Rifle Scopes Burris XTR iii, how are they doing?

Got mine in today. Came in after dark so I was not able to judge optics on it.

I did mount it on a rifle and played with it a bit. First impressions are:

Fit and finish is ok. No glaring issues, but did not wow me either. Turrets are not bad, but not my favorite. Not quite as solid as other scopes I own, but perfectly useable.

Really like the "image floating in air" effect of this scope. Very little black ring when behind it.

Eyebox seems very good.

HATE how fine the reticle is. This may be a dealbreaker for me. I bought this scope for a gas gun used in gas gun competitions where speed is critical. This reticle is just too fine. I tend to be betwen 8-12x most of the time and this reticle is just not usable below 12x. I actually mounted it on a different rifle because I just don't see this working out. Maybe my opinion will change once I get shooting with it.
 
Got mine in today. Came in after dark so I was not able to judge optics on it.

I did mount it on a rifle and played with it a bit. First impressions are:

Fit and finish is ok. No glaring issues, but did not wow me either. Turrets are not bad, but not my favorite. Not quite as solid as other scopes I own, but perfectly useable.

Really like the "image floating in air" effect of this scope. Very little black ring when behind it.

Eyebox seems very good.

HATE how fine the reticle is. This may be a dealbreaker for me. I bought this scope for a gas gun used in gas gun competitions where speed is critical. This reticle is just too fine. I tend to be betwen 8-12x most of the time and this reticle is just not usable below 12x. I actually mounted it on a different rifle because I just don't see this working out. Maybe my opinion will change once I get shooting with it.

You're not the first to mention the reticle being thin, I'm guessing you got the 3.3-18?
The illuminated models are meant to have a slightly thicker reticle which personally I am waiting for.
 
I have compared my xtr3 against my pst gen 2 and my razor gen 1 and the image quality, FOV and CA were much better in my xtr3 versus those scopes. Now I still prefer my Khales k525i over my xtr3 but It was twice the cost.
As far as the reticle being to thin I find it usable around 8x and I don't mind it.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: D_TROS and Bender
My wife is running the 5-30 and I ran it for awhile on my rifle. I typically run a Razor AMG. I would happily run either scope and don't really think one would give me an advantage either way. The resolution is maybe slightly better on the AMG but that could be a sample variation thing as they are very close.

I have had an XTR ii that I ran in matches that is bombproof. It seems as though the xtr III continues that with better glass and a good usable tree reticle. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one. When it comes time to build my oldest daughter a rifle it will likely be between the xtr III and another AMG.

As Dorgan said, I love that these are being made in America. That was a big part of my decision in purchasing both the xtr III and the AMG.
 
That's crazy about the Veracity. Those slipped through the cracks on you.

I have a buddy who owns two. He bought one when it first came out, and another one last year. I've looked through maybe nearly a dozen others, and they've all been solid.

Burris sells the Veracity like crazy. Even for all these years it's been out it still sells well. Sorry you got a couple of bad ones...
Not a big deal, everyone's eyes are different. I saw a lot of CA and they lacked edge to edge clarity, which matters a lot to my eyes.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Birddog6424
I have an 18x that I have on a 22LR that I have been whistle pigging with, in addition to various 30x scopes on a trainer and a couple competition rifles. I guess it depends on the quality of your eyesight, but I personally havent experienced any reticle issues while plinking, practicing, or competing.

At about 5x to 6x is where the reticle no longer shows enough detail to really use the grid. It becomes a crosshair at that point. But I've used it on 3.3x to shoot varmints, it's still useable, with amazing FOV.

At 8x or 10x, where I've used it at a LOT, I have zero issues with the thinness of the reticle.

Can you give a comparison of reticle thickness vs the EBR 2c/7c?
Or similar reticles?
 
That's crazy about the Veracity. Those slipped through the cracks on you.

I have a buddy who owns two. He bought one when it first came out, and another one last year. I've looked through maybe nearly a dozen others, and they've all been solid.

Burris sells the Veracity like crazy. Even for all these years it's been out it still sells well. Sorry you got a couple of bad ones...
I am not too wild about the Veracity. I have 2 of the 4-20's that i ordered at the same time, one with the varmint e1 ffp and one with the regular e1 ffp reticle. As far as the reticles go, i really like the regular, and i can live with the varmint, but neither has the crosshairs optically centered. I had to dial all of the windage and one was still an inch to the right and the other was 4 inches to the right (fixed with the burris signature rings). aside from that i did notice a WHOLE lot of CA in both and the varmint reticled scope is not as clear. I have been pretty happy with my other burris scopes, four XTR2's and an MTAC, but the veracity scopes have been a bit of a let down.
That said, Leupold has a killer first responder discount and i am having a hard time deciding between a Mk 5 and an XTR 3 for my first scope over $1000.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Birddog6424
has anyone tested the low light performance of the xtr iii scopes. I will be putting it on a heavy rifle but will sometimes hunt deer with it when watching a field at last light. I have a swfa illuminated 5x20hd and it is impressive. I killed a pig in a wheat field that I was unable to see with the naked eye using scope on 8x. I would buy another swfa if it is better than the xtr iii. my swfa is as good as my 2.5x10x 56 sb. thank you for any input.
 
As a former Porsche owner, multiple PCA track day/HPDE veteran, and serious autocrosser, I understand driving dynamics far better than you might think.

I took home a 328i for a weekend in late February on a test drive. I couldn't wait to give it back on Monday. It handled well.....that was about it.

Actually did end up with a 2019 Accord Sport.

to be fair, he said his BMW was 20 years old. That was back when they actually used to handle. They’ve lost their way pretty hard when it comes to the “ultimate driving machine” philosophy they used to have. The new Accord Sport is an awesome car and one of the best bang for the buck values out there today.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 308pirate
As a former Porsche owner, multiple PCA track day/HPDE veteran, and serious autocrosser, I understand driving dynamics far better than you might think.

I took home a 328i for a weekend in late February on a test drive. I couldn't wait to give it back on Monday. It handled well.....that was about it.

Actually did end up with a 2019 Accord Sport.


lol You didn’t win that argument at all lol.
The 328?!! Really?! That equates to a Civic DX at best.
Don’t let price dictate the comparison. If your comparing a 328 to and Accord S, I’d take the Accord as well. And I’m contracted with BMW America. You need to step into the 440 to compare to the Accord S.
A $35k BMW won’t compare well to a $35k Honda. One is low end of the brand, the other is top tier.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bender
I definitely do the first 2, I am not sure what the 3rd one means.
Tactical and competitive guys do a lot of shooting on timers, against multiple targets at different distances (near/far). A solid 1x experience is very valuable to them. Hunters and target shooters... perhaps less so. Which is why I asked, because I was curious.
 
If I had a choice between a 1-8X and a 2-10X, the 1-8 gets it every time.

Throw in a 1-10X, and I see no point to the 2-10.

For an gas gun 1-8 makes sense but Id be less inclined for a hunting rifle or more precision AR.

A 2-10 with proper turrets and a bigger objective does offer advantages over a LVPO.
 
Anyone have a 3.3-18 and a Cronus BTR? I'm getting tempted to try and trade the Cronus for a lower mag scope and I'm curious how the glass compares up to 18x. The Razor 3-18 seems to be a heavy pig compared to the XTRIII.
 
Just ordered a 5.5-30. A little worried after reading some CA comments. Hopefully I don't regret not spending the extra cash for another mk5hd. I love the mk5hd elevation turret. CA is good if eye perfectly centered.
 
Last edited:
I now own two of the 30x xtr3s with the scr2 ret. and really like them one lives on my comp gun the other goes back and forth between my 22lr and my 223ai trainer. The glass is not top tier but for half the money of an atacr I was able to have two scopes with matching reticals for practice and comps. Both of these scopes tracked very well 99.9% on a tracking test. I really like the scr2 in this scope as well I find the thickness to be a nice middle ground when running in the 12/18x range and not to thick when run up to 30x. Sure I would love to own two matching tier one scopes but that’s a lot of powder and bullets that I could use for practice and get to be a better shot.
 
I now own two of the 30x xtr3s with the scr2 ret. and really like them one lives on my comp gun the other goes back and forth between my 22lr and my 223ai trainer. The glass is not top tier but for half the money of an atacr I was able to have two scopes with matching reticals for practice and comps. Both of these scopes tracked very well 99.9% on a tracking test. I really like the scr2 in this scope as well I find the thickness to be a nice middle ground when running in the 12/18x range and not to thick when run up to 30x. Sure I would love to own two matching tier one scopes but that’s a lot of powder and bullets that I could use for practice and get to be a better shot.
Thank you sir.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 11bar
I actually prefer the current thickness of the SCR2 reticle but think if they do the illumination right and maybe add another thick black top or bottom centered vertical line, like the sides have, that it would work well as a crossover scope. I really like the scope and the field of view is better then a lot of other comparable price range scopes.
 
Mine was bad out of the box. Took a bit to figure out is was the scope or the new gun. I put on an Athlon scope, my second one, and it proved that it was the Burris scope, not me, the Gun, or the Ammo. Off to Burris for repair or replacement. Not thrilled. I own 7 of their red dots on pistols and they have been perfect.
 
I hope they do a job at qc then the xtrll.
Yeah the xtrII was hit or miss. I still have mine and it has been abused worse than any other scope I’ve owned and it functions flawlessly, tabled my buddy into getting one and it was the biggest pos he’s ever bought lol. Butt my xtr3 has been great I’m still very happy with it and I’ll probably get another with illum at the going price point
 
Ah,no. not intentionally dropping my high $ scope. I don't even get them wet.
In my possession, this scope didn't get wet, dropped, or banged into anything in my safe or anywhere else. It was torqued down properly to a Spuhr one piece mount. Padded travel case was handled like an egg carton. Very careful. It was mounted on a Vudoo, so you know I was extra careful.
I'm hoping I don't get "I'm sorry Sir, but we didn't find anything wrong". Fingers crossed.
 
I have multiple XTRII and now one XTRIII (non-illuminated). Pleased with all but certainly like the better glass in the XTRIII. All with the SCR reticle. All used regularly on PRS training and competition. Just got back from NM antelope event and one of the XTRII spent a week bouncing around in truck on bad roads with no issues.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Birddog6424
I may be able to help you if you want an illuminated 5.5-30×56.

I have a cert I picked up at the NW Regional PRS Finale this weekend that I originally intended to give to a junior shooter. But found out yesterday from his dad that he got a close out nonilluminated XTRIII already. So I'll probably be selling this.
Let me know if you want to sell the cert.