A riflescope for ftr/f class competition and long range target shooters - Burris Xtreme Tactical 8-40x50mm 34 mm Tube First Focal Plane (FFP) Rifle Scope

This is an optic intended for longer range shooting. Don't buy this scope if you are not a long range shooter or if most of your shooting is at distances below 200 yards. Field Target air gunners, who often use high power optics, should not select this scope as it will not adjust parallax below 50 yards. In fact, mine won't adjust below 65 yards despite the adjustment dial being set at the clearly marked 50 index. Burris should abandon the numerals and just use hash marks for giving a general idea of where the parallax is focused. So my advice is not to use the dial for determining distance to target, use a laser. Image quality is every bit as good as several high end scopes of similar power range that I have in my collection. At lower power the view is astoundingly clear and sharp, at high power the view is dim but not overly so. Its power range is well thought out giving the shooter plenty of room to dial down when mirage becomes a problem. The reticle is amazingly precise, crisp and clearly focused - being on the First Focal Plane, the shooter can, at any range, measure the distance the impact is from POA and dial in the correction using 1/8 MOA increments. I have no problem moving impact precisely to the center of the x-ring. The lower stadia are a great aid to making holdovers and wind calls at long range. Even at the lowest power setting, the reticle can still be read if the background is light in contrast and the shooter has good eyesight. The illuminated dots on the reticle may be a problem for some, they are so tiny that they really only show up well when the scope is used in dim light. Having said that, their small size will not obscure your x-ring or target at any power setting. Adjustment clicks are tactile and quiet, the elevation and windage dials move stiffly at first but settle in after some use. Adjustment dials are sized well and can be used with gloves. The zero stop feature is genius and is easy to set, it is essential to competitors who shoot at various distances and need to get back to zero quickly for the next set up. Despite its higher magnification this scope is not overly huge, as is the common practice these days. It gets the job done with only 50mm at the objective and the view at 40X is not too dark for practical use. Finding rings may be a problem: I used Warne 34mm quick release medium height rings and they worked out very well. Workmanship is first class with no indications of manufacturing shortcuts. Contrary to information regarding what's in the box, this scope comes with an excellent 3" Burris fine thread sunshade and very well made flip up lens caps. This is an excellent buy and it will perform admirably for the purpose it designed for.