Bushnell Elite Tactical XRS II Riflescope: Initial Review & Tracking Test

[@danenorment]

Hey Sam. I just discovered your channel and I love the content and information you provide. I hope to see a new video soon. Keep up the good work!

[@goneballistic]

These are the best precision rifle videos on KZbin boss. Thanks for taking the time and putting professionalism you do into these.

[@jimhans1]

Hey Sam, nice scope! I'm saddened you didn't go with the H59 reticle. I switched to the H59 several years back, and man, it provides easy access to so much information I won't use any other reticles anymore lol, I'm up to 6 scopes with the H59 now. Once you go to one, you will be spoiled at how easy it is to get range estimation and how quick it becomes to range/hold and get shots off. Love the video as always, Jim.

[@PanhandlePrecision]

I might try the H59 on the next one. Thanks for the input!

[@Johnyrocket70]

@@PanhandlePrecision Burris has one with the H59 Glass isn't HD but it's definitely workable. Bushnell is better, swfa HD & Vortex HD Glass beats them all. The new eotech vudu is next. Good HD GLASS scope is short and lighter than most, has a H59 reticle option. They are hard to find on my veterans discount websites. 40 to 50% off I got the bushnell, burris and the vortex razor gen1 HD got all 3 scopes for $3,300 total.

[@ericb.4358]

I use an H59 reticle on my Bushnell ERS 3.5 - 21 x 50 for competition and love it.That's why I got a G3 illuminated reticle in my hunting Bushnell LRTS 4.5 - 18 x 44 scope. It's on my 6.5 PRC Browning X-Bolt Pro mountain rifle. Talley rings.

[@antinormality]

I love my H59 reticle. It has many advantages like zeroing in 2 shots. I shot a mile for my first time last weekend and couldn't have done it without an awesome reticle. I maxed out my elevation turret at 21 mils and used the H59 to get 8.8 more mils elevation and did windage in the reticle alone.

[@antoniogalvan8488]

Caliber used?

[@johnbrown9623]

Awesome. XRS II, is getting the job done. Thx for sharing. Cheers

[@blaynemacpherson8519]

I watched all of your videos on reloading and I was wondering what your final load accuracy was and in this video I saw them. I am very impressed. Good shooting and thanks for the videos.

[@bryandill9316]

I think the Dmr2 is a great scope for the price...

[@Choronzon39]

What's the salary range for a $2,000.00 scope.?

[@frednurk4342]

Top job Sam very informative as usual.

[@LatestHour]

That's one sweet piece of glass. I have a Bushnell Elite 4500 (discontinued), but it's not near as much scope as that one. Bushnell is a great company, and they're only 10 minutes from my house.

[@gbouvier7234]

Thanks Sam, great video. Looking forward to the next one.

[@ZZ-uf4zv]

Wow, I am surprised at your comment Sam that this was the nicest glass you've looked through over the NF ATACR...... That's a stunner..

[@PanhandlePrecision]

Azzie Blankenship It still is. Across all conditions.👍🏻

[@carl-ok9gn]

Sam, I'm curious if you've ever found yourself using illuminated reticles. most of my scopes have illum but i haven't been in a situation i needed to use it yet. however, when looking at scopes (such as this one) it's a feature i often use as an eliminator. Your experience would help.

[@trijigon]

grr ummmpee same

[@PanhandlePrecision]

I've turned them on several times during late deer season, but I don't think I've ever taken a shot illuminated.

[@carl-ok9gn]

I appreciate it. I'm quite tempted to get one of these scopes and am trying to decide if not having illum is a deal breaker.

[@Garyalarson1]

grr ummmpee they have a model available with illumination. Black with G3 reticle if I’m not mistaken.

[@carl-ok9gn]

yeah. i've seen that. i like the h59 personally.

[@thomasarnold5948]

Much appreciated vid. Had my eye on this scope for a while but couldn’t find a legitimate review. I’m buying it now! Also, a shout out to Bushnell for giving a mil discount which does influence my purchases. Would rather support a company that supported me.

[@danielhealey7481]

Just wanted to say I have found your channel really educational. Just ordered my first custom rifle this year and am getting into reloading. I am not far from your neck of the woods (Spokane) so if I decide to get into PRS shooting around here maybe I will run into you! Thanks for the content!

[@shotover7719]

I've got the XRS Gen I with the H59, it took a bit to get used to but I'd be lost without it now. I've got 2 of the HDMR II scopes now with the H59 reticle 3.5-21x50. Best scopes I've ever had.

[@LastCaress7]

Ive recently had the opportunity to check one of these out for the first time and i was impressed. Quality optic for sure. I personally use a Kahles K624i, and i find that optic to be absolutely amazing.

[@goneballistic]

Best shooting channel on KZbin. Thank you for the amazing channel

[@freedomisgolf5816]

I’m new to your channel thanks for all your info been really helpful

[@wizardny]

I miss the videos. Hope you start making them again.

[@stngcrazy]

Where have you been hiding. Hope all is well.. 🤙🏼

[@patnoble1914]

I had a 300 to 400 dollar bushnell that went bad. I sent it in for a warranty and they sent me one of these long range scopes. I deer hunt and this scope is too complicated for me. Way too many knobs. I am in Alabama and we don't have time to do all of the scope adjustments before taking a shot at a moving deer on a powerline. They are nice and clear though.

[@Workforaliving]

its great to see bushnell has really picked up there Game....no longer considered a tasco

[@chriswehlage9430]

Having used night force bushnell xrs and now leupold how does the bushnell compare

[@commonsense5709]

I'm not sure how Bushnell rated at time of this video but they currently have an F rating according to the BBB apparently for a very good reason.

[@williamflood4508]

Bushnell had a scope just like that one buy grey in color, lighted, and a great scope. Why Bushnell quite making it makes no sense to me.

[@dreauxmire]

You like it more than you Nightforce?

[@PanhandlePrecision]

I like both, but I think the XRS II is staying on this rifle.

[@Johnyrocket70]

@@PanhandlePrecision I have this with the competition Christmas tree reticle, the vortex razor HD GEN 1 with the EBR 2 tree reticle and the Burris tactical with the H59 reticle. Since I can get the Bushnell and Vortex for 40% off I may get another Vortex Razor gen1, The glass is on another level for the same price. I can get them for the same price $1,200 ,The H59 reticle on my Burris is the best reticle but the glass is not HD. VORTEX HD & my SWFA HD glass are the best glass, Bushnell 2nd, Burris glass is usable just not fantastic. Most can't tell but snobs will see it.

[@623hgh]

If you were starting out no experience with MOA or Mills Which scope style would you chose?

[@PanhandlePrecision]

I would choose the scope and reticle I want first, then if there were the option, I’d choose Mils.

[@ms004650]

SAM, I'M TRYING TO LIKE A VORTEX PST GEN 1 FFP SCOPE I PURCHASED, BUT CAN'T GET PASSED THE ISSUE OF EXTREME RETICLE THICKNESS AT 24 POWER. FOR FINITE PRECISION TYPE SHOOTING, HIGHER POWER BEYOND 15-20X, SEEMS WORTHLESS OTHER THAN FOR RANGING OR OBSERVATION. ARE ALL THESE FFP SCOPES LIMITED LIKE THAT INCLUDING THAT BUSHNELL ELITE XRS. P.S. I ENJOY THE DEPTH AND REASONING OF YOUR EXPLANATIONS ON RELOADING TECHNIQUE, ESPECIALLY FOR BEGINNING HAND LOADERS.

[@briankording2026]

I use my night force at full 42 power even at 100

[@briankording2026]

I use my night force at full 42 power even at 100

[@briankording2026]

I use my night force at full 42 power even at 100

[@grosminetytp5520]

Nice scope. IMPAAACT! PRS sucks

[@wolverinekut]

Hi There! Need help by calculating this. The rifle is mannlicher ssg 08, twist 12,bullet is Scenar 167 gr GB422. Temperature +25C, velocity 801 m/s, THE question is, how will change velocity if the temperature is +5C ???? I don’t know how to use ballistic calculator, and sorry for my English

[@JPsaysno]

Thanks Sam , nice work once again. Got a question , not related to this scope. Is your occupation fire arms related or is this a hobby for you? Thanks again. Jp

[@PanhandlePrecision]

Retired/hobby.

[@HelplmAlive]

I'm also looking at this scope. Cant decide what reticle to get though.

[@carl-ok9gn]

h59 is very handy

[@kimchan2108]

I used it in a bus for special trips

[@anamericanpatriot5230]

nice rifle

[@wheelguns4wheelmen802]

Nice shooting. Appreciate the review; really looking into getting one of these. I love my two other Bushnell scopes. And glad to see another Idahoan on KZbin.

[@Johnyrocket70]

I am left eye dominant. The military taught me close my dominant eye & it works fine. I made expert rifleman & expert machinegunner using my non dominant eye open only.

[@ericb.4358]

IMHO the Bushnell ELITE XRS II scope is a Top Tier scope with HD (Extra-low Dispersion) glass, excellent reticle choices and excellent turret reliability. This video proves that excellence. For the money it is a great scope. I have a Bushnell ELITE ERS 3.5 - 21 x 50 scope W/H59 reticle for competition and ELITE LRTS 4.5 - 18 x 44 scope W/G3 illuminated reticle for long range hunting. Both perform flawlessly. Neither has ED/HD glass but their glass is very good.

[@ericb.4358]

Excellent shooting, excellent rifle, excellent scope. Thanks. 'Nuf sed...

[@Johnyrocket70]

! good thing about scopes today with fancy tree reticles which I have a bunch of which tracking is not important after zeroing. I was thinking of even trying a cheaper primary arms scope for $400 with their new grid reticle or even the new vortex tactical scope with their fancy reticle. I zero it at 300 yards to decrease hold over

[@mariolorenz1857]

U ever get the scope? Pwant to know how it was

[@Johnyrocket70]

@@mariolorenz1857looking at the vortex diamondback tactical. There is no zero stop so I am looking if you can shim one in with nylon washers. I can get 1 discounted for $299 on a veterans website

[@mariolorenz1857]

@@Johnyrocket70 right on i know some vets dont like hearing it but thanks for your service and have a good thanksgiving. Last question what gun and caliber are you putting the scope on. Ive been hunting all my life but new to this precision game. I was gonna go with 300 win mag but after reading around im not sure anymore

[@holdernewtshesrearin5471]

JB - i have 3 Primary Arms scopes, the standard SFP 1-8x ACSS, the platinum FFP 1-8x ACSS and the 4-14x ACSS R-grid ( similiar to H-59 but discontinued although the new R-grid-2B is now available im the 4-14x and awesome new 3-18x). i love them all and have never found myself wanting for better glass inside 800 yds. the 4-14x at $279 is an incredible bargain and a great scope though the turrets arent great. they are accurate but the feel and audible response isnt great. but i highly recommend giving PA optics a try. the new 3-18x in particular is a lot of scope for $499 and it comes in 9 different reticles. btw i cant find but maybe a 3-5% difference between the glass on my sub $400 PAs and the $1300 platinum. even the budget models are excellent!

[@sttvoyager1727]

Sam, you are a true professional and Im graciously appreciative for your time. Thank you for helping us shooters learn more about long range shooting. This kind of information people charge thousands of dollars for. You are a true PATRIOT! GOD BLESS AND GOOD HEALTH! Doc David

[@ericb.4358]

Like my current Bushnell ERS 3.5 - 21 x 50 I would want the XRS II with either the H59 reticle in my ERS or a Tremor 3. I think that for about $200. more than the original XRS it's worth it, especially for the ED glass. My shooting buddy has the original XRS on his 6.5 CM Ruger Precision Rifle and I like it a lot so I'm sure with the better glass and turrets I'd also like the XRS II.

[@prone_wolf8871]

Hi Sam, I think I'm going to pull the trigger on my first high end scope this year. I think I got it boiled down to the nightforce nxs8 4x32 or this one. I haven't been able to put hands on either of them...but I have been impressed with your review and mark and sam after works review..... Definitely puts the old bushnell is cheap junk to bed (which Was the case when I was a kid)... Basically just wondering which one you'd open your wallet to since the nightforce is only a little more then the bushnell . Thanks and subscribed

[@martinduke4644]

Hi Sam. Good evening. As a longtime viewer of your channel, I have developed an appreciation for your deliberateness and honest opinions. As such, I am wishing for an opportunity to speak with you “offline” via the telephone so that we may have a free exchange of ideas. I am on track to make a significant purchase this year and would highly value your guidance. My name is Martin W. Duke. Via FB, I am easily contacted. Or, is there an easy avenue for reaching you that protects your privacy. Thank you for your consideration.

[@jw3256]

Thanks Larry no I didn’t look on-line i know there are several vendors available to me which i have purchased equipment from before However i wanted hold the scope in my hand before i laid down $1500 not that holding before buying is a deal breaker but like everyone I already have several scopes i wish i had not purchased like most.

[@yuriys.6352]

Best glass quality than nightforce?? 🤔

[@PanhandlePrecision]

I've had this scope several times now side by side with my 5-25x56 F1 ATACR, and the Enhanced SFP version. In good conditions, I don't see much, if any difference. In crappy conditions, the XRS II is noticeably brighter and clearer. I know optical clarity tends to be subjective, but both of my kids noticed it, too. Bushnell uses good glass and coatings in this scope.

[@aaronlunzmann6534]

I can nab this for 1575 or a vortex razor 2 for 1700. Do you still recommend this?

[@UK0071]

Fantastic video (again) question... how do you calculate the Mechanical offset between the bore and center of the scope?

[@g3attack]

What did you pay for this Amazing scope? I found a 4.5x18x44 for 800. Is that a good price?

[@rdb8509]

Sam, I am trying to avoid using KZbin. Have you considered full30?

[@TheNutzandBoltz]

When is the Nightforce sale?. I'm in Boise, I'll meet you in Lewiston. Nice review.

[@lantzfamilyadventures5845]

What is the reason for not using higher magnification for long-range shots? I’ve always thought higher magnification would make it easier to spot you’re target and your aim point?

[@42N8_1]

H59 makes more sense and is faster to make accurate corrections than other reticle.

[@aaronhayes4737]

Seems like excellent test results! I wish they made the Ill G3 (gray model) with the H59... I'm sure it's because there's so much going on with that reticle and lighting it would be pretty difficult.

[@762mark2]

Hi, which part number tenebrex caps does it use? Thanks

[@jbj926]

What’s the close parallax yardage? 50yd?

[@texasraider1137]

Great system. Keeping it simple yet extremely effective.

[@procompctd]

I liked the spring snow storm, reminds me of my days at the range.

[@Hudson4426]

New to your channel and love your no bs approach. Thank you. You should do a video on slings. For both carry and as a shooting aid.

[@janwilliams178]

Excellent shooting

[@bigalt2078]

Good video there mate, well done

[@DL33TT]

March footage would be cool to see.

[@jefftuttle7890]

How does this scope compare to the Leupold Mark 5hd ? Great video and thanks for sharing. God Bless.

[@cliffstewart3361]

I have the Dmr 2 and the mark5 HD . For my eyes resolution the same on both, very good. The glass appears to be same quality. I personally don’t see chromatic aberration in either scope or at least Im not aware of it. The bushnell handles glare slightly better than 5HD during daylight and at night when looking at street light. Vortex razor gen 1 5-20 is same as bushnell with glare but slightly behind both on resolution. I have two IOR’s 10 years old with as good if not better glass than above but have terrible tracking. Sent one back and was told tracking fine. Terrible company! The eye box on bushnell is not as tight as the mark5 HD. Tracking spot on with bushnell. Having issues with 5 Hd tracking but have only taken it out once. Will need further testing but for the money the bushnell is by far the better deal. Possibly a better deal than the bushnell is the Vudu 5-25. Slightly better resolution than others but on par with the IOR 4-16. Handles stray light slightly better than bushnell.

[@jessebull4375]

2200$ pass lol

[@sttvoyager1727]

Sam, how did you integrate the carpenter level into your target (and was there a specific length of card board that you used)? I’m guessing that you used the carpenter level to ensure that your target was level at the range? If so, assuming you have no backstop, do you have to mount your target with a staple gun? Thanks for everything. Doc david

[@PanhandlePrecision]

STT VOYAGER Yes. Put a straight line on a piece of cardboard tall enough to track impacts as high as you want to test. Then plumb the line with a good level or plumb line, while attaching the cardboard to a backer.

[@michaelficarro2591]

This is good stuff...

[@HelplmAlive]

What size of Tenebraex covers did you get?

[@PanhandlePrecision]

BT5056-FCR and UAC005-FCR

[@MichaelCook1981]

How long is the cardboard target.?

[@PanhandlePrecision]

I don't know exactly how long it was, but 12.5 Mils at 100 yards = 45", so I would guess it was about 55" - 60" tall?

[@AntiPattern328]

sfp vs ffp scopes. As I understand, as the magnification is adjusted, it will throw off your zero or you need to compensate up or down with a sfp scope. Since you can hold zero at any magnification on a ffp scope, why would anyone buy anything else? Can you give some information on this?

[@PanhandlePrecision]

ngh The zero doesn’t change on either design. A second focal plane reticle changes values in the stadia as the magnification changes, while the first focal plane reticle stays constant. It only matters if you’re using the stadia for hold offs.

[@AntiPattern328]

@@PanhandlePrecision Thanks a lot for the clarification. Between this and learning how to mount a scope level, I might learn how to shoot straight yet! Course, there go my excuses... Lol

[@johndeanclark]

What rings are you running I have one and am mounting it on a surgeon 591 action and having some issues with getting proper eye relief tried vortex precision rings..

[@PanhandlePrecision]

John Clark Nightforce UL Medium height

[@johndeanclark]

Panhandle Precision thanks!

[@wilfdarr]

When you zero it and set that zero stop, I assume you lose any range below that?

[@wilfdarr]

Well by my understanding, you could set the zero stop below whatever your caps are zeroed at, allowing you to go however much below zero you'd like if say you ran into a deer in the trees at 50 yards or what ever, but that still leaves my question: when you set your zero stop you don't then have the full 35 mil (assuming 35 mil turrets) above the zero stop right? You lose anything blocked out below your zero stop is this correct? For example, again assuming 35 mil turrets, you set the zero stop at 30 mil, zero your caps at 25, you'd only have 25 mils vertical travel remaining, is this correct?... Ya I'm pretty sure it's correct. I think I just answered my own question. Thanks.

[@wilfdarr]

@@honeybadger4883 Traditionally I'd preset for those conditions, walking in hedgerows or woods or whatever, then dial when I get to the edge but I've been looking at a bunch of stuff on the Tremor 3 and that's making me rethink the whole system: that's where the odd questions are coming from. So now with the Tremor 3 I'm thinking zero at short range, even ultra short range (50m maybe) and just holdover everything else. I have to look into it a bit more. Also way over thinking it because it's winter and I have nothing to shoot 😉

[@6.5creedmoorrips6creedmoor2]

How is the glass compared to the night force atar

[@PanhandlePrecision]

It's better.

[@tonys9391]

I’m a NF dealer and If anyone else but you, and a few other well respected people in the industry, told me that Bushy glass is better than NF glass I would laugh at them. The ED Prime glass must be much better than what they used in 1st Gen DMR.

[@adamjolson82]

What contour is the barrel on your rifle?

[@PanhandlePrecision]

Krieger #17

[@adamjolson82]

Panhandle Precision thank you Sir

[@micfasto8700]

Any updates on the way?

[@PanhandlePrecision]

Micfasto panhandleprecision.com/bushnell-xrs-ii-long-range-field-review/

[@micfasto8700]

Panhandle Precision Thanks. Looks like it is a winner. Look forward to more videos soon.

[@stu4428]

Hey Sam what brand of scope rings are they and size? Cheers - Stu

[@PanhandlePrecision]

Stu Medium-height Nightforce ULs

[@stu4428]

Panhandle Precision cheers thanks mate thanks - Stu

[@stu4428]

@@PanhandlePrecision Hey Sam one other question, are you using a 20 MOA rail?

[@PanhandlePrecision]

Stu The Surgeon action has a machined in 20 MOA rail.

[@stu4428]

Panhandle Precision Thanks Sam much appreciated. I’m about to pick up a Savage 10 GRS 6.5 Creedmoor which has a 0 MOA picatinny rail. I was looking at shooting at 1000 + yards and was thinking of getting a 20 MOA picatinny rail plus Nightforce Ultra Lite rings medium - for a Bushnell 4.5-30x50 XRS. I’m hoping the medium will by not to low or high and just right. Cheers Sam. Stu 👍🏻😎

[@toddb930]

Thanks for the initial review and Tall Target test! That looks like a nice scope. When the magnification is at a minimum, does the view through the scope have much "tunneling"?

[@PanhandlePrecision]

Not that I can see. The view is clear from edge to edge from 4.5 to 30X. Forget about using the reticle at 4.5x, though!:-)

[@paulwatterson5992]

Really like your stock. Where does it come from and did you paint it?

[@PanhandlePrecision]

It's a McMillan A-5. They mold it with the colors you choose. This one is equal parts of olive green, tan, and black.

[@paulwatterson5992]

Thanks very nice!

[@jw3256]

I really like this scope, therefore, Sam you always do a very good review. No one in my area had this Scope in stock with and without the H59 reticle. Therefore I selected the Vortex HD Gen ll in MRAD which I like. However my next rifle I am thinking to go with a Bushnell with the H59 reticle. Thanks again for the Humble honest review

[@Garyalarson1]

jeff wright did you look at GA Precision? They usually have a ton of them ready to ship. Sorry you didn’t get to pick your first-round draft pack. Hate to hear that.

[@mercom152]

Keep the vids coming. Nice job.