First Look: Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18x 40mm Creed Riflescope

by
posted on September 5, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ar_optics_65_creed.jpg

Bushnell's AR Optics line of riflescopes has become known for its combination of reliability and affordability. For 2017, the company has expanded the AR Optics brand to include an offering for the many hunters and shooters who have discovered 6.5 Creedmoor—the AR Optics 4.5-18x 40mm Creed Riflescope. Here are five things you need to know.

1. Only one model is available, for now.
So far, the 4.5-18x 40mm model is the only 6.5 Creedmoor-specific AR Optics scope Bushnell is offering. And yes, it really is fine-tuned for the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge. You could certainly outfit it to any rifle you’d like, but you’d be wasting the included holdover points, which I’ll get to in a moment.

2. It features the "Drop Zone" 6.5 Creedmoor reticle.
As the scope’s name suggests, it’s already tuned for 6.5 Creedmoor. As such, Bushnell has equipped it with the Drop Zone 6.5 Creedmoor reticle, which is designed to maximize the round’s performance by providing preset holder points for shots out to 600 yards.

3. It’s easy to manipulate.
The scope features tactical-style turrets, which allow for very rapid adjustments, when required. A side parallax focus makes it easy to ensure your target is clear at any range—which is handy when you’re preparing to make use of that built-in 600-yard holdover point.

4. It'll do the job in the field, too.
Though the AR Optics 4.5-18x 40mm Creed Riflescope was admittedly designed with tactical and competitive applications in mind, it acquits itself nicely in the field, too. I recently mounted one to a Savage Arms MSR 10 Hunter for an antelope hunt in New Mexico. The goat I put down from 200 yards didn't have time to offer any critiques as to my optic of choice.

5. It's affordable.
Almost the entirety of the AR Optics line can typically be found for under $200 at major retailers like Cabela's. Don't believe me? Click here.

Latest

44 Mag HST LEDE
44 Mag HST LEDE

New for 2025: Federal’s Personal Defense HST .44 Rem. Mag.

Federal Ammunition has recently added a new HST .44 Remington Magnum “Light Magnum” load featuring a specially designed hollow-point bullet, ideal for those seeking HST performance for self-defense with magnum revolvers.

Utah Wildlife Board Updates

The Utah Wildlife Board approved a few new and updated rules, some of which are necessary after recent legislative changes—including the wildlife management area license requirement for certain counties and the new process for regulating hunting guides and outfitters—along with a few other proposals during a public meeting Thursday.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Moose

This month's Member's Hunt comes from John R. Bean of Tucson, Ariz.

Breeding Duck Numbers Decline Again in ND

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 78th-annual spring breeding duck survey conducted in May showed an index of about 2.66-million birds, down from 2.9 million in 2024 and 3.4 million in 2023.

2025-26 Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 migratory game bird seasons have been set. There are two significant changes to waterfowl seasons. The regular season daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone has decreased from three to one, and for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three.

New for 2025: Christensen Arms Evoke in 450 Bushmaster

Christensen Arms has announced the release of the Evoke rifle chambered in powerful 450 Bushmaster.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.