Last updated on July 6th, 2026
My first ever centerfire rifle scope was the Bushnell AR 4.5-18x40mm. Needing an optic for a budget .233 bolt gun the AR ticked all the right boxes at the time. Good magnification range, simple reticle, lifetime warranty, not too heavy and just the right price.
Bushnell AR 4.5-18×40 Buyer Notes
This scope is most relevant to budget AR or rimfire setups where cost matters and expectations are realistic. Before buying, check eye relief, reticle subtensions, turret repeatability and whether the magnification range suits your actual shooting distances.
Quick Take
The Bushnell AR 4.5-18×40 is best judged by how it fits the rifle, not just by the spec sheet. Glass quality, reticle design, controls, mounting height and real-world use matter more than chasing one big headline number.
- Best use case: match the optic to the rifle?s actual job before worrying about brand hype.
- Check before buying: reticle style, eye relief, turret feel, weight and mounting requirements.
- Do not forget the mount: good rings and correct height are part of the optic system.
Made in South Korea the Bushnell AR brings a lot of features the .223 shooter needs. With that being said a budget minded optic does cut some features to keep the price down and the Bushnell AR doesn’t come with any flip up scope covers and to make it even more affordable there is also a variant with no illuminated reticle.
The scope is well made for the price point and the 1″ maintube houses the versatile 4.5-18 magnification range and 40mm objective lens. Weighing in at 19.4oz/549g its lightweight enough to take out hunting. Another interesting feature is folding magnification throw lever to make changes in magnification a little easier.
The Bushnell AR shares the same qualities with many Vortex optics in the way it provides good glass quality at the price point. There is also a good amount of eye relief with 3.6″ available.
Built for the 50m to 600m range, the Bushnell AR uses the Drop Zone .223 BDC reticle.
The reticle’s ballistic dots work on a 55-62 gr .223 with the muzzle velocity around 2875
sighted in at 100 yards which covers a lot of factory ammo that’s available.
The turrets have 50 MOA of elevation and windage adjustment which provides a good amount for short to medium range. The left turret also houses the parallax adjustment which focuses down to a minimum of 10 yards out to infinity.
The Bushnell AR offers a good magnification range for the .223 caliber matched with decent glass quality at a reasonable price point. There are also a number of other LPVO variants available in the AR range.
Specifications
| ID | BU-AR741840 |
|---|---|
| Name | AR Optics 4.5-18×40 Riflescope |
| Magnification x Objective Lens | 4.5-18×40 |
| Reticle | Drop Zone-223 BDC |
| Illuminated | No |
| Weight | 19.4 oz |
| EyeRelief | 3.6 in |
| Focal Plane | Second |
| Parallax Type | Side Focus |
| Min Parallax Distance | 10 yds |
| Field of View (ft @ 100 yds) | 22ft @ 4.5X to 5.5ft @18X |
| Lens Coating | Fully Multi-Coated |
| Ultra Wide Band Coating | Yes |
| EXO Barrier | No |
| ED Prime | No |
| Tube Diameter | 1″ |
| Elevation Adjustment | 50 MOA |
| Elevation Turret | MIL-Based, Exposed, Non-Locking |
| Windage Adjustment | 50 MOA |
| Windage Turret | MIL-Based, Exposed, Non-Locking |
| WaterProofing | IPX7 |
| Zero Stop | No |
| Diopter | Fast Focus |
Bushnell AR 4.5-18×40 Buyer Fit
The Bushnell AR 4.5-18×40 is a budget-friendly magnified scope. It makes sense when the goal is affordable range use or a simple rifle setup, but it should not be compared directly with premium long-range optics.
| Buyer | Fit | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Budget range shooter | Good fit | Tracking expectations and glass clarity. |
| Long-range competitor | Compare up-market | Turret precision matters. |
| Hunting rifle owner | Possible fit | Low-light performance and weight. |
Compare alternatives in the hunting scope guide and long-range scope guide.
FAQ
Is the Bushnell AR 4.5-18×40 worth it?
The Bushnell AR 4.5-18×40 is worth considering if its magnification, reticle, glass quality and adjustment system match how you actually shoot. For value-focused builds, the biggest question is whether it gives you a clearer aiming solution than the optic you would otherwise buy.
Who is the Bushnell AR 4.5-18×40 best suited to?
It suits shooters who want an optic for value-focused builds and are willing to choose based on real features rather than brand name alone. Check the reticle, turret layout, weight and warranty before deciding.
What should I compare with the Bushnell AR 4.5-18×40?
Compare it against optics in the same role and price bracket. Look closely at glass clarity, turret tracking, reticle usability, low-light performance, weight and how easy it is to get support or accessories locally.
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