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 rifles 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. Ill
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
theyre both wine.

Selecting the appropriate magnification range is

a topic thats 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
youll 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, Id 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.
Ill get to tracking and turrets in a moment
because Id 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 thats 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. Id 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. Its
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