The Bushnell Prime 3-12x40 rifle scope is a versatile, budget-friendly hunting optic built for shooters who want multiple turret options without the multi-thousand-dollar price tag. This compact 3-12x power scope sits naturally on everything from modern rifles to muzzleloaders and shotguns, making it a practical choice for hunters who run different platforms through the season. The 40mm objective keeps weight down while maintaining the brightness you need in early morning and late afternoon conditions when game is most active.
What sets the Prime 3-12x40 apart is the seven included turrets: one standard MOA and six calibrated ballistic compensation turrets for popular hunting cartridges and muzzleloader loads. Swap turrets in minutes to dial for .17 HMR, .22 LR, shotgun slugs, muzzleloader pellet loads, or 450 Bushmaster—each calibrated to specific effective ranges. The simple Multi-X reticle stays uncluttered and fast to use in the field, and the side focus knob brings targets from 10 yards to infinity into sharp focus without the bulk of a conventional eyepiece adjustment. Turret caps lock your zero against bumps and snags, and the matte finish suppresses glint in bright light.
Bushnell's fully multicoated optics and exclusive EXO Barrier technology shed water, oil, and dust so you're looking through a clear, bright image regardless of weather. The scope is IPX7 waterproof rated and sealed with O-rings to keep internals dry if submerged up to three feet for half an hour—a real advantage if you're glassing from a boat or crossing wet terrain. This is a workhorse scope for the practical hunter who refuses to compromise on reliability or versatility.
| Magnification Range | 3–12x |
| Objective Diameter | 40 mm |
| Reticle Type | Multi-X |
| Turret Configuration | Multi-turret (7 total: 1 MOA, 6 calibrated BDC) |
| Focus System | Side focus, 10 yards to infinity |
| Finish | Matte |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX7 (O-ring sealed) |
| Included Ballistic Turrets | .17 HMR (250 yd max); .22 LR (125 yd max); 250/300 gr. 2-pellet and 20 GA (250 yd max); 250/300 gr. 3-pellet and 12 GA (300 yd max); 350 gr. 3-pellet (300 yd max); 450 Bushmaster (300 yd max) |
Yes. The scope ships with dedicated ballistic turrets for popular muzzleloader loads (250 and 300 grain, both 2-pellet and 3-pellet configurations) and shotgun slugs (20 GA and 12 GA). You can also use the included standard MOA turret on any rifle or firearm with standard Picatinny rails.
EXO Barrier is Bushnell's proprietary exterior lens coating that bonds to the outer glass surfaces to repel water, oil, fog, dust, and debris. It helps keep your optics clear and bright in wet, dusty, or harsh field conditions.
Yes. The Prime 3-12x40 is IPX7 waterproof rated and sealed with O-rings, meaning internals remain dry if submerged in up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes. The fully multicoated optics and EXO Barrier prevent internal fogging and keep the image bright in temperature swings and humid conditions.
The scope comes with seven turrets total: one MOA and six pre-calibrated ballistic compensation turrets. You can swap turrets to match your hunting cartridge or load. Turret caps lock your zero and prevent accidental rotation in the field.
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