Bushnell XRS II Review

Bushnell XRS II: Long Range Field Review


The Bushnell XRS II is a purpose-built riflescope designed for long-range precision rifle shooting. Over the course of the last five months, I found it to be an excellent tool for that job.

My first look through an XRS II came while attending the 2018 SHOT Show. It left a good first impression and had all the bells and whistles a solid long-range scope should have. Some of those features are:

  • 4.5-30x magnification range.
  • 34MM main tube with plenty of elevation travel.
  • Functional reticle that speaks the same language as the turrets. The XRS II is only available in a mils/mils configuration.
  • Quality glass.
  • Durable construction and ergonomic controls.

Scopes can be tough to judge at the show, but the XRS II presented itself as a top shelf optic. It seemed like a good fit to my new competition rifle.

The Vista Outdoor and Bushnell crews are great folks to deal with. They went over the scope with me at SHOT and arranged for a T&E sample to be sent right away.

This review comes after near constant use of the XRS II over a span of five months. During that time, I fired more than 2000 rounds, and spotted for several hundred more while lined up behind it. My primary use of the scope was competing in precision rifle matches. It was also put to the test during our annual long-range varmint safari and ELR shooting in general.

Bushnell XRS II Review

The XRS II on my 260 Remington at the 2018 Karstetter Memorial Field Match.

Within a few weeks of returning from Vegas, the XRS II was mounted on my rifle and ready to go.

The rifle is a 260 Remington I put together for competing in precision rifle matches. It’s built on a Surgeon 591 receiver, with a Krieger #17 contour barrel finished at 26”. When you add the McMillan A-5 adjustable stock with bipod, it tips the scales at around 14 pounds without optics.

The XRS II is 14.5” long, 2.37” across the outside of the objective bell, and weighs 38 ounces. I used medium-height Nightforce Ultralight rings to mount the scope, which provide 1/8” clearance over the barrel. It has four inches of eye relief and a fast focus eyepiece for adjusting reticle focus. I had no problem getting a crisp reticle and full field of view at all magnifications.

NRL JC Steel 2018 Jake Spotting Through XRS II

Jake scanning targets at the 2018 JC Steel NRL match.

Bushnell ships the XRS II with a screw-on sunshade that adds two inches to its total length. They also include a full neoprene scope cover and a simple bungee-style lens cover. The glass is treated with Bushnell’s Exo Barrier, so the scope shouldn’t need much to protect it. Having said that, I prefer functional lens covers on my scopes, so I ordered a pair of Tenebraex caps. In case you’re interested, the part number for the ocular lens cover is UAC005-FCR. To cover the objective lens, you’ll need BT5056-FCR.

Once I had the scope plumbed up and torqued down, I topped it all off with an Accuracy 1st scope level. The whole package looked right at home on my rifle. I fired in a quick rough zero, then went to work testing the turrets.

XRS II Turret View

The turrets and all controls on the XRS II are clearly marked.

The XRS II is built on a 34MM main tube, with an advertised 33 mils of total available elevation travel. The windage turret provides 20 mils of total travel. Each revolution is worth 10 mils, with a standard 1/10th mil per click.

My sample topped out at 32.8 mils of total elevation travel. With the integrated 20 MOA rail on my Surgeon 591, I’m able to dial up 20 mils from a 100-yard zero. To take advantage of the XRS II’s elevation potential, a true 40 MOA rail would probably be ideal.

The aluminum turret knobs measure 1.63” in diameter, with vertical slots machined into them for a positive grip. They attach to the turrets with splines calibrated to a 1/10th-mil click value and are secured with a slotted-head screw. The elevation knob stands 1.16” above the turret housing when rotated to its full extension.

The turret knobs and housing are clearly marked for direction and amount of travel. The elevation knob has an arrow on top that points forward when the turret is rotated to zero. This allows a quick visual reference when looking down at the scope.

The elevation turret is a simple twist and go, with no locking mechanism. The windage turret uses a locking system that requires the shooter to pull the knob straight out before dialing. It can be locked anywhere in its rotation. There are also hash marks to indicate windage rotations. The lock feature, hash marks, and 10-mil rotations make it hard to get lost with the windage turret.

I noticed a small amount of backlash in the elevation turret when rotated counterclockwise, but none in the opposite direction. It’s not quite enough to make the dial appear to be one click off, but it’s close. The windage turret is perfect.

Bushnell XRS II RevLimiter Zero Stop Disc

Bushnell’s RevLimiter zero stop. Simple and effective.

The elevation and windage turrets on the XRS II performed flawlessly throughout this review. The elevation turret tracked accurately over hundreds of cycles and returned to a perfect zero every time.

I tested the accuracy of the turrets using a 15-mil static tall target test, as well as a traditional live-fire version to 12.5 mils. On both occasions, the elevation and windage turrets moved the reticle the correct amount to within 1/4”. I also ran the XRS II through countless box tests during load development for my rifle. It never skipped a beat, and always returned to a perfect zero. Check out this VIDEO to see the tall target test, as well as my initial thoughts on the XRS II.

The XRS II uses a mechanical zero stop called the RevLimiter. It limits the downward rotation of the elevation turret using a disc with three set screws. To set the stop, loosen the set screws, then rotate the disc clockwise until it contacts the pin built into the turret housing. Then hold the disc down against the housing and torque the three set screws with the provided 1.5MM hex key. Bushnell lists the proper torque at 2 inch-pounds. Holding the short leg of the hex key while torqueing them allows enough leverage to get the job done.

In addition to normal use, I rotated the elevation turret up and back down against the stop hundreds of times. The RevLimiter held firmly throughout this review, even when I tried to make it fail.

Bushnell XRS II G3 Reticle 30x 66% 640 Yards

The G3 reticle at 30x magnification. Target is a 66% IPSC at 640 yards.

There are four reticles listed for the XRS II: G3, G3i (illuminated), Horus H59, and Tremor 3. The scope used for this review was equipped with the G3 reticle.

True to the XRS II’s design and intended use, the G3 reticle is placed in the first focal plane. By placing the reticle in front of the magnifying lenses, its stadia values remain constant relative to the target. The obvious benefit is the ability to use the reticle accurately at any magnification. The only drawback is losing the full use of the reticle at either end of the magnification range.

Most of my shooting was done between 15x and 25x magnification. The G3 worked very well within that range. It’s a simple tree-style reticle, with a series of .5-mil hash marks extending along the horizontal and vertical planes. Starting at four mils below center and ending at 10 mils, the reticle adds windage stadia that extends horizontally.

At 1.25 mils right and left of the crosshair, the reticle has short stubs for moving target holds. Those worked perfectly for my rifle during moving target stages.

Except for a few multiple target stages, elevation corrections were dialed and windage held. One notable exception was an ELR shot pushing 2000 yards. I had to dial to the maximum travel of the elevation turret, plus hold six mils. I also dialed five mils of left wind, which had to be corrected with a quick additional two-mil hold.

The G3 reticle is laser-etched and subtends .03 mils at the center of the crosshair. That works out to approximately .102” at 100 yards, which is plenty fine for precision work.

Jake Shooting 260 Comp Rifle Tripod

Jake shooting long range varmints from a tripod.

Bushnell touts the XRS II as being its flagship optic. The reason for that becomes obvious once you spend some time looking through it.

Using ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) Prime glass, the XRS II has excellent edge-to-edge clarity across its entire 4.5-30x magnification range.

That glass makes it possible to identify and engage long range targets in difficult conditions. For example, small steel plates colored “impact gray” hidden in the grass, or with no backdrop except an overcast sky. Maybe the head portion of a partially obscured 66% IPSC plate at 500 yards, while shooting at ground level through mid-day mirage. Or ground squirrels at 1000 yards, lying on top of their dirt mounds at first light. Low-contrast targets, heavy mirage, and poor lighting conditions are simply no problem for the XRS II.

It also transmits colors accurately, which I prefer over any contrast-enhancing coatings. What you see is what you get, with a bunch of magnification if needed.

A side-mounted parallax knob keeps everything in focus. The knob is marked with yardage indicators from 75 yards to infinity. Parallax was easy to remove for a repeatable 100-yard zero while maintaining focus on the target.

I’ve heard some complaints about the 75-yard limitation of the XRS II, but it doesn’t bother me at all. The EXtreme Range Scope is engineered for long-range shooting, and this scope really shines when viewing targets at big distances.

The XRS II has a 50MM objective lens. I don’t know how much, if any performance is lost when compared to a larger lens. I bet it would be hard to tell with glass like this. Low-light clarity was on par, if not better than any of the 56MM scopes I’ve used.

Sam Looking Over XRS II

The XRS II worked equally well for canyon shooting, range work, and precision rifle competition. It quickly became our favorite scope to use.

The thing that kept standing out was the glass quality. The XRS II is simply the clearest and brightest scope we’ve used, in every condition we tested it in. I’ll be the first to admit that a riflescope doesn’t usually need that kind of clarity. After all, you’re using it to engage a target you’ve already identified. But it doesn’t hurt, and you quickly get used to it when you have it.

I have a lot of experience lining up on long-range targets, regardless of the scope’s magnification. However, being able to quickly adjust it is a positive quality in a riflescope, especially in stressful situations. The XRS II comes with a power ring lever called the Throwhammer Throw Lever. The lever itself is removeable, but the boss it attaches to is integral to the power ring. The lever is comfortable and works well for quickly changing magnification.

XRS II Throwhammer

The Throwhammer Power Lever makes magnification changes fast and easy.

I had to adjust from MOA-based scopes to mils with the XRS II. The G3 reticle helped smooth out the transition and added capabilities I didn’t have before. Despite my long experience with MOA, I’ve come to prefer mils for this kind of shooting.

The elevation turret on a scope like this must be accurate and repeatable. Despite the backlash I found in the knob, when I dialed what my ballistic solver told me to, I knew that’s where the shot would land. The RevLimiter zero stop was solid throughout the review, and the zero never changed.

The XRS II is well-suited for practical rifle competition, target shooting, and long-range hunting. I look forward to using this one for all three in the future.

The Bushnell XRS II in this review (ET46305GZ) has a street price of $2249. It comes with a fully transferable “No Questions Asked Lifetime Warranty”. For more information, check out the updated Bushnell website. I would like to thank the team at Vista Outdoor and Bushnell for the review opportunity. You guys rock!

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Sam

As an Idaho native, avid hunter, and long range shooter, Sam has written numerous articles and gear reviews for various online publications. Specializing in long range hunting in the mountains of northern Idaho, Sam founded Panhandle Precision as a way to continue sharing his passions.

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16 Comments

  • Todd B
    July 31, 2018 at 17:14

    Thanks for the excellent review Sam! The XRS II sounds like a nice scope.
    I’m still on the fence between MOA and MIL. I have a couple of each. Did you have much trouble getting use to the mil scale?

    • Sam
      Sam Millard
      July 31, 2018 at 20:00

      Not at all. I can use either. I have too many MOA scopes to convert everything to mils, but I think if I add any new scopes, they will be mils.

  • Shawn B
    July 31, 2018 at 18:15

    Great review! I love my dmr2 but wish i waited for the new dmr with ed prime glass!! I am in the same boat about switching from moa to mils. Maybe you can do a write up sometime about your adjustment and how you apply mils to your shooting now.

    • Sam
      Sam Millard
      July 31, 2018 at 20:01

      Good idea. I’ll see if I can explain it to Jake, first!

  • James Fernelius
    July 31, 2018 at 19:56

    Great field report, thanks! I agree Shawn, maybe an article on making the change from MOA to Mils?

  • Dennis Slade
    August 19, 2018 at 14:36

    Sam- I enjoyed this review. Now that you have used both the XRS II and the ATAC-R, what are your thoughts on comparing them both optically and ergonomically? Sounds like they are both mechanically great.

    • Sam
      Sam Millard
      August 27, 2018 at 14:53

      I think the XRS II has much better glass. The kids and I spent several hours comparing the F1 and Enhanced ATACR to the XRS II, and always found it to be clearer, especially at distance. As far as ergonomics, I think they’re both great. I do prefer the separate movement of the magnification ring on the XRS II over the integrated eyepiece/mag adjust of the Nightforce. The Throwhammer works better than the small quick adjust stud on the ATACR, too.

      • Dennis
        September 5, 2018 at 16:00

        OK, thanks for the update.

  • Pete Fox
    February 21, 2019 at 01:18

    You need to get Jake a left handed rifle

  • Mac McIntosh
    May 3, 2019 at 09:55

    Sam, I purchased the Bushnell XRS II 4.3-30×50 and the blue scope leveling tools because of your reviews. I already had a 3.5-21×50 Bushnell with the H59 reticle and I ordered the same reticle on the 4.3-30 scope because the tiny dot in the center of the scope where the contiguous cross hairs would normally occupy. The clarity of that sight picture simply blew me away. I have shot my 3.5-15 FFP Nightforce with a H58 reticle and was dismayed that the thickness of the cross hair virtually obliterates any small target at only 15 Power. I understand the glass in any Nightforce scope is superior to my 21 power Bushnell, but the visual of the “dot” in the center of the H-59 changed my normal, 6″ groups at 300 yards to 3 bullets touching. Same shooter, same Ruger Precision Rifle, different reticle. In addition, the shots were performed in a dimming twilight.
    At 72 years young I have limited time to learn the art of reloading and accurate shooting. You sir, are an inspirational force in this sport!

  • Matthew
    October 29, 2019 at 18:07

    I just purchased this scope with the H59 reticle based largely on YOUR review but also GunsAmerica and Mark and Sam After Work. Thank you SO MUCH for the time and effort put into reviewing this Bushnell Optic so dang thoroughly.
    I’ve got a Steiner T5Xi in 3-15x and 5-25x…. and as much as i like those optics, i really wanted something with a Horus 59 reticle that had high end magnification and great glass. I was able to get a veteran discount as i am a disabled, retired US Army Ranger. I really didn’t want to pony up the money for optics well over the 2K price tag. Bushnell is a company that i’m looking at now and i think i may try one of their Forge scopes for an AR10 i have in .308.
    Again, thank you so much for the work you put into this one. I’ve subscribed on youtube (as much as i hate that platform for their censorship) and i will also follow you here now on your web page.
    It’s been a joy for me to get into long range shooting. I didn’t grow up around firearms at all. After a career in the military though i became very interested in shooting as a hobby for fun, competition, self defense and hunting. How many activities are there that can check so many boxes ? Not many. I look forward to teaching my new wife and our forthcoming child / children all about the importance of firearms in our lives / culture as patriotic Americans who cherish our rights and freedoms. This will be my first year hunting as well and i’m very excited about that and keen to learn all i can as fast as i can.
    One last note… i love reticles that have floating dots instead of crosshairs and or chevrons. Like Mac Mcintosh above said in his review, it just makes all the difference in the world for my shooting success to have a floating dot in the center.

  • John Saul
    December 20, 2020 at 09:49

    Would you recommend a mount with 0 MOA or 20 MOA? Is additional MOA really needed?

    • Sam
      Sam Millard
      December 22, 2020 at 05:58

      I wouldn’t buy a flat rail for a scope with that much internal adjustment. We use the extra travel provided by a 20 MOA a lot.

  • Dennis Slade
    December 24, 2020 at 17:03

    I was able to pick a Nightforce ATAC-R up used to try on a rifle (6.5-284). I wasn’t overwhelmed by it. I bought the XRS II with. G3 reticle. I feel like it’s optically better than the ATAC-R. My 800 yard groups shrunk by 40% over the previous scope and the ATAC-R. Very impressive scope.
    Thanks for turning us on to this scope.

  • John Roland
    December 15, 2022 at 08:32

    Thank you for your review. I am looking for a scope that I can use hunting, day time illuminated for lower power, and shoot prs matches. How useful is the illumination during a bright day? And are you still happy with the bushnell scope?

    • Sam
      Sam Millard
      January 16, 2023 at 06:06

      I’ve found illuminated reticles to only be useful during a short window at last light. Yes, the XRS is still going strong, and I still like it.

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