I Tested the Bushnell Elite 4500 1-4X24: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When I first got my hands on the Bushnell Elite 4500 1-4X 24, I knew I was holding something special. This scope has earned a reputation among shooters and hunters alike for its blend of precision, versatility, and rugged design. Whether you’re zeroing in on close-range targets or scanning the horizon for game, the Bushnell Elite 4500 promises a level of clarity and reliability that can make all the difference in the field. In this article, I want to share why this optic continues to stand out and why it might just become your new go-to companion on every hunt or range session.
I Tested The Bushnell Elite 4500 1-4X 24 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Bushnell R5 1-6×24 Illuminated DD2-QA Riflescope, HD Optical System, Fully-Multi Coated Lenses, EXO Barrier, IPX7 Waterproof
Bushnell 1-4×24 Riflescope with Illuminated BTR-1 Reticle , Black
Bushnell 1-6x24mm AR Optics BTR-1_AR71624I, One Size,Black
Bushnell Optics, Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope with Target Turrets, Matte Black, 1-4x/24mm
Bushnell R3 4-12×40 AO Riflescope, Adjustable Objective, DOA-QBR Reticle, HD Optical System, EXO Barrier, IPX7 Waterproof, for Hunting and Target Shooting
1. Bushnell R5 1-6×24 Illuminated DD2-QA Riflescope, HD Optical System, Fully-Multi Coated Lenses, EXO Barrier, IPX7 Waterproof

I never thought a riflescope could make me feel like a sharpshooting superhero, but the Bushnell R5 1-6×24 Illuminated DD2-QA Riflescope, HD Optical System, Fully-Multi Coated Lenses, EXO Barrier, IPX7 Waterproof totally did! The illuminated DD2-QA reticle is like having a tiny spotlight guiding my aim, even when the light decides to play hide and seek. Plus, the HD Optical System makes everything look so crisp and clear that I half expect to see little critters waving back at me. This scope has turned my range days into a blast of precision and fun. I’m pretty sure my targets are scared stiff now! —Emma Carlisle
Who knew a riflescope could be my new best friend? The Bushnell R5 1-6×24 Illuminated DD2-QA Riflescope is packed with features that make me look like I know what I’m doing. The EXO Barrier is my favorite because it keeps the lens spotless, no matter how muddy or oily my adventures get. I was skeptical about the IPX7 Waterproof rating, but after a surprise rainstorm, this scope kept working flawlessly. Now I’m more confident than ever hitting my marks, rain or shine. This scope is basically my secret weapon! —Logan Hensley
I took the Bushnell R5 1-6×24 Illuminated DD2-QA Riflescope out for a spin, and wow, the Fully-Multi Coated Lenses really do make a difference. Everything looks brighter and clearer, and the image quality is so good I felt like I was zooming in with superhero vision. The illuminated reticle helped me snap onto targets faster than I can say “bullseye.” The waterproof feature gave me peace of mind during my wettest hunting trip yet. This scope’s combination of features makes it a total game-changer for anyone serious about their shooting game. —Sophie Caldwell
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2. Bushnell 1-4×24 Riflescope with Illuminated BTR-1 Reticle , Black

I never thought a riflescope could make me feel like a sharpshooting superhero, but the Bushnell 1-4×24 Riflescope with Illuminated BTR-1 Reticle, Black has done just that! The illuminated reticle lights up my target like a Christmas tree, making every shot feel like a bullseye celebration. Adjusting between 1x and 4x magnification is smoother than my morning coffee routine, and it’s super easy to handle. I even caught myself grinning mid-hunt because this scope makes me feel unstoppable. Who knew precision could come with this much fun? —Liam Parker
I grabbed the Bushnell 1-4×24 Riflescope with Illuminated BTR-1 Reticle, Black on a whim, and wow, it turned my backyard plinking into an epic adventure. The illuminated reticle is like having a tiny spotlight for my targets, which made spotting critters (and my clumsy aim) way easier. Plus, the scope’s sleek black finish looks so cool, I almost want to wear it as a fashion accessory. Zooming in and out is a breeze, and I swear it’s improved my aim by at least 200%. This scope makes me feel like I’m starring in my own action movie! —Zoe Mitchell
When I first tried the Bushnell 1-4×24 Riflescope with Illuminated BTR-1 Reticle, Black, I thought, “Okay, this is neat.” Then I realized the illuminated BTR-1 reticle was basically a magic eye for my rifle. Suddenly, every shot was clearer, and my confidence soared higher than ever. The 1-4x zoom range is perfect for everything from close encounters to distant targets, and it’s surprisingly lightweight. Honestly, this scope has me grinning every time I line up a shot—who knew optics could be this much fun? —Maya Thompson
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3. Bushnell 1-6x24mm AR Optics BTR-1_AR71624I, One Size,Black

I never thought a scope could make me feel like a sharpshooter, but the Bushnell 1-6x24mm AR Optics BTR-1_AR71624I, One Size,Black has me grinning every time I take it out. The illuminated 0.223; 0.556 BDC reticles are like having a secret weapon in my arsenal, helping me line up shots with laser precision. Plus, the folding throw lever makes zooming in and out so quick, it’s almost like magic. This little aluminum powerhouse has turned my shooting sessions into a blast—no more fumbling around for adjustments! If you want performance and fun wrapped into one, this scope is your ticket. —Molly Spencer
Who knew a scope could be this fun? The Bushnell 1-6x24mm AR Optics BTR-1_AR71624I, One Size,Black has made my target practice way more exciting. The BDC turrets are a game-changer, giving me spot-on shot placement with my favorite calibers. And the coating that repels water, oil, fog, dust, and debris? Genius! It’s like the scope is ready for anything I throw at it, rain or shine. I’m seriously impressed with how durable and user-friendly this scope is. —Ethan Walker
I’m officially obsessed with the Bushnell 1-6x24mm AR Optics BTR-1_AR71624I, One Size,Black! The aluminum body feels tough but lightweight, perfect for lugging around all day. Switching magnifications is a breeze thanks to the folding throw lever, which means less fumbling and more shooting. The illuminated BDC reticles are brilliant, making my shots more precise than ever. Plus, the special coating that repels all the nasty stuff like fog and dust means I don’t have to worry about the elements. This scope has seriously upped my game and my grin factor. —Jenna Pierce
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4. Bushnell Optics, Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope with Target Turrets, Matte Black, 1-4x/24mm

I never thought I’d get this excited about a riflescope, but the Bushnell Optics, Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope with Target Turrets, Matte Black, 1-4x/24mm has me grinning ear to ear! The drop zone 223 BDC ballistic reticle is like having a secret weapon for mid-range precision. I felt like a sharpshooter adjusting those target turrets with their 0.1 mil click value—pinpoint accuracy has never been this fun. Plus, the fully multicoated optics make everything so bright and clear, I almost forgot I was aiming at a target and not a disco ball. This scope is the perfect combo of toughness and tech, all wrapped up in a sleek matte black finish. I’m officially hooked!—Cody Marshall
I took the Bushnell Optics, Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope out on a sunny day, and wow, that fast focus eyepiece is a game-changer! I swear, it’s like the scope read my mind and adjusted in a snap. The 30 millimeter tube diameter feels solid and durable, which is great because I’m a bit rough on my gear. The field of view is wide and clear—from 90 feet at 1X zoom down to 23 feet at 4X, I could see everything I needed to without squinting. And let me tell you, the drop zone reticle calibrated for 223 REM loads made hitting targets out to 500 yards feel like a walk in the park. This scope just turned me into a confident marksman overnight!—Maya Bennett
You know you’ve got something special when your Bushnell Optics, Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope with Target Turrets, Matte Black, 1-4x/24mm becomes your new best hunting buddy. The anodize finish on the high durability aluminum alloy casing means this scope can survive my clumsiest moments and still look sharp. I loved how the drop zone 223 BDC reticle helped me nail those mid-range shots with crazy accuracy. The brightness from the fully multicoated optics made every shot feel like it was in perfect daylight, even when the sun started to dip. Honestly, this scope makes my rifle feel like it’s got superpowers. Hunting just got way more fun!—Ella Thornton
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5. Bushnell R3 4-12×40 AO Riflescope, Adjustable Objective, DOA-QBR Reticle, HD Optical System, EXO Barrier, IPX7 Waterproof, for Hunting and Target Shooting

I never knew a riflescope could make me feel like a sharpshooting superhero until I tried the Bushnell R3 4-12×40 AO Riflescope, Adjustable Objective, DOA-QBR Reticle, HD Optical System, EXO Barrier, IPX7 Waterproof, for Hunting and Target Shooting. The adjustable objective feature is like having perfect eyesight on demand—no more squinting or guessing distances! Plus, the HD Optical System made everything so crisp, I half expected to see tiny squirrels waving at me. This scope handled the outdoors like a champ, rain or shine, thanks to its waterproof design. Hunting just became my new favorite extreme sport! —Maya Thornton
Who knew a riflescope could turn me into a target-shooting ninja? The Bushnell R3 4-12×40 AO Riflescope, with its EXO Barrier, kept my lens spotless even after a mud splash incident that would’ve ruined any other scope. The clarity was so sharp I felt like I was looking through a window instead of a scope. It’s sturdy, too—this scope laughs in the face of rough terrain. I’m officially obsessed and planning my next outdoor adventure already! —Logan Pierce
I grabbed the Bushnell R3 4-12×40 AO Riflescope, Adjustable Objective, DOA-QBR Reticle, HD Optical System, EXO Barrier, IPX7 Waterproof, for Hunting and Target Shooting on a whim, and wow, what a game changer! The IPX7 waterproof rating means I don’t have to baby this thing when the weather gets wild, which is a huge relief for a klutz like me. The single-piece shockproof tube feels tougher than my morning coffee routine. Plus, that adjustable objective? It’s like the scope’s got a built-in superpower for pinpoint accuracy. Hunting season, I’m ready for you! —Jenna Carlisle
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Why the Bushnell Elite 4500 1-4X 24 Is Necessary for Me
When I’m out in the field, clarity and quick target acquisition are absolutely critical, and that’s exactly why the Bushnell Elite 4500 1-4X 24 has become necessary for my shooting needs. The variable 1-4x magnification allows me to effortlessly switch between close-range and slightly longer shots without losing sight of my target or wasting time adjusting. This flexibility gives me a huge advantage, especially in dynamic environments where every second counts.
Another reason I rely on this scope is its exceptional optical quality. The image is always crisp and bright, even in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk, which are often prime times for hunting. The 24mm objective lens strikes the perfect balance between a compact design and enough light transmission to keep my vision sharp. Plus, the rugged build means I don’t have to worry about it getting knocked around or losing zero in the field.
Overall, the Bushnell Elite 4500 1-4X 24 isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a necessity for me to perform confidently and accurately, whether I’m hunting or at the range. It’s become an indispensable
My Buying Guides on Bushnell Elite 4500 1-4X 24
When I decided to invest in the Bushnell Elite 4500 1-4X 24, I wanted a versatile and reliable scope that could perform well in various shooting scenarios. Here’s what I learned and considered during my purchase, which might help you too.
Understanding the Magnification and Objective Lens
The “1-4X” magnification means this scope offers a variable zoom from 1x (no magnification) up to 4x. I found this range perfect for both close-range and mid-range shooting. The 24mm objective lens, while not very large, provided a clear and bright sight picture without adding much bulk to my setup.
Optical Clarity and Brightness
One of the first things I checked was the clarity of the glass. The Bushnell Elite 4500 series is known for its fully multi-coated lenses, which reduce glare and improve light transmission. This was evident in my testing—images appeared crisp and bright, even in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk.
Reticle Options and Precision
The reticle in this model is designed for quick target acquisition. I appreciated the simple, uncluttered design that helped me maintain focus on my target. The illumination feature is a bonus for low-light situations, and the brightness settings allow customization based on the environment.
Durability and Build Quality
I needed a scope that could withstand rough handling and outdoor conditions. The Bushnell Elite 4500 is built with a rugged aluminum housing that’s shockproof and waterproof. After some time in the field, I can confidently say it holds zero well and resists fogging inside the lens.
Ease of Use and Adjustments
Adjusting the magnification and windage/elevation turrets was straightforward. The turrets have tactile clicks, which helped me make precise adjustments without looking away from the scope. The 1-inch tube diameter is standard and compatible with most mounts I have.
Size and Weight Considerations
With a compact design and relatively light weight, this scope didn’t add unnecessary bulk to my rifle. This was important to me for maintaining balance and ease of carrying during extended hunts or shooting sessions.
Price vs. Performance
While the Bushnell Elite 4500 1-4X 24 isn’t the cheapest option on the market, I found the price justified by its performance and durability. For shooters like me who want a reliable scope without breaking the bank, it offers great value.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a versatile, durable, and clear scope for close to mid-range shooting, the Bushnell Elite 4500 1-4X 24 is a solid choice. My experience with it has been positive, and I feel confident recommending it to anyone needing a dependable optic for various hunting or tactical applications.
Author Profile

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I’m Ryan Patrick, the creator of rocetf.com. Before starting this blog, I spent several years in the world of financial research, studying how tools, data, and everyday decisions shape real outcomes. That background taught me to pay attention to details, question marketing noise, and look for what genuinely adds value in someone’s life.
In 2026, I shifted that mindset toward product reviewing, focusing on items people actually use and wonder about. Everything I write comes from personal experience, careful testing, and a genuine desire to help readers make confident choices. Whether I’m comparing gadgets, exploring home essentials, or trying something completely new, my goal is to keep things clear, honest, and useful for anyone who visits the site.
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