Canadian Airgun Forum

This afternoon I emailed Bushnell Customer Support with a scope question. I received an answer before the end of the business day.

QUESTION: Is the Bushnell Banner 4-12x40AO scope (614124) rated for use on a springer air rifle? Will it hold up to the recoil of a spring-piston rifle?

ANSWER: No it is not. We do not recommend anything lower than our Trophy line be used on air rifles.

This info may be helpful to someone.

The banner has never given me any problems love them

I believe Pyramid Air lists the 4x12-40 Banner as air gun rated. I wonder about the 3x9-40 Banner. I have heard it works fine.

I'm sure we have many examples of Banner models that have worked fine on springers. I used a cheap Bushnell Banner 3-9x32 on my HW30S and for a while on a big Diana 52. However, Bushnell company states that they are not rated for spring rifles. You can take a chance but don't be surprised if they fail. I had one Banner 3-9 eventually failed. You might get lucky and get one that will last for many thousands of shots. I'm guessing that the reticles were not designed for the double jolt of a springer. The Trophy models and above are likely made more durable.

If you believe the Bushnell rep is wrong, please follow up on his information and let us know. His name is Chris and can be reached via their online email.

Thanks

Funny thing is, back in the 70's and early 80's, the banner scopes were very good for the money. The optics were good, durability was good, even on .300 and .375 Magnum rifles I had at that time.

After they took over/bought Tasco, their cheap line really started sucking. I've had 3 Banner 6-24X scopes since that happened and every one of them sucked, optics-wise if set over about 16X. I finally ended up throwing them in the trash-bin after upgrading my varmint rifles to better scopes, still with Bushnel, but with Elites, 3200's and 4200's. I also now have Optisan (.25 Condor), Vortex and M4200Bushnells on my varmint rifles.

I've also a Trophy and several "Custom" model Bushnells along with Bosch & Lombe scopes with no problems.

_________________
Best Wishes
Daryl

Im guessing the Banners have no trouble with powder burners, especially 22.

The Banners worked for a number of years, but looking through their optics all day long shooting gophers was REALLY hard on the eyes - verging on headaches after 4 or 5 hours of shooting.

The 6.5-20X44 Simmons did not give us that trouble, nor do the 3200's and 4200's.

_________________
Best Wishes
Daryl