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Budget Red Dot Optics: Bushnell TRS-25 and TRS-32

In a world filled with black guns and tactical accouterments it can be hard to determine what’s good-to-go. With the aim of recommending truly squared-away configured firearms on a budget, I’ve been busy testing optics of late. Most recently, that time has been spent in the red dot arena. Aimpoint and Eotech are great optics—no doubt. I personally have an Aimpoint on my rifle. However, neither of those manufacturers are what I would consider “budget oriented.” When trying to balance cost with quality, Bushnell and Vortex are two manufacturers that begin to rise to the surface. Specifically, the budget-oriented shooter may be well served by paying special attention to Bushnell’s TRS-25 and TRS-32 and, in addition, Vortex’s Sparc and Strikefire. I believe all four of these options to be squared away red dot sights.

Today I’d like to highlight the merits of the Bushnell TRS-32 and TRS-25. The “32” and “25” refer to the diameter of the TRS series optics.

Both the TRS-25 and 32 are multi-coated, with amber-bright lens coatings. The TRS-25 boasts a 3,000-hour battery life. The TRS-32 operates at a comparable time. Both sights are constructed with coatings, gaskets, and o-rings to render them water proof, fog proof, and relatively shock proof.

Notably,  the TRS-25 will dial all the way down to a 3 MOA red dot while the TRS-32 will go down to 5 MOA. (Roughly speaking—3 MOA means that the dot will cover three inches at 100 yards and 5 MOA means that the dot will cover five inches at the same distance.) Although these are the stats from Bushnell, subjectively, the TRS-32 reticle appears smaller.

My initial impression was favorable for both sights, but I wanted to get some hard use behind them and a second opinion. I used both optics for some several months; giving the TRS-25 the majority of the attention. I loaned the TRS-32 to friend from Hyatt Guns, that is active in 3 gun competitions and asked him to put her through her paces. After several weeks he brought the optic back with two thumbs up. For $80-$130 dollars these two little red dots are hard to beat.




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About the Author

Brian (Rev) Norris , in addition to writing for the Arms Guide and talking guns and gear via video, is a pastor (hence the “Rev”) who specializes in mentoring young men in the urban context. If he catches a moment of free time, you’ll likely find him enjoying his family or heading to the range on his motorcycle. Brian has enjoyed the shooting sports since his father introduced them to him as a child. He’s an outdoorsman who enjoys life to the full.

See All Brian (Rev) Norris Articles

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