I'm currently using a Burris xtr ii 4-20x50 g2b reticle I really like the scope it's tough as nails but I would like to take a step up. I can't afford a tier 1 scope but I've noticed the T5XI and the DMR ii can be found for less than $1500 . Which one would be the best choice from someone that has experience with both scopes ? Thanks
-
Having trouble using the site?
Contact support
Rifle Scopes Stiener T5XI vs Bushnell DMR ii
- Thread starter TSU99
- Start date
The T5Xi is made here in the USA at the Burris/Steiner facility in Greeley, CO. I suspect they are made on the assembly line that used to make the Burris USA Made XTR Gen I. They got a bad rep because their original turret design didn't track well. This was repaired.
The DMRII is made by LOW of Japan. It is a good scope. It can be had in the Horus reticles which are pretty good. The turrets on the DMR aren't as good as the turrets on the T5Xi IMHO.
Your current XTR II is made in the Philippines by Asia Optical.
Also in your price range - Athlon Cronus BTR. Seems well liked - another LOW of Japan product.
The DMRII is made by LOW of Japan. It is a good scope. It can be had in the Horus reticles which are pretty good. The turrets on the DMR aren't as good as the turrets on the T5Xi IMHO.
Your current XTR II is made in the Philippines by Asia Optical.
Also in your price range - Athlon Cronus BTR. Seems well liked - another LOW of Japan product.
Last edited:
Pick the one with the reticle you like.
Personally, I do not like SCR reticle too much and I do not like Horus reticles. For me it would be between G3 reticle in theDMR II and APRS in the Cronus BTR.
I'd probably go with the Cronus, but a lot of that is personal preference.
ILya
Personally, I do not like SCR reticle too much and I do not like Horus reticles. For me it would be between G3 reticle in theDMR II and APRS in the Cronus BTR.
I'd probably go with the Cronus, but a lot of that is personal preference.
ILya
Who am I to go against the Dark Lord of Optics; but, I have had both optics and sold one - the T5Xi. The Burris and Steiner were close in regards to glass with an edge going to the Steiner, but not enough to pay full price for the Steiner. If you can get the Steiner for $1300 in the PX that would be OK. I do like the SCR reticle and have used it in competitions and I guess it just works for me. As ILya says, it's about preference. I just bought my second Burris 3-15 with SCR so that is how much I like it I guess.
I really don't think the small improvement is worth the additional cost, unless of course you've got another rifle that needs glass.
The scope you have, has a very good reputation and I actually like the simplicity of the G2B (although I DO like the Bushnell G3).
Don't get me wrong, there is a noticeable improvement in the glass, but that is all. Especially if you take the time to change the oring in the turret caps and lube them with silicone spray. (much improved turret feel).
Are you going to sell your Burris to fund the new glass?
If not, like I said, it is tough to move that way for such a small improvement.
Just my .02, FWIW, I have an LRTSi and it is a dandy scope and it IS better than the Burris 3-15 I use.
The scope you have, has a very good reputation and I actually like the simplicity of the G2B (although I DO like the Bushnell G3).
Don't get me wrong, there is a noticeable improvement in the glass, but that is all. Especially if you take the time to change the oring in the turret caps and lube them with silicone spray. (much improved turret feel).
Are you going to sell your Burris to fund the new glass?
If not, like I said, it is tough to move that way for such a small improvement.
Just my .02, FWIW, I have an LRTSi and it is a dandy scope and it IS better than the Burris 3-15 I use.
I also ended up with a Cronus. I would like to see the new Bushnell Pro glass. Probably bridged the gap.
For the price bump you'll experience I don't think you are making that much of a step up.
As others mentioned, you will see an improvement in glass, but that's about it. The XTR II is pretty solid everywhere else. I Like the DMRII and Bushnell in general, but I do think they have overpriced this scope a tad.
So you'll be paying for a small improvement in glass and the chance to pick a more modern reticle. Although I'm a fan of the G2B personally. My two bits would be to keep saving, which no one ever wants to hear. Gen II XRS would be high on my list.
As others mentioned, you will see an improvement in glass, but that's about it. The XTR II is pretty solid everywhere else. I Like the DMRII and Bushnell in general, but I do think they have overpriced this scope a tad.
So you'll be paying for a small improvement in glass and the chance to pick a more modern reticle. Although I'm a fan of the G2B personally. My two bits would be to keep saving, which no one ever wants to hear. Gen II XRS would be high on my list.
I have looked thru a prototype DMR Pro and that will be the scope I get as an upgrade from my LRSTi. I have used a XTRII and the LRHS/LRST have better glass for sure. The new XRSII is nice also if you need more than 21x.
I've had the Steiner T5Xi, the Burris XTR II and the DMR II and I agree with Birddog, I honestly don't think you'll be upgrading by going to either the T5Xi or DMR II from your XTR II. If you want better glass than the XTR II you're really going to have to go up another Tier level. I had some issues with my XTR II 4-20 glass but those issues appear to have been resolved by Burris, had a chance to look through another 4-20 at the range last Friday and that one was smokin', great glass for the price.
The is the first I've heard of the DMR II Pro actually being more than just an internet post, wish Bushnell would post more about it. I agree, the LRTS series has amazing glass.
I think the glass and coatings are probably the same in those bushnell lines I just found the LRTS 3-12/3-15 etc ones a bit more clear and easier to get behind than the 3.5-21 HDMR.
Not to mention that they are a LOT lighter and more compact so you can put them on an AR15 or a hunting rifle if you wanted to.
Not to mention that they are a LOT lighter and more compact so you can put them on an AR15 or a hunting rifle if you wanted to.
Is the personal pref the rect only? ...or?
And I agree 100%, just get the one with the rect you prefer the most. All good options.
thanks!
DT
Reticle is a big part of it. There are also configuration differences with Cronus' 56mm objective offering some advantage at high magnification. I have some preferences on weight and DMR 2 is a little heavier than I would like a 50mm scope to be.
ILya
I just changed over from an ERS to a T5Xi. Mainly due to the reticle, the turrets and the zero stop. I did compare the glass between both before I sold it off and the ERS glass was slightly better but hardly noticable than the T5Xi. However, the usability of the turrets and the reticle made the decision a right choice.
While I don’t have any experience on the T5Xi, I thought I would be worth to mention that the DMR 2 or HDMR 2 have a pretty mushy turret, which also usually off by half mark on both elevation and windage. That kinda push me away from keeping them. But if you are not kinda dailing guy, it’d be gtg.
Wow you must be the lucky guy. I have those issues on my both DMR 2 and HDMR 2. That dragged me back to the faithful Nightforce, although, you can call me stupid, but I can’t find any difference in terms of glass quality between them
Keep in mind that turret feel is highly subjective, what may be mushy to me may not seem mushy to you and vice versa. I've never thought the DMR/II turrets were mushy, to me "mushy" turrets are more like what I get from March; however, even then it doesn't render the turrets ineffective, it just means they aren't as distinct as other manufacturers, the bigger question is whether or not I can dial elevation quickly and accurately with repeatability, if a turret can do that then I can overlook the feel in many cases. Out of curiosity, how have the Nightforce turrets allowed you to dial "better" than the DMR II? Don't get me wrong, I'm not doubting you because I am particular about certain features as well; however, if there is a specific reason the NF turrets serve you better I'd be curious to know what that is.
I know what you mean and I don’t think you’re wrong at all. The mushy feel to me probably because I have spent more time behind the turrets of the Nightforce for awhile, which give you a very distinctive feel, and crystal clear tactile at every mark that even my Razor gen 2 doesn’t have it. Regarding the half mark off on both elevation and windage, you got me on this one, as I did spend a lot of time taking them on and off trying to fix it, but it still move the same way.
