A close up look at the new Eliminator 6 Scope from Burris Optics.
Long-range shooting presents unique challenges for hunters and precision shooters alike. Ranging your target, calculating holdovers, and adjusting for environmental factors can eat up precious seconds when that trophy buck appears. The Burris Eliminator 6 aims to solve these problems with an all-in-one solution that streamlines the shooting process.
I spent several days in the field testing this rangefinding rifle scope, pushing its capabilities in both controlled range conditions and real hunting scenarios. What I found was a scope that delivers on its promise to simplify long-range shooting while maintaining the form factor traditional shooters expect.
Let’s dive into what makes the Burris Eliminator 6 different from conventional scopes and whether it’s worth the investment for your hunting or precision shooting needs.
Burris Eliminator 6 Key Specifications
Before getting into the details, here’s a quick overview of what you’re getting with the Burris Eliminator 6:
- Magnification: 4-20x
- Objective lens: 52mm
- Tube diameter: 34mm
- Weight: 30 oz
- Eye relief: 3.4″
- Field of view: 30.5 ft at 4x, 6.5 ft at 20x
- Adjustments: ⅛ MOA per click
- Reticle: X177 (second focal plane)
- Ranging distance: 2,000+ yards (reflective), 1,800+ yards (deer hide)
- Battery: One CR123A (scope), CR2032 (remote)
- Construction: Single-piece aluminum body with ED glass
- Warranty: Burris “No Excuses” lifetime warranty
Get this scope: Optics Planet
What Makes the Eliminator 6 Different?
The Burris Eliminator scope represents a significant evolution from previous models in the Eliminator line. The most noticeable difference is the classic scope design.
Unlike earlier versions that required proprietary mounting systems, the Eliminator 6 features a standard 34mm tube that accepts conventional scope rings. This makes mounting much more straightforward and gives users flexibility in their setup.
Inside this traditional-looking package lies an impressive suite of technology. The built-in laser rangefinder provides instant and precise ranging capabilities beyond 2,000 yards. Onboard sensors measure temperature and barometric pressure to calculate environmental factors that affect bullet trajectory.
The scope then processes this data using your rifle’s ballistic profile to display an exact aiming point.
The heads-up display (HUD) inside the scope shows range information, windage holds, and other customizable data without cluttering your sight picture. A wireless remote allows you to range targets without moving your hands from shooting position – a significant advantage when seconds count.
Perhaps most impressive is how Burris has integrated all this technology while maintaining optical quality. The ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass delivers edge-to-edge clarity with no distortion, maximizing light transmission and color precision.
Setting Up the Burris Eliminator 6
Setting up the Burris Eliminator 6 takes a bit more initial effort than a traditional scope, but the payoff is worth it. The scope comes with a wireless remote, mounting accessories, and a quick-start guide.
I watched a friend mount the scope to his Tikka 6.5 Creedmoor, and the process was straightforward. The standard 34mm tube accepts conventional mounting systems, with Burris XTR Signature Rings making an excellent companion. After torquing the bases and rings to specification, we did a quick bore-sighting.
The next step is where the Burris rangefinder scope differs from conventional optics. Rather than immediately firing test shots, we pulled out a smartphone and opened the BurrisConnect app. This free app allows you to create a rifle profile with your specific ballistic information.
We entered the data from the ammunition box – bullet weight, ballistic coefficient, and muzzle velocity – and paired the app to the scope via Bluetooth.
This entire setup process took about two minutes – significantly faster than manually developing and testing a dope chart. After the initial profile setup, we shot at 100 yards to confirm zero. Two minor adjustments later, we were hitting the X-ring and confirmed our zero in the app.
The app then calculated the actual bullet curve with environmental factors for our location. We confirmed our setup with shots at 200 and 300 yards, which landed perfectly on target using the illuminated aiming points provided by the scope. No dialing turrets, no mental math – just aim, range, and shoot.
Optical Performance and Glass Quality
The Burris Eliminator 6 doesn’t sacrifice optical quality for technology. The scope features ED glass that maximizes light transmission and color precision. Looking through the scope at targets in low light conditions makes images appear brighter and clearer than with the naked eye.
The 52mm objective lens gathers plenty of light, and the optical clarity is impressive from edge to edge with no distortion. The 4-20x magnification range provides versatility for both close-range shooting and extreme long-range precision.
The X177 reticle features thin crosshairs with hash marks along the horizontal crosshair and a grid of crosses for windage and elevation holds. When you range a target, an illuminated dot appears on the vertical crosshair, showing exactly where to aim for your distance. The heads-up display also provides windage information measured in the number of horizontal crosses from the aiming dot.
Parallax adjustment is handled via a side dial – a welcome change from previous Eliminator models where adjustment was on the objective bell. This placement makes it easier to adjust parallax without changing your shooting position, ensuring superior accuracy at any range.
While the glass quality doesn’t quite match ultra-premium conventional scopes in the $3,000+ range, it’s more than adequate for hunting and precision shooting applications. The clarity, brightness, and color fidelity will satisfy all but the most demanding optical purists.
Rangefinding and Ballistic Technology
The Burris laser scope’s rangefinding capabilities are impressive. The laser is lightning-fast and provides accurate readings beyond 2,000 yards on reflective targets and to about 1,800 yards on deer hide. During testing, we ranged targets at various distances, and the readings were consistent with a standalone Kestrel/rangefinder combo.
What sets the Eliminator 6 apart is how it uses this range data. The scope combines the range with readings from its onboard temperature and barometric pressure sensors to select the appropriate dope chart and calculate the bullet trajectory.
This happens instantly, providing an illuminated aiming point on the reticle with 1/5 MOA accuracy – far more precise than most shooters could estimate manually.
The BurrisConnect app allows you to store up to 16 different bullet curves, making it easy to switch between loads or rifles. The app also lets you decide what information appears in the heads-up display, including density altitude, temperature, foot-pounds of energy at distance, bullet velocity, a shot call marker for ethical kills, a digital level, and even the time.
Speaking of the digital level, this anti-cant system helps eliminate one more variable in precision shooting. A small line with a “V” notch appears in the display, with a dot showing if your rifle is canted. Adjusting until the dot centers in the notch ensures your rifle is perfectly level for the shot.
The wireless remote deserves special mention. You can mount it on your rifle stock or hold it separately, allowing you to range targets without moving your hand from shooting position or disturbing your sight picture. During hunting tests, this proved invaluable when targets appeared unexpectedly or when time was limited.
Field Testing Results
I had the opportunity to test the Burris Eliminator 6 during a four-day hunt in the Nebraska Sandhills – perfect terrain for evaluating long-range optics. The rolling hills and open grasslands provide both challenging shooting conditions and the potential for longer shots.
We started at the range, confirming zero and testing at various distances. The scope performed flawlessly, providing accurate aiming solutions from 100 to 300 yards. We even ranged targets much farther than I’d be comfortable shooting ethically, and the rangefinder continued to deliver consistent readings.
In the field, the Eliminator 6 proved its worth immediately. My hunting partner was running the scope on his Tikka with a suppressor when a coyote appeared at 270 yards. He engaged the rangefinder, got an instant reading, and placed a perfect shot using the illuminated aiming point. The coyote dropped in its tracks. Later that same day, he took another coyote at 339 yards with equal precision.
The deer hunting was initially slow due to a full moon, but when opportunities arose, the Eliminator 6 delivered. The Bluetooth remote proved especially valuable during one stalk, allowing us to range a buck without movement that might spook it. The angle compensation feature also came into play when shooting from a high ridgeline down into valleys.
The wind was challenging throughout our hunt, ranging from 12-18 mph with gusts. The windage information provided by the scope was generally accurate, though as with any ballistic system, reading wind conditions still requires shooter judgment and experience.
Battery life was excellent throughout the trip. The CR123A battery is rated for approximately 10,000 range activations, and we didn’t notice any significant drain despite heavy use over four days.
The durability was also impressive. The scope handled rough truck rides, a few bumps against blind walls, and dusty conditions without any issues. While we didn’t deliberately subject it to extreme abuse, it certainly held up to the normal rigors of a hunting trip.
Pros and Cons of the Burris Eliminator 6
Pros:
- Streamlined targeting workflow saves precious seconds in the field
- Excellent optical clarity with ED glass
- Accurate rangefinding capabilities beyond practical shooting distances
- Standard 34mm tube makes mounting straightforward
- Wireless remote allows ranging without disturbing your position
- Built-in environmental sensors for accurate ballistic solutions
- Customizable heads-up display
- Bluetooth connectivity for easy programming
- Made in USA with lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Heavier than conventional scopes at 30 ounces
- Premium price point (though justified by the technology)
- Learning curve to master all features
- Second focal plane reticle limitations if electronics fail
- May be prohibited for hunting in some states (check local regulations)
- Wind calls still require shooter judgment
- Sparse reticle markings compared to dedicated long-range scopes
Frequently Asked Questions About the Burris Eliminator 6
How accurate is the Burris Eliminator 6 ballistic calculator?
The ballistic calculator provides aiming points with 1/5 MOA accuracy, which is more precise than most shooters can hold. Field testing confirmed first-round hits on targets out to 300+ yards with proper wind calls.
Can I use the Burris Eliminator 6 if the battery dies?
Yes, but with limitations. The scope functions as a standard second focal plane scope without electronics. Zeroing at 200 yards instead of 100 is recommended to maintain usability for most hunting cartridges out to 300 yards without the electronic aiming point.
Is the Burris Eliminator 6 legal for hunting in all states?
No. Some states prohibit electronic devices for hunting. Check your local hunting regulations before using this scope for hunting.
How does the Burris Eliminator compare to the Burris Eliminator 6?
The Burris Eliminator 6 features a standard 34mm tube versus the proprietary mounting system of earlier models, improved optical quality, more advanced sensors, and Bluetooth connectivity that previous generations lacked.
Can I switch between different rifles and loads with the same scope?
Yes. The BurrisConnect app allows you to store up to 16 different bullet curves that can be quickly uploaded to the scope when switching rifles or ammunition.
How long does the battery last?
The CR123A battery provides approximately 10,000 range activations, which translates to a full hunting season or multiple range sessions for most users.
Is the Burris Eliminator 6 difficult to set up?
Initial setup takes about 15-20 minutes including mounting, creating a ballistic profile, and confirming zero. After that, the scope is ready to use with minimal adjustments needed.
Conclusion
The Burris Eliminator 6 represents a significant advancement in rangefinding riflescope technology. By combining a laser rangefinder, ballistic calculator, and quality optics in a standard scope form factor, Burris has created a tool that genuinely enhances the shooting experience.
Is it perfect? No. The weight, price, and second focal plane limitations might deter some shooters. And no technology can replace the fundamentals of marksmanship or the skill of reading wind conditions.
But for hunters and shooters who want to simplify the long-range shooting process without sacrificing accuracy, the Eliminator 6 delivers. The time saved between spotting game and taking an ethical shot can make the difference between success and watching your opportunity disappear over the next ridge.
Get this scope: Optics Planet
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