Bushnell, an industry leader in optics, has released a new red dot optic in their Elite Tactical line.  The CQTS 1x32mm red dot optic looks to take aim at the higher-end market of red dot optics, such as EOTech and Aimpoint, with competitive features and a significantly smaller price tag.

The CQTS has a very similar appearance to the older Bushnell TRS-32.  In fact I think the two share the same basic housing unit with some minor cosmetic changes for the CQTS.  However, beyond that the CQTS is a completely new optic, with all new and enhanced holographic technology, better multi-coated lenses for enhanced clarity, and a 3 MOA dot instead of the TRS-32’s 5 MOA dot.

The right side of the CQTS. Note the rubberized screw cap covers for elevation and windage.

Bushnell offers several red dot optics, including 3 MOA dot options, but the CQTS appears to be a combination of the best features in one product.  Besides the smaller 3 MOA dot size, the CQTS comes with 8 brightness settings, a lighter weight of only 6 ounces, and a larger field of view (FOV) of 68 feet at 100 yards.  Eye relief is also unlimited with no need for parallax adjustment.

The Bushnell CQTS has a 3 MOA dot that is easily observed while not being too large to obscure the shooter’s view down range.

The CQTS comes in a fairly compact package, with larger dials for easier control.  The optics are well protected inside the housing, but come with rubber flip-up lens covers as well.  Point of impact adjustments of 0.5 inches per click provide a much greater potential for accuracy than previous models.

The brightness setting dial is large with textured cuts for easy manipulation.

The 30mm tube is attached to a Picatinny rail with a cantilever style mounting bracket that comes included.  The mounting ring has (6) retention screws, three on each side, for a very solid hold despite heavy shooting.

The CQTS mounting ring has (6) retention screws for a very secure hold even in heavy firing.

The Bushnell representative I talked to at SHOT Show said that MSRP had not been set, but he estimated it to be around $350.  If that is correct, the big retailers will likely drop that number by at least $100 or more, as has happened with past products.

Red dot scopes are generally purposed for instinctive or reflexive shooting at close-range targets, even though a properly sighted red dot can be accurate to beyond 200 yards.  For close range shots, many shooters prefer smaller dots with better clarity and less clutter in the lens, to allow for the greatest possible image of the target.

The CQTS lenses are multi-coated for protection and clarity. Note the protection offered the amber colored recessed lens.

The CQTS should fit those needs very well.  Though the Aimpoint has a very nice 2 MOA dot, the majority of EOTech sights have a rather thick 65 MOA ring around their 1 MOA dot.  And both will likely cost $2-300 more than the CQTS.

Here are the CQTS 1x32mm optic features:

• Power/Objective Lens – 1x32mm
• Reticle – 3 MOA Red dot
• Tube Diameter – 30mm
• FOV – 68 @ 100 yards
• Weight – 6 ounces
• Length – 5.5 inches
• Eye Relief – Unlimited
• Exit Pupil – 28mm
• Adjustment Value – 0.5 inches @ 100 yards
• Adjustment Range – 50 inches @ 100 yards
• Mount – Cantilever style
• Battery – (1) CR2032 – included
• Service Life  – 940 hours at 68-Fahrenheit, 910 hours at 140-F, 850 hours at 32-F
• Matte Black Finish
• MSRP – $350 (Unofficially).

Bushnell claims to have the leading market share in all of the sports optics categories.  Their goal is providing high quality optics at reasonable prices.  The CQTS appears to meet that objective.

Having shot an EOTech, Aimpoint, and the Bushnell TRS-32, my favorite red dot optic has been the Aimpoint Pro with its simple and small 2 MOA dot.  However, if the Bushnell CQTS does come out $200 cheaper with only a nominally larger dot (3 MOA), I just may have to switch my aim.