Bushnell TRS-25 Review: Best Budget Red Dot?

I’ve always believed in the saying, “You get what you pay for.” But when it comes to the Bushnell TRS-25 red dot sight, I’ve been pleasantly surprised. In this review, I’ll be sharing my first-hand experience with this budget-friendly optic. I’ll delve into its features, clarity, shootability, and reliability. So, if you’re in the market for a red dot sight that won’t break the bank, keep reading.

Bushnells TRS-25

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Bushnell TRS-25 Features

The Bushnell TRS-25 is a red dot sight that’s designed to offer affordability without compromising on quality. It comes with a 3 MOA dot reticle that’s crisp and easy to acquire, making it ideal for quick target acquisition. This red dot sight is versatile, suitable for a wide range of firearms, from AR-15s to shotguns, thanks to its compatibility with both Picatinny and weaver mounts.

One of the standout features of this sight is its unlimited eye relief, which means you don’t have to worry about maintaining a specific distance from the sight for it to work effectively. Whether you’re engaging targets up close or at a distance, the Bushnell TRS-25 has you covered.

As for its build, this optic is nitrogen purged, making it fog-proof, and it’s also IPX7 waterproof. These features ensure that it can handle rapid temperature changes and tough environmental conditions, which is important for outdoor enthusiasts and those using it in extreme climates.

Now, let’s get into the review.

Bushnell TRS-25 Features

1 Adjustment Turrets

Easily accessible windage and elevation turrets with 1 MOA adjustments.

2 Mount

Built in weaver style mount, although it does not come with a riser.

3 Battery

Easy to access battery housing for CR2032 with 11 brightness settings.

4 Sealed Housing

Nitrogen purged and sealed makes this a fog-proof and water-proof housing.

Bushnell TRS-25 Review

The clarity of the Bushnell TRS-25’s red dot is impressive. It’s not plagued by the overly green tint that some red dots suffer from, which can affect your shooting experience. The 3 MOA dot is sharp and easy to see, ensuring you can quickly and accurately place your shots on target.

During my shooting sessions, I found that the clarity of the red dot was consistent across various lighting conditions. Whether it was a bright, sunny day or a gloomy overcast afternoon, the TRS-25’s dot remained clear and visible. This clarity greatly contributes to its effectiveness for target acquisition.

In terms of shootability, the Bushnell TRS-25 doesn’t disappoint. It offers 11 daylight brightness settings, which is more than sufficient for most shooting scenarios. However, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t have night vision compatibility, so if you’re planning on using it in low-light situations, you might want to consider other options.

The adjustments for windage and elevation are in 1 MOA increments, which is coarser than the 0.5 MOA adjustments found on some red dots. While this might be a drawback for precision shooting at longer distances, it’s perfectly suitable for close-quarters combat situations.

One aspect where it excels in terms of shootability is its lightweight design. Weighing only around 4.2 ounces with the battery included, the TRS-25 won’t weigh you down. It’s an excellent choice for those who value maneuverability and quick target transitions.

I’ve put this optic through its paces over the past six months, mounting it on my AR-15 and engaging in various shooting sessions, including tactical drills and a day out in cold weather conditions. Throughout all these experiences, it performed well.

The TRS-25 proved to be rugged and dependable, holding zero reliably. It’s essential for any optic to maintain its zero, and this red dot does so consistently. Whether I was firing my AR-15 or my tactical .22, I had confidence in the TRS-25 to deliver accurate shots.

However, there’s a slight caveat when it comes to battery life. The claimed 3,000 hours of battery life at the lowest brightness setting might be a bit optimistic. In my experience, it’s essential to manage your battery usage, especially in self-defense situations.

The Bushnell TRS-25 offers a feature set that’s in line with its budget-friendly pricing. The 3 MOA dot reticle is versatile and suitable for close-quarters combat scenarios. Its lightweight design and compatibility with a wide range of firearms, including AR-15s and shotguns, make it a versatile choice.

One drawback worth mentioning is that it doesn’t ship with a riser mount. This can be inconvenient, especially for those who expect it to come with one. The mount it does come with is not detachable, so if you need a riser, you’ll have to purchase it separately. This can add to the overall cost, which is something to keep in mind.

Conclusion

In summary, the Bushnell TRS-25 red dot sight offers a fantastic balance between affordability and quality. This is how it made its way onto our best red dot list for best budget. It’s clear, easy to use, reliable, and packed with features that make it a valuable addition to your firearm. However, keep in mind the minor inconveniences, such as the need for a riser mount and the management of battery life. Overall, if you’re in the market for a budget-friendly red dot sight that delivers on its promises, the TRS-25 is an excellent choice. It’s a cost-effective solution that doesn’t compromise on quality.

Bushnell TRS-25 Pros and Cons

Report Card
Clarity	The clarity is good for an optic in this price range, but will show more of a tint compared to higher end optics.	C
Shootability	The TRS-25 offers many brightness settings to adjust the dot to the lighting conditions.	A
Reliability	The TRS-25 worked well over our testing. I would not want to overly abuse the optic, but for normal shooting it performed fine. Battery life is a let down.	B
Features	The elevation and windage adjustments are a little coarse at 1 MOA, but 10 brightness settings are nice. The lack of a mount could mean extra expense depending on your usage.	B

Bushnells TRS-25

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Our Grade

B

Reviewed by Dave Chesson

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Important Links

• TRS-25 by Bushnell
• Bushnell TRS-25 Manual