Here's a quick look at Bushnell's Elite Tactical 2.5-16x42
I just received the scope so these are a few of my initial impressions. I have not had the opportunity to put it through it's paces yet, but will update when I get to do so.
- Very reasonably priced considering its construction and features, (Bushnell has a $75 rebate on their Elite line) good buys including open box can be had with the first figure starting at (5)
-Made in Japan (as expected)
-Includes: 3" aluminum sunshade (heavy), hex key for resettable zero target turrets, manual, bikini strap covers
-Standard Lifetime Elite "Bullet Proof" warranty (transferrable, no receipt required etc...)
Parallax is controlled by a side adjustment knob that slides an ocular lens into focus down to 10 yards (pretty versatile) The indexing marks are as follows:
10
20
30
40
50
60
75
100
150
300
Infinity
I have tested the parallax at its lower settings and works exceptionally well (the lower indexing marks appear accurate, I have yet to check the complete range. Glass is able to focus at very close ranges as well.
***
Weight
The Elite Tactical weighs significantly more than its 6500 series brother, in excess of a 1/4 pound. In fact, it also weighs more than the 50mm version as well. Bushnell's CS stated that the tube (although both 30mm) is significantly more robust on the Tactical model (thus contributing to the additional weight).
It is my understanding that Bushnell has an issue with how they advertise the measurements of their internal adjustments as they produce rifle scopes that use azimuth adjustments in Mil, MOA and IPHY.
The advertised total elevation adjustment on this model is 120 IPHY
On this model each turret rotation displaces 12 MOA in 1/4 increment clicks.
* I ran through all of the elevation and it actually appears to be even more than this. There are 11 indexed levels, however the turrets rotate almost 3/4 of a turn above and below the outermost index lines. If this is usable elevation remains to be determined...
* Strange observation- the windage turret appears to produce firmer, more audible and positive clicks than the elevation turret...? Not the best I've handled, but suitable. Sounds like a QC issue perhaps. Something to note, not bad enough o complain.
Reticle-
10 Mil dot, thin crosshair
Second focal plane
Calibrated to be accurate at 10x
Glass-
Fully multi coated
Rainguard HD
Argon purged
Optically very decent- I would categorize it as utilitarian. I am not bothered by any lack of quality in its glass. It might not impress the likes of those who tip their nose up to anything inferior to zeiss, but for me, its clear enough to get just about any job done. It captures adequate light, produces vivid resolution, detail and what appears to be enough contrast as well (from the limited time I have spent with it. I will test in the near future its ability to detect holes on paper).
Tracking and Maintaining Zero - to be determined
Here's a quick through through-the-scope pic
I apologize for the crappy setup, I will follow up with some tighter, longer range views when I get the opportunity.
