Bushnell R3-41240S11 Hunting Rifle Scope Instruction Manual

Bushnell R3-41240S11 Hunting Rifle Scope

Click on each topic in the Table of Contents to go directly to it.

YOU’VE MADE THE RIGHT DECISION BY CHOOSING THE BUSHNELL R3 RIFLESCOPE!
Bushnell® is constantly at the forefront of quality and value, and R3 Series riflescopes are no exception. Bushnell R3 riflescopes are built with premium technology. Multi-coated lenses and dry nitrogen-purged IPX7 construction offer crisp, bright images in any environment. All exterior lens surfaces have our EXO Barrier™ coating (in addition to multi-coating). EXO Barrier, quite simply, is the best protective lens coating technology Bushnell has ever developed. Added at the end of the coating process, the EXO Barrier molecularly bonds to the lens and fills the microscopic pores in the glass. The result is an ultra-slick coating that repels water, oil, fog, dust, and debris – rain, snow, fingerprints, and dirt will not stick. EXO Barrier is built to last: the bonded coating will not fade with the passage of time or normal wear and tear. Scan the code to download the free Bushnell Ballistics App. The Bushnell Ballistics App is a full-featured ballistics solver to use with your Bushnell rangefinders and riflescopes to calculate firing solutions. It allows you to use current atmospherics to calculate the holds and display the ranges at each suspension on your reticle. Many more features to enhance your shooting experience.

PARTS GUIDE

• Model 4-12×40 shown below

WARNING: NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN THROUGH THE RIFLESCOPE (OR ANY OTHER OPTICAL INSTRUMENT). IT MAY PERMANENTLY DAMAGE YOUR EYES.

KEY ELEMENTS OF A RIFLESCOPE

1. Objective Lens: This lens has three functions. First, it permits light to pass into the scope. Second, it determines the resolution. Generally, larger lenses allow more light to enter the scope and resolve details better than smaller ones. Finally, it forms an image for the other lenses to magnify to a usable size. The image formed by this lens is upside down.
2. Erector System: The erector system serves several functions. Its primary function is to erect the image (that is, flip the image right-side up) and align it to the reticle. During this process, primary magnification of the image takes place. These two functions are the result of lens action.
3. Windage & Elevation Controls: The erector lenses are housed in a tube that is fixed at one end, while the other end of the tube is free to move and respond to adjustments. By moving the erector system, the point-of-aim of the scope is adjusted to match the point-of-impact of the bullet.
4. Reticle: In simple terms, the aiming device around which the scope is built. This element replaces the iron sight system of non-scoped rifles.
5. Ocular or Eye Lens: This element provides the secondary and final magnification of the image.

MOUNTING YOUR RIFLESCOPE

Your new scope, even with its technologically advanced design and features, will not perform at its best if not properly mounted. One of the most important contributing factors to the precision of your scope and rifle is the selection of the mount and the care with which mounting is done. Dependable mounts that attach your scope securely to the rifle will reward you with precision and repeatability. You should take as much care in selecting a mounting system as you did in selecting your scope. Remember, not all scopes are compatible with all mounts on all rifles. If there is any doubt in your mind, you should seek the advice of your local retailer or gunsmith.

WARNING: A RIFLESCOPE SHOULD NEVER BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR EITHER A BINOCULAR OR SPOTTING SCOPE. IT MAY RESULT IN YOU INADVERTENTLY POINTING THE FIREARM AT ANOTHER PERSON.

PRELIMINARY SCOPE ADJUSTMENTS – SETTING THE DIOPTER

WARNING: DO NOT LOOK TOWARDS THE SUN WHILE SETTING THE DIOPTER!

Before installing the scope, we recommend you set the diopter adjustment to fit your eyesight. Refocusing the diopter will result in a sharper reticle focus, and an improved optical image, and will help to avoid eye fatigue when using the scope for prolonged periods. To refocus, hold the scope about 3 to 4 inches from your eye and point at a flatly lit area such as a light-colored painted wall. Quickly glance into the scope. If the reticle appears blurred at first glance, it is out of focus. Turn the eyepiece clockwise or counterclockwise while looking into the scope until reticle sharpness is improved. Look away from the eyepiece for a couple of seconds and then glance into the scope again to check the sharpness of the reticle. Remember to take glances, as the eye will compensate for slightly out-of-focus conditions with prolonged looks. If the reticle does not appear in focus right away, continue to make fine adjustments. Repeat this procedure until the reticle is sharp and clearly defined right away when looking into the scope. Unless your eyes undergo a significant change over the years, you will not have to make this adjustment again.

ATTACHING A MOUNT, RINGS AND SCOPE TO YOUR RIFLE

• WARNING: BEFORE BEGINNING THE MOUNTING PROCEDURE, BE SURE THE ACTION IS OPEN, THE CLIP OR MAGAZINE IS REMOVED AND THE CHAMBER IS CLEAR. DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY WORK UNTIL YOUR FIREARM HAS BEEN CLEARED AND DETERMINED TO BE SAFE.
• WARNING: IF THE SCOPE IS NOT MOUNTED FAR ENOUGH FORWARD, ITS REARWARD MOTION MAY INJURE THE SHOOTER WHEN THE RIFLE RECOILS.

In mounting your scope, we recommend that you DO NOT take shortcuts as it may lead to damage to either the mounting system or the scope. Each mounting system will have its instructions to follow, and it is best to read the instructions first to be sure you understand them and have the necessary tools on hand. We further recommend that you plan to go through the mounting procedure twice. The first time, to be sure everything fits together and functions properly. On the first-through, please keep the following in mind:

• Before attaching the base, clean the mounting holes in the receiver and the threads of the attaching screws with high concentrated rubbing alcohol or any good solvent to free them of oil or grease.
• If the mount manufacturer has recommended the use of a thread adhesive, do not use it on the first mounting trial. Once the adhesive has been set, it is difficult to determine if anything needs correction and will leave a residue.
• Be sure the mounting screws do not protrude into the receiver.
• When using dovetail, twist-in, or twist-and-lock ring mounts, do not use the scope as a lever when installing the scope. The initial resistance to turning may cause damage to the scope and is not covered by the warranty. We recommend using a wooden dowel or metal cylinder to seat the rings.
• Be sure the position of the scope does not interfere with the operation of the action.
• Be sure there is at least 2mm of clearance between the edges of the rings and any protruding surfaces such as the turret housing (saddle), power selecting ring, and the flare of the objective bell. Also, be sure there is at least 3mm of clearance between the objective bell and the barrel.
• You should test position the scope for the proper eye relief. The scope rings should be left loose enough so that the scope will slide easily. Variable power scopes should be set at the highest magnification when performing this procedure. Mount the scope onto the rifle and look through the scope in your normal shooting position.
• Test position the rifle for the proper cheek welds several times to ensure that your scope is positioned properly.
• When you are satisfied that everything is okay, mark relative positions with masking tape or similar, demount a, nd start again. This time, seat all screws firmly.
• The use of a torque wrench is recommended to ensure adequate fastening without over-tightening. Refer to the base and instructions for torque values.

PARALLAX
You may have noticed that placing your eye at different positions behind the scope’s eyepiece causes the reticle crosshairs to appear to move around to different points on your target. This is called “parallax error” (target and reticle are not in the same focal plane), and it becomes more noticeable (and more of a problem) at shorter distances and/or when the scope is set to higher powers. These R3 riflescopes have adjustable objectives to correct parallax errors and focus the target image.

PRELIMINARY SIGHTING-IN
You can save a significant amount of expense and frustration by pre-sighting the scope to the rifle before you take it to the range for zeroing. There are two basic methods that can be used for pre-sighting your scope. Method one is to use a Bushnell® Bore Sighter (laser, magnetic or standard). The use of a Bore Sighter saves time and ammunition and is the system most often used by gunsmiths. The second method is traditional bore sighting:

BORE SIGHTING METHOD

1. If a rimfire rifle application, place a target at 25 to 50 yards. If it is a centerfire rifle, place the target at 50 to 100 yards.
2. Remove the bolt from the rifle.
3. Place the rifle on sandbags or a shooting rest.
4. Set the scope to its lowest magnification.
5. Peer through the bore from the receiver and adjust the position of the rifle to center the target bull’s eye in the bore (Fig. A).
6. Without moving the rifle, look into the scope and note the position of the reticle on the target. Remove the caps from the windage and elevation adjustments. Adjust the windage and elevation adjustments to center the reticle on the bull’s eye (Fig. B).

FINAL SIGHTING-IN

WARNING: SINCE THIS PROCEDURE INVOLVES LIVE FIRE, IT SHOULD BE DONE AT AN APPROVED RANGE OR OTHER SAFE AREA. CHECK BORE FOR OBSTRUCTIONS. AN OBSTRUCTED BORE MAY CAUSE INJURY TO YOU AND OTHERS NEARBY. EYE AND EAR PROTECTION IS RECOMMENDED.

1. From a steady rest position, fire two or three rounds at a 25-50 yard target. Note the impact of the bullet on the target and adjust the windage and elevation dials as needed.
2. To move the bullet’s point-of-impact relative to the reticle’s point-of-aim, turn the windage and/or elevation adjustments in the direction on the dials that corresponds to the direction that you want the point-of-impact to change to on the target (for example, if test shots are hitting low, adjust the elevation direction “up”). The adjustments on your riflescope model are marked in MOA (minutes of arc), and the point of impact at 100 yards will change by 1/4 MOA or approximately 1/4 in. for each click of the windage or elevation adjustment. One full revolution of the adjustment=15 MOA.
3. When the impact on the intial target distance is satisfactory, switch to a target set at the desired distance for final zeroing (50 yards is recommended for rimfire applications and 100 yards for centerfire). Set the magnification to the desired power on variable power models.

RESETTING THE TURRET KNOBS

This step is not necessary, but, for future reference, you may want to realign the zero marks on the turret knobs with the witness marks on the turret bases.

1. Using a jeweler’s screwdriver, loosen the two Phillips screws on the turret knob about 1.5 to 2 turns. Take care not to disturb your zero by “losing” a click or two when loosening the screws.
2. Grasp the outer perimeter of the turret knob, by hand, and gently try to rotate it (should freespin). If it does not freespin, then rock or tilt it in a prying motion (by hand, do not use tools) to relieve the friction fit. Once freed, rotate the turret knob until the knob’s “0” hashmark aligns with the witness mark on the turret base.
3. Retighten the two screws in the turret knob and reinstall the turret cap.

DOA-QBR RETICLE

Calibrated at 9X Magnification Setting

STORAGE

Avoid storing the scope in hot places, such as the passenger compartment of a vehicle on a hot day. The high temperature could adversely affect the lubricants and sealants. A vehicle’s trunk, a gun cabinet or a closet is preferable. Never leave the scope where direct sunlight can enter either the objective or the eyepiece lens. Damage may result from the concentration (burning glass effect) of the sun’s rays.

CARING FOR YOUR RIFLESCOPE

Your scope needs very little maintenance. Exterior metal surfaces should be kept clean. A light dusting with a slightly dampened soft cloth is enough in most cases. Your new scope features windage and elevation turrets that are completely sealed against water intrusion. However, we recommend that you keep the windage and elevation caps on the turrets, except when adjusting, to prevent dust and dirt from collecting in the turret area. We also recommend that lens covers, or a scope cover of some type, be kept in place when the scope is not being used. Lenses should be inspected regularly and always kept clean. Dust, dirt, and fingerprints that collect on the lens surfaces can degrade image quality, and if left unclean for long periods, the anti- reflection coating could be damaged. Although lens cleaning is not difficult, it does require care and some patience.

• If there is heavy soiling like from dried mud, low-pressure clean water should be used to flush the debris away.
• Start with a lens brush or a small, unused soft bristle hobby paintbrush or makeup application brush. Gently whisk away loose dirt particles.
• Next, use an ear syringe or bulb aspirator (available in most drug stores) to blow remaining dirt or dust from lens surfaces. Do not use pressurized air like from an air duster can or air compressor.
• If further cleaning is needed, use a dry, soft lint-free cloth. Very gently wipe the lens, starting at the center using a circular motion, then working outward to the edge. If this has not corrected the problem, repeat the process using condensation from your breath.

WARNING: UNNECESSARY RUBBING OR USE OF A COARSE CLOTH MAY CAUSE PERMANENT DAMAGE TO THE LENS COATINGS.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

SKU

| ****

Mag x Obj. Diam.

| ****

Reticle

| ****

Turrets

| ****

Elevation Travel

| ****

Windage Travel

| ****

Travel per Rev

| Main Tube Diameter (in)| Focus Setting

Adjustable 10yds to Infinity

| ****

Average Eye Relief (in/mm)

| ****

Field of View

ft @ 100 yds m@100m

| ****

Length (in/mm)

| ****

Weight (oz/g)

---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
R3-41240S11| 4-12×40| DOA-QBR BDC| Capped| 65 MOA| 65 MOA| 15 MOA| 1| 50| 3.3/84| 27ft@4X – 9ft@12X

9m@4X – 3m@12X

| 13.4/341| 17.8/505
R3-61850S11| 6-18×50| DOA-QBR BDC| Capped| 50 MOA| 50 MOA| 15 MOA| 1| 50| 4/101| 17ft@6X – 6ft@18X

5.7m@6X – 2m@18X

| 13/330| 21.2/600

GLOSSARY OF COMMON RIFLESCOPE TERMS

• Bullet Drop Compensation – BDC The principle of interaction between the fired bullet, gravity, and target indicators.

• Centerfire – Centerfire is a concept relevant to all cartridges, including shot, hand, and rifle weapons. Indicates the point at which the weapon striker hits the bullet base and becomes the catalyst that triggers the chain of events that lead to the shot.

• Coatings – Microscopic coatings on the lens surfaces reduce light loss and glare due to reflection. Coated lenses offer a brighter, higher-contrast image with less eyestrain. More coatings allow better light transmission, but it is possible to have a scope with a single coating to outperform a scope with multicoated lenses greatly. It all depends on the quality of the coatings and the glass. Good quality does not come cheap. The following are acceptable terms for coatings:

  • Coated: A single layer on at least one lens surface.
  • Fully Coated: A single layer on all air-to-glass surfaces.
  • Multicoated: Multiple layers on at least one lens surface.
  • Fully Multicoated: Multiple layers on all air-to-glass surfaces.

• Click – A click is one adjustment notch on the windage or elevation turret of a scope. One click most often changes a scope’s point of impact 1/4 inch at 100 yards. Some clicks are 1/8 inch, 1/2 inch, one inch, or even more.

• Eye Relief – Eye relief is the distance your eye must be from the ocular lens and still get a full field of view. This measurement is usually defined in inches.

• First Focal Plane – FFP is an indication of the first (focal) plane to the position of the reticle. FFP scopes retain the amount of stretch, while the size of the crosshair of the sight will correlate with the image’s magnification.

• Field of View – Field of view (FOV) is the amount of area seen through your scope from right to left at 100 yards. As magnification is increased, FOV is lessened. As magnification is decreased, FOV is increased.

• Fixed Power – denotes a fixed magnification of the sight. It does not have a range of power settings from low to high, as the manufacturer sets a constant increase within a certain scale.

• Magnification – Also called the power setting or rating, magnification is a power rating that defines how much or far the scope will magnify your sight. Power settings are measured against the naked eye. For example, a 3-power scope would offer the user 3  times the view of what they could see with the naked eye, while a 10-power would mean 10 times the power of the naked eye.

• MIL/MRAD – Milliradians of Angle – A measurement system is used to determine the correct elevation and windage adjustments to sight in your scope. Typically found on European-based optics.

• Minute of Angle – Minute of Angle (MOA) is a unit of measurement within a circle and is 1.0472 inches at 100 yards. For all practical purposes, it is called 1 inch at 100 yards. It is 2 inches at 200 yards, 5 inches at 500 yards, one-half inch at 50 yards, etcetera.
  MOA is generally the standard for measuring the accuracy of a rifle. A rifle that will shoot a 3 to 5-shot group that measures under an inch, it’s considered an MOA shooter. If it groups at 1/2 an inch, it’s a sub-MOA shooter.

• MIL vs. MOA: MIL is a common abbreviated form of milliradians, while MOA is an abbreviation of Minute of Angle. Both are measurements of angle (not distance or length, as some shooters believe). As ranges increase, so does 1 MOA or 1 MIL value. At 100 yards, an MOA is 1.047 inches, so a scope with ¼ MOA per click adjustments should move the point of impact about .25 inches every click at 100 yards (and .50 inches at 200 yards). One MIL is 3.6 inches at 100 yards, and since most MIL scopes have 1/10 click adjustments, each click will adjust the point of impact by .36 inches at 100 yards.

• Objective Lens – The objective lens is the lens closest to the object being viewed. It is measured in millimeters in diameter. A larger objective lens allows more light to enter the scope.

• Parallax – Parallax is an optical error or illusion typically found in scopes designed for longer ranges. Without getting overly technical, parallax occurs when the optical image that you see through the scope is created in front of behind the reticle. This means that the target you are looking at isn’t being correctly portrayed in its actual location. Some scope models feature a parallax compensation feature built-in to correct this issue. The most popular parallax compensation seen today is either through a front objective lens or a side focus parallax. With these features, the shooter can adjust the distance (typically in yards) to the target, and the scope is preset to be parallax-free at those predefined distances. Most riflescopes without adjustable objectives are set at 100 or 150 yards. Rimfire scopes are often set at 50 or 60 yards, and shotgun scopes are often set at 60 or 75 yards.

• Point of Aim (POA) – an auxiliary mark or marker at which a target shooter sights the firearm to achieve correct elevation.

• Reticle – Reticle refers to the sighting device used for a specific scope. A reticle is a system of lines, dots, or crosshairs in your scope that appear superimposed on your target. Reticles come in various variations and configurations, designed for very specific uses.

• Second Focal Plane – SFP can be used interchangeably with the rear focal plane. This more commonly used design has crosshairs that remain the same size as magnification increases. Due to this system, the suspension is constantly changing as the target gets larger or smaller in size as you change the power. (See also Subtension)

• Trajectory – The trajectory is the flight of your projectile after it leaves the barrel. This flight is an arc. The amount of arc depends on the projectile weight and velocity.

• Turret – A turret is one of two knobs in the outside center part of the scope tube. They are marked in increments and are used to adjust elevation and windage for points of impact change. These knobs protrude from the turret housing.
  Variable Power – This means the riflescope’s magnification
  is not fixed; it’s variable. It can range from as low as 1.5-4X or as high as 6-24X in a rifle scope, and sometimes even higher. The most common variable power specs for a hunter are the popular 3-9X.

• Windage – This is the horizontal crosshair of the reticle.

• Zero – Zero is the distance you are sighted in and references the flight of the projectile. For example, if you are sighted in at 200 yards, you have a 200-yard zero.

MAINTENANCE

Your riflescope, though amazingly tough, is a precision instrument that deserves reasonably cautious care.

• When cleaning the lenses, first blow away any dry dirt and dust, or use a soft lens brush. Fingerprints and lubricants can be wiped off with lens tissue, or a soft clean cloth, moistened with lens cleaning fluid.
• All moving parts of the scope are permanently lubricated. Do not try to lubricate them.
• Little to no maintenance is needed for the scope’s outer surface. Black oxide screws are sometimes used to seal purge ports and/or for the powerchange-ring to erector connection If the scope is exposed to water, consider applying a thin film of typical firearm oil to these screws during routine firearm maintenance to mitigate corrosion.
• Use lens covers, if available and whenever convenient.

ALTITUDE AND TEMPERATURE
Ballistic charts published by ammunition manufacturers are based upon standard sea level conditions. When sighting in, it is well to keep in mind that altitude and temperature affect trajectory. It is best to sight-in under the same conditions in which you will be hunting.

Click to read Warranty Details

Warranty does not cover theft, loss, deliberate damage, or cosmetic damage not affecting product Performance. Valid only in the United States. Valable uniquement aux États-Unis.

DO YOU NEED TO SEND YOUR SCOPE TO US?
Before returning your scope for service, you should check the following points to make sure the problem is with the scope:

• Check the mounting system and rings for looseness or misalignment.
• Check to be sure the barrel and action are properly bedded, and all receiver screws are tight.
• Check to be sure the mounting system allows sufficient clearance between the objective bell and the barrel.
• Check to be sure you are using the same type and weight ammunition that you used for sighting-in.

For assistance with your Bushnell riflescope, contact the US and Canadian customer service team by calling 1-800-423-3537 during the days and times listed below:

• Monday-Tuesday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm CST
• Wednesday-Thursday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
• Friday 8 AM to 2 PM

If you are calling with a product-related issue, please have the product available when you call.  ©2024 Bushnell Outdoor Products Bushnell,™, ®, denote trademarks of Bushnell Outdoor Products www.bushnell.com 22101 W. 167th St., Olathe, KS 66062

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