Main advantage
The Burris Eliminator III 4 – 16 x 50 Ballistic LaserScope is one of the most advanced optics models on the market today, technologically speaking. It is robust, yet lightweight, remarkably accurate at long distances. It also has useful built-in features that eliminate other types of gear you would need to carry into the field when using other laser scopes.
The fact that it reduces the variables and the need for guesswork is a great advantage. That is the thing we like the most about this product – its ease of use as well as the convenience it offers. Experienced shooters will surely encounter no issues operating the controls. Standard adjustments are still available on this model, such as elevation, zoom, and windage.
There might be a bit of learning involved when it comes to programming the optics for your specific ammunition. However, it is as easy as you would be programming your alarm clock thanks to the side-mounted controls, or so the manufacturer claims. We have not, however, read any complaints in this sense.
The built-in laser rangefinder is placed on the side and it is operated with a simple push of a button. In case you want to activate it from a steady shooting position, this model also has an optional extended remote available that can be mounted into the user’s grip. This laser scope is extremely reliable.
With a design and construction using only high-quality materials, the scope is completed by an internal double spring-tension system that ensures the user will never lose zero caused by recoil or shock. While, as we have mentioned, the scope is very easy to use and reliable, it is intended for experienced and serious hunters who are used to shooting at long ranges.
Since it has a variable zoom, it can be used at close distances, but it is extremely accurate out to 1200 yards which is amazing. The onboard programming for trajectory compensation is certainly an asset that will be appreciated by long-range target shooters.
When it comes to the type of gun the scope can be used for, you should know that it was primarily intended to be mounted on large-caliber, long-range bolt action rifles. The 12-page cartridge list that is provided by the manufacturer covers a wide range, from .17HMR to .50BMG. Therefore, it can find a suitable partner on pretty much any rifle out there.
Main disadvantage
We have already discussed that this unit is extremely easy to use. Indeed, the technology is state of the art and it will really blow your mind. However, you will need to be prepared to learn how to program the device as well as to use all of its features.
If you are an experienced shooter and have dealt with similar scopes in the past, it will be an easy process, especially if you are a bit technologically-inclined. Still, if you are inexperienced with these types of devices, you will have some serious learning to do before you can truly enjoy it.
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Main features explained
Accurate laser rangefinder
This laser scope comes with a built-in laser rangefinder that works great up to 750 yards for non-reflective targets, as well as up to 1200 yards for reflective targets. The rangefinder can be activated using a push button that can be located on either side of the tube.
The yardage is displayed inside the eyepiece, right above the crosshair. This model has an optional remote rangefinder activator that you can purchase separately, in case you need it. Apart from being extremely accurate, one of the greatest advantages of this feature is that you do not have to carry a rangefinder in the field.
One way to find the range in the field is to make an estimate by using the rate at which a target appears larger or smaller and consider it to be proportional to its distance. If you have an object in the field and you can make a rough estimate about its size, then its apparent size can be used as a reference to make a guess about how far it is from you.
A rangefinder reticle uses the same principle, except it frees you from the guesswork, providing you with the needed information. Such accessories can be used with your rifle scope.
However, when it comes to the Burris Eliminator III Laser Scope, you do not have to take yet another accessory with you. The rangefinder is already built into the scope. Moreover, you do not have to worry about the information it provides, as it is remarkably accurate.
Custom settings for ammunition type
Another important feature this model has is the fact that it is programmable for customized and precise trajectories for the specific ammo you are using. The options you can select for customization are bullet weight, size, and drop at no less than 750 yards. Programming the scope can be done through the controls that are located on the side of the unit.
Moreover, the manufacturer provides a comprehensive guide of 12 pages, containing the most common and popular ammunitions ranging from small to medium, and large bore sizes. There are more than 4,000 ballistic curves available to use in this scope.
A ballistic curve is designated by naming the drop in inches at 750 yards when it is zeroed at 100 yards, as well as the Ballistic Coefficient for the chosen bullet. The ballistic coefficient of a bullet is a numeral that is used in ballistic equations in order to define how fast the bullet will slow down.
The Burris Eliminator III includes ballistic coefficients down to .15 and up to .9BC. In order to customize the scope, you will need to create a Ballistic Table, and the first step is to determine the Ballistic Coefficient. The second step is to find the Drop Number, which is the bullet drop measured in inches at 750 yards when it is zeroed at 100 yards.
There are several ways to correctly determine the Drop Number as well as the Ballistic Coefficient, and the manufacturer provides detailed information in this sense, in its comprehensive user’s guide.
X96 reticle
One of the most appreciated features of this model is the latest X96 reticle. It provides an extremely convenient and accurate method to compensate for the wind. Eliminator’s digital readout displays a 10 miles per hour wind value for the user’s particular cartridge at the specific target range as a dot value.
These Dots are used references for the shooter to correctly hold into the wind. However, you need to consider that you still have to determine the strength of the wind. Thanks to this model’s long range, users are able to go further with improved accuracy, new windage compensation, and longer range at any magnification.
Moreover, the eyepiece can easily be focused so that the reticle appears black and sharp to any user’s eye. In order to adjust the focus, you only need to follow a quick and easy procedure. First, you need to point the unit at a plain wall or at the sky, and then take a fast glance through the scope.
In case the reticle appears sharp and black, you will not have to go further with any adjustment. However, if the reticle is not sharp and black, you simply have to take a few quick glances through the scope and rotate the eyepiece focus ring at the same time.
You need to do this until you notice that the reticle pattern appears sharp and black. Still, it is important not to look through the eyepiece while you turn the focus ring because your eyes will adjust to the out-of-focus condition.
Easy mount system
Besides being very easy to use and program, the Eliminator III scope is also very straightforward to mount. Moreover, there are no rings needed, as you can install it on any Picatinny or Weaver base using only the included adapters.
The manufacturer recommends using the Burris Xtreme Tactical bases because they are specifically designed to support the Eliminator III scope. However, the other two bases work very well also. Furthermore, the low-profile mounts can be attached right from the bottom and onto the rifle base.
After selecting the base, you will have to clean the rifle’s mounting area with a solution that removes oil and grease. It is important to pay attention to the screw holes. You can use the same formula to clean the mounts, as well. You only need to make sure that the cleaning solution does not get on the stock or the scope lenses.
Once the base is installed, you will need to position the scope in order to provide suitable eye relief by shouldering the rifle just as you would in the field. Then, position the unit as far forward as possible while obtaining a complete field of view. Moving on, place the mount bolts into the slots on the base, with the mount clamps opened.
You will need to match up the scope slots and place over the two mount bolts. At this point, the mount clamps should be gripping the lip of the base and the lip of the rail on the base of the scope.
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