To become a true long range shooter takes a lot of time and dedication, money and discipline. For the rest of us, technology has stepped up and provided tools, like the Burris Eliminator III 4 16×50, to make long range shooting available to most people. The Burris Eliminator III 4 16×50 is a sleek scope with some of the most advanced scope technology available. With its 50mm objective lens and 4 to 16 magnification, the built in laser range finder will range out to 750 yards on a non-reflective target and 1,200 yards on a reflective target.
Founded by Don Burris in 1971, the Burris Company was the first with many scope innovations, such as the first 4-12x and 6-18x scopes. It developed the first constantly centered non-magnifying reticle for variable power scopes plus designed the Redfield Accu-Range and Wideview Scopes. Now part of Beretta Holdings the Burris Company continues to produce reflex and red-dot sights, and tactical and hunting scopes.
Burris Eliminator III 4 16×50 Review
Image Source: BurrisOptics.com
Pros
1. The Burris Eliminator III 4 16×50 provides the average shooter the opportunity for long range accuracy. Engage the range finder on the target and click the range button. This scope will provide the distance reading and the illuminated red dot of the X96 reticle will show the holdover required. Align the red dot on your target and fire.
2. When measured against known distances, the Burris Eliminator III 4 16×50 range finder accuracy was on the mark, +/- one foot over several 100 yards.
3. The Burris Eliminator III 4 16×50 comes with a book and a website app that helps you figure out the perfect trajectory compensation based on your target range and ammunition. Once you get used to using the app, the scope is easy to program.
4. A remote cable switch is available with Model #200119. The flexible cable is 14 to 24 inches long and provides repeatable activation of your scope at the push of a button.
5. The Burris Eliminator III 4 16×50, with five illuminated aiming points, lets you hit your target under low-light conditions.
6. The scope has good eye relief at 3.5 to 4 inches.
7. With 400 different loadings, the Burris Eliminator III 4 16×50 covers most calibers. You will need the bullet drop in inches to 750 yards plus the G1 Ballistic Coefficient to program the scope. While some tech savvy helps, Burris offers support to assist with this.
8. The scope has a point and click interface that is easy to use and understand. A lot of complicated math is needed to make targeting this easy but the Burris Eliminator III 4 16×50 onboard technology does the work.
9. The cross hairs in the X96 reticle do not span the entire FOV, making for a very uncluttered reticle. It gives you your target range in a split second. While windage is not automated, the X96 reticle has tools to help you make an accurate hold-off estimate. Plus, it is usable with any magnification, not only with full power.
10. The Burris Eliminator III 4 16×50 is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof and comes with Burris’ Forever Warranty.
11. This scope is mountable to any Weaver or Picatinny base.
Cons
1. For a 4-16x power scope, the Burris Eliminator III 4 16×50 is heavy at 30.4 oz. and big at 16″. The shooter needs to take this into account if the plan is to mount it on a lightweight rifle.
2. The price is hefty for a scope of this quality. While optical clarity and light gathering was considered good, it appeared similar to scopes available at a fraction of the price. And there was some disappointment with the lack of quality to the scope’s matte finish.
3. To get the most out of what the Burris Eliminator III 4 16×50 has to offer, the shooter needs to be comfortable with technology and using the website and app. The scope is easy to program but it can take some time because of the number of options available.
4. Some shooters felt that the pressure needed to activate the range button is enough to throw your shot off at a long distance. It is this complaint which makes considering the model with a remote cable a good option.
5. While most users found the scope to work well over a wide range of weather conditions, there have been some complaints about problems in very cold weather like under 15 degrees.
6. The expensive programming technology in the Burris Eliminator III 4 16×50 scope works only with centerfire rifles.
Who Is This Product For?
Image Source: BurrisOptics.com
The Burris Eliminator III 4 16×50 will allow shooters who already have some hunting experience to hit their prey at longer distances. For animals like coyotes and prairie dogs, this scope provides a precise target point with the speed necessary to aim and fire. For larger game, such as deer and elk, its precision at 400 to 600 yards makes it a great scope option. It is also an excellent scope for target shooters who want to push their range success further.
Conclusion
For a scope with a list price that starts at $1,799, the purchase of the Burris Eliminator III 4 16×50 scope is not a spur of the moment decision. Average shooters claim that this scope has improved their success rate at further and further distances. If that is your goal, the Burris Eliminator III 4 16×50 could be the right scope for you.
Yet these same shooters comment on the lack of glass and finish quality plus how much light really comes through the 50mm lens. Less expensive scopes compare better on these features. Yet those cheaper scopes don’t have the Burris technology that allows for how easy it is to use the scope.
Yes, you do need a bit of tech savvy to get started. But once you’ve got the process down, the Burris Eliminator III 4 16×50 will work the numbers for you and put you right on your target.
