Rifle Scopes New Bushnell XRS 4.5-30x50 34mm

[UIUCPPQ]

I'm looking to upgrade my Vortex PST 4-16x50 up to one of Bushnell's G2 reticle FFP scopes and right now my choices are between the ERS and the XRS.

I've seen reviews and overviews of the ERS and so far my opinion of it is high, but I can get the XRS for not a whole lot more money and it has a higher range of magnification so I'm leaning toward it.

Does anyone have the XRS and can show me the reticle at different magnifications? I'd like to see the range and its size through various magnifications, if at all possible.

Let me know what info you have, please.

 

[mattsnuked]

I have 2 20x models and have looked through the 30x.

Get the 30x model, you don't have to use it at max range all the time. That's what FFP is all about.

 

[CSTactical]

We have been testing the 4.5-30x50mm out and we are very happy with them. The only think I really noticed was at 30x the image is a little dark but at 25/26x the image looks very good.

We stock the Bushnell Tactical scopes so if we can be of help let us know.

Here is a link to the Bushnell Tactical scopes

Mike @ CST

 

[ccoker]

Very nice optics.

 

[Baron85]

Let me start by saying I have not looked through the xrs. I just went through the difficulty of buying a new scope deciding between the ers and xrs. I was only able to look through the ers and my conclusion was I won't need and most the time could not use much over 20 power. And with the 1st focal plane the reticle changes size with power. I find my ers is useable down to around 6-8 power. Below that it gets too small to easily see is for me. My theory was that puts the xrs useable at 10-12 power I like to shoot around 12-18. I believe the ers will have a more easily seen and useable reticle size in the power range I will use most. This is not scientific just my theory since I have never looked through the xrs.

 

[ArmyJerry]

I had teh 30X sent it back and got the 24X, I am an old man with bad eyes and still found I didn't need the 30.

 

[CanPopper]

I looked through the XRS at the NRA Convention. I think it is a step down from the HDMR image wise. I had high expectations and felt like a leaky balloon afterwards. I'll be keeping my HDMR, which I think is one of the best scope Bushnell has ever made.

 

[UIUCPPQ]

I looked through the XRS at the NRA Convention. I think it is a step down from the HDMR image wise. I had high expectations and felt like a leaky balloon afterwards. I'll be keeping my HDMR, which I think is one of the best scope Bushnell has ever made.

Wow, seems like you've had a bad experience with the XRS. Anyone else sharing this sentiment?

 

[scudzuki]

I have the DMR and an XRS.
To my eyes they have the same glass.
Above 24x or so the XRS can get dark if the light is not good, but in most conditions it is useable.
I am happy with mine.

Joe

 

[jhr1986]

I looked through the XRS at the NRA Convention. I think it is a step down from the HDMR image wise. I had high expectations and felt like a leaky balloon afterwards. I'll be keeping my HDMR, which I think is one of the best scope Bushnell has ever made.

That's an interesting take, first time I have heard anyone be disappointed with the new line of scopes - but then again so few people have gotten their hands on them yet so the sample size for reviewers is small. I had thought the 4.5-30 would be nice for using the scope as a spotter, but if the glass isn't up to snuff there isn't really a point is there? I guess any potential purchaser should try these out side by side.

 

[SDTA]

I have both the HDMR 3.5X21 and the XRS 4.5X30. They both have excellent glass. I like the zero stop on the XRS. The glass is up to snuff, I love these scopes!

 

[BLDTYLRY]

I have a G2DMR and a XRS H59; the glass is good on both. Its nice to have 30x as i can see my 204 Ruger punch holes at 300yds. One thing to consider is the Horus H59 reticle, its busy looking at first but once you know how to use it, dialing in for windage or elevation is unecessary.

 

[00boraslow]

I want to try out the Bushnell XRS 4.5X30. I have been thinking of getting one for my OBR.

 

[earthquake]

I looked through one at Mile High last week and was so impressed that I'll be selling my current scope soon to buy the XRS. Even at 30x the image was bright and crisp. The reticle was not overly thick and I could still see it well even at 4.5x. I was pleasantly surprised by this. I've been looking for a scope with a bit more magnification, zero stops and a 34mm tube that didn't approach the $3k mark. Bang for buck, this has to be one of the best deals on scopes I've seen. Take my info for what it's worth though. I've never looked through a S&B. I have used/observed through Steiner, Unertl, SWFA, Leupold and USO only. It easily held it's own with those other optics and then some I feel.

 

[scudzuki]

Let me start by saying I have not looked through the xrs. I just went through the difficulty of buying a new scope deciding between the ers and xrs. I was only able to look through the ers and my conclusion was I won't need and most the time could not use much over 20 power. And with the 1st focal plane the reticle changes size with power. I find my ers is useable down to around 6-8 power. Below that it gets too small to easily see is for me. My theory was that puts the xrs useable at 10-12 power I like to shoot around 12-18. I believe the ers will have a more easily seen and useable reticle size in the power range I will use most. This is not scientific just my theory since I have never looked through the xrs.

The FOV is comparable in the ERS, DMR, and XRS.
The reticle is damn near exactly the same apparent size at the same magnification on any of the three scopes.

Joe

 

[Baron85]

Ok thanks for clearing that up. It was purely theory in my head. I sure have been enjoying my ers. Bushnell really did a great job on these.

 

[scudzuki]

Ok thanks for clearing that up. It was purely theory in my head. I sure have been enjoying my ers. Bushnell really did a great job on these.

I agree.

Joe

 

[s002wjh]

good to know

 

[Ultraman550]

If any of you have looked through a NF 5.5-22 or 8-32 can you give an idea of how those two Bushy's compare?

 

[Baron85]

I looked through the night force f1 and the nxs when I was deciding, but not side by side. To me nothing stood out between them. Side by side I'm sure there is a difference but probably not much and the bushy might win.....

 

[HD1911]

I looked through the XRS at the NRA Convention. I think it is a step down from the HDMR image wise. I had high expectations and felt like a leaky balloon afterwards. I'll be keeping my HDMR, which I think is one of the best scope Bushnell has ever made.

I completely agree. I'll be keeping my 3.5-21 DMR w/G2

 

[rippit]

I have a G2 DMR from the GAP group buy ,and have had a new XRS for about a month. To my eyes the glass is a little better on the XRS than the DMR. A little brighter and no CA that I can see .Looks really good to about 26 power then the eye box get a little tight and the image a little dark. I haven't checked to see if it resolves any better yet. The turrets and the zero stop feel great on the XRS also . I think the upgrade is well worth the money and will probably switch the G2 DMR. For either another XRS or ERS very soon.

I have been as happy with my bushnell's as any other scopes I've had . And I've had a bunch( USO,premier, SWFA,Razor,S&B).
I think the DMR , ERS, and XRS are awesome for what you pay

 

[BLDTYLRY]

If any of you have looked through a NF 5.5-22 or 8-32 can you give an idea of how those two Bushy's compare?

I have a 3.5-15x50 NXS F1 MLR2.0 and the G2DMR is optically equivalent

 

[Eric B.]

QUESTIONS:

1. Besides the higher magnification what is the advantage of an XRS 4.5 -30 over the HDMR?
2. Is the XRS available with an H59 reticle?

 

[jhr1986]

I can't answer your first question, I'm curious as well to hear from those that have used both as to what the XRS offers over the LRS. As to the 2nd question, the XRS is (or is going to be) made with the H59, TReMoR2, and of course G2DMR reticles, but whether the H59 or tremor versions are in stock at any vendors I don't know - I'm planning on getting one (the XRS) myself in FDE with the H59 but I don't have the funds together yet and therefore haven't called anyone about availability. I do know that CS Tactical has the XRS listed on their website with the H59 as an option but I'm not sure if it is in stock yet.

 

[Eric B.]

My problem is that I have the funds but while I ponder my decision and try to research the market new scopes keep appearing. It's "an embarassment of riches" with so many good scopes to choose from.

Just when I thought the Bushnell HDMR /H59 was my choice now the XRS hits the market - and my wallet with a higher price.

 

[calling4life]

Your first question, if you're asking about the differences of the xrs over the 1st generation hdmr, it has been asked and answered a lot. The 1st generation scopes were 5 mil per turn turrets and didn't have a zero stop. The newer generations, the ers 3.5-21x50 and the xrs 4.5-30x50 have 10 mil per turn turrets and zero stops. We also have the fde option. I have had the xrs in fde for a while now, h59, I got on the list (might have started it) at eurooptics before Christmas.

I think glass difference is speculative at best, if you don't need 10mil turrets or zero stop, nor see a need for the extra power of the xrs, buy a 1st generation hdmr with the h59.

I'm a power junky, but I hunt coyotes, I am a caller, my goal is close range, the xrs was what i was looking for exactly. The 4.5 is plenty low enough for me to kill something in my lap, the 30 satisfies my power itch, it's why, when i first heard of this scope back in November'ish, i started making calls, then put half down to make sure i got one immediately.

I like it

 

[BLDTYLRY]

QUESTIONS:
2. Is the XRS available with an H59 reticle?

I bought my XRS H59 from Euro Optic. Nice thing is if you don't want it or Bushnell releases a new one in a years time, Bushnell will refund your money so you can buy the next version.

 

[Hiketohunt]

I just got my XRS 4.5-30X50 and so far it is everything that I could have hoped. The distortion from the heat (100°) was not apparent at 1600 yrds. The 4.5 was clear and when I cranked it up to 30 it was super clear.
I am very happy with this purchase.
Libertyoptics.com

 

[DeadSilence]

This article which has been link posted in other threads may be of use to you in answering some of your questions and making your decision.

Tactical Scopes: Optical Performance Part 1 | PrecisionRifleBlog.com

I own the XRS and am very pleased with its optical, mechanical and ergonomic performance.

 

[haldir]

This article which has been link posted in other threads may be of use to you in answering some of your questions and making your decision.

Tactical Scopes: Optical Performance Part 1 | PrecisionRifleBlog.com

I own the XRS and am very pleased with its optical, mechanical and ergonomic performance.

bushnell ranked really low according to the test results, unless I m reading it wrong.
looked through a friends bushnell and the CA was really bad but he got it for the reticle anyway.

 

[Aimsmall55]

I'm looking to upgrade my Vortex PST 4-16x50 up to one of Bushnell's G2 reticle FFP scopes and right now my choices are between the ERS and the XRS.

I've seen reviews and overviews of the ERS and so far my opinion of it is high, but I can get the XRS for not a whole lot more money and it has a higher range of magnification so I'm leaning toward it.

Does anyone have the XRS and can show me the reticle at different magnifications? I'd like to see the range and its size through various magnifications, if at all possible.

Let me know what info you have, please.

Here's the XRS at 1,000 yards looking at 3" pistol gongs and a 2'x2' ar500 plate at 30x


Here's the same target at 18 or 19x


I've got the ERS and the XRS and personally I think the XRS has better glass at higher magnification than my NF's.