Preface
You ever pull up to a stoplight next to a sleeper? And when the light turns green, a seemingly unimpressive car opens wide and disappears into a cloud of exhaust? Well, keep that in mind today as we discuss our topic today. A hands on review of the Burris XTR PS 5-30×56 precision rifle scope. We’ll see what the scope has feature-wise and how it stands up against other comparable options. And whether or not this XTR is worth the squeeze.
Burris has long been a big name in American sport optics, and they’ve always been on my radar. Their XTR line has produced a variety of optics focused on precision and tactical style shooting. So when this new XTR PS model showed up on my radar, I was keen to see what the folks in Greeley had come up with this time.
The Burris XTR PS 5-30
According to the manufacturer, the XTR PS is built for precision and designed for extreme long-range performance. That sounds great for marketing, but we will see if this scope has the features to fit, and the performance to stand behind the statement.
Tube Structure
Built on a 34mm tube made from 6061 T6 aluminum, the XTR sports a large 56mm objective lens to draw-in and compress your imagery. ED glass is used in the lenses, to increase the quality of the images seen through the XTR.
On the ocular end of the scope you will find a traditional diopter used to focus on the reticle, as well as the magnification ring to zoom the scope. The 6X zoom takes you from 5X up to 30X at max power for better definition of targets and their surroundings.
The Erector Housing
The XTR PS erector housing contains the flagship features of the scope. The elevation turret gives a fairly common 26 MRAD of available elevation adjustment, but it isn’t just any elevation turret. The XTR PS uses Burris’ PĒK elevation turret (programmable elevation knob), a digital click-free turret that shows 1/10 MRAD values but can adjust as small as 1/30 of an MRAD. With 20 MRAD of elevation available on the first turn, there is no need for a second rotation.
The PĒK system works together with a heads up display (HUD) that is seen through the scope together with its CSR2 reticle. The HUD shows a variety of important information that you can customize to your needs.
Removing parallax from the image is done with a traditional side focus knob on the left side of the housing. And stacked on that you will find the control panel of the XTR, which features three rubber push-buttons to operate the system. A CR123 lithium cell is stored vertically under the control panel, that threads on similar to other caps. A capped windage turret can be covered or left open for use while shooting.
The Internal Heads Up Display (HUD)
Inside the heads up display there is a customizable set of data. Some data points can be adjusted using either the Burris Connect App, or manually using the control pad. The most prominent numbers displayed is the elevation or distanced set on the PĒK elevation turret. Setting the scope to display either dialed dope or the equivalent distance can be programmed. So be it MRAD or yards you can see exactly what you’re elevation is set to front and center. This output can also apply an angle compensation feature as well if you desire.
On the right side of that you can see a battery life indicator, a wind hold recommendation and a shot timer. The wind hold is calculated off of the wind speed and direction you set in the scope, and is then quantified by the distance or elevation you dial for any given distance. As with the shot timer, you can set it for any given amount of time for a competition stage, allowing you to see how much time you have left as you navigate through your string of shots.
A programmable bubble level is seen at the bottom between the wind hold on the right, and the wind speed and direction on the left. Density altitude is shown at the top left, and you guessed it; you can adjust it as needed from either the app or the control pad.
Connectivity and the Burris Connect App
Programming the XTR PS is best done from the Burris Connect App. It gives you incredible dexterity to adjust the settings of the scope. As mentioned above you can customize the data displayed on the HUD, as well as other ballistic information.
The app allows you to store various profiles for different rifles and calibers, as well as upload and update the ballistic information for them. There is an exhaustive amount of information that you can put in, enough that the app almost deserves its own article to go over everything.
Ballistic data can be input using the app, and then uploaded to the scope to be used for the distance dialed display. Obviously this can be a little touchy as some of us are pretty particular when it comes to what chews out our numbers. But I was able to true the Connect app to very closely mimic my other ballistic software enough to be within a click or two.
I’m more of a shooting nerd than a technology nerd, so I only used the app as much as I needed to get the data I required into the XTR. Once that was accomplished, I was ready to head to the range.
Specifications
| Purpose | Precision and long-range shooting |
| PĒK Elevation Knob | Programmable Elevation Knob; clickless digital elevation adjustment |
| Elevation Resolution | 1/30 MIL |
| Elevation Per Revolution | Up to 20 MIL |
| Heads-Up Display | Integrated HUD displays shooting and environmental data |
| HUD Data | Dial-to-distance, wind hold, wind speed/direction, digital level, density altitude, angle compensation, battery status, match timer |
| BurrisConnect | Bluetooth connectivity for creating and uploading ballistic profiles |
| Ballistic Profiles | Custom profiles with more than 20 density-altitude curves |
| Reticle | SCR 2 illuminated MIL |
| Reticle Type | First focal plane (FFP), tree-style |
| Illumination | Dual-color red/green |
| Optical System | ED glass with Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses |
| Main Tube | One-piece 34mm tube |
| Main Tube Material | 6061-T6 aluminum |
| Zero Stop | Zero-turn stop / zero-click-stop adjustment |
| Windage | 0.1 MIL adjustments |
| Parallax | Side-focus parallax adjustment |
| Digital Level | Built-in electronic rifle cant/bubble level |
| Match Timer | Built-in competition countdown timer |
| Controls | Soft-touch buttons for HUD/menu operation |
| Waterproofing | IPX7 |
| Fogproof | Nitrogen-filled |
| Shockproof | Yes |
| Battery | CR123A |
| Magnification Options | 5.5-30 |
| Tube Diameter | 34mm |
Unboxing
Inside the thick box of the XTR PS, I found a variety of accessories. A sunshade would be handy in some cases, and I always appreciate manufacturers including them. There was a set of flip caps, tools, and some literature. Also included is an extra windage turret, should you wish to remove the smaller and capped windage turret for a fully exposed style. Everything I needed, and nothing I didn’t.
Mounting
I would end up mounting the Burris XTR PS 5-30×56 on two different rifles (so far). The first rifle was my Desert Tech SRS M2, which is where I test many different optics. The reliability and predictable performance from the rifle makes it an excellent test bed. I used a 34mm one piece scope mount for a solid connection, and torqued down the ring caps keeping the scope level.
Later I would transfer the XTR to my custom Bergara 7 PRC, which has a bit more range. And gave plenty of opportunity to test the long-range capabilities of the Burris.
Range Testing the Burris XTR PS
My testing of the XTR PS would take place over the course a several months, and various range trips and the wild open country of the west. Both host rifles get used pretty often, especially this time of year. Testing basic functions like repeatability and tracking were important, but I also wanted to see how the signature features of the scope functioned. Testing all these different features would take a little longer than normal.
Optical Clarity
Perhaps the most important aspect of a good scope is the image quality as seen through it. All the bells and whistles it may have fall to the wayside if the optical performance is sub par. My past experiences with Burris optics has been good. Like products from any manufacturer, the higher end products are typically better than the cheaper options. The XTR PS being one of Burris’ most expensive optics, I was expecting it to look very good.
My expectations were on the mark, as the image seen through the XTR PS looks as good as I would have expected it to. I have yet to own a rifle scope that looks as bright and clear at maximum magnification as it does at 90-95 percent magnification. And this one is no different, at 30X it does suffer a bit of brightness loss, and maybe some resolution. Thats one of the reasons I occasionally like overpowered optics. A 5-30 might have a slightly degraded image at 30X, but it looks outstanding at 25X. I rarely use scopes at max power anyways, and with the Burris XTR PS I frequently found the power ring set at 20X or less.
As for its HUD, I was initially concerned it might block some of my view. But those worries quickly evaporated on the range. I did find there was a tiny bit of difference in the eyebox to see the HUD entirely. I found the eyebox itself to be perfectly suitable, but if you weren’t perfectly lined up some of the HUD can become obscured. This is a small concern, just one I thought I’d mention.
Reliability
One concern when adding technology and specifically electronics to my rifle scopes, is how it will last. First off I must state the obvious; the mechanical functions of the XTR have no dependance on the electronics. If the battery dies, the scope continues to work like any other.
There is surprising simplicity in the PĒK elevation turret, no built in parts or zero-stop parts. It is a simple one-turn turret, with very little to go wrong. The lack of clicks is a bit uncanny to those who have always felt them, but smooth is fast I hear. Setting zero is simple, and gives you a hard stop, maxing out at 20 MRAD of elevation.
I like that you can run the windage turret capped if you like, or if you prefer to dial for wind, you can either remove the cap, or swap out the turret entirely for an exposed version. Tracking of the XTR was great, though I did notice a .09 MRAD disparity across the 20 MRAD of total travel when compared to the internal display.
Parallax adjustment is quite broad, which allows precise reticle contrast with the target, and little things like an ocular locking ring keep things put right where you want them. It would have been a massive miss for Burris not to make the electronics timeout and power down. As it never fails that whatever runs on batteries will die when you need it most. Both the HUD and illuminated reticle have a user adjustable timeout feature so they don’t discharge the battery.
Ergonomics and Controls
I found the magnification ring to be a touch stiffer than I would like, but its not bad. The PĒK elevation turret is also a touch stiffer than I expected, but that probably better. Especially with no clicks, as you don’t want it to get moved inadvertently. I expect that these controls will likely wear-in a bit over time, but even if they don’t, I can live with them just fine.
The rubberized control pad is pretty simple considering all it can do. I like that it only has three buttons, so as not to make things too complicated. They are stiff enough to not be too easily pushed, and tactile enough that you can easy navigate them while on the scope, or in complete darkness. You can edit many of the scopes features using just the three buttons, as well as turn on and off certain features. Igniting the reticle can be done, and adjust brightness using the same button pad. You can also change settings using the phone app, even in the field with no service.
The SCR 2™ XTR PS Reticle
The world of reticles has changed greatly since I started looking through scopes, and Burris’ SCR 2 reticle joins the trend of Christmas tree style reticles. With a broadening grid allowing you to make fast corrections on the fly. With .2 subtensions and a .1 MRAD side scale, it allows for precise measuring of downrange antagonists. Reticle preference is quite subjective, so it can vary quite a bit between shooters. Some might like the Christmas tree style while others prefer Michelle Obama’s Holiday tree.
I occasionally find them a little busier than I would prefer, but I can certainly work with this one. I also like that just a small portion of the center illuminates, which doesn’t overwhelm they eye with light in a lowlight situation. Users can select red or green illumination.
Heads Up Display
For a guy like me who grew up watching movies in the 80’s and 90’s, a heads up display on a riflescope seems pretty neat. Kinda makes me feel like Billy Zane shooting a PSG1 or something opposite Tom Berenger with a nonsense reticle straight out of a video game.
But the Burris HUD is actually quite useful, allowing you to spend more time on the scope. Removing many of the reasons we sometimes take our good eye off the target. I found it didn’t get in my way, and many times when I was just looking for and at targets it wasn’t even illuminated anyway.
I can see how the timer would be very handy in a competition situation, allowing you to pace your shooting. And the wind hold recommendations are pretty handy, though I often wonder if you can ever update wind fast enough to truly make a difference. As fickle as the wind is though, its nice to have a starting place.
And if you set the scope for distance output instead of reading out MRAD, you’re bound to be even faster in transitions. And the icing on the cake is you can adjust the density altitude on the fly, as the day warms up you can true your distance settings. All this while keeping the whole rifle level with its digital bubble level.
Value
This is where it really comes down to what you want in life. Scopes in this price range typically are for those of us who could claim a rifle as both a spouse and dependent on this years taxes. It is certainly not the kind of scope a casual shooter would likely purchase for their recreational plinking. The Burris XTR PS is more geared towards professional and competitive shooters. And much like the sleeper car I mentioned at the beginning, the XTR PS might look like just another scope. But it is packed with technology that can speed up your shooting and transition between targets. And speaking on looks, I am glad that the XTR kept the traditional shape and look of a rifle scope. Often times when electronics are introduced, our scopes morph into something unsightly that would go well with parachute pants and shoulder pads.
Only you can decide if the XTR PS is worth it’s $2300 street price. There aren’t many other scopes out there that offer what this one does, and if you learn to use it properly I expect it would be well worth the money.
Pros and Cons
| Beautiful optical performance | *Onboard electronics* |
| PĒK Programable elevation turret | Not legal for hunting in some states |
| 20 MRAD elevation- no need for more | |
| Heads Up Display- live data feed | |
| Broad Parallax adjustment | |
| Auto Shutdown for electronics | |
| Illuminated SCR 2 reticle- for fast corrections | |
| Easily integrated ballistics | |
| Single turn turret- nothing to mess up | |
| Bluetooth connection to app | |
| Made in America | |
| Included extras (shade, wind turret) | |
| Heavy duty XTR construction |
My Conclusion
There was a time where I didn’t want electronics in my scope, but the Burris XTR PS is rapidly changing my mind. I can totally see why the features of this scope would be beneficial in any situation where making fast shots and transitioning between targets could happen. Competition and sport shooting seem like the most likely place, but could be used anywhere of course. I could also see how some might still not be convinced, and would prefer a traditional analog scope.
I really like this scope, it looks great both outside and throughout. It has some very innovative functions made by Americans right here in the west. It has been reliable and accurate in its travels and predictions, with a commensurate optical performance for its price point. Will it win you any competitions? Hard to say, but it has proven to be a very valuable tool to make quick and accurate shots. These are definitely worth a look if you are in the market for a good scope.
I assumed something was wrong, but after booting up the Burris connect app, I found the calibration procedure for the internal bubble level. You can zero the level on the scope physically using traditional procedures and then zero the internal digital level.
I might have blamed it on the extreme cold that day, but it was just as stiff sitting on my kitchen table earlier that morning. I guess you could consider this a positive in some ways because the turret is unlikely to get accidentally turned before you make a shot. But even if it did, as you looked through the scope to make the shot, you could see if the elevation had been moved via the HUD inside.
