The Bushnell Banner 2 3-9x40 riflescope is a popular choice among hunters and shooters seeking a reliable and affordable optic. This review delves into its performance, features, and overall value, helping you decide if it's the right scope for your needs.
Performance and Optics
The Banner 2 3-9x40 boasts fully multi-coated lenses, a feature contributing significantly to its excellent light transmission. Even in low-light conditions, image clarity remains impressive, making it suitable for dawn and dusk hunting scenarios. The 3-9x magnification range offers versatility, allowing for close-range shots and longer-range accuracy. Target acquisition is generally quick and easy, aided by a clear, bright sight picture. While not at the level of high-end scopes, the optical clarity is surprisingly good for its price point.
However, it's important to acknowledge that chromatic aberration (color fringing) can be noticeable at the edges of the field of view, particularly at higher magnification. This is a common trait in scopes within this price range and shouldn't be a deal-breaker for most users, but it's worth keeping in mind.
Build Quality and Durability
The Bushnell Banner 2 is constructed with a durable, one-piece tube, offering decent resistance to shock and recoil. It's rugged enough for most hunting applications, but it's not designed for extreme abuse. The overall feel is solid, but some users have reported minor issues with the scope's adjustments over time, requiring occasional re-zeroing. This is again, fairly common in scopes in this category. While not a tank, it will withstand the rigors of average hunting and shooting use.
Features and Adjustments
The scope features capped turrets, which are a practical choice for preventing accidental adjustments in the field. The adjustments themselves are precise and tactile, providing good feedback during zeroing. The included sunshade is a thoughtful addition, providing some protection and improving contrast. The overall design is straightforward and functional, minimizing unnecessary complexities.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for money: The Bushnell Banner 2 3-9x40 offers impressive performance considering its price.
- Good light transmission: Multi-coated lenses provide clear images even in low light.
- Versatile magnification range: Suitable for various hunting and shooting situations.
- Durable construction: Built to withstand typical recoil and field use.
- Precise adjustments: Easy and accurate zeroing.
Cons:
- Chromatic aberration: Noticeable color fringing at higher magnification, particularly at the edges.
- Occasional re-zeroing: Some users report needing to re-zero the scope after extended use.
- Not the most robust: It's not built for extreme use or harsh conditions.
Final Verdict
The Bushnell Banner 2 3-9x40 is a solid performer that punches above its weight class in terms of optical performance and build quality. While it has some minor drawbacks, such as chromatic aberration and the occasional need for re-zeroing, these are generally acceptable compromises for its price point. If you are a hunter or shooter on a budget seeking a reliable and versatile riflescope, the Bushnell Banner 2 3-9x40 is a worthy contender and a strong recommendation. For those who require more ruggedness and superior optical performance, higher-end models should be considered.
