Burris riflescopes in focus: innovative optics from the US

For more than five decades, Burris Optics has stood for innovative riflescopes, precise workmanship and high-performance optics. Here we take a look at the brand, its development, and its technical features. How does the design approach differ from that of its competitors? To find out, we compared two of Burris Optics' top modern riflescopes, the Veracity PH and the Eliminator 6.

A contribution from Mathias Haack03.05.2026

Burris is one of the established manufacturers of high-quality riflescopes and optics. Innovation, quality and practice-orientated development still characterize the brand today.

High-tech for hunters and shooters: The development history of Burris Optics goes back more than 50 years

Burris Optics, headquartered in Greeley, Colorado, has built a reputation over more than five decades by consistently tailoring its optical solutions to the needs of hunters, sport shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts. The company was founded in 1971 by the American optics technician Don Burris (who passed away in 1987). He had previously worked for the riflescope manufacturer Redfield, where he invented technical innovations that are still used by many hunting optics manufacturers today. These include the first riflescopes with a triple zoom factor (4-12x and 6-18x) or the constantly centered, non-magnifying reticle in variable-power riflescopes. In his own company, he initially only started with mounts and rings for riflescopes, but soon added his own optics to the lineup – the Fullfield model introduced in 1975, for example, is still in production today. According to the manufacturer, the Burris LaserScope from 2006 was the world's first riflescope with integrated laser rangefinder. The Burris FastFire illuminated dot riflescope (2007) is also used worldwide by both hunters and sport shooters. The first Eliminator scope with the then revolutionary combination of laser rangefinder and ballistics calculator was launched in 2010. Burris has been part of the international Beretta Group since 2002.

Burris Optics consistently develops its riflescopes, red dot sights and optical solutions with the practical requirements of hunters and sport shooters in mind, often taking unconventional approaches. Burris is now one of the major players in the optics segment, particularly in the American market, where it enjoys an excellent reputation for technical innovation and reliable quality, which is regularly confirmed by prestigious industry awards: for example, the Burris Eliminator 6 received several awards in 2025, being honored as "Optic of the Year" by American Rifleman magazine and receiving the prestigious NRA Golden Bullseye Award, and the coveted Ballistic's Best Editors' Choice Award 2023-2024 as the best hunting optic. In 2024, Guns & Ammo honored Burris Optics as "Innovator of the Year" for the company's technological advances, and the Veracity PH won the "Optic of the Year" (American Hunter - NRA Golden Bullseye Award) and the Editor's Choice Award from On Target Magazine in 2023. This multitude of awards underlines how consistently Burris combines innovation, precision and practice-oriented development. It is therefore fair to say that Burris has established itself as a permanent fixture in the international optics market.

The Burris Eliminator 6 with the Burris Connect app – a precise laser rangefinder riflescope for maximum accuracy at long ranges. Smart ballistics system with its own app connection for hunters and long-range shooters who want to utilize the latest technology.

Burris Eliminator 6, the latest version

With the state-of-the-art Eliminator 6 riflescope, Burris Optics combines classic precision optics with integrated rangefinding and advanced ballistics technology. Thanks to the built-in laser rangefinder and automatic ballistic adjustment, the shooter can precisely determine distances and immediately sees the appropriate holdover correction displayed in the reticle. We have already tested the Burris Eliminator several times: the links to the respective test reports can be found at the end of this article.

Burris Veracity PH, an innovative riflescope with integrated heads-up display for precise shots at any distance. State-of-the-art ballistics technology and razor-sharp optics for discerning hunters and sport shooters.

Veracity PH: The riflescope that won the NRA Golden Bullseye Award

With the Veracity PH, Burris is pursuing a consistently digital approach without neglecting the classic virtues of a high-quality riflescope. The system combines precise mechanics with modern electronics and an app-supported ballistics solution. Using the BurrisConnect app, the user enters the ballistic data of their ammunition, which is then transferred to the riflescope via Bluetooth. The centerpiece is the Programmable Elevation Knob (PEK), whose position is digitally recorded. When the shooter turns the turret, the corresponding distance appears directly in the field of view on the integrated heads-up display, along with other relevant information such as rifle angle or wind correction. This allows the optic to be adjusted practically according to the "dial to distance" principle: determine the distance, turn the turret to the displayed distance and aim precisely. Despite the integrated electronics, the Veracity PH remains fully usable like a classic riflescope, an approach that combines modern ballistics technology with proven hunting practice. The Veracity PH 4-20x50 has already proven itself at all4hunters.com in a precision test at 300 meters.

What is the difference between the Eliminator 6 and the Veracity PH?

Let's move on to the differences between the riflescopes. We start with the functionality of the Veracity PH and then go into the special features of the Eliminator. At the end of the article you will find our conclusion.

How the Burris Veracity PH riflescope series works

The combination of the Burris Veracity PH and the Benelli Lupo bolt-action rifle demonstrates how modern technology and precision gunmaking harmonize perfectly on the hunt. The Benelli Lupo impresses from the very first shot with its outstanding ergonomics. The Veracity PH not only offers excellent optical performance with clear edge-to-edge sharpness and high light transmission, but also scores highly with its integrated technology.

The Burris Veracity PH is a modern riflescope that combines classic optics with digital ballistics technology. The aim of the system is to simplify the calculation of the bullet trajectory so that the shooter can react faster and more precisely to different distances. The Burris Veracity PH combines optical precision with app-supported ballistics calculation and a heads-up display. The shooter sees all the key data directly in the scope and can adjust distances more quickly and precisely.

Create ballistic profile
Firstly, a customized ballistic profile is created using the BurrisConnect app. Data such as caliber, bullet weight, muzzle velocity, sight height and environmental conditions are entered. This profile is then transferred to the riflescope via Bluetooth.
Digital elevation adjustment (PEK system)
The Veracity PH uses a programmable elevation turret (PEK, Programmable Elevation Knob). This has a digital position sensor and works without traditional clicks, allowing the shooter to adjust elevation extremely finely – to an accuracy of around 0.1 MOA.
Heads-up display in the riflescope
There is a heads-up display (HUD) in the field of view. This shows important information directly in the riflescope, including
- Set distance or elevation adjustment (yards, meters or MOA)
- Gun angle (cant)
- calculated wind holdover
- Battery level
Dial to Distance
Once the distance to the target has been determined (e.g. using a separate rangefinder), the shooter simply turns the elevation turret until the corresponding distance is shown on the display. The riflescope takes the previously saved ballistics data into account and displays the correct adjustment.

Despite the digital functions, the riflescope remains mechanically fully functional: even if the batteries are dead, it can be used like an analog riflescope with mechanical adjustments.

How the Burris Eliminator 6 works

The Burris Eliminator 6 really comes into its own at long distances. Precise rangefinding and automatic holdover correction make the shot much safer. In hunting terms, this is always interesting when the shooting distances are somewhat longer.

The Burris Eliminator 6 is a state-of-the-art riflescope that combines several technologies in one system: laser rangefinder, ballistic calculator, environmental sensors and a heads-up display in the field of view. The aim of the system is to automatically calculate the aiming point and bullet drop and provide the shooter with immediate, precise aiming assistance.

Upload ballistic data: Firstly, the user creates a ballistic profile for their gun and ammunition via the BurrisConnect app. Data such as bullet weight, muzzle velocity and ballistic coefficients are entered and transferred to the riflescope via Bluetooth. The riflescope uses this data to create an internal DOPE (Data on Previous Engagements) card.

Measure target distance: When aiming at the target, the integrated laser rangefinder is activated at the touch of a button. This can measure highly reflective targets at over 2,000 yards (approx. 1.8 km) and targets such as larger game species at around 1,400 yards (approx. 1.2 km). The distance determined appears directly on the heads-up display of the riflescope.
Automatic ballistics calculation: After measuring the distance, the integrated ballistic calculator automatically calculates the bullet trajectory. The system also factors in data from integrated sensors such as temperature, air pressure and angle as well as the previously saved ballistic profile.
Display of the correct aiming point: An illuminated aiming point then appears in the reticle, which exactly represents the calculated bullet drop for the measured distance. The shooter only has to place this point on the target and – if necessary – take the wind into account via the corresponding holdover marks in the reticle.

The Eliminator 6 combines rangefinding, ballistic calculation and aiming aid in a single riflescope. The process is greatly simplified: Sight the target → measure the distance → use the automatically displayed aiming point → take the shot. This eliminates the need to separately calculate the bullet trajectory or adjust turrets on the scope.

Wide open hunting grounds present hunters with special challenges – especially when it comes to accurate shots at long ranges. This is precisely where the Burris Eliminator 6 comes into its own: With an integrated rangefinder and automatic aiming point corrector, it enables fast and reliable shots, even under changing conditions. This makes long range hunting not only more effective, but also much more relaxed.

The differences between the two Burris riflescopes quickly explained

The main difference between the Burris Eliminator 6 and the Burris Veracity PH lies in the way both scopes provide the ballistic solution.

The Eliminator 6 is a complete all-in-one system: it has an integrated laser rangefinder, measures the distance to the target at the touch of a button and automatically calculates the bullet trajectory, taking into account environmental factors such as temperature, air pressure and angle. The heads-up display in the reticle then immediately shows the correct aiming point – all the shooter has to do is aim and shoot.
The Veracity PH, on the other hand, takes a different approach: there is no integrated rangefinder. Instead, the ballistics data is loaded into the riflescope via the BurrisConnect app and the shooter then sets the distance manually using the programmable PEK elevation turret. The corresponding distance or correction then appears on the heads-up display, so that the shooter "dials to distance" in the traditional way.

In short, the Eliminator 6 fully automates rangefinding and aiming point, while the Veracity PH is a digital precision riflescope with ballistic support, in which the range is still measured externally and then set manually.