When you’re stretching the limits of your rifle and your own skill, the optic you choose becomes the single most critical component of your setup. I’ve spent considerable time behind the Burris XTR II 5-25×50, putting it through its paces on everything from precision rimfire courses to demanding long-range centerfire matches. This comprehensive Hands-On: Burris XTR ii 5-25×50 Review | Long-Range Performance assessment comes from real-world use, not just spec-sheet admiration, and focuses on what truly matters when the target is small and far away.
The core benefit you get with this scope is a feature set that directly competes with options costing significantly more, all while delivering exceptional optical clarity and repeatable tracking. It’s built for the shooter who understands that precision is measured in fractions of an MIL, and whose gear must perform flawlessly under pressure. From the moment you mount it, the XTR II communicates a sense of rugged reliability and thoughtful engineering designed to help you make consistent, first-round hits at extended distances.
Hands-On: Burris XTR ii 5-25×50 Review | Long-Range Performance – Quick Verdict
After extensive field testing, the Burris XTR II 5-25×50 establishes itself as a formidable contender in the tactical/long-range scope market. It delivers where it counts, offering exceptional glass clarity, a highly functional and intuitive reticle, and rock-solid mechanical performance. I found its tracking to be consistently true, returning to zero without issue after dialing for numerous holds. The combination of a generous 5-25x magnification range and a 50mm objective lens provides a bright, clear image even in low-light conditions, which is crucial for dawn or dusk shooting sessions.
Pros
- Outstanding optical clarity and color fidelity
- Robust and reliable turrets with a tactile, audible click
- Highly functional SCR-2 MIL reticle with useful close-range features
- Excellent value for the feature set it provides
Cons
- The illumination control knob is somewhat stiff and not as intuitive as the rest of the controls
- The overall package is relatively heavy, which may be a consideration for lightweight hunting builds
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Hands-On: Burris XTR ii 5-25×50 Review | Long-Range Performance Overview
The Burris XTR II 5-25×50 is a first focal plane (FFP) riflescope purpose-built for precision long-range shooting. Its core design philosophy centers on providing the shooter with all the necessary tools to make accurate windage and elevation corrections without ever needing to leave the eyepiece. The FFP design means the reticle subtensions remain true at any magnification, allowing for precise holdovers and wind calls at any power setting. This is a non-negotiable feature for competitive shooters and anyone engaging targets at unknown distances.
This scope is designed for a specific type of shooter: the precision rifle competitor, the serious long-range enthusiast, and the varmint hunter who regularly takes shots beyond 500 yards. It’s not a lightweight hunting scope; it’s a tool for those who demand repeatability and durability from their equipment. Key specifications include a 34mm main tube for increased internal adjustment range, an illuminated SCR-2 MIL reticle, and a parallax adjustment that goes all the way down to 15 yards, making it surprisingly versatile for .22LR training or other close-quarters precision work.
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Key Features & Performance
During my testing, several key features of the Burris XTR II consistently stood out, directly impacting my ability to shoot accurately and with confidence. The performance in the field is where this scope truly separates itself from many competitors in its class.
Optical Clarity and Glass Quality
The first thing you notice when you look through the XTR II is the exceptional clarity and brightness of the image. The HD glass and proprietary lens coatings do an impressive job of transmitting light and providing a crisp, color-accurate picture. I tested it side-by-side with several other scopes in similar lighting conditions, and the Burris held its own, with minimal chromatic aberration at the edges and a very flat field of view. The resolution is sharp enough to easily spot bullet holes on paper at 100 yards and to pick out fine details on steel targets at 800+ yards, which is essential for accurate calling of misses.
Turrets and Tracking Performance
This is the heart of any precision scope, and the XTR II’s turrets are superb. The elevation turret features a locking mechanism and provides tactile, audible clicks that are impossible to miss, even with gloves on. I performed a “box test” and several tall-target tests to verify tracking accuracy, and the scope returned to zero perfectly every single time. The .1 MIL per click adjustments are precise, and the rev indicator is a simple but invaluable feature for keeping track of your revolutions during a long string of fire or a match stage.
SCR-2 MIL Reticle (First Focal Plane)
The SCR-2 reticle is one of the most well-thought-out designs I’ve used. It’s busy enough to be highly functional without being cluttered. The central floating dot is perfect for precise aiming, while the tree-style holdoff points are logically spaced and easy to use under pressure. A particularly clever feature is the close-range “speed dots” that allow for rapid aiming at very close distances without having to dial. Because it’s in the first focal plane, all these subtensions are accurate regardless of magnification, which builds immense trust when you need to make a quick windage hold on 10x or 15x power.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The scope feels incredibly robust, which is backed by Burris’s legendary Forever Warranty. The 34mm tube adds to the overall weight but provides a solid foundation and allows for a massive 28 MILs of internal elevation adjustment. The parallax knob is smooth and well-damped, featuring both yardage and meter markings. My only ergonomic critique, as noted in the cons, is the illumination knob. It’s stiff and lacks the same refined feel as the turrets, but the illumination itself is daylight bright and the reticle settings are useful.
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Final Verdict
After putting the Burris XTR II 5-25×50 through a rigorous testing regimen, my final assessment is overwhelmingly positive. It is a professional-grade optic that delivers exceptional performance and reliability. For the shooter who is serious about long-range accuracy, whether in competition or from the bench, this scope provides a feature set and a level of execution that is often found in more expensive models.
Pros
- The optical quality is top-tier, offering a bright, sharp image that is critical for target identification at long range.
- Turret tracking is flawless and repeatable, building confidence with every click.
- The SCR-2 FFP reticle is intelligently designed and highly functional for both holds and dialing.
- The build quality is exceptional and inspires confidence that the scope can handle hard use and recoil.
- The 15-yard minimum parallax makes it incredibly versatile for multi-caliber use.
Cons
- The illumination control is the one weak point in an otherwise excellent control scheme.
- Its weight and size make it unsuitable for hunters looking to build an ultralight rifle.
- The 34mm tube necessitates specific rings, which can be an additional consideration and cost.
I highly recommend the Burris XTR II for precision rifle competitors, long-range hunting enthusiasts (where weight is less of a concern), and anyone seeking a durable, high-performance scope for target shooting. However, I would not recommend it for a mountain hunter who needs to shave every ounce or for a casual plinker who doesn’t need this level of precision and feature density. For its intended role, it is an outstanding tool.
What Customers Say About This Product
User feedback consistently echoes the findings from my hands-on testing, highlighting the scope’s performance and value in real-world scenarios.
Mark T. “Used this in a two-day PRS-style match. The turrets are fantastic and the glass is clear edge-to-edge. The SCR-2 reticle made holdovers intuitive. It never missed a beat, even in the rain.”
Sarah L. “I moved to this from a more budget-friendly scope, and the difference is night and day. The tracking is so reliable. I use it for F-Class and have complete trust in my come-ups. The warranty from Burris is a huge peace of mind.”
Jake R. “The ability to dial parallax down to 15 yards is a game-changer. I run this on my .308 for long range and swap it to my .22 trainer. It performs brilliantly on both, which is a huge value for my training.”
David K. “It’s built like a tank. I’ve knocked it around on barricades during competitions, and it holds zero perfectly. The illumination is plenty bright, though I wish the knob was easier to turn.”