Three New Scope Lines?! Bushnell Prime, Nitro, & Forge Overview

You're looking at a one-company optics revolution. Not satisfied with merely the Herculean task of adding the Engage series of scopes last year, Bushnell has added three entire scope lines: the Bushnell Prime, Nitro, and Forge.
Equipment List:
1. Bushnell Forge 4.5-27x50mm MRAD FFP: bit.ly/2PULE2O
2. Bushnell Nitro 3-12x44mm MOA FFP: bit.ly/2S3nfMQ
3. Bushnell Prime 1-4x32mm SFP: bit.ly/2WducKh
4. Tasco 30mm 4-Hole Rings: amzn.to/2MtUKCH
5. Vortex 30mm 6-Hole Rings: amzn.to/2CHSxz7
6. Weaver 1" SPR Mount (Thumb Nut): amzn.to/2GTNa50
On the surface, the Bushnell Forge 4.5-27x50mm starts with a 30mm tube, exposed target turrets, side focus, and a 6x zoom ratio. Then you settle behind the rifle and see what a truly high quality hunting scope looks like. No tunneling. No resolution loss at the edges. Just bright, crystalline sharpness that aligns easily with the eye. You have a choice of SFP or FFP scope reticles, including the Bushnell Deploy FFP MOA and Bushnell Deploy FFP MRAD. Both have a "Christmas tree" setup like the excellent Horus H59 reticle. We'll be testing this scope on the 7mm-08 budget Axis I put together two years ago.
The Bushnell Nitro 3-12x44mm scope we're testing on a Ruger American borrows many of the qualities and features from the Forge, like the 30mm tube, audible turret clicks, and pretty image. It even includes the same Bushnell Deploy MOA and Bushnell Deploy MRAD reticles in the second focal plane or the first focal plane. Expect to lose a feature or two, however, like the target turrets, zero stop, and 6x zoom ratio.
Now we get to the Bushnell Prime, which delivers shocking value for your money. This 1-4x32mm model we're testing on a 458 SOCOM AR 15 (!) costs only $130, and it can apparently take a beating. All three scope lines (Prime, Nitro, and Forge) include IPX-7 waterproofing and Bushnell's EXO Barrier lens coating to prevent smudges and scratches.
Keep watching! We'll be testing each scope extensively to see if each really is the best hunting scope in its category!
If you want to see more videos like these, become a Patron of the Destructive Arts! For a buck or two a month, Patrons help keep the cameras running and receive sneak peeks and bonus footage. / thesocialregressive
Kyle Broderick, The Social Regressive

[@alexcurry5541]

Hey yall. Bass pro is doing a clearance on the nitros. Just picked up a 4-16 for 225.

[@SocialRegressive]

Thank you, Alex! I've pinned your comment to the top so everyone can see it.

[@mpeugeot]

Midway is doing the Nitro FFP 3-12x44 for $233 each with either MOA or Mil dot deploy reticle. If it's as he describes here, it should be a solid value. My previous favorite bargain scope was the Midway exclusive BSA 4-14x44 FFP mil-dot, so hopefully this will be as good with glass and tracking... Because the mil dot deploy reticle is awesome for holdovers.

[@garyjohns4711]

@@mpeugeot gezzus it better be better than a BSA lmfao

[@mpeugeot]

@@garyjohns4711 there is that one BSA scope that was a damn unicorn. Quite literally, it was the only one that really was different from the opaque glass and tracking so loose that it rattled that you normally associate with BSA.

[@garyjohns4711]

@@mpeugeot might as well go to Walmart and buy a Tasco/Centerline scopes!

[@TheLanden11]

That forage is a big step up from the Simmons 44 mag that was on that rifle.

[@adriandeklerk887]

Just got my Forge scope, 4.5 -27x50 FFP in MRAD. For the money this is a brilliant scope. It tracks like a demon, the zero stop is identical to the one on my HDMR2. The finishing touches like the sun shade, flip up covers, lens cloth and neoprene cover put this score streets ahead of the competition. The only form side is that once you get post 20x the image darkens out rather dramatically. This is only a problem if you are shooting in low light, in which case 20x works just fine.....

[@SocialRegressive]

Good points. We've only been out in direct sunlight so far. We'll have to try it at dusk.

[@allenkoz]

Excellent review- I just ordered the Forge 4.5-27 x 50 in the terrain finish which should look beautiful on my Savage High Country that I will be ordering. Can’t wait to get it and try it out!

[@jamtoz]

Hey! Funny that i come accross your comment, i am about To order that same exact setup! How do you like it? Did you order it in a magnum caliber?

[@OC_Lofton]

Thanks for the video. I agree with your assessment of the value of Bushnell's scopes. I own some of the Bushnell 1st Gen Drop Zone BDC/AR Optics (3-12x & 4.5-18x) and Trophy Xtremes/X30 (6-24x50; BDC DOA LR800). I really like all of my Bushnell scopes. I was quite disappointed to find that the Gen 1 AR Optics & the Trophy Xtreme (X30) line, not the original Trophy line, have been removed from Bushnell's website. I like the subtle upgrades to the new AR Optics line, however, I don't like the decision to completely remove the Trophy Xtremes. In my humble opinion, all the Trophy Xtreme line needed were updated reticle options (Mil-Dot Dot & other reticles found in the Engage, Prime & Nitro lines). I guess the Trophy Xtremes were cutting into the market of Bushnell's other scope lines. A Mil-Dot Dot reticle would also be a nice option for the new AR Optics line since the turrets are now 1/10 Milliradians vs the previous 1/4 MOA turrets. AR Optics give you a great image for a 40mm objective and the price.

[@SocialRegressive]

Heck yes. The updated Trophy and Trophy Xtreme shocked me with their resolution. The binoculars were much clearer than some of the Steiners I was checking out, and at only 1/3 the cost or so. Just like you, I was waiting for a Mil-Dot reticle on the Xtreme scopes. Too bad it never surfaced.

[@amorton94]

Well now that I know the turrets on the Forge lock, I wish I would have gone that route. Damn.

[@amorton94]

I actually just got the 50mm FFP Nitro last week. I went with the Nitro for the capped turrets. Felt that was a better fit for a "rugged" hunting rifle. Waiting on the rings to arrive to mount it on my hunting rifle. Feels fine, and the sunshade and lens caps were an added bonus.

[@SocialRegressive]

I think you're going to be very pleased with the Nitro. It's going to weigh a bit less than the Forge, and resolution and reticles are excellent. Which reticle did you pick? MOA or MRAD?

[@amorton94]

@@SocialRegressive I went with the MRAD. We'll see how it works. Bummed I missed out on saving another $100.

[@F53802]

Here in New Zealand we have to wait until March until we can get these scopes. I've pre-ordered my Forge FFP in mil rad. Fantastic review keep up the good work.

[@SocialRegressive]

Are you a hunter? Ya'll have some great game down there.

[@F53802]

The Social Regressive : I am definitely a hunter, as you know in New Zealand we have year round hunting, roll on the weekend. Where I live there are Fellow deer everywhere....... and I do like fresh venison. I'm going to mount a Forge on my RRA Predator Persuite so I can keep the bar-b-que going all year round👍😎

[@F53802]

The Social Regressive : I am definitely a hunter, as you know in New Zealand we have year round hunting, roll on the weekend. Where I live there are Fellow deer everywhere....... and I do like fresh venison. I'm going to mount a Forge on my RRA Predator Persuite so I can keep the bar-b-que going all year round👍😎

[@bradleytyrrell4417]

@@F53802 gday mate how are you finding your forge scope. I'm looking at getting the 3-18x50

[@F53802]

@@bradleytyrrell4417 Hiya Bradley. The scope is fantastic, the under boxing was a lot of fun as there is a whole lot of figures in there. The glass has excellent clarity, the turrets track superbly and it's just nice to shoot. I've had to take it of my AR15 and the scope is now mounted on my Howa 1500 with a GRS berserk stock.

[@emmettperkins844]

Just received my Bushnell Nitro 3x12x 44 today from Midway. Special Buy for $200.00. It’s in different color, a green, looks good .Feels like it has some heft to it. The glass does pull in the light, checked from the front door. Good Deal !!

[@SocialRegressive]

If you don't mind, let us know how it performs for you. Mine is rock-solid, and I'm curious to hear how others are doing.

[@emmettperkins844]

The Social Regressive I sure will. I may have to switch scopes if I don’t get what I’ve been researching, 25 06 in Remington 700 Sendero sf ii or Browning X Bolt Eclipse. Do you have any personal insight ?

[@mpeugeot]

Just saw these today with the FFP and Mil Dot Deploy reticle for $239. Ordered it and hoping it's a decent scope. The reticle is what I want, but I worry about the glass and tracking. I don't expect it to be as good as my HDMR, but I am hoping that it's better than my Midway BSA ffp 4-14x44 (which is a surprisingly excellent scope which used to be available at the same price).

[@ericb.4358]

Thanks for antechnically excellent and thorough review. Right, we ARE in an "Optic Renaissance". SWFA for example, gives you VERY good scopes for a real bargain price B/C they have NO middlemen and NO advertisement. Very good glass in particular, well designed mil reticles, FFP, side focus and quite rugged. (But no turret locks.) The use of CAD (computer-aided design) and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) in scope design and manufacture have been the driving forces behind this revolution. Plus new and optically VERY good but moderately-priced glass formulations and lens coatings have greatly aided this revolution. Then too some manufacturers even give you very durable turret gear sets made of harder, more wear-resistant metal. OK, so Bushnell designs all their scopes but does not actually manufacture their scopes. They are made in Japan (high end ELITE models) and China (Engage, Prime, Nitro and Forge). Let's hope Bushnell can maintain strict quality controls on the Chinese made scopes. Unfortunately Chinese sub-contractors often do not have nearly the same quality ethos that the Japanese companies do.

[@dfabove9108]

The Nitro & Forge are made in Korea,don't know about the others.

[@ericb.4358]

John, I'm very happy to hear that the Nitro and Forge scopes are Korean made. When I think of Korean quality I think of my wife's excellent Hyundai Elantra limited and well made Korean appliances.

[@vickhinton6608]

Good video and comments, would you rec the forge ffp for 22 lr target /plinking with the parallax being 25 yards onwards. once again good job and happy shooting.

[@SocialRegressive]

If you don't mind the weight and longer minimum parallax distance, then the Forge would be a great choice. You'll be able to get precisely onto small targets within 300 yards or so. Beyond that you'll probably run out of adjustment range.

[@ericb.4358]

I just purchased a Japanese made Bushnell Elite LRTS 4.5 - 18 x 44 with illuminated G3 small "Xmas tree" reticle. (FFP, mil/mil) It sits on my new 6.5PRC Browning X-Bolt Pro for long range hunting here in Nevada. PLEASE do a review of the new Nightforce NX 8, the illuminated reticle 2.5 - 20 x 50 scope. I may just replace my Bushnell LRTS with it.

[@austinsloan2997]

how does this compare to the tract toric 4-20ffp? is the glass on this anywhere in the ballpark of the schott glass on the Toric?

[@geologik7500]

Hopefully you can get some hands-on with the new Cabelas Covenant line, lots of dang good options in the budget category with tactical turrets and Xmas tree reticles

[@OC_Lofton]

The Covenant 7's are nice. If it had a partially illuminated reticle (around the reticle center) and was within $100 more of the current price, I would have at least purchased the 3-21x50. One starts to lose the full reticle between 14x and 16x. The 5-35x56 is more suitable in the SFP format. There's not much FFP ('reticle information'/subtension lines) left around the center at maximum power but having the center dot and glass clarity will allow for 'precise' shots at 35x.

[@SocialRegressive]

I've tried contacting Cabela's to request one. I'll have to try again.

[@OC_Lofton]

@@SocialRegressive Bass Pros in my area have more Covenant 7's available than the nearest Cabelas. Bass Pro has been my best option for availability.

[@amorton94]

On a second covenant scope now, after warrantying the first. Both have the same issue. They're garbage, and 100% not worth it since Cabela's is no longer going to stand behind their lifetime warranty. Parallax adjustment is junk, lens quality is poor, and according to the doorman at Cabela's, have a history of the reticle "falling out". Don't waste your time.

[@znutar]

I just tried a Covenant 5 FFP 5-25X...bottom line...okay but not for me. I mounted it in a LaRue C.A.N. QR mount and had serious problems with the side parallax. When clamping to LaRue specs (30 lbs). The parallax was completely non-functional (dial spun but no adjustment occurred). Adjusted down to the minimum spec recommended by Cabelas (22 lbs) and still had some issues especially beyond 100 yards (could not focus on a clay pigeon at 200 yards). Took it out to the range yesterday and zeroed. Primary issue was that when I tightened down the zero stop after zeroing (which went fine) I suddenly had a significant POI shift of at least 3 inches up and 1 inch right. Backed out the zero stop screws and re-zeroed and then very gently tightened them down but after about 10 rounds with my .308 the screws became slightly loose (did not use blue locktite...was at the range in 14 degree F weather). Got good groups but the scope seems entirely too fragile based and sensitive on my experience and will return. Have not had any issues with comparable scopes (Vortex Diamondback Tactical and Athlon Argos BTR).

[@mano0183]

Kyle, do you have a link to Midway so your channel gets credit? The link you provided in the notes is to Bushnell. Thanks

[@SocialRegressive]

Thanks for mentioning that. I've been neglecting signing up on their affiliate program. 'Bout time I fixed that.

[@gnarshread]

This us one if the most under subscribed channel on KZbin! Thank you Kyle for some great knowledge. I just picked up my first firearm designed to shoot over 500 yards. Any chance on a series for beginners?

[@SocialRegressive]

Thanks, gnarshread! What would you like to know? Rifle setup? Shooting techniques? Wind reading?

[@eggbert191]

Really putting out great content especially for budget minded folks.

[@F53802]

gnarshread : I agree, the Social Regressive is an outstanding site, Kyle's videos are well balanced and very informative.

[@gnarshread]

@@SocialRegressive Any help would be well received. What I'm finding hard to achieve is how to get behind a rifle comfortably when prone. Plenty of people talk about it but dont explain how to do it properly. I don't want to start out with bad habits.

[@magaman6353]

Most people have the gumption to recognize an infomercial as opposed to an honest evaluation.

[@silvers74]

thanks for doing a video showing the turret under the cap for the 1-4x prime. All the adds where it's sold and the Bushnell website don't show you the detail of the turrets. These are 10x better than the "finger adjustable" Banner line turrets. My use case is service rifle where I zero at 100yds and do adjustments for 200, 300, 600yds and back to 100 each match. we'll see how this holds up.

[@SocialRegressive]

Please let us know!

[@AlmightyThor82]

Do you have the product sku for the forge 4.5-27x 50 with the mil reticle?

[@ryancolling95]

Hi. I was wondering if the prime is a true 1* (good for shooting with two eyes open). I'm looking for a scope to run on my AR for all around use (hunting+ close range defense). Thanks! Love your channel.

[@SocialRegressive]

Thanks, Ryan! This model is indeed a true 1X. You'll see some barrel distortion of close-range objects at that magnification, but that's really common. The only 1X scope I've seen that didn't do it was a US Optics 1-6x.

[@ryancolling95]

@@SocialRegressive I appreciate it! How is the light collection for dawn/dusk shooting? Also is the eye box forgiving on low power?

[@pogeegitz]

Just picked up a 4x16 Nitro on a heck of a black Friday deal for $250. After watching this video and your your Savage build project series, I also ordered a Boyd heritage stock. Looking forward to my winter project of turning my Axis 30-06 into a tack-driving hunting rig.

[@SocialRegressive]

Wicked combo, Adam. You're gonna love the Heritage, and the Nitro is amazing. My one recommendation is to get the lowest rings you can find. The 30mm Weaver lows usually do the trick for me. Vortex makes a nice 4-hole set, too.

[@TSNOutdoors]

You gotta review some vortex scopes!

[@SocialRegressive]

I agree. I've gotten to try a couple, but not long enough to really give 'em a good once-over.

[@aaron9696]

He probably wants to but they’ve all been sent back for warranty work 🥴

[@funnyvidsdude1]

Would you still recommend the nitro? I’ve got an opportunity to buy a 6-24 one brand new for just under 300.

[@SocialRegressive]

Heck yes. It's a freak on the market, and I highly recommend it.

[@echosreloadingchamber7306]

I'm looking at a vortex Viper 6 by 24 by 50 millimeter. Price for this unit is around $600. It's going on a Ruger precision rifle in 308 Winchester. I'm sight impaired so the most Clarity is very important and a very strong power. Can I please get a recommendation on comparable options to what I listed and your recommendation. Thank you very much, Echo.

[@SocialRegressive]

That's a very fair price for a good scope. You might look at the Nikon FX1000, too I'm just now starting to test the 6-24x50mm MRAD FFP model, and it's wonderful. The SIG Tango 4 might be a great option. And then the Forge will cost you more, but the image quality is out of this world.

[@Daywalkerbmz1188]

I like the the nikon black x1000. Have one on my howa 1500 in 223. Very clear, sharp glass for the price. Can spot my hits at 500yrds with the 16x all day

[@tiaanswarts2720]

If you could choose between the engage or the nitro, wich would you recommend?

[@SocialRegressive]

It depends on the scenario. The nitro has ffp options and a beautiful image quality, but may be a little heavier. The engage has great glass, too, and some lighter options.

[@long-range-eliminator]

How is the tracking on the forge

[@SocialRegressive]

Dead-on perfect. I have a full review coming out sometime soon-ish where I show my tracking test and multi-distance work.

[@jeremyd2003]

Where does the Engage fall in the lineup, and AR optics scopes.?

[@SocialRegressive]

The lineup looks like this to me: banner, trophy, legend, prime, engage, nitro, forge, match pro, elite, elite tactical. AR Optics gets a little weird. Those seem to have glass that varies from legend-quality to prime-quality, but with special features for martial purposes.

[@jeremyd2003]

@@SocialRegressive so the new Elite 4500 is that high in the line-up, interesting.

[@SocialRegressive]

Optically, it should be. I haven't tried one myself. The old 4000 series was only eclipsed by the 6000 series if I remember right.

[@jeremyd2003]

@@SocialRegressive the old ones has the ED prime glass. I'm not sure if the new ones do.

[@remr15]

What's the warranty on bushnell

[@SocialRegressive]

I can't find that info anywhere on the site. I'll check the packaging later and see what it says.

[@OC_Lofton]

Near the end of 2016, Bushnell decided to apply a 'Limited Lifetime' Warranty, retroactively, to include the AR-Optics line and above. I even called to confirm. (Pressure from Vortex & Athlon I suspect)

[@chadvanbrunt4175]

Prime, Nitro, and Forge are covered by the Bushnell Ironclad Warranty: www.bushnell.com/Support/Customer-Service/Warranty

[@mikesenior4014]

Just had a warranty issue. They advised they could not fix my scope. Here is what the paperwork states, "Because the cost for repair exceeds replacement, the offer is to purchase a new model at a discounted price of $250" Are you kidding me? No more Bushnell for me. BTW this BS letter came from Vista Outdoor in Kansas.

[@gascheck8151]

When doing reviews open the actions so I know the firearm is safe. I get nervous when an action is closed. I enjoy your reviews. Thanks.

[@garyjohns4711]

nitro is 60 not 90 moa

[@SocialRegressive]

Oops. You're right. Thanks!

[@amorton94]

WTF. Midways sale prices are below that of prostaffers. I payed $100 more for my Nitro, which was still $200+ off MSRP. I regret watching this video.

[@SocialRegressive]

The 2.5-10x44mm Engage is only $250 on Amazon right now, too. Crazy.

[@donaldsherman1817]

Looks like Bushnell is going backward,my 6-24x50 is a better scope, especially on price at $626.00.

[@magaman6353]

Another infomercial: So he hits a target @1,450 yards in a 30 mph crosswind with a scope that has 14.5 mils of adjustment. Once! Let's see him do it 3 times IN A ROW. @51 seconds: "Very very clear glass." Lol! Look at the Engage's image: the whole right side is a blur. Bushnell used to make their better scopes in Japan. Quite disappointing to see the "Made in China" stamp tucked out of sight on the bottom of the Forge's turret. It would have influenced my purchase decision, had I seen it. They include flip open scope caps, but they are of very cheap quality. Certainly only pennies to make. Anyhow, I bought a 3-18x50mm Forge yesterday. The image on this one is okay though. I haven't mounted it yet, but the problem is that it's going on a Rem 700 VLS varminter that weighs 9.4 lbs. The Forge weighs in at almost 30 oz. And with the Leupold mounts, it adds another 36 oz. Did they have to make the scope so heavy? With ammo, the scoped rifle comes in at 12 lbs. Add a bi-pod and you've got a 13 lb. rig that's heavier than most African elephant guns. The safari guys can afford a gun bearer, but most varmint hunters can't. All the KZbin videos show the scope being used on some sort of shooting bench or rest. In the real world, you've have to carry the gun around; however, it's just too heavy for that. The weight of the scope is a huge drawback. Basically, this video can't be considered an objective review. The guy probably has shares in the company.

[@SocialRegressive]

Please start your own video channel so we can all learn the one and only truth. If you thought for a few seconds you would realize that (a) the weights of these scopes are listed on the manufacturers' websites, and (b) when I photograph the image through a scope, you're seeing through all of my camera lenses, too. I compare scope clarity by using a special resolution chart.

[@magaman6353]

@@SocialRegressive Sorry, I gave you the truth, and you couldn't handle it. Not to worry, there are 233 Dems in Congress who can't handle it either. PS: I have a 4K screen and a super-duper video card. (Maybe your camera lens needs replacing too.)