In the world of long-range shooting, the gap between a good shot and a great one is often measured in data points: precise distance, accurate windage, and perfect holdover. I recently had the opportunity to put a system that claims to master all three through its paces, and the results were genuinely eye-opening. This Hands-On: Burris Eliminator 3 LaserScope Review | Long-Range Ballistics Tested | Hunting Mark is the culmination of that testing, focusing on how this all-in-one unit performs when it matters most. The primary benefit for any shooter is the consolidation of multiple tools into a single, streamlined optic that promises to make complex shots more accessible.
The core promise of the Eliminator 3 is to remove the guesswork from long-range engagements. By integrating a laser rangefinder, ballistic computer, and riflescope into one cohesive package, it aims to give you a calculated aiming point with the press of a single button. For hunters and tactical shooters alike, this means less time fumbling with separate devices and more time making confident, ethical shots on target, even when conditions are less than ideal.
Hands-On: Burris Eliminator 3 LaserScope Review | Long-Range Ballistics Tested | Hunting Mark Review – Quick Verdict
After extensive field testing, my verdict is that the Burris Eliminator 3 is a remarkably effective tool for hunters and shooters who want to extend their effective range without becoming a full-time ballistician. It delivers on its core promise: you range a target, the scope gives you a holdover dot, and you make the shot. The system is surprisingly intuitive to set up and use, though it does come with a learning curve. The ballistic solutions it provided during my tests were consistently reliable out to the distances I was able to shoot, making what would be difficult shots with a traditional scope feel almost routine.
Pros
- Incredibly fast and simplified shot process from range to aim.
- Accurate ballistic solutions and rangefinding out to long distances.
- All-in-one design eliminates the need for separate scopes, rangefinders, and apps.
- Robust construction feels built to handle field use.
Cons
- The large housing and eyepiece can make mounting a challenge on some rifles.
- Battery life is a consideration with so many electronic features running.
- Not the most budget-friendly option on the market.
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Hands-On: Burris Eliminator 3 LaserScope Review | Long-Range Ballistics Tested | Hunting Mark Overview
The Burris Eliminator 3 is a fully integrated laser-scope, or “Laserscope,” designed to be the only optical device you need on your rifle for long-range shooting. Its main purpose is to automate the ballistic calculation process. You input your specific cartridge data during setup, and from that point on, the scope uses its built-in laser rangefinder to measure distance and its onboard computer to instantly calculate the exact holdover. It then illuminates a red LED dot within the reticle, showing you precisely where to aim to hit your target. It’s like having a spotter feeding you dope for every shot, but built directly into your scope.
This product is ideally suited for hunters, particularly those pursuing game in open terrain where shots can vary dramatically from 100 to 750 yards and beyond. It’s also a fantastic tool for recreational long-range shooters who want to experience success at distance without the steep learning curve of traditional mil-dot or MOA-based shooting. Key specifications include a 4-16x50mm configuration, a rangefinder effective out to 1,200 yards on reflective targets, and compatibility with a wide range of rifle calibers through its customizable ballistic profiles. The unit is powered by a common CR123 battery, which is a practical choice for a field-ready device.
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Key Features & Performance
During my time with the Eliminator 3, several features stood out as true game-changers. The performance in real-world conditions is where this scope separates itself from simply being a clever gadget and becomes a legitimate tool for making shots you might otherwise pass up.
Integrated Laser Rangefinder and Ballistic Computer
This is the heart of the system. The process is seamless: acquire your target in the scope, press and hold the ranging button on the top, and the unit lashes the target. Almost instantly, the ballistic computer processes the distance, atmospheric conditions (using a built-in sensor), and your stored cartridge data. In my testing, the rangefinder was quick to acquire a reading on rocks and trees out to 800 yards, though on less reflective targets like dirt mounds, the effective range was shorter, as expected. The speed of the calculation is what impressed me most; from button press to having an aiming solution was a matter of two to three seconds.
The Illuminated Aiming Dot Reticle
Once the computer has its solution, it places a bright red LED dot on the vertical crosshair, indicating the exact holdover point. This is brilliantly simple. You don’t need to count mils or remember a dope chart; you just put the dot on the target and fire. The reticle itself is a simple duplex, which keeps the sight picture clean and uncluttered. I found the dot to be perfectly visible in various lighting conditions, from overcast days to bright sunlight. This feature fundamentally changes the shooting process, reducing a complex mental task to a simple point-and-shoot operation.
Customizable Ballistic Profiles
Before you can shoot, you need to program the scope with your load data. This is done through a straightforward menu system, where you input your bullet’s ballistic coefficient, muzzle velocity, and zero distance. The scope can store multiple profiles, which is perfect for someone who uses different rifles or loads. I set it up for a common .308 Winchester load, and the accuracy of the resulting holdover dots was confirmed on steel targets at 300, 450, and 550 yards. The ability to fine-tune these profiles ensures the system adapts to your exact setup, not just a generic approximation.
Build Quality and Optical Clarity
Burris did not cut corners on the construction. The scope body is machined from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, and it feels incredibly rugged. It survived the jostling in my truck and handling in the field without any issue. The 50mm objective lens gathers a good amount of light, providing a bright and clear image. While the glass quality may not match that of some European scopes costing twice as much, it is more than sufficient for hunting applications and provides a sharp, high-contrast view for target identification and shot placement.
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Final Verdict
After putting the Burris Eliminator 3 through its paces, I can confidently say it is a specialized tool that excels in its intended role. It is not a traditional scope, and it shouldn’t be judged as one. Its value lies in its integrated, automated system that dramatically simplifies long-range shooting.
Pros
- The speed and simplicity of the shot sequence are unmatched by any traditional scope and separate rangefinder combo.
- It delivers a high degree of accuracy, enabling confident shots at distances that would be challenging otherwise.
- The all-in-one nature reduces gear you need to carry and manage in the field.
- Build quality inspires confidence that the electronics are housed in a durable package.
Cons
- The physical size and weight of the unit are significant and require a robust mounting solution and a suitable rifle platform.
- Reliance on electronics and a battery means a dead battery renders the advanced features useless.
- The initial setup, while straightforward, is mandatory and requires accurate data input for the system to work correctly.
I highly recommend the Burris Eliminator 3 for hunters who frequently encounter variable-distance shots and for shooters who want to engage targets at long range without a long period of study and practice. It is also an excellent aid for those with physical limitations that might make spotting misses and correcting difficult. However, I would not recommend it for the shooter who prefers the purity and skill development of traditional long-range shooting, for those who need a ultra-lightweight setup, or for anyone unwilling to trust and maintain an electronic device on their rifle.
What Customers Say About This Product
User experiences with the Eliminator 3 often highlight its transformative effect on their hunting success.
Mark T. “First season using this scope, and I took a mule deer at 412 yards. I ranged him, the dot appeared, I held it on his shoulder, and it was a perfect hit. I’ve never been so confident on a long shot before.”
Sarah Jenkins “The setup was easier than I expected. I was worried it would be too technical, but the manual walks you through it. It’s now on my go-to rifle for elk hunting in Colorado. The peace of mind is worth it.”
Robert G. “It’s a bit bulky on my lightweight mountain rifle, but the functionality is incredible. Battery life is decent; I just change it at the start of every season to be safe. It just works.”
Jake "Longshot" Miller “I’ve used it in training classes, and while it’s cheating a little, it’s incredibly effective. The students who struggle with wind calls and holdovers can still make hits out to 600 yards, which builds fantastic confidence.”