for $1200. Looks to have no ring marks, very clean. Dunno what Bushnell's policy is on warranty vs. original owner, though, if that concerns you.
used HDMR

Joe
 
Re: Bushnell HDMR, first hand impressions?

Good scope for the money. Not great glass, but it tracks well and the G2 reticle is superb. Perhaps it now beats NF as the best value for the money.
 
Re: Bushnell HDMR, first hand impressions?

I saw this and got excited when I was Googling earlier, but it appears to be sold already. /sadface

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: scudzuki</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Mile High has a used HDMR with H59 for $1200. Looks to have no ring marks, very clean. Dunno what Bushnell's policy is on warranty vs. original owner, though, if that concerns you.
used HDMR

Joe </div></div>
 
Re: Bushnell HDMR, first hand impressions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good scope for the money. Not great glass, but it tracks well and the G2 reticle is superb. Perhaps it now beats NF as the best value for the money. </div></div>

Exactly my thoughts. I have owned NF and currently own two PMII S&B's along with an HDMR with the G2 reticle and absolutely love the scope and reticle. I'm not a Horus fan. I prefer a clean uncluttered sight picture, but to each his own.
 
Re: Bushnell HDMR, first hand impressions?

i have been shooting them for 2 years now. Think I got the old 59s in mine. They have proven to be very duralble and work great. The Hours takes alot of time to get used to and to be fast with it. After about a year of shooting all holds I have now switch to shooting combination of holds and dialing. If it is a fast shot or multi targets at different distances i hold. If it movers, pop ups, or precise targets at one distance i dial. I did sell my SBs for these scopes at quite a profit. I was able to by three of these for the price of one SB. Locking turrets are huge benifit
 
Re: Bushnell HDMR, first hand impressions?

Good scope for the money. Tracks good, but eye box is a little touchy for me on 21x. For the money it may be the best thing going right now.

The G2 reticle is easy to use and comparable to my Premier Gen 2 XR..
 
Re: Bushnell HDMR, first hand impressions?

Buy one, you won't be sorry. I have the G2, the horus is a little busy for me under time constraint. The only complaint I have is the 5 mil turn turret. I lose track! Still the best scope for the money out there.
 
Re: Bushnell HDMR, first hand impressions?

I have 3 and think they are a good value for the money. Are they S&Bs? No, but then they dont claim to be or do they cost nearly as much. If I am a careful shopper I can land 2 HDMRs for the price of the S&B and hit the exact same targets.
I have a S&B as well as USOs, Nightforce and Leupold are also represented in my safe and Honestly, none are for sale. I like them all. I have managed to place well in multiple matches with every brand but I dont feel that any one would have improved my finish over the others,I am always the weak spot.
Will they Break? Yes! anything manufactured will break,if I own it odds are improved that it is going to get sideways. I have managed to break 2 TRG 22 triggers in Matches and a Stock on that same rifle, Broke 2 Harris Bipods in one ASC match, Broke off a bolt handle in a match, 2 badger actions extractors in different matches, a USO in a very wet match, a set of TPS rings when the cross bolt failed , pulled out a sling swivel from a
McMillan A5 and jacked up a NF windage adjustment. So i fully understand that top name brands can Break.
While not mine, I did witness an HDMR go tits up but the owner was made whole in the glass so for me its not an issue.
As the updated models come out ,I am sure I will land a few more of the HDMRs as, like I said, they are an excellent value.
I think the OP was asking about the scope more than the ret so i will only say,"Get what you like and what works for You" dont try to chase the cool kids. I personally run H59 in all 3 of mine but would gladly rock Georges ret as well. I Love my MPR from USO and it may be my most favorite ret of all, but also manage to place well with my NF mil ret. Seems everybody has a preference with rets. While some have axes to grind and are very adamant that their way is best. My advice, get behind a few and see what you like. And for Gods sake, help a guy when he asks but dont try to tell him what he needs or that your Ret choice is the best/only way.

Look here
http://www.facebook.com/teambushnelltactical
To see who is using the Scope, You will see a lot of scopes downrange by folks who can have anything they want. This says quite a bit about their confidence in the product in question.