Burris XTR PS 5.5-30x56 Riflescope: Full Review

When I received the Burris XTR PS 5.5-30x56mm riflescope in the mail, I was impressed by its hefty 34mm main tube, the PĒK system with its integrated HUD. Having set up plenty of rifles in the past, I knew the potential of this optic, but I was curious to see how the combination of clickless, ultra-precise elevation adjustment and the BurrisConnect app would perform in the field. This is not just another long-range scope; it is a system designed for speed, accuracy, and adaptability.

Initial Impressions

Out of the box, the XTR PS feels solid and purposeful. The one-piece 34mm milled aluminum tube provides a strong build, while the 56mm ED objective lens guarantees exceptional light gathering for those early morning and late-night shooting sessions. The SCR 2 FFP reticle is illuminated in dual colors, red and green, making it easy to see in changing light conditions. The overall build is rugged but not overly so, considering what you get with this optic. I immediately appreciated the ergonomics and placement of the soft-touch side buttons, which were thoughtfully positioned near the parallax adjustment. Everything feels intentional and ready for practical use.

Set-Up

Mounting the scope on my custom .260 Remington built on an XLR chassis was straightforward, but I took extra care to ensure the optic was perfectly level with the rifle, as is stressed in the setup manual. For anyone setting up precision optics, this step cannot be overstated; even slight deviations can affect long-range accuracy. After mounting the scope, I focused on connecting the scope to the BurrisConnect app. Full disclosure: Much to my wife's dismay, I do not read instructions as well as I should, so this process took me longer than necessary. That said, following the instructions as written is simple, and the system connects quickly once you do. It is a reminder that a few minutes spent setting things up correctly saves a lot of time and frustration later. So, don't do as I did and follow the instructions from start to finish.

With the app, I entered detailed information about my rifle, scope, and ammunition. Accuracy here is critical; the better your data input, the more precise the ballistic calculations the scope will provide. Mounting height, zero range, muzzle velocity, bullet diameter, and ballistic coefficient all need to be exact. Once the profile is set, the XTR PS can operate independently of the app, giving real-time firing solutions through the integrated HUD.

Initial Range Experience

For my first shooting session, I was at 5,300 feet in elevation. I always try to shoot in the early morning, before the heat waves get too bad, when temperatures are around 50–60 degrees, which provides consistent conditions and a more predictable ballistic environment. At the range, I started by confirming the zero and checking the scope’s initial dial-to-distance readings. The clickless PĒK turret allows for precise, fluid adjustments. For example, if you need to dial 10.68 MRAD, you can do it exactly, without the limitations of traditional click-based turrets. 

Once connected, the HUD displayed distance, wind hold, density altitude, and angle compensation, all viewable in a single glance. Target acquisition and engagement across varying distances were seamless. In practice, I found myself moving between close-range and extreme long-range targets easily, adjusting fluidly as needed and consistently hitting every target. The system removes much of the guesswork traditionally involved with long-range shooting, allowing you to focus on fundamentals like trigger control, breath control, and stable positioning.

Extended Testing

Over multiple sessions, the XTR PS proved reliable and consistent. Even after repeated shots, albeit with a mild recoil rifle, the optic held zero. The illuminated reticle remains clear in varied light conditions, and the ergonomic controls make adjustments simple without losing focus on the target. With over 19 MRAD of elevation adjustment in a single PĒK rotation, you can engage targets across an impressive range without hesitation. The integrated bubble level ensures the rifle remains aligned, a feature I found particularly useful when taking off-angle shots.

I also experimented with the HUD’s additional features. Although I don't compete, the countdown timer is a practical touch for competition shooters, helping manage time efficiently. Wind direction, wind speed, and density altitude all display clearly in the HUD. Regarding density altitude, the scope allows an adjustment range of up to 22,000 feet as conditions change throughout the day, before needing any new shot data. Having them displayed and available is a nice touch. Even without a built-in rangefinder, pairing the scope with a quality laser rangefinder ensures that the dial-to-distance readout is accurate, simplifying calculations and reducing potential errors.

In one session, I observed how environmental factors could alter a bullet's trajectory. Being able to see real-time adjustments in the HUD and quickly apply them made a noticeable difference in consistency. Tracking wind, temperature, and angle changes all in one glance saved me from recalculating and allowed me to concentrate on shot execution.

Feature Breakdown Specifications

The XTR PS 5.5-30x56mm offers a magnification range that is perfect for both close and extreme long-range hunting or competition scenarios. The 56mm ED objective lens is excellent at gathering light, while the 34mm tube allows for extensive internal adjustment. The SCR 2 FFP illuminated reticle provides precise holdovers and windage corrections across magnification levels. The clickless PĒK turret provides 1/30 MRAD precision and over 19 MRAD of adjustment per full rotation, outpacing traditional scopes.

Performance & Functionality

The PĒK system, combined with the integrated HUD, allows shooters to engage targets across varying distances efficiently. The BurrisConnect app enables creation of custom ballistic profiles with over twenty density altitude curves, which can be loaded into the scope for offline operation. The combination of the app, HUD, and scope mechanics provides an intuitive, real-time shooting solution without the traditional guesswork or need for dope cards. Moving from mid-range to extreme targets is seamless, and the instant data feedback ensures each shot can be executed with confidence.

Design & Ergonomics

The XTR PS’s aluminum construction is both rugged and lightweight enough for field use. Soft-touch side buttons and well-placed controls allow for intuitive operation, even with gloves. Side focus parallax adjustment ensures clarity at multiple distances, while the zero click stop adjustment simplifies returning to your established zero. The dual-color SCR 2 reticle is easy to read and versatile in changing lighting conditions.

Durability & Maintenance

Nitrogen-filled and sealed, the XTR PS is waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant. Occasional cleaning of lenses with a microfiber cloth is sufficient for upkeep. With proper care, this optic is built to provide reliable service for years. It held its zero through regular field use and didn’t compromise mechanical performance, showing the strength of its rugged construction.

Accessories and Customization Options

The scope comes with lens covers and a sunshade. It is compatible with standard 34mm scope rings and can integrate with third-party ballistic solvers through the BurrisConnect app. Within the HUD, you can customize the display the way you want it, including wind, units of measure, and density altitude inputs. The ability to adjust the display ensures that every shooter can optimize their setup for their specific style and environment.

Legal Considerations

Before using the XTR PS for hunting, it is essential to check your state’s regulations. Some states restrict electronic or HUD-assisted optics, and it’s critical to ensure legality before heading into the field.

Conclusion

The Burris XTR PS 5.5-30x56mm riflescope represents a significant advancement in long-range and competitive shooting technology, enabling long-range shooting for even those without extensive prior knowledge. Its combination of the PĒK system, integrated HUD, and app connectivity streamlines the whole process, allowing for accurate engagement across varying distances with confidence. From setup and leveling to dialing in exact MRAD adjustments and hitting targets consistently, this scope makes both easy for experienced and new shooters.

I cannot stress enough the importance of being accurate with your information input during setup. Follow the app's instructions, provide precise rifle, and ammunition data, and shooters can maximize the XTR PS's performance. For anyone serious about long-range precision, whether competing or in the field hunting, every second and every click matters; the XTR PS is a worthy investment that will pay dividends on the range and in the field.

If carefully set up with an attention to detail, this scope is exactly as advertised, combining rugged construction, advanced technology, and intuitive operation into a single, high-performance package.

During extended use, I found the system’s speed and reliability quite impressive. The HUD and PĒK system made adaptation seamless, highlighting how vital precise data input is for maintaining accuracy in varied conditions. Every adjustment, from wind hold to elevation, felt natural and responsive. Through several shooting sessions, the combination of a well-built scope, clear optics, thoughtful engineering, and integration with custom ballistic profiles makes this optic ready for whatever you throw at it from the range to the field.