Bushnell GForce DX 1300 ARC User manual

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Model: 202460/202461
LIT# 11-13 ENGLISH

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CONTENTS
English
Français
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Português
4 - 24
25 - 47
49 - 71
73 - 95
97 - 119
121 - 143

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202460/202461 - Bushnell®G Force™DX 1300 ARC™- Laser Rangefinder
Congratulations on your purchase of the Bushnell® G Force™ DX  ARC™, our most compact premium and
versatile laser rangender. e G Force™ DX  ARC™ is a precision Laser Rangender optical instrument designed
to provide many years of enjoyment. is booklet will help you achieve optimum performance by explaining its
adjustments and features as well as how to care for this precise laser rangending optical instrument.
INTRODUCTION
Your Bushnell® G Force™ DX  ARC™ is an ultra thin, premium performing laser rangender comprised of
the latest Digital Technology allowing range readings from - Yards / - meters. Measuring . x  x .
inches, the -ounce G Force™ DX  ARC™ with nd Generation E.S.P.™ (Extreme. Speed. Precision.) is capable
of delivering extremely fast target acquisition, incredible ½ yard accuracy, and /th precision from - yards and
+/-  yard accuracy from - yards. e G-Force™ DX  also features Bushnell’s patented ARC™ (Angle Range
Compensation), superb optical quality, and  waterproof construction along with RainGuard® HD Coating.
Built-In Tripod Mount
VSI™- Variable Sight-In Distance
ARC™- Bow & Rifle Modes
Posi-Thread™Battery Door
100% Waterproof
Adjustable Diopter Setting
6x MagnificationVivid Display Technology™
2nd Generation E.S.P.™- Extreme. Speed. Precision.
• Turbo Processor Provides Faster Acquisition
• Provides 1/2 Yard Accuracy; 1/10 Precision from 5–199 Yards
Ranging
• 1300 Yards Reflective
• 900 Yards to Trees
• 500 Yards to Deer
Rubber Armored Metal Housing
RainGuard®HD

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HOW OUR DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY WORKS
e G Force DX  ARC™ emits invisible, eye safe, infrared energy pulses. e G Force DX  ARC’s Advanced
Digital microprocessor and ASIC chip (Application-Specic Integrated Circuit) results in instantaneous and accurate
readings every time. Sophisticated digital technology instantaneously calculates distances by measuring the time it
takes for each pulse to travel from the rangender, to the target, and back.
RANGING ACCURACY
e ranging accuracy of the G Force DX  ARC™ is plus or minus one yard / meter under most circumstances. e
maximum range of the instrument depends on the reectivity of the target. e maximum distance for most objects
is  yards /  meters while for highly reective objects the maximum is  yards /  meters.
Note: You will get both longer and shorter maximum distances depending on the reflective properties of the particular target and the environmental
conditions at the time the distance of an object is being measured. The color, surface finish, size and shape of the target all affect reflectivity and
range. The brighter the color, the longer the range. White is highly reflective, for example, and allows longer ranges than the color black, which is
the least reflective color. A shiny finish provides more range than a dull one. A small target is more difficult to range than a larger target. The angle
to the target also has an effect. Shooting to a target at a 90 degree angle (where the target surface is perpendicular to the flight path of the emitted
energy pulses) provides good range while a steep angle on the other hand, provides limited ranging. In addition, lighting conditions (e.g. the amount
of sunlight) will affect the ranging capabilities of the unit. The less light (e.g. overcast skies) the farther the unit’s maximum range will be. Conversely,
very sunny days will decrease the unit’s maximum range.
E.S.P.2™ (Extreme. Speed. Precision. 2nd generation), our advanced second generation ranging technology, provides the fastest, most
accurate ranging measurement based on target conditions. The laser analyzes multiple individual measurements to the target and calculates and
displays the best possible result. Target variations such as reflectance, shape and color can affect the accuracy of a laser measurement, but E.S.P.2™
automatically assesses the conditions and improves the measurement up to 1/2 Yard Accuracy whenever possible from 5–199 yards. When this occurs,
display readout precision will be refined to 1/10th yard.

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GETTING STARTED
OPERATIONAL SUMMARY
While looking through the G Force DX  ARC™, depress the power button once to activate the Vivid Display.
Place the aiming circle (located in the center of the eld of view) upon a target at least  yards away, depress and
hold the power button down until the range reading is displayed near the bottom of the in-view display. Crosshairs
surrounding the aiming circle indicate that the laser is being transmitted. Once a range has been acquired, you can
release the power button. e crosshairs surrounding the aiming circle will disappear once the power button has been
released (i.e. the laser is no longer being transmitted).
Note: Once activated, the display will remain active and display the last distance measurement for 3 seconds. You can depress the power button again
at any time to distance to a new target. As with any laser device, it is not recommended to directly view the emissions for long periods of time with
magnified lenses. The maximum time the laser is transmitted (fired) is 7 seconds. To re-fire, press the button down again.

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VIVID DISPLAY INDICATORS
Your G Force DX  ARC™ Vivid Display™ incorporates the following illuminated indicators:
Angle Range Compensation Modes
Rie Mode ()
Bow Mode ()
Battery Life Indicator ()
Aiming Circle ()
Active Laser ()
Targeting Modes
BullsEye Mode ()
Brush Mode ()
Primary Numeric Display displays Line-of-sight Distance ()
Holdover / Bullet-drop measure for Rifle Mode
MOA ()
CM ()
IN ()
ML ()
SD = Variable Sight-In Distance ()
Secondary Numeric Display ()
(Toggles from Degree of Angle to Holdover / bullet drop for Rie mode)
(Toggles from Degree of Angle to True Horizontal Distance for Bow Mode)
MOA CM
IN
Y M
SD
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ANGLE RANGE COMPENSATION
e G Force DX  ARC™ is an advanced premium laser rangender monocular featuring a built-in accelerometer-
based inclinometer that digitally displays the exact angle from - to + degrees of elevation and is +/- . degree
accurate. e Bushnell® G Force DX  ARC™ solves a problem hunters have been faced with for years. e
problem: Bow and rie hunters have struggled with extreme uphill and downhill angles because of how these angles
alter true horizontal distance to your target. e Solution: ARC’s integrated inclinometer provides elevation angle to
allow for distance compensation when targeting objects that are either uphill or downhill. is data is then combined
with internal algorithmic ballistic formulas.
ARC™(ANGLE RANGE COMPENSATION ) MODES
Bow Mode ( ): Displays line of sight distance, degree of elevation, and true horizontal distance from - yards /
meters and a maximum inclination of +/- °.
Rifle Mode ( ): Calculates and displays the amount of bullet drop, at the target in inches, centimeters or MOA.
e amount of bullet drop is determined by the line of sight distance to the target, degree of elevation, along with
the specic ballistic characteristics of the caliber and ammunition load. When you range your target, the line of sight,
degree of elevation, and bullet-drop/holdover in inches, centimeters, MOA, or mil (ML) will be displayed from 
to  yards/meters with a maximum inclination of +/- °. One of eight ballistic groups (identied as A, B, C, D, E,
F, G, and H) for center re ries and two ballistic groups (Identied as I and J) for Black Powder / Muzzleloaders can
be selected by the user, with each formula representing a given combination of caliber and loads. e ballistic groups
are selected by the user in the SETUP menu.
Regular Mode ( ): is mode does not provide any degree of elevation or compensated distance, but instead, line
of sight distance only.

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BATTERY LIFE INDICATOR
Battery Indicator:
Full charge
/ battery life remaining
/ battery Life remaining
Battery Indicator Blinks - Battery needs to be replaced and unit will not be operable.
INSERTING THE BATTERY
Remove the Posi-read™ battery door by lifting the battery door tab and then rotating counter clockwise. Insert a
CR -volt lithium battery into the compartment negative end rst, then replace the battery cap.
NOTE: It is recommended that the battery be replaced at least once every 12 months.
UNIT OF MEASURE OPTIONS
e G Force DX  ARC™ can be used to measure distances in yards or meters. e unit of measure indicators are
located in the lower right portion of the LCD.
ACTIVE LASER
Crosshairs surrounding the aiming circle indicate that the laser is being transmitted. Once a range has been acquired,
you can release the power button. e crosshairs surrounding the circle will disappear once the power button has been
released (i.e. the laser is no longer being transmitted).
SELECTIVE TARGETING™ MODES
e G Force DX  ARC™ was especially designed with hunters in mind. e selective targeting modes allow you
to adjust the performance parameters of the unit to suit your specic situation and environment. To move from one
mode to another, press the POWER button once to turn on the unit. While looking through the eyepiece, press the
MODE button and quickly release. e dierent targeting modes available and mode indicators are listed below:

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Standard with Automatic SCAN: is setting allows most targets to be distanced up to  yards. Used for
moderately reective targets that are typical of most distancing situations. e minimum distance in the standard
mode is  yards. To use the Automatic SCAN feature, simply hold down on the POWER button for approximately
 seconds and move the rangender from object to object while leaving the POWER button depressed. Automatic
SCAN will allow the range to be continuously updated as multiple objects are targeted.
BullsEye™(VDT™ Indicator - ): is advanced mode allows easy acquisition of small targets and game without
inadvertently getting distances to background targets that have stronger signal strength. When more than one object
has been acquired, distance of the closer object will be displayed and a crosshair will surround the BullsEye™ indicator
informing the user that distance to the closer object is being displayed in the VDT™. Once in this mode, press the
POWER button to turn the unit on. Next, align the aiming circle onto the object (i.e. deer) that you want distance
to. Next, press and hold the POWER button and move the laser slowly over the deer until crosshairs surround the
BullsEye indicator. If the laser beam recognized more than one object (i.e. deer and background trees), distance of the
closer object (i.e. deer) will be displayed and crosshairs will surround the BullsEye indicator informing the user that
distance to the closer object is being displayed in the VDT™ (Figure ). ere may be times when only the laser beam
only sees one object in its path. In this case,  the distance will be displayed, but because more than one object was
not acquired, crosshairs will not surround the BullsEye indicator.
TIP: While pressing the POWER button, you can move the device slowly from object to object and intentionally force the laser to hit multiple objects to
ensure that you are only displaying the closest of the objects recognized by the laser.
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Figure 1 Figure 2

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Brush™(VDT Indicator - ): is advanced mode allows objects such as brush and tree branches to be ignored so
that distance only to background objects are displayed. When more than one object has been acquired, distance of
the further object will be displayed and a circle will surround the Brush™ indicator informing the user that distance
of the farthest object is being displayed in the VDT™.
Once in this mode, press the POWER button to turn the unit on. Next, align the aiming circle onto the object that
you want distance to. Next, press and hold the POWER button and move the laser slowly over the object until a circle
surrounds the Brush indicator. If the laser beam recognized more than one object (i.e. closeup tree branch and a deer
in the background), distance of the further object (i.e. deer) will be displayed and a circle will surround the brush
indicator informing the user that distance to the farther object is being displayed (Figure ). ere may be times when
only the laser beam only sees one object in its path. In this case, the distance will be displayed, but because more than
one object was not acquired, the circle will not surround the Brush indicator.
TIP: While pressing the POWER button, you can move the device slowly from object to object and intentionally force the laser to hit multiple objects to
ensure that you are only displaying the furthest of the objects recognized by the laser. Once the device has shut off, the unit will always default back to
the last targeting mode used.
MENU SETUP – SELECTION of DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS, BOW, RIFLE, REGULAR MODES, UNIT OF MEASURE, SIGHT-IN DISTANCE
AND BALLISTIC CORRECTION
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
Vivid Display Technology™ dramatically improves contrast, clarity and light transmission while increasing brightness
of the digital readout, making distance readings legible in low light environments.
ere are four intensity settings to choose from and this is the rst setting within the SETUP menu. Press the
MODE button for  seconds to get into the SETUP menu. e existing brightness setting will be ashing (i.e. BRT,
BRT, BRT, or BRT), pressing the MODE button will toggle between the four brightness settings. “BRT” is the

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lowest intensity while “BRT” is the brightest. Simply press the MODE button until the desired brightness setting is
displayed and select by pressing and releasing the POWER button.
ere are two ARC™ (Angle Range Compensation) modes and one REGULAR mode. e two ARC™ modes are
BOW mode ( ) and RIFLE mode ( ).
To select between these modes, rst turn the unit “ON” by pressing and releasing the POWER button. Next, press and
hold the MODE button for three seconds to get into the SETUP menu. e brightness is displayed rst and can be
changed by pressing the MODE button or accepted by pressing the POWER button. en press the power button until
you see the existing compensation mode indicated by either the “Bow” symbol ( ), the “Rie” symbol ( ) lit with
one of the ballistic groups (A thru J) displayed and ashing, or no indicators lit and the message ( ) ashing.
e modes can be cycled through in a circular fashion by pressing and releasing the mode button. e order of modes is
a follows: BOW, RIFLE A, RIFLE B, RIFLE C, RIFLE D, RIFLE E, RIFLE F, RIFLE G, RIFLE H, RIFLE I, RIFLE
J, REG, etc. When the bow selection is displayed, ( ) will ash and when the rie selection is displayed, ( )
and ballistic group will be ashing. When the ( ) is displayed, the message ( ) will ash within the display.
Once the desired distance compensation mode is displayed, select it by pressing and releasing the POWER
button. Following this selection, the current unit of measure, “Y” for yards or “M” for meters will ash
in the display and the SETUP icon is still lit. Pressing the MODE button will toggle the unit of measure.
When the desired unit of measure is displayed, press the POWER button to accept the unit of measure.
If the user chooses RIFLE mode, and after having determined unit of measure, the user has the following options:
. Variable Sight-In (VSI™) - Allows the rie hunter to choose from four sight-in distances (, , , or 
yards or meters) and provides holdover / bullet-drop data in inches, centimeters, MOA, or ML (mil). e “SD” (Sight-

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In Distance) indicator will turn on and the current Sight-In Distance number will blink within the display (I.e. ,
, , or ). e Sight-In Distance options can be cycled through in a circular fashion by pressing and releasing
the mode button. Once the desired Sight-In Distance is displayed, select it by pressing and releasing the power button.
. And nally, if RIFLE mode was chosen, and as long as unit of measure and a sight-in distance was selected, you have the
option of determining how you would like hold-over / bullet-drop displayed. If measurement units are in yards, you will be
able to choose between inches, MOA, or ML (mil). If measurement units are in meters, you will be able to choose between
centimeters, MOA, or ML (mil). For example, the “CM” for centimeters or “IN” for inches will ash in the display and the
SETUP icon is still lit. Once the desired ballistic measure is displayed, select it by pressing and releasing the power button.
Upon returning to the normal operating menu, the current compensation mode and unit of measure will be identied
in the display as indicated below.
SETUP MENU NORMAL OPERATING MENU
When the unit automatically powers down, operation will always return to the normal operation (i.e. away
from SETUP) with the last used ARC™ mode active (i.e. BOW, RIFLE, or REGULAR) along with the last used
TARGETING modes active (Standard SCAN, BULLSEYE, or BRUSH). If the unit turns o while in the SETUP
menu, the unit will always return to the last mode(s) still active.
SETUP Menu Normal Operating Menu

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Once the range is displayed, continue to hold the POWER button down for approximately  seconds while holding
the aiming circle on the object and keeping the unit as steady as possible so as to allow the inclinometer enough time
to measure angle. en release the POWER button. Once you have released the power button, the line of sight will be
displayed along with unit of measure. Beneath the line of sight distance and unit of measure, the degree of angle will
be displayed for approximately . seconds, and will then automatically switch to the compensated range. e line of
sight distance, unit of measure and automatic toggle from degree of angle to compensated distance will continue for 
seconds at which time the display will automatically shut o.
BOW MODE EXAMPLE
Line of sight is  yards, angle is - degrees, and the Angle Range Compensated distance is  yards. Instead of
shooting as  yards, shoot as  yards. If you were to shoot as if  yards, you would shoot over the top of the deer
because of the severe angle.
If in BOW mode, the line of sight distance will display in the primary numeric display and the inclination and horizontal distance
will display in the secondary numeric displays. Bushnell® determined through extensive testing and interviews with high-prole
bow hunting experts that multiple bow ballistic groups were not necessary. Bow-hunters want to know true horizontal distance
because that is how they practice shooting, and once they condently know that, they can make any necessary adjustments.
Giving the bow-hunter anything else other than horizontal distance creates additional confusion and uncertainty.
Line of Sight = 32Y
Compensated Distance = 23Y
Line of Sight = 32Y
Degree of Angle = -44°

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Many people mistakenly believe that uphill shots perform dierently from downhill shots because of gravity. However,
it is not due to gravity, but more of an aberration of the sighting system used on bows. e sighting pin on a bow
resides several inches above the mechanical axis of the arrow. For example, when one is aiming  degrees up an
incline, the arrow is at a dierent angle.
RIFLE MODE EXAMPLE
Line of sight is  yards, angle is - degrees, and the bullet-drop/holdover is  inches. ARC™ not only takes into
account ballistic data based o your caliber and load from distances of - yards, but also compensates for any
uphill and downhill angles which also aect bullet-drop.
If in RIFLE mode, the ballistic group will be displayed in the bullet drop numeric eld anytime that the primary
numeric display is showing dashes (i.e. no target acquired). When a target is acquired in RIFLE mode, the line of
sight distance will display in the primary numeric display. Either “IN,” “MOA,” “ML,” or “CM” will light next to the
bullet drop numeric display. If the bullet drop / hold over reads “ ,” this means the compensated distance is beyond
what can be displayed, and or beyond ballistic calculations and user will need to hold low.
Line of Sight = 376 Yards
Holdover/Bulletdrop = 28 Inches
Line of Sight = 376 Yards
Degree of Angle = -33°

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REGULAR MODE
is mode does not provide any degree of elevation or compensated distance, but instead, line of sight distance only.
e will still appear below the line of sight numeric display, but there will not be any information displayed in this
secondary numeric display.
KNOWING WHICH BALLISTIC GROUP TO SELECT
Bushnell® engineers have worked with Sierra® Bullets ballistic programs and grouped many of the most popular
calibers and loads into eight ballistic groups (A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H). Once you know what caliber and load you are
shooting simply look through the chart to determine which one of the eight ballistic groups match with your
particular load and caliber. For Muzzleloaders, we have worked with PowerBelt Bullets to incorporate ballistic data
into two ballistic groups (I and J).
POPULAR CALIBER & LOAD COMBINATIONS BALLISTIC GROUP
Federal Cartridge. dia. - Rem,  gr. Bear Claw at  FPS G
Federal Cartridge. dia. - Rem,  gr. Partition at  FPS F
Remington Arms . dia. - Remington Arms ,  gr. V-Max at  FPS H
Remington Arms . dia. - Remington Arms ,  gr. PSP at  FPS G
Winchester . dia. - Rem,  gr. Ballistic Silvertip at  FPS H
Winchester . dia. - Rem,  gr. PSP at  FPS G
Federal Cartridge . dia.  Win,  gr. Ballistic Tip at  FPS F
Federal Cartridge . dia.  Win,  gr. Partition at  FPS F
Remington Arms . dia.  Win,  gr. PSPCL Ultra at  FPS E
Remington Arms . dia.  Win,  gr. SPCL at  FPS D
Winchester . dia.  Win,  gr. Partition Gold at  FPS E
Winchester . dia.  Win,  gr. PP-Plus at  FPS E

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Federal Cartridge . dia. - Spring,  gr. AccuBond at  FPS D
Federal Cartridge . dia. - Spring,  gr. Bear Claw at  FPS D
Remington Arms . dia. - Springeld,  gr. A-Frame at  FPS D
Remington Arms . dia. - Springeld,  gr. BRPT at  FPS D
Winchester . dia. - Sprg,  gr. FailSafe at  FPS D
Winchester . dia. - Sprg,  gr. Partition Gold at  FPS D
Federal Cartridge. dia.  WSM,  gr. AccuBond at  FPS F
Federal Cartridge. dia.  WSM,  gr. Bear Claw at  FPS F
Winchester . dia.  WSM,  gr. Ballistic Silver Tip at  FPS F
Winchester . dia.  WSM,  gr. Fail Safe at  FPS F
Remington Arms . dia.  R.S.A.U.M.,  gr. PSPCL Ultra at  FPS E
Remington Arms . dia.  Wby Mag,  gr. PSPCL at  FPS F
Above are a few of the most popular caliber/load combinations. A complete list of approximately  caliber and
load combinations can be found on Bushnell’s website (www.bushnell.com). After you have determined which
ballistic group corresponds to your caliber and load, select this ballistic group (See MENU SETUP above). e
internal formula will determine amount of bullet drop/holdover in inches or centimeters based upon distance, angle,
and ballistics of your caliber and load.
is state-of-the-art digital technology allows the hunter or shooter to know precisely where to hold for an eective
shot. is information should be treated as a helpful guide or tool and in no way should it ever replace practice and
familiarity with your rie, cartridge and load. We encourage practice shooting at dierent ranges so you know how
your rie, cartridge and load will perform under various conditions. Always know what is behind your bullet; if you
don’t know, don’t take the shot.

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EXAMPLE
You have a  WSM and are shooting the following Winchester brand load:  gr. Ballistic Silver Tip bullet at 
FPS muzzle velocity. is combination falls under Ballistic Group “F”. After setting the rangender to ballistic group
“F”, go to the range and sight in your riescope at  yards. If you then take a shot at a target at  yds, the bullet
drop will be  inches. If the shot is at angle of  degrees upward, then the corrected bullet drop will be  inches.
What if your caliber is not listed?
While we have taken great care to include as many calibers and brand names in our ballistics tables, new loads are
always being developed. In addition, some shooters load their own ammunition with unique ballistic characteristics.
If you cannot nd your load in our ballistic tables, you can still use the bullet drop feature of the laser rangender.
As above, sight in your rie at  yds. en shoot the rie, without adjusting the riescope, at  yds. Measure the
bullet drop from the point of aim. Using this drop, select the ballistic group from below. If you will be shooting longer
distances then you may want to check the bullet drop at  yds. Because there is enormous variation in rie barrels,
chambers, and hand loads, you should thoroughly test the ballistic setting before actual hunting. You may need to
move up or down one group depending upon your tests.

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If Bullet Drop is: @300 yds @300 m @500 yds @500 m
Use:
A25–31 inches 63–79 cm 114–146 inches 291–370 cm
B20–25 inches 50–63 cm 88–114 inches 225–291 cm
C16–20 inches 40–50 cm 72–88 inches 182–225 cm
D13–16 inches 34–40 cm 61–72 inches 155–182 cm
E12–13 inches 30–34 cm 55–61 inches 139–155 cm
F10–12 inches 25–30 cm 47–55 inches 119–139 cm
G8–10 inches 20–25 cm 39–47 inches 99–119 cm
HLess than 8 inches Less than 20 cm
Less than 39 inches Less than 99 cm

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RAINGUARD®HD
e outer surfaces of the objective and eyepiece lenses are coated with RainGuard® HD. RainGuard® HD is Bushnell’s
permanent, patented, hydrophobic (water repellant) lens coating that prevents fogging by causing condensation from
rain, sleet, snow or even your own breath to bead up into much smaller droplets than on standard coatings. Smaller
uniform droplets scatter less light which results in a clearer, brighter view.
CLEANING
Gently blow away any dust or debris on the lenses (or use a soft lens brush). To remove dirt or ngerprints, clean
with a soft cotton cloth, rubbing in a circular motion. Use of a coarse cloth or unnecessary rubbing may scratch the
lens surface and eventually cause permanent damage. For a more thorough cleaning, photographic lens tissue and
photographic-type lens cleaning uid or isopropyl alcohol may be used. Always apply the uid to the cleaning cloth
— never directly on the lens.
TRIPOD MOUNT
Molded into the bottom of your G Force DX  ARC™ is a threaded tripod mount that will allow you to attach a
tripod for a more stable operation during long periods of use.