Bushnell Legend 3-9x40mm Illuminated Riflescope - Clear Low-Light

Our review of the Bushnell Legend 3-9x40mm Illuminated Riflescope finds it a practical, value-focused option for hunters who want reliable low-light performance without paying for premium optics. The biggest reason to consider this scope is its combination of a bright 40mm objective, an etched illuminated Multi-X reticle with a central dot and six brightness settings, and weatherproof construction, which together make it well suited for dawn and dusk use when many hunts are decided.

Key Features

• 3-9x40 configuration: The variable 3-9x magnification plus a 40mm objective gathers ample light for clearer images in dim conditions encountered at dawn and dusk.
• Illuminated Multi-X reticle: An etched-glass Multi-X with a bright center dot and six brightness settings allows fast target acquisition and adjustable contrast without relying on battery-only reticles.
• RainGuard HD coating: Lens surfaces repel water and shed moisture so the view stays sharp in rain, snow, or humid conditions encountered in the field.
• One-piece aluminum tube: Aircraft-grade aluminum construction provides ruggedness and lightweight handling for season-after-season field use.
• Waterproof and fogproof: IPX7 waterproofing and nitrogen purging prevent internal fogging and keep the scope reliable in wet environments.

Who It's For

This scope suits hunters and shooters who want a dependable, budget-conscious optic that performs well at standard hunting distances and in low light. The illuminated Multi-X reticle and 40mm objective make it particularly useful for white-tailed deer, wild hogs, and other game routinely hunted at first or last light.

People who need extreme long-range reticles, specialized turret systems, or premium glass for competitive shooting should look elsewhere; this model focuses on straightforward functionality and weather resistance rather than high-end long-range features.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear and bright optics for its price class thanks to the 40mm objective and full multi-coatings.
• Illuminated etched reticle with a quick-access off position between brightness steps makes low-light aiming intuitive.
• Robust one-piece aluminum tube and IPX7 waterproofing offer genuine field durability and fogproof performance.
• RainGuard HD helps maintain usable sight picture in adverse weather without constant wiping.

Cons

• Adjustment feel receives mixed feedback; some users find turrets intuitive while others report they are less refined than higher-end scopes.

Specifications

Magnification	3-9x
Objective Lens	40mm
Reticle	Etched illuminated Multi-X with center dot and 6 brightness settings
Lens Coating	Fully multi-coated with RainGuard HD
Tube	One-piece aircraft-grade aluminum
Waterproof/Fogproof	IPX7 waterproof, nitrogen-purged

Our Verdict

The Bushnell Legend 3-9x40mm Illuminated Riflescope is a sensible buy for hunters who need dependable low-light clarity, simple illuminated aiming, and weatherproof reliability without a premium price. It delivers strong optical value and rugged construction for typical hunting situations, though those seeking top-tier adjustments or long-range specialty features should consider higher-end alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the reticle battery powered or etched?
The reticle is etched into the glass for durability and includes an illuminated center dot powered by a battery with six brightness settings.

Will the scope work in rain or snow?
Yes; the scope uses RainGuard HD coating and is IPX7 waterproof and nitrogen-purged to resist internal fogging in wet conditions.

Is this scope suitable for low-light hunting?
Yes; the 40mm objective, full multi-coatings, and the illuminated reticle make it well suited for dawn and dusk hunts.