Bushnell Match Pro ED Review: The New King of Budget Precision?

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If you’ve been hanging around the precision rifle community lately—especially the NRL22 or PRS Rimfire crowds—you’ve definitely heard the whispers. Or maybe the shouting. Everyone is talking about the Bushnell Match Pro ED 5-30×56.

For the longest time, there was a massive gap in the market. You either bought a “budget” scope that struggled past 400 yards, or you dropped $2,000+ on top-tier glass. There was no middle ground. Well, Bushnell decided to fix that, and honestly? They might have just broken the grading curve. If you’re looking for alpha-tier features without the divorce-lawyer price tag, pull up a chair. We need to talk about this scope.

What is the Bushnell Match Pro ED?

Let’s get the specs out of the way so we can get to the good stuff. The “ED” stands for Extra-low Dispersion glass, which is fancy talk for “this glass is way clearer and handles color better than the old version.” It bumps the magnification range up to a massive 5-30x and widens the objective lens to 56mm, meaning it sucks in light like a black hole—perfect for those gloomy overcast range days.

But the real headline here is the 34mm main tube. Why does that matter? More internal space means more elevation travel. If you are lobbing .22LR rounds out to 300 or 400 yards, you need all the “up” you can get. Combine that with a locking windage turret and their Easy-Set Zero Stop, and you have a package that frankly feels like it should cost double what it does.

The Good, The Bad, and The Glassy

I’ve spent some time behind this glass, and while I’m a big fan, I’ll keep it 100% real with you. Here is what stands out.

• The Price-to-Performance Ratio: I genuinely don’t know how they packed this many features (ED glass, 34mm tube, illumination) into this price point. It punches way above its weight class.
• 15-Yard Parallax: This is a HUGE deal for rimfire shooters. Being able to focus down to 15 yards means you can dominate those close-range NRL22 stages.
• Turret Feel: The clicks are crisp, tactile, and loud. You can dial with confidence without looking up.
• Illuminated Deploy MIL 2 Reticle: It’s a “Christmas tree” style reticle that gives you plenty of holdover points without being too thick or cluttered.
• Easy-Set Zero Stop: Setting your zero is painless. No tiny wrenches to lose in the grass!

The Not-So-Perfect Stuff:

• Stiff Magnification Ring: It takes a bit of muscle to zoom in and out. You will almost certainly want to grab a throw lever.
• Weight: At nearly 32 ounces, she’s a big girl. If you’re building a lightweight hunting rig, this might be too much heft.
• Eyebox at 30x: Like almost every high-magnification scope, the eyebox gets a little finicky when you are cranked all the way to 30x.

On The Range

I took the Match Pro ED out to a local rimfire match, and the first thing I noticed was the brightness. Comparison is the thief of joy, but comparing this to the original Match Pro (non-ED) is night and day. The colors pop, and spotting bullet holes on paper at 100 yards was a breeze.

Functionally, the locking windage turret saved my bacon twice. There’s nothing worse than pulling your rifle out of a bag and realizing your windage knob rubbed against the zipper and dialed you 2 MILS left. With the lock, that doesn’t happen. And that 15-yard parallax? Absolute game-changer. I transitioned from a target at 25 yards to one at 200 yards, and the side focus knob was smooth enough to get me there in a second. It just feels like a professional tool.

Who is the Match Pro ED For?

If you are getting into NRL22 or PRS Rimfire, stop looking. Just buy this. It is widely considered the “gold standard” for rimfire competition right now because of that close focus and massive elevation travel.

But don’t think it’s just for .22s. If you are building a budget-friendly 6.5 Creedmoor or .308 for long-range target shooting and don’t want to spend $2,000 on optics, this is your best bet. It’s perfect for the shooter who wants to learn the art of long-range dialing without emptying their savings account.

Technical Specifications

Keep Your Glass Clean

Since the Match Pro ED has that nice big 56mm objective, it’s a magnet for dust and fingerprints. Do yourself a favor and get a good lens pen. Brush the dust off before you wipe the lens—grinding dust into the glass is how scratches happen! Also, when mounting this beast, make sure you use 34mm rings (don’t try to squeeze it into 30mm rings!) and torque them to spec. Usually, 15-18 in/lbs is the sweet spot for ring caps.

Built to Last

In the outdoor world, “sustainability” often means buying gear that doesn’t need replacing every season. The Bushnell Match Pro ED is built rugged. It’s nitrogen-purged (fog-proof) and holds zero through recoil and bumps. By investing in a quality optic like this rather than a cheap “throwaway” scope, you’re reducing waste. Plus, Bushnell’s warranty is solid, meaning they’ll repair rather than just toss it if something goes wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between the Match Pro and the Match Pro ED?

The “ED” is a major upgrade. The original Match Pro has a 30mm tube and standard glass. The Match Pro ED has a 34mm tube (more travel), a larger 56mm objective, a wider magnification range (5-30x), and significantly better glass clarity.

2. Does it come with a sunshade?

Yes! It typically ships with a 2.5-inch sunshade in the box, which is awesome for cutting down glare on bright days.

3. Is this scope good for hunting?

It can be, especially for stationary long-range hunting (like varmint or predator hunting). However, the “Christmas tree” reticle might be a bit busy for quick shots in the brush, and it is on the heavier side for stalking.

Final Verdict

The Bushnell Match Pro ED 5-30×56 isn’t just “good for the money.” It’s just flat-out good. It has effectively bridged the gap between entry-level and pro-tier optics. Whether you are a seasoned competitor looking for a training scope or a newbie wanting to start strong, this scope hits every mark. It’s clear, it tracks true, and it doesn’t cost as much as a used car. What more could you ask for?

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