Wow, awesome pictures. I didn't know they milled out the tubes from such heavy stock. That's a lot of material.
Rifle Scopes Burris XTR III 3.3-18x50 mini review and comparison to Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50
- Thread starter Glassaholic
- Start date
Wow, awesome pictures. I didn't know they milled out the tubes from such heavy stock. That's a lot of material.
No kidding! A solid aluminum bar turned down to a scope tube. There's a LOT of material hitting the floor.
Luckily they gather it all back up and recycle it.
It was very cool watching them assemble the optics in the clean room. It's an assembly line process where it goes from one technician to the next, everyone adding a component. The last stop is the pic with the heat lamps, that person glues the objective into place, checks the optical performance through an open window, and places them under a heat lamp.
It's fun to watch the process.
@Glassaholic I see a 2017ish review on the bushnell dmrII, wondering if you’ve had the DMRIII and if so thoughts vs the Xtr III? I really like the G4P reticle on the bushnell, just wish the center dot was illum. Otherwise the two seem pretty close in specs and price.
I have not had the DMR III or Pro, the FOV is very limited on the DMR series and for that reason I began to lose interest in them as an option, I think they are great scopes otherwise, but they could use an optical formula update with a wider angle eyepiece to really benefit. Many 4x (at bottom mag) scopes have wider FOV and even some 4.5x scopes. For the price, I think the XTR IIIi 3.3-18x50 offers a better design as the DMR wasn't particularly spectacular at high magnification I feel the greater FOV of the XTR IIIi more than makes up for this, but you have to like the reticles that Burris offers. My first XTR III was lacking optically and I sent it back in, the replacement Burris sent was stellar even at 18x so I would say if you get an XTR III that you feel doesn't perform really well then it might be worth a trip to Greeley.
EDIT: For clarity, when I mention DMR III or Pro above, I meant the DMR Pro and not the XTR Pro.
Last edited:
always appreciated
This was surprising to read. How does the Pro handle mirage beyond 1,000yds?
eta - at 15x, 20x, 25x?
That's the strength of the Pro. The clarity in mirage is quite good. Thats where it leaves the MK5 and the NX8 in the dust. Same for the GenIII Razor. Compare them on a day with no mirage and I give the nod to the Razor. Get them out in mirage and they are sixes.
The depth of field on the Pro is dialed in just right.
Haha the Gen3 Razor part even more surprising to me - I really like the quality of glass the Gen3 Razor has, although I've only used once (<300yds). It hasn't heated up enough to get a feel for how the XTR3 will handle mirage, but I think the NX8 may have a slight edge @ higher magnification. TBD.
Guess I'll need to get behind a Pro at some point. Very cool behind the scenes pics, btw.
I also like the GIII Razor. They did a good job with it.
I've been able to side by side with a handful of them now. I do think the Razor really nailed the clarity on that glass. It does take some mirage for the Pro to draw even with it.
I have a picture of the window where they checked the first XTRIIs.
Gave a whole new meaning to "being in spec"
Based on this review I picked up a XTR iii 3-18 scr2 with illumination for a Larue 6.5 should be a good combo
That⁰ll treat you great. I have an 18x on my 6.5 gasser..
I’m hoping @Glassaholic woudlnt mind sharing his opinion as he has experience with all of these. I’m looking for a crossover but mostly hunting, can be woods or open fields/woods with shots from 10-500 yards.
These are the scopes I’m considering
-XTR3i 3.3-18 SCR2
-NX8 2.5-20 MIL-C or MIL-XT
-March FX shuriken 4.5-28x52 TR1 or PDKI
I get none of these are even close cost wise with the March being 3x the cost of the XTR3 street price (Liberty), I’m not real worried about that. My biggest concern is usable reticles at the lowest magnification, is the thicker SCR2 illuminated usable at 3.3x? I really like the March TR1 but marches website pictures on low power make me think like it’s not a good option where the PDKI looks like it would be fine on 4.5x. The NX8 is in last place, I have a 4-32 MIL-XT and it’s fine for what it is but the March and Burris are probably better options. Any help would be appreciated.
These are the scopes I’m considering
-XTR3i 3.3-18 SCR2
-NX8 2.5-20 MIL-C or MIL-XT
-March FX shuriken 4.5-28x52 TR1 or PDKI
I get none of these are even close cost wise with the March being 3x the cost of the XTR3 street price (Liberty), I’m not real worried about that. My biggest concern is usable reticles at the lowest magnification, is the thicker SCR2 illuminated usable at 3.3x? I really like the March TR1 but marches website pictures on low power make me think like it’s not a good option where the PDKI looks like it would be fine on 4.5x. The NX8 is in last place, I have a 4-32 MIL-XT and it’s fine for what it is but the March and Burris are probably better options. Any help would be appreciated.
You ought to take a look at the NF 4-16x42mm ATACR
You can take me with a grain of salt, I am the Burris fanboi. But I'm also the guy who spends a LOT of time in the field with these optics.
I hunted big game all last fall over illuminated XTRIIIs. I have both an 18x and 30x. I spent a ton of time on the 30x on my 300 Norma for big game. It pretty much eliminates all the weaknesses of its non-illuminated predecessor. I never needed illumination, I doubt I'll ever need it. But it's there just in case, and a thicker reticle definitely changes the usability of the SCR2.
I carried the 30x all through October and November. Then had the 18x out on some late hunts helping buddies get their late season elk while I carried a rifle in hopes of tagging a bear, lion, or wolf.
The illuminated XTRIII is now a fantastic crossover option.
I have the illuminated XTR3i 3.3-18x50 and XTR Pro 5.5-30x56 at the moment.
It takes me a good amount of time to start releasing impressions, but I am pretty much getting there not that I have spent some time with both.
I think Burris did very well with these.
ILya
It takes me a good amount of time to start releasing impressions, but I am pretty much getting there not that I have spent some time with both.
I think Burris did very well with these.
ILya
I have it installed, been doing some comparison between a ATACR 4-16 and the XTRiii 3-18, I don’t know about durability or tracking of the optic but for the price point it’s impressive. I have one gripe and that’s the parallax knob is pretty stiff, maybe it will work in a bit after some use. I should be able to take it out and sight it in this Sunday.
Attachments
@Glassaholic and @koshkin what are your thoughts on the new production Burris XTR-II 5-25x50 SCR FFP reticle with the 34mm tube?
EuroOptic has them on sale for $650 right now, and I bought 2 of them to replace some cheaper quality scopes, like the Arkens and Vortex HS-T's in my lineup. How is the glass and CA, and what would you say it's comparable to? I haven't looked through a Burris scope in years, so I have no idea on the new stuff. Just curious yall's thoughts. If they're good quality, I will probably buy more to replace most of the other inexpensive scopes and start selling off the cheaper stuff just to get rid of it.
EuroOptic has them on sale for $650 right now, and I bought 2 of them to replace some cheaper quality scopes, like the Arkens and Vortex HS-T's in my lineup. How is the glass and CA, and what would you say it's comparable to? I haven't looked through a Burris scope in years, so I have no idea on the new stuff. Just curious yall's thoughts. If they're good quality, I will probably buy more to replace most of the other inexpensive scopes and start selling off the cheaper stuff just to get rid of it.
This thread might be worth a read.
www.snipershide.com
Rifle Scopes - Burris XTR II
I talked a friend of mine into buying his first rifle, he got a new RPR in 6.5 creed, and he's looking to me for advice on a scope. His budget is around 1k, most of my stuff is top tier, so I don't have a lot of experience with scopes in the price range he has to spend. My research has me...
www.snipershide.com This thread might be worth a read.
Rifle Scopes - Burris XTR II
I talked a friend of mine into buying his first rifle, he got a new RPR in 6.5 creed, and he's looking to me for advice on a scope. His budget is around 1k, most of my stuff is top tier, so I don't have a lot of experience with scopes in the price range he has to spend. My research has me...
The last post in that thread was in 2017, years before the XTR III came out.
If you look I believe FhuQ was asking about XTR II's. Was trying to help him out with some info.
The village idiot is on my ignore list so I don’t see or care about what his dumbass posts.
If you already bought them, why are you asking? you should be able to look and decide if they are appropriate for your use.
ILya
I’ve used Xtr2’s for years (SCR and h59)
Recently bought some xtr3’s and the glass is much better in all aspects.
For sub $700, I still think xtr2’s are a deal, but I’m glad I upgraded.
Dvor has been running the "sand camo" Burris XTRII 5-25x50 SCR (MIL) for $600ish for almost 2 years - they pop up and then disappear only to reappear. I have four of these XTRII 525 on my 223 trainer and backup rifles. They are fully functional and have been mechanically reliable. Easy to set zero. Glass is OK - used them on my PRS rifle to 1200 yards until about 6 months ago I upgraded to XTRIII (non-illuminated) on my primary PRS rifle. The XTRIII glass is significantly better than the XTRII. For me it becomes a price point issue - I think the XTRII is a good buy at $600ish because it is reliable. I sent one XTRII back to Burris because I was dissatisfied with the parallax adjustment and they promptly sent me a replacement.
Way to be a dick for no reason. I know how to evaluate them and find their ideal use in my lineup. I was simply asking your thoughts and opinions, because up until this post, I respected your thoughts and opinions. I was trying to get an idea of what to expect. But never mind. I'll figure it out.
Interesting reaction. A little thin skinned, but that's the internet for you. I usually get asked about scopes before people buy them or if they run into an issue.
While I am deeply wounded by you no longer respecting my thoughts and opinions, I'll do my best to move on with life.
ILya
It's perfectly usable as a cross hair. I've run mine on the lowest magnification to shoot whistle pigs (a kind of ground squirrel out west). So they're a small target.
You can't use the grid, but if you're on 3.3x, you won't need it.
My 30x parallax was a little stiff. My 18x is good.
I havent really noticed it in my 30x while shooting or hunting. I just grab it and twist it. So maybe it's broken in, or when you're in the field you just don't notice.
On 3.3x all I need is a usable crosshair for closer shots, thanks for the info.
I've been wanting to hear your thoughts on these optics for some time. I'm glad you finally have then in hand.
Looking forward to seeing your review.
I like them so far. As is usually the case, there are no miracles in this world, but these are exceptionally good for the money.
ILya
That's encouraging. We all know Burris isn't trying to compete with TT and ZCO.
Exceptionally good for the money is the much more realistic standard they strive for.
I also look forward to your reviews. Currently I have the Pro 30X w/ T5 and my order is in on the 18x SCR.
Son and I did an amateurish comparison of the XTR Pro and a Mark5 5-25x56 out the kitchen window using printed 8.5x11 camera testing images grabbed off the web at 120ish yd. The image quality was comparable with the Leuplod taking a slight advantage. The Pro had to go to 30X to resolve numbers as well as the MK5 at 25x and the Pro had a slight purple hue on the solid black areas of the images. MK5 has a more forgiving eybox. Given the $750 price difference and smaller foot print I would buy the pro again.
I am currently considering a Burris xtr iii 3.3-18 or a nightforce NSX 5.5-22. I know one is ffp and the other is sfp and I am okay with that. Anyone have any idea how the glass compares between these two scopes ?
SOLID scope both choices. I have both. I will let wife look through both tonight and let her pick which she like slooking through better,..
IIRC they should be similiar with the 3 having waaaaybetter FOV. again will check tonight.
the 3 is lighter and shorter as well.
I am curious what she thinks about them? I know they are very different, part of me wants the NSX just cause it's an Nxs but it would be hard to pass on the xtr if it's far superior .
I see eurooptic has them on sale, the price is all over the place, the lowest price ones are 849. Are all of the Burris xtriii made in the US ?
I see eurooptic has them on sale, the price is all over the place, the lowest price ones are 849. Are all of the Burris xtriii made in the US ?
THE XTR3 is not far superior. you will be perfectly hapy with either for sure. the 3 has many small quirks that I believe make it a better scope like FOV, target turrets, and size, but far from FAR superior.
honestly if I was you id pick the one that is FFP and get the scope with the retc you like.
either of those scopes at 850 is a steal for whats offered.
not all the xtr3 are USA made. I believe all the NON-illuminated ones are and none of the iluminated ones are USA made. not 100% on that tho...
Great review, I am 100% convinced I want an XTR III for my MK12 / SHTF build.
Now I am torn between a non-illuminated (USA) for SCR $849 or the illuminated (Philippines) SCR2 for $1114.
Is the SCR2 and illumination really worth $265 more dollars?
I have been told the Philippines illuminated model is actually optically and mechanically an upgrade over the USA production model. Never compared them both side-by-side, but I can say that my Philippines XTR-III 5.5-30x56 has been phenomenal. No complaints.
And personally, I do prefer the SCR 2 and illumination, so, IMO, yes, it’s worth it.
The Philippines made scope is noticeably better in most ways. Worth the extra bucks
Similar threads
