Hey there, fellow hunters and shooting enthusiasts! Joel here, your go-to expert for all things night vision and hunting gear at nightvisiongears.com. Today, I want to take a deep dive into a classic budget red dot sight that has stood the test of time: the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of this popular optic to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your needs in 2024 and beyond.
The Backstory
First, a little background. I remember when I first started hunting, I was on a tight budget but desperately wanted to upgrade from traditional iron sights. That’s when I discovered the Bushnell TRS-25. At the time, finding a quality red dot under $100 was a real challenge, but Bushnell delivered with the TRS-25, packing in a ton of performance for the price. Fast forward to today, and while the market is now flooded with budget red dot options, I still find myself frequently recommending this tried-and-true optic.
Build Quality and Durability
Let’s start with the build quality. The TRS-25 is constructed with durable materials that ensure its reliability even in tough situations. The rugged metal housing is nitrogen-purged and o-ring sealed, providing exceptional waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof performance. I’ve put mine through the wringer over the years, accidentally dropping it on hard surfaces, exposing it to harsh weather conditions, and it just keeps on going strong. For a budget optic, the TRS-25 is impressively sturdy and dependable.
Optics and Reticle
Now, let’s talk about the heart of any red dot sight: the optical quality and reticle. The TRS-25 features a crisp, clear 3 MOA red dot reticle that is easy to acquire quickly. The amber-tinted front lens enhances contrast, making it easier to distinguish your target from the background, especially in low-light conditions. With 11 brightness settings, you can easily adjust the dot intensity to match your environment. Some users might notice a slight blue tint due to the multi-coated optics, but in my experience, it’s hardly noticeable when you’re behind the gun and focused on your target.
Eye Relief and Parallax
One of the standout features of the TRS-25 is its unlimited eye relief and parallax-free design. This means you can mount the sight anywhere on your gun and still achieve a clear, consistent sight picture. It also allows you to shoot with both eyes open, maintaining situational awareness while quickly acquiring your target. I’ve used the TRS-25 on a variety of firearms, from rifles and shotguns to handguns, and have found it to be incredibly versatile and fast-handling.
Battery Life
Battery life is another area where the TRS-25 shines. Powered by a readily available CR2032 battery, you can expect around 3,000 hours of runtime on medium brightness settings. If you keep the brightness dialed down a bit, you can squeeze out even more battery life. While there are newer optics on the market with longer battery life ratings, the TRS-25 still holds its own and will last most users a long time between battery changes.
Zeroing and Adjustments
Zeroing the TRS-25 is a breeze with the tool-less windage and elevation click adjustments. Each click moves the point of impact by 1 MOA, allowing for precise tweaks to dial in your zero. I’ve found the adjustments to be responsive and audible, with a satisfying click that lets you know you’ve made a change. Once zeroed, the TRS-25 holds its settings well, even when subjected to heavy recoil or rough handling.
Mounting Options
Now, let’s address a potential weak point: the included mount. While functional, the stock Picatinny mount is not the most robust. Many users, myself included, opt to upgrade to a higher-quality mounting solution for added stability and peace of mind. However, considering the TRS-25’s affordable price point, the basic mount is understandable and gets the job done for most applications.
Reticle Size and Applications
In terms of reticle size, the 3 MOA dot on the TRS-25 strikes a good balance between speed and precision. It’s small enough to allow for accurate shots out to 100 yards and beyond, yet large enough to quickly acquire in close-quarters situations or when engaging moving targets. I’ve found the 3 MOA dot to be a versatile choice for a wide range of shooting scenarios.
Is the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Still Worth It in 2024?
So, is the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 still worth buying in 2024? Absolutely! Despite an influx of newer, more feature-rich options on the market, the TRS-25 remains a top choice for shooters on a budget who demand reliable performance. Its durable construction, clear optics, and user-friendly design make it a compelling option for hunters, target shooters, and even tactical applications.
Limitations and Considerations
Of course, no optic is perfect, and the TRS-25 does have some limitations. It’s not night vision compatible, so if you frequently shoot in low-light conditions, you may want to consider other options. Additionally, while the 3 MOA dot is versatile, some shooters may prefer a smaller dot size for ultra-precise shots at longer ranges. However, these limitations are minor when weighed against the TRS-25’s many strengths and attractive price point.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 red dot sight has stood the test of time and remains a top recommendation for budget-conscious shooters in 2024. Its impressive durability, clear optics, and user-friendly features make it a compelling choice for a wide range of applications. Whether you’re a hunter, target shooter, or just looking for a reliable optic for home defense, the TRS-25 delivers solid performance at an unbeatable price.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
But don’t just take my word for it. I encourage you to check out the TRS-25 for yourself and see how it performs on your favorite firearm. I’ve included some links below to the latest prices and deals on the TRS-25. As always, if you have any questions or want to share your own experiences with this classic red dot sight, drop a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!
Thanks for stopping by nightvisiongears.com, and I hope this comprehensive review has helped you make an informed decision about the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25. Until next time, happy shooting and stay safe out there!