Choosing the right ballistic-dropping scope can significantly enhance your long-range accuracy. When it comes to integrated laser rangefinding, Burris has long been a leader with their Eliminator series.
This year, the latest iteration, the Burris Eliminator 4, aims to improve upon the already impressive performance of its predecessor. But how does it stack up against the well-regarded Burris Eliminator 3?
We’re diving deep into the key differences, features, and performance aspects of the Burris Eliminator 4 vs 3 to help you make an informed decision for your next precision rifle setup.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Burris Eliminator 4 | Burris Eliminator 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification Range | 4-16x | 4-12x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 44mm | 32mm |
| Reticle Type | Ballistic-X Reticle | Ballistic-X Reticle |
| Tube Diameter | 30mm | 1 inch |
| Field of View (at 100 yards) | 28-7 ft | 26.2-8.9 ft |
| Eye Relief | 3.5 inches | 3.1-4 inches |
| Weight | 18.5 oz | 15.5 oz |
| Length | 12.2 inches | 11.7 inches |
| Windage Adjustment | 50 MOA | 50 MOA |
| Elevation Adjustment | 50 MOA | 50 MOA |
| Parallax Adjustment | Side Focus | Adjustable Objective |
| Waterproof/Fogproof | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Magnification Range
- Burris Eliminator 4: Offers a versatile 4-16x magnification range, ideal for both close-quarters engagement and extended range precision. This broad range allows for adaptability in various shooting scenarios.
- 3: Typically features a lower magnification range, often around 3-9x or 4-12x. While sufficient for many hunting and recreational uses, it may lack the reach for very distant targets compared to the Eliminator 4.
- Winner: burris eliminator 4
Reticle Technology
- Burris Eliminator 4: Integrates advanced ballistic reticles, often with illuminated options and multiple aiming points. This technology significantly aids in compensating for bullet drop at various distances, enhancing accuracy.
- 3: Usually comes with more traditional reticles, which may or may not be illuminated. While functional, they require more manual calculation for bullet drop compensation.
- Winner: burris eliminator 4
Ballistic Compensation System
- Burris Eliminator 4: Features an advanced, often integrated, ballistic compensation system that can automatically adjust for range and windage. This can be a game-changer for quick and accurate shots.
- 3: Lacks a sophisticated integrated ballistic compensation system. Users will need to rely on external tools like ballistic calculators or range cards for accurate holdovers.
- Winner: burris eliminator 4
Objective Lens Diameter
- Burris Eliminator 4: Typically sports a larger objective lens diameter (e.g., 50mm), allowing for superior light gathering. This results in brighter images, especially in low-light conditions like dawn and dusk.
- 3: Generally has a smaller objective lens diameter (e.g., 40mm or 44mm). While lighter and more compact, it may compromise low-light performance compared to the Eliminator 4.
- Winner: burris eliminator 4
Build Quality and Durability
- Burris Eliminator 4: Constructed with premium materials and robust engineering, designed to withstand harsh environments and heavy recoil. Often features nitrogen-filled tubes for fog and water resistance.
- 3: While generally well-built for its intended purpose, it may not offer the same level of ruggedness or advanced sealing as higher-end models like the Eliminator 4. Durability can vary significantly by specific model.
- Winner: burris eliminator 4
Field of View
- Burris Eliminator 4: Generally offers a wider field of view at lower magnifications, allowing for better situational awareness and target acquisition at closer ranges.
- 3: The field of view can be more restricted, especially at higher magnifications, which might make tracking moving targets more challenging.
- Winner: burris eliminator 4
Turret Adjustments
- Burris Eliminator 4: Features precise, often audible and tactile, turrets for windage and elevation adjustments, allowing for confident zeroing and on-the-fly corrections. May offer zero-stop functionality.
- 3: Turrets are usually functional but may lack the same level of tactile feedback or precision. Zero-stop is less common on basic models.
- Winner: burris eliminator 4
Price Point
- Burris Eliminator 4: Positioned as a premium optic, the Eliminator 4 comes with a higher price tag due to its advanced features and technology. This reflects its performance capabilities.
- 3: Typically represents a more budget-friendly option, making it accessible to a wider range of shooters. The cost-effectiveness is a major draw for many.
- Winner: 3
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Magnification Range | Burris Eliminator 4 |
| Objective Lens Diameter | Burris Eliminator 4 |
| Optical Clarity (General) | Burris Eliminator 4 |
| Weight & Portability | Burris Eliminator 3 |
| Value for Money | Burris Eliminator 3 |
| Durability | Burris Eliminator 4 |
| Reticle Functionality | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Integrated Ballistic Reticle: Both scopes feature Burris’s proprietary Ballistic-X reticle, which is designed to provide holdover points for various distances and calibers, simplifying long-range shooting.
- Durable Construction: Both the Eliminator 4 and Eliminator 3 are built with robust materials to withstand harsh weather conditions and recoil, ensuring reliability in the field.
- Side Parallax Adjustment: Both models offer convenient side parallax adjustment, allowing for quick and precise focusing at different ranges without disturbing your shooting position.
- Waterproof and Fogproof: These scopes are sealed to be waterproof and nitrogen-filled to be fogproof, ensuring clear sight pictures in diverse environmental conditions.
- Generous Eye Relief: Both models provide ample eye relief, which is crucial for comfortable and safe shooting, especially with heavier recoiling firearms.
Burris Eliminator 4 Vs 3 Buying Guide
Target Audience and Use Case
The Burris Eliminator 4 and 3 cater to different shooter needs. If you’re a hunter prioritizing long-range accuracy and advanced ballistic compensation without manual input, the Eliminator 4 is likely your choice. Its integrated ballistic calculator and windage holdover features are designed for quick target engagement at extended distances.
Conversely, the Eliminator 3 is a solid option for shooters who still value ballistic assistance but may not require the absolute cutting edge of technology or have a slightly tighter budget. It’s excellent for hunters and target shooters seeking reliable performance with helpful, albeit less automated, ballistic solutions. (See Also: Maybelline Exhilarator Vs Pioneer )
Key Features and Technology
The Eliminator 4 boasts its most significant advancement: a fully integrated ballistic calculator. This means it automatically accounts for bullet drop, windage, and even temperature and altitude, providing an illuminated aiming point on your reticle. This hands-off approach to ballistics significantly simplifies long-range shooting.
The Eliminator 3 also features ballistic compensation, but it typically requires more user input, often through manual adjustment or a less integrated system. While still highly effective, it doesn’t offer the same level of automated, real-time correction as the Eliminator 4, making it a more traditional approach to ballistic assistance.
Budget and Value Proposition
When considering your budget, the Eliminator 4 represents a premium investment. Its advanced technology and integrated ballistic computing come at a higher price point. However, for those who demand the utmost in convenience and accuracy at extreme ranges, the value lies in the time saved and the increased confidence it provides.
The Eliminator 3 offers a more accessible entry point into the world of ballistic-compensating scopes. It provides substantial value for its price, delivering reliable performance and helpful ballistic features without the top-tier cost. If you’re looking for a capable scope that aids in long-range shooting but doesn’t break the bank, the Eliminator 3 is a strong contender. (See Also: Omron Bp5450 Vs Bp7450 )
Durability and Build Quality
Both the Eliminator 4 and 3 are built by Burris, a brand known for its robust and durable optics. You can expect solid construction, weatherproofing, and a design intended to withstand the rigors of field use. The materials and engineering in both models are designed for longevity and consistent performance in various conditions.
While both are built tough, the Eliminator 4, being the newer and more advanced model, might incorporate slightly more refined materials or construction techniques to house its sophisticated electronics. However, for practical purposes, both scopes are designed to be reliable companions for hunters and shooters who depend on their gear.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Burris Eliminator 4 If…
- You need higher magnification for extreme long-range shooting and precise target identification.
- You prefer a larger objective lens for better light gathering and a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions.
- You want a slightly more robust and potentially more durable build for demanding hunting or tactical applications.
- You are looking for a 30mm tube for potentially greater internal adjustment range and light transmission.
Buy Burris Eliminator 3 If…
- You primarily hunt or shoot at moderate to long ranges where 12x magnification is sufficient.
- You prefer a lighter and more compact scope for easier carrying in the field.
- You are looking for a more budget-friendly option that still offers advanced ballistic reticle technology.
- You are comfortable with a 1-inch tube and its associated advantages and limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which scope is better for extreme long-range hunting?
For extreme long-range hunting where quick and precise shots are paramount, the Burris Eliminator 4 generally holds the advantage. Its advanced integrated ballistic calculator automatically compensates for drop, wind, and environmental factors, providing an illuminated aiming point directly on the reticle. This significantly reduces the need for manual calculations in the field, allowing for faster and more confident shots at distances where every second counts.
Does the Eliminator 3 offer any ballistic assistance?
Yes, the Burris Eliminator 3 does offer ballistic assistance, though it’s typically less automated than the Eliminator 4. It often features reticles designed to help with holdover calculations, and some models may include a ballistic calculator that requires more user input. While it doesn’t offer the same real-time, integrated aiming point solution as the Eliminator 4, it still provides valuable tools for compensating for bullet drop at various distances. (See Also: Furnace Rental Vs Purchase )
Which scope is more user-friendly for a beginner?
For a beginner venturing into long-range shooting, the Burris Eliminator 4 is generally more user-friendly due to its highly automated ballistic compensation. The integrated calculator removes much of the guesswork and complex calculations that can intimidate new shooters. Simply inputting your ballistic data allows the scope to present an accurate aiming point, making the learning curve significantly less steep compared to scopes requiring more manual adjustments.
How do the reticles compare between the two models?
The reticles in both the Eliminator 4 and 3 are designed to aid in ballistic compensation, but their implementation differs. The Eliminator 4 typically features a reticle with illuminated aiming points that are automatically adjusted by the integrated ballistic calculator. The Eliminator 3’s reticle may offer more traditional holdover points or require manual adjustments to align with your specific ballistic data, providing a more hands-on approach to aiming.
What is the primary difference in their technological advancements?
The primary technological advancement that sets the Burris Eliminator 4 apart is its fully integrated, real-time ballistic calculator. This system actively computes and displays an illuminated aiming point on the reticle, accounting for factors like bullet drop, wind, temperature, and altitude instantly. The Eliminator 3 offers ballistic assistance, but it relies on less automated systems and often requires more manual input or interpretation from the shooter.
Final Verdict
The Burris Eliminator 4 stands out as the superior optic for those who demand cutting-edge ballistic compensation and ultimate convenience for long-range shooting. Its integrated calculator provides an unparalleled level of automation, simplifying shots at extreme distances. While the Eliminator 3 offers solid ballistic assistance, the Eliminator 4’s advanced technology makes it the more capable and user-friendly option for serious hunters and marksmen.
Winner: Burris Eliminator 4