Burris XTRII 1.5x-8x-34mm Fast Fire III Combo 34mm Tube ReviewAccording to the US Army Laboratory Command. (Small Arms Technology Assessment: Individual Infantryman's Weapon, Volume I, March 1990 - to be specific), 98% of all targets across all terrain are engaged at less than 600 meters, 90% less than 400 meters, and in urban terrain 90% less than 50 meters. With this in mind we need the ability to be able to reach out to targets beyond the 15-25 yard lines but it is unlikely we will ever shoot out beyond 600 meters in a defensive or even hunting situation.
Of course this concept loosely dates back to Jeff Cooper's "Scout Rifle" concept where there is focus on lightweight and flexible accuracy. Although Jeff's ideal scout rifle was chambered in a more energetic 308/7.62x51 round, there is no reason not to substitute today’s all purpose AR-15 platform loaded with the best premium ammo. For all manner of critter the AR15 platform is a viable scout rifle option when paired with the right optic as has been proven defensively viable to the 600 yard range by our heros overseas carrying the military equivalent M4 topped with optics in the 4X range.
There is definitely a misnomer that you need very high power optics on any rifle to engage 12" targets at distances out to 600 yards. Most people without military training would be shocked how easy it is with a little practice to hit the 300 yard 12” gong with just iron sights or a simple red dot sight. Beyond the 300 yard mark, just seeing the target begins to become difficult. Adding even a marginally magnified optic enables more precision, faster target acquisition, and will deliver all you need to place hits quickly even way out there when yards adds up.More than a few serviceman and Designated Marksman know that the 4X magnification optics transformed hit ratios within all ranges of combat engagement out to the 600 yard line. The current military demand and the booming civilian 3-Gun competitions have thankfully created a huge market for optics in 1x-6x magnification range. In the case of the Burris 1.5-8x-34mm Fast Fire III Combo optic it delivers everything you could every want from a DMR and 3-gun Optic.
FIT, FINISH, FEEL, FEATURES, & FUNCTIONS
One of the newest and hottest top end optics is this new Burris combo optic which combines both the a 1.5-8x scope with a Fast Fire 3 piggy backed on Burris 1.5-8x-34mm FastFire III Combo optic. This style of combo has become "the" hot setup for the 3Gun crowd and allows very fast transition shots between very close and longer range targets. Burris' version of this combo features a giant 34mm tube for maximum light transmission, stunning clarity, a Dual Focal Plane reticle, calibrated CQB trajectory illuminated reticle, huge 5x zoom magnification, 25% thicker tube construction, and Zero Click Stop technology.
If you want to impress others with the quality of your optic it better be clear when you start looking through it and that is what has impressed me with the new line. The new XTR II line features Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses, optimizing target resolution, contrast, and low-light performance which delivers a super clear image which surprises everyone looking through it. The internals are all hand-fitted and are triple-spring tensioned for absolute shock-proofing.
When I first saw the Burris 1.5-8x-34mm FastFire III Combo optic at Shot Show earlier this year, I fell in love with the clarity, features and the factory assembled combo complete with mounts. Being a believer of reticles which deliver real shot data, the Burris is one of the few sub-$1000 optics which deliver true dual focal plane capability which zooms the reticle with the magnification. This feature retains accuracy ranging of the reticle graduations throughout the entire zoom range and makes shot quicker regardless of what power your scope setting is on.
I have always been a huge fan of the Burris FastFire line since its introduction. The FastFire III version delivers everything I loved about the Fast Fire line with upgraded features that include a top mounted battery (1 CR1632) for easier battery replacement, upgraded windage and elevation adjustments and a power button that provides three manual brightness settings and an automatic brightness setting with low battery indicator. You even have manual brightness adjustment override of the auto-brightness adjustment if you want it. Just like the rugged FastFire II, the FastFire III features a Steel body construction for extreme durability and is 100% waterproof.
From a functional perspective, you end up with the best of both worlds from the Burris 1.5-8x-34mm FastFire III Combo optic with a boosted power level from 1.5-8x magnification with the option to always flip over the sighting instantly to the FastFire III red dot for the transition shots from far to close and back again. Of course very bright high light transmission 34mm tube is not the size you can just stumble into your average gun shot and pick up scope rings for, however never fear because Burris has included the AR co-witness height rings. In fact the entire setup comes completely assembled and ready to just tighten onto your AR format rifle.FINAL THOUGHTS
The Burris 1.5-8x-34mm FastFire III Combo optic has a street price of around $1200 which is not a bad deal, but you have to look at the combo in total versus just as a single optic. In the Burris combo you get the scope, plus FastFire III & mount, plus the picatinny mount. With the sale street price of the optic alone at around $999, and the FastFire III at around $250, a $1200 retail sounds great considering you get all the mounts and rings in a package that requires no assembly. Frankly this is one of my favorite optics from a ballistic dot layout, clarity, dual focal plane, and the piggy back FastFire III. I love this sight and featured it on my Ultimate AR15 build which should speak volumes that this optic was riding on my highest end AR build.SPECS
The Burris XTR II 1.5-8x28mm 34mm tube Riflescope w/ 5.56 Gen 3 Illuminated Dual Focal Plane Reticle has been designed using the state of the art technology that competitors and tactical operators are going to love. This Riflescope from Burris image features a five-times zoom system, 25% thicker tube construction, perfected CQB trajectory reticles, and Zero Click Stop technology. Superb, high-performance optics on the Burris XTR II Illuminated Weapon Scope are made with Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses, optimizing target resolution, contrast, and low-light performance. All hand-fitted internal assemblies are triple-spring tensioned for absolute shock-proofing, even under severe recoil, and vibration resistant, even on extended vehicular patrols. For a great way to make sure you have the best optics available, choose the
Burris 28mm Xtreme Tactical Riflescope XTR II.
Burris 201011: 1.5-8-28mm Illuminated Riflescope, FastFire3,PEPR Mount,Scope Tube Mount, Ballistic 5.56 Gen3 DFP
Specifications for Burris XTR II Tactical Riflescope - 1.5-8x28mm:
Reticle:XTR II Ballistic 5.56 Illum (DFP)
Finish:Matte
Field Of view (ft @ 100 yds):65 Low - 13.3 High
Exit Pupil:12mm Low - 3.5mm High
Click Value:1.10 MIL
Elevation Adjustment:90 MOA
Winfage Adjustment:90 MOA
Eye Relief:3.75 - 4in
Length:12.75in
Features of Burris XTR II Riflescope:
Fives Times Zoom System
Zero Click Stop Adjustment Knobs
Rear & Dual Focal Plane Reticles
Advanced Windage & Elevation Adjustment
The Dual Focal Plane configuration allows the crosshairs to change size with magnification - ensuring the mil measurements and trajectory lines are accurate at any power - while the illuminated center remains a constant size so you can transition between short- and long-distance shooting with speed and ease.
This configuration is incredibly versatile and makes your XTR II riflescope perfect for competition or duty patrol
The next generation of FastFire III Red-Dot is here with the introduction of the FastFire III. The popular FastFire II is even better with upgraded features that include a top mounted battery ((1) CR1632) for easier battery replacement, upgraded windage and elevation adjustments and a power button that provides three manual brightness settings and an automatic brightness setting with low battery indicator. The precision FastFire III allows for manual brightness adjustment and includes a protective cover and battery. Just like the rugged FastFire II, the FastFire III features a Steel body construction for extreme durability and is 100% waterproof. The ultimate CQB sight is perfect for mounting on your pistol, shotgun or rifle, and includes a picatinny-style mount. Covered by the Burris 1-year factory warranty.
Technical Information
Style: Reflex
Magnification: 1x
Sight Window: 21mm x 15mm
Adjustment Range @ 100 yards: 190"
Reticle: 8 MOA Dot
Reticle color: Red
Housing material: Steel
Recoil resistance: 1000 G's
Battery Type: (1) CR1632 3V
Length: 1.8"
Weight: 0.9 oz.
Warranty: 1-year factory warranty
MSRP $1577
Street $1200
SOURCES
Burris Optics - http://www.burrisoptics.com/