The Bushnell SMRS 1-6×24 mm is another in the series of smaller variable powered optics that we are covering lately here at The Arms Guide. The optics market seems to have shifted slightly from the traditional 3x-9x style long range scopes to smaller diameter, less magnified optics specifically designed for engaging targets under 300 yards. In fact even the naming of this scope tells exactly what its designed for, SMRS stands for Short Midrange Rifle Scope, a simple but very clever acronym.
According to Bushnell Senior Product Line Manager Tim Tanker “The new SMRS was designed with input from 3-gun competitors as well as military and law enforcement experts to provide ease of use and unfailing reliability” . Whenever I hear these claims I become automatically skeptical of the process used to come up with a products final specifications and what type of use this optic will actually see. That being said it would appear at first glance that Bushnell has invested a good bit of time and resources into developing this scope as well as others in the “Elite Tactical” series. Lets take a look at the specifications of the Bushnell SMRS 1-6.5 X 24 mm optic.
Specifications:
Manufacturer: Bushnell
Model: SMRS 1-6.5 X 24mm
Reticle: Illuminated BTR-2
Tube Diameter: 30mm
Length: 10.5″
Weight: 23 Oz
Eye Relief: 3.74 ”
Click Value: 0.1 Mil
MSRP: $1000.00
The engineers at Bushnell have attempted to pack this optic with a lot of features that higher end optics come standard with, and it shows. The optic features a foldable lever that the company is referring to as the PCL or Power Control Lever, as well as a close quarters battle style illuminated reticle. Like all of the scopes in the SMRS product line this 1-6.5 x 24 features Bushnell’s HD Rain Proof coating on all glass lenses and three inch long sunshade to prevent glare effecting the shooters accuracy. Bushnell really seems to be tossing their hat in the ring against other companies like Leupold , Eotech, and Nikon who also all released scopes targeted for 3-gun competitors. To many of us here at the site, we are slightly shocked to see Bushnell push into this market.
The price point for this new offering from Bushnell and the other optics of this series is shockingly high, Bushnell use to be synonymous with affordable optics that wouldn’t break the bank. That seems to be changing lately as Bushnell tried to reinvent it’s image and expand its client base into areas other than the traditional hunting community. This trend started slowly with their line of red dot optics a few years ago and has gradually expanded to the point we are at now.
If you are a 3-gun competitor or just want a smaller profile and slightly magnified optic then this is the time for you. The world of short range optics just keeps growing as new players enter the market and the competition for customers money and market share growth is furious. This can only result is better products and better values for the shooting community, free market economy at its best. It doesn’t matter your price range, chances are one of the more reputable optics manufacturers will have something that will fit your wallet and shooting style.
Are you in the market for a 1-6X power optic ? What are your thoughts on the Bushnell SMRS versus the Eotech Vudu or the Nikon BLACKFORCE 1000 we have recently featured? I would bet that as 2017 unfolds we will see more and more of these style optics coming out. We would love to hear from our readers who are using 1-4X or 1-6X optics on their military sporting arms. What works for you ? What doesn’t work ?
Rick
Feature Photo:www.bushnell.com
