FOG HORN
2016 Twobirds Flying Publication
BURRIS XTR II 1-8 x 24
Copyright 2016, Towbirds Flying Publication. All Rights Reserved.
Burris XTR II 1-8 x 24
2016
BURRIS XTR II 1-8 x24 An exceptional addition to the XTR II family of magnified optics. By: Sal Palma arrangement, and at times refuse to cohabitate with your rifle’s BUIS; however, the important benefits, and there are two, is that 34mm tubes let an enormous amount of light pass from the objective lens to the ocular lens while concurrently accommodating 30 mils of elevation and 30 mils of wind adjustment.
I first ran across the Burris XTR II 1-8 x 24 at Shot Show 2016 and distinctly remember thinking to myself “this optic is made for a 5.56 x 45 SPR (Special Purpose Rifle).” It is a milieu with many things to like, and many of which are not available in its mid-priced competition. I’ll start with the massive 34mm tube.
Throughout my evaluation I was pleasantly surprised at both the clarity and edge-to-edge distortionless image of this optic, through its entire magnification range - uncommon in an optic at a midlevel price point.
There are a number of thoughts offered by both professional media and knowledgeable aficionados regarding a 34mm tube; they really amount to an expression of preference for white or red wine. The important point is that they’re both wine.
Selecting the appropriate magnification range is a topic that’s often overlooked so some shooters end up installing high magnification optics on rifle calibers that lack the effective range to utilize a 25x or 22x magnifications. If you’ll allow me to proselytize, remember when selecting your optics that although magnification is good a lot of it is not necessarily better.
A 34mm tube is by default bulkier, heavier, requires a less traditional mounting
The magnification range of the XTR II 1-8 x 24 is perfect for shooters who prefer the 5.56 x 45 cartridge, 7.62x39 and 300BLK. Burris did something that departs from much of its Copyright 2016, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved
Burris XTR II 1-8 x 24
competition that is very nice, they provided a true 1x magnification. There are a number of manufacturers producing 1-n power optics but the low end is not a true 1x. In this optic, Burris provides a true 1x magnification that you can shoot as a reflex sight with both eyes open. At the high end of its magnification, 8x, this rifle scope delivers a bright and sharp image, rivaling some of the glamor optics from the EU. The XTR II 1-8x24 is ideal for touching the outer limits of the 5.56 x 45, 7.62 x 39 and 300 BLK loads. There have been a few discussions floating around on the internet suggesting that Burris’ 1x setting is not a true 1x, I’d like to see some empirical detail to support that, and I respectfully diverge from that position, as in my evaluation I was not able to observe any magnification of various targets at ranges from 25 meters out to 100 meters. I’ll get to tracking and turrets in a moment because I’d like to devote some space to what I love most about this 1-8 rifle scope, the Burris Ballistic Circle Dot reticle.
2016
This is a First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle that interacts so efficiently with the human eye to get you on target fast – in fact, I would describe it as extremely fast! Everything that you need to range a target out to 600 meters is right in front of you. The reticle is designed around the M193 round, which is the military designation for the 5.56x45 55gr BTHP. The holdover points provide combat accuracy, for that round, out to 600 meters. To gain a sense of applicability, I generated the table below for the 7.62x39 cartridge. As you can see the Burris Ballistic Circle Dot reticle will get you out to 400 meters with acceptable combat accuracy. If a higher degree of precision is needed you have the mil/mil turrets at your disposal.
RANGE
VELOCITY ENERGY PATH TIME ZERO ADJ
DROP
DRIFT
(Yards)
(FPS) (SEC)
(FT-LBS) (MILS)
(Inches)
(Inches)
(MILS)
100
2210 0.147
1345 0.00
-0.01
-3.96
0.0
200
2072 0.301
1182 0.84
-6.67
-16.56
0.0
300
1941 0.464
1038 1.92
-22.82
-38.55
0.0
400
1813 0.640
905 3.18
-50.35
-71.99
0.0
500
1689 0.829
786 4.59
-90.71
-118.25
0.0
600
1572 1.029
680 6.12
-144.91
-178.25
0.0
Copyright 2016, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved
Burris XTR II 1-8 x 24
The best way for me to summarize the Ballistic Circle Dot reticle is to say that it greatly enhances ranging, acquisition and engagement speed, a capability that’s enhanced by an 11 position illumination rheostat with autoshutoff.
The mil/mil turrets have excellent tactile and precision. Clicks for both elevation and wind adjustment are audible and tight. The Zero Click Stop technology contributes to the overall high performance of this optic.
2016
The XTR II 1-8x24 features Burris’ Modular Adjustment Dial or M.A.D. system. Burris reengineered the turret system to let shooters easily swap out M.A.D. compatible knobs. This approach allows shooters to mix and match turret caps between the taller tactical knobs and the lower profile hunting style knobs. Burris also allows you to create a custom turret cap calibrated for your preferred load. One area where a minor modification to the turret system design makes sense is the turret cap retaining screw of the wind turret. Burris used a slotted aluminum retaining screw to secure the turret cap. I’d like to see a transition to a steel or hex fastener. The current retaining screw has a very shallow slot which when combined with its soft aluminum construction can be easily damaged while swapping out turret caps. Wind and elevation adjustments are precise and track accurately.
Copyright 2016, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved
Burris XTR II 1-8 x 24
The Burris XTR II 1-8x24 is a high performance optic suitable for professional use or serious competition. This is a precise, robust optical instrument where no corners have been cut. Everything from its Hi-Lume® multi-coated lenses to the hand-fitted internal assemblies that are triple spring tensioned for shockproofing, even under severe recoil, make this optic worthy of serious consideration. It’s M.S.R.P. of $1,199 combined with the Burris Forever Warranty™ make the XTR II 1-8x24 a no brainer ! -SP
Manufacturer Specifications Magnification:
Exit Pupil:
12 - 3 mm
Click Value:
1/10 mil
2016
Elevation Adjustment, 30 Mil/103 MOA Total Capability: Windage Adjustment:
30 Mil/103 MOA
Parallax/Focus:
None
Adjustable Parallax:
None
Length:
10.75"
Weight:
24.4 oz.
Illumination Control:
Rotary dial; intermediate "battery saver" stops
Illumination Settings:
11 brightness settings
Battery:
CR2032
1-8x
Objective Lens Diameter: 34 mm Clear Objective Diameter:
Lens 24 mm
Ocular Lens Diameter:
44.25 mm
Reticle:
Ballistic Circle Dot
Finish:
Matte
Focal Plane:
FFP (Also available in rear focal plane model)
Main Tube Size:
34 mm
Field of View @ 100 yds: 105 - 12.45 ft. Eye Relief:
3.50 - 4.00"
Copyright 2016, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved