Burris Tactical XTR II 8-40x50mm Review: Is 40x Magnification Worth It?

When I started getting serious about F-Class competition four years ago, I knew I needed a scope that could handle extreme magnification without falling apart. The Burris Tactical XTR II 8-40x50mm caught my attention because it promised benchrest-level performance without the five-figure price tag. After nine months of competition shooting and countless hours on the bench, I’ve learned exactly what this scope brings to the table – and where it comes up short.

This isn’t your typical tactical scope. It’s purpose-built for one thing: putting tiny groups on paper at ridiculous distances.

Why You Should Trust Me?

I’ve been shooting for over 25 years, and in that time I’ve tested more than 200 scopes across every price bracket you can imagine. From cheap hunting optics to high-end competition glass, I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t when the pressure’s on. My background spans benchrest, F-Class, and long-range precision work, which gives me a pretty good perspective on what different shooters need.

What matters to me isn’t what looks good in marketing materials – it’s what performs when you’re trying to punch a .2 MOA group at 600 yards with a dozen other shooters watching. I’ve ruined enough equipment through hard use to know the difference between gear that talks a good game and gear that actually delivers.

How I Tested the Burris XTR II

This scope has been living on my custom F-Class rifle chambered in .284 Winchester. My typical load runs 180-grain Berger Hybrids at 2,850 fps, and this rifle will consistently shoot under .3 MOA when I do my part. Over nine months, I’ve fired roughly 800 rounds through this setup across five F-Class matches and numerous practice sessions at my local 600-yard range.

My testing focused on what matters for competition: glass clarity at maximum magnification, tracking repeatability through multiple stages, and whether it could survive being hauled around in the back of my truck. I also put it through box tests at three different times during the testing period to verify mechanical consistency.

Burris Tactical XTR II 8-40x50mm Review

Burris Tactical XTR II 8-40x50mm Specs

Specification	Value
Magnification	8-40x
Objective Lens	50mm
Eye Relief	3.5-4.25 inches
Field of View	13.2-2.8 ft @ 100 yards
Tube Size	34mm
Click Value	1/8 MOA
Elevation Travel	70 MOA
Windage Travel	30 MOA
Parallax	50 yards to infinity
Focal Plane	Front (First) Focal Plane
Length	16.68 inches
Weight	31.4 ounces

My Test Results

Field Test	Measurement	Notes
100yd Group Size	0.31 MOA	Best of 10 five-shot groups
300yd Group Size	0.44 MOA	Average of 8 five-shot groups
600yd Group Size	0.73 MOA	Average of 12 five-shot groups
1000yd Group Size	1.1 MOA	Single five-shot group
Tracking Error	0.4 MOA	Over 50 MOA elevation (box test)
Return to Zero	Excellent	Within 1/8 MOA after 40 MOA dial
Glass Clarity Score	8/10	Very good at 40x with mirage present
Reticle Usability	Excellent	FFP reticle remains accurate at all powers
Durability Test	Pass	No issues after 800 rounds and transport

Testing conducted using custom F-Class rifle in .284 Winchester with 180gr Berger Hybrid handloads.

Optical Performance & Reticle

Here’s the reality: at 40x magnification, you’re pushing any scope to its limits. The Burris holds up remarkably well, though you need to understand what you’re getting. The glass clarity is legitimately good – I’d put it somewhere between mid-tier and upper-mid-tier competition optics. When conditions are right, I can resolve individual bullet holes in paper at 300 yards without much trouble.

The F-Class MOA reticle is where this scope really shines. It’s a first focal plane design with half-MOA hash marks, and the layout makes perfect sense for competition work. There’s a secondary horizontal line 20 MOA below center that gives you extra holdover capability, which has proven useful when I’ve run out of elevation adjustment. The illumination is bright enough for overcast days but doesn’t wash out in direct sunlight.

At maximum magnification in heavy mirage, things get challenging – but that’s physics, not the scope’s fault. I typically back down to 32-36x when the air is really dancing, and at those powers the image stays sharp and usable. Color fringing exists if you look for it, particularly around high-contrast edges, but it’s never interfered with shot placement.

Turret System & Tracking

The XT-80 turrets are legitimately impressive. Each rotation gives you 10 MOA of travel with 80 clicks per revolution (1/8 MOA per click), which is finer than most scopes in this category. The clicks are positive and tactile – you can feel and hear each one distinctly, even with gloves on. This matters when you’re making small corrections between strings.

I’ve run three separate box tests over the nine-month period, and tracking error has consistently stayed under 0.5 MOA across 50 MOA of travel. That’s solid performance for this price bracket. The zero-stop feature works as advertised, though the initial setup requires paying attention to the instructions. Once set, I can dial up for a 600-yard target and return to zero with confidence.

The turrets are tall – noticeably taller than many scopes – which makes them easy to manipulate but also means they’re more exposed to potential damage. After nine months of regular use, including some rough handling during transport, they’ve held up without issue. The only real complaint is that the turret caps can be difficult to remove when your hands are cold.

Magnification Range & Parallax

The 8-40x range is exactly what you want for F-Class or benchrest work. At 8x, you’ve got enough field of view to find your target and assess conditions. At 40x, you can read wind shifts in the mirage and spot precise bullet placement on paper. The 5x zoom ratio is well-implemented – magnification changes are smooth without any image jump.

Side parallax adjustment runs from 50 yards to infinity, which is appropriate for this scope’s intended use. The dial turns smoothly with no slop, and the yardage markings are reasonably accurate. Fine-tuning parallax at 600 yards is straightforward, though you do need to check it regularly as conditions change. The focus needs adjustment as magnification changes, which is typical for high-power scopes.

One quirk: the parallax adjustment gets increasingly sensitive past 500 yards. You’ll spend more time fine-tuning than with some other scopes, but once dialed in, the image quality justifies the extra effort.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

Eye relief sits between 3.5 and 4.25 inches depending on magnification, which is adequate for most shooting positions but not overly generous. The eye box at maximum magnification is tight – you need precise head position to maintain a full sight picture. This isn’t a scope that forgives sloppy technique.

From a benchrest position with proper form, the eye box is perfectly manageable. During F-Class competition where I’m shooting prone with a sling, I occasionally need to adjust my head position between targets. At lower magnifications (8-20x), the eye box opens up considerably and becomes much more forgiving.

This scope rewards proper shooting fundamentals. If your technique is solid, you’ll have no issues. If you’re still developing your form, the tight eye box at high magnification will expose inconsistencies quickly.

Build Quality

The 34mm main tube feels substantial in your hands. At 31.4 ounces, this scope has real heft to it – nearly 40% heavier than many tactical scopes in the 6-24x range. The anodizing is well-executed with an even matte finish that resists fingerprints reasonably well.

Internal construction seems robust based on my experience. I’ve had this scope bouncing around in my truck bed, laid it on concrete benches, and generally treated it like working equipment rather than a safe queen. Zero has remained consistent throughout. The scope’s weatherproofing has been tested through several rainy practice sessions and humid summer matches without any fogging issues.

The flip-up lens covers that come with the scope are functional but nothing special. They do the job, though I ended up swapping to Butler Creek caps after a few months because they’re easier to manipulate with one hand.

Mounting & Accessories

Because of the 34mm tube, you’ll need specific rings – your standard 30mm rings won’t work. Here’s what I’m running:

• Burris XTR Signature rings (34mm, high)
• 20 MOA Picatinny rail
• Butler Creek flip-up lens caps
• Anti-cant device (essential at these magnifications)
• Microfiber cleaning cloths

Performance Scores

Category	Score	Notes
Optical Quality	24/30	Very good clarity at extreme magnification
Durability	22/25	Robust construction, reliable performance
Usability	17/20	Excellent turrets, tight eye box at max power
Value	11/15	Good performance but higher price point
Features	9/10	FFP reticle, fine adjustments, illumination
Total Score	83/100	Strong competitor for F-Class work

Scoring methodology: Optical Quality (30%), Durability (25%), Usability (20%), Value (15%), Features (10%)

Advantages:

• Exceptional tracking accuracy with fine 1/8 MOA adjustments
• First focal plane reticle that remains accurate at any magnification
• Glass quality holds up well at maximum 40x power
• Positive, tactile turrets with clear audible clicks
• Zero-stop feature prevents getting lost during adjustments
• 34mm tube provides excellent adjustment range

Drawbacks:

• Tight eye box at maximum magnification demands precise technique
• Heavy at 31.4 ounces – not ideal for field rifles
• Parallax adjustment becomes very sensitive at long range
• 50-yard minimum parallax makes it unsuitable for close-range work
• Turret caps can be difficult to remove in cold weather
• Price point puts it in competition with some premium optics

How It Compares Against Similar Optics

Model Comparison	Magnification	Optical Quality	Turret Precision	Build Quality	Value	Overall Rating
Burris XTR II 8-40×50	8-40x	Very Good	Excellent	Very Good	Good	83/100
Sightron SIII 10-50×60	10-50x	Very Good	Very Good	Excellent	Good	85/100
Athlon Cronus 7-42×60	7-42x	Excellent	Very Good	Good	Fair	81/100
Vortex Golden Eagle 15-60×52	15-60x	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Poor	88/100

The Sightron SIII 10-50×60 is probably the Burris’s closest competitor in terms of price and capability. The Sightron has a larger objective and reaches higher magnification, plus its glass is marginally clearer at maximum power. However, it uses a second focal plane reticle, and I personally prefer the FFP design for competition work. The Sightron is also built like a tank – possibly the most durable scope in this comparison. If you can live with an SFP reticle and don’t mind the extra weight from that 60mm objective, it’s worth serious consideration.

The Athlon Cronus 7-42×60 delivers noticeably better glass quality than the Burris, particularly when you’re cranked up to maximum magnification. The image is sharper with better contrast, and color reproduction is more accurate. That said, you’re paying significantly more for the Athlon, and I’ve found its turrets aren’t quite as positive as the Burris’s XT-80 system. For pure optical performance, the Athlon wins. For overall value and turret feel, I’d take the Burris.

The Vortex Golden Eagle 15-60×52 exists in a different price bracket entirely – we’re talking about spending roughly three times what the Burris costs. Is it better? Absolutely. The glass is phenomenal, the turrets are incredibly precise, and the build quality is top-tier. But unless you’re competing at the national level or have money to burn, the performance improvement doesn’t justify the massive price difference. The Burris will get you 90% of the way there for a third of the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this scope handle magnum cartridges?

Absolutely. I’ve seen these mounted on everything from 6.5 Creedmoor up to .338 Lapua without problems. The scope’s internal construction is robust enough to handle heavy recoil. Just make sure your rings are properly torqued and consider using a rail with built-in recoil lug if you’re running something particularly punishing.

Is 40x magnification really necessary?

For most shooting, no. But for F-Class competition or serious benchrest work where you’re trying to group under .5 MOA at 600 yards, that extra magnification helps you read conditions and call your shots precisely. I spend most of my range time between 30-36x, only going to full 40x when conditions are perfect and I need to see exactly what’s happening.

What’s the minimum distance I can use this scope?

The parallax adjusts down to 50 yards, which is fine for zeroing and some practice work, but this isn’t a scope for anything close-range. If you’re planning to shoot inside 100 yards regularly, look elsewhere. This scope is purpose-built for long-range precision work.

How does the first focal plane reticle work?

With FFP, the reticle scales with your magnification, which means the hash marks represent the same values at any power setting. The half-MOA marks are always accurate whether you’re at 8x or 40x. The trade-off is that at low magnification, the reticle appears smaller, and at high magnification, it appears larger. For competition work where precision matters, FFP is superior to second focal plane designs.

Is this scope overkill for hunting?

For most hunting situations, yes. At 31.4 ounces, it’s heavy. The 50-yard minimum parallax is limiting in the field. And honestly, you don’t need 40x magnification to shoot a deer. This scope excels on the competition line or from a bench – situations where weight doesn’t matter and maximum precision does.

Final Words

After nine months of serious use, the Burris Tactical XTR II 8-40x50mm has proven itself as a legitimate competition optic that punches above its price class. This isn’t a jack-of-all-trades scope – it’s purpose-built for benchrest and F-Class work, and it excels in that role.

The glass quality is genuinely good at extreme magnification, the turrets track with precision that rivals much more expensive optics, and the FFP reticle design is well-executed for competitive shooting. Yes, it’s heavy. Yes, the eye box is tight at maximum power. And yes, you’re paying a premium compared to more general-purpose scopes. But if you’re serious about competition shooting and need glass that can resolve fine details at long range, this scope delivers.

The real question is whether you need what this scope offers. If you’re shooting F-Class, benchrest, or pushing your skills to the absolute limit at extreme distances, the XTR II makes sense. For general precision rifle work or field shooting, you’d probably be better served by something lighter with less magnification. But for its intended purpose – serious competition work where every fraction of an MOA matters – the Burris XTR II is a solid choice that won’t embarrass you on the firing line.

Just understand what you’re buying. This is a specialized tool for specialized work. If that’s what you need, you’ll be happy with it. If you’re looking for a do-everything scope, keep looking.