Burris Xtreme Tactical Rings Review

September 26, 2015

Burris Xtreme Tactical Rings Review

Recently I got a new Ruger Precision Rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor along with a Burris XTR II 5-25x50mm Riflescope and needed a good set of rings for the installation of this scope on this rifle.  There were some criteria that were predefined by this rifle and scope combination; tube size 34mm, most likely high height rings due to the 50mm objective lens, and a matte finish.  I have been very pleased with the Burris rings over the years so I decided that a set of Burrs Xtreme Tactical Rings would be the perfect match for this rifle and scope combination.  As with any quality rings, you get what you pay for.  The MSRP on a set of these rings appears to be $193, but I found them online at several locations for $150.

This next video shows and talks about the details of these rings and also talks about the details of mounting these rings on my rifle.

 

This part of the review will give you some high definition photos and I discuss the rings in detail.  During my reviews I like to compare my results to the manufacturer's claims where possible so the following text in colored italics was taken directly from the Burris website on 9/25/15 and gives the Key Features and Specifications for the Burris Xtreme Tactical Rings.  The , and are my way to keep up with details that I have covered in this review with either photos, commentary or both.

Key Features

  • Xtreme Tactical Rings were built to withstand brutal use from competitors and tactical operators.
  • They are lightweight (aluminum versions), have plenty of holding power, and can endure any amount of recoil.
  • Fits on any Weaver or Picatinny-style mount
  • Available in a variety of sizes Ideal for tactical use
  • Also great for hunting rifles, slug guns, and muzzleloaders
  • 1-in. and 30 mm models are made of aluminum for optimum weight savings
  • 34 mm models are all-steel, to handle the biggest scopes on the market
  • Thin, 4-screw 34 mm models and wide, 6-screw 34 mm models are available; both offer tremendous grip and hold
  • Quick-detach models available
  • Optional  Picatinny rail on top of ring allows for attachment of accessories on top of a mounted scope
  • 1/2-in. Picatinny Risers are available for extra height and better sight alignment

Specifications (for rings used in this review)

  • Item: 420191 - Wide (6 Screws)
  • Size: 34 mm
  • Height: 1.50 in.
  • Material: Steel
  • Rings Per Set: 2
  • Weight: 13.8 ounces

The rings came packaged as shown below with a pair of rings per package.

Figure 1
Burris Xtreme Tactical Rings Review

The package included a Torx wrench for tightening the ring cap screws.

Figure 2
Burris Xtreme Tactical Rings Review

The pair of steel rings weighed in at 13.8 ounces (0.86 pounds).

Figure 3
Burris Xtreme Tactical Rings Review

These next photos give you a good look at all sides of the rings.  There is no doubt that these rings exude a feeling of sturdiness.  The combination of steel materials, 1" width and 6 cap screws should ensure that these rings can take some punishment.  Also, I like how Burris put a spherical exterior surface on the cap and upper portion of the base.  This ensures good thickness around the scope while shaving off some weight along with an attractive appearance.  One thing worth noting is that the clamp bar shown in the photo below was exactly how it was oriented in the package. 

Figure 4                                             Figure 5                                             Figure 6
Burris Xtreme Tactical Rings Review  Burris Xtreme Tactical Rings Review  Burris Xtreme Tactical Rings Review

After mounting the rings during a test fit and then studying the image in ring height chart, I came to a decision that the clamp bar was upside down as shown in the photo above.  The larger/longer foot on the clamp bar should be oriented down.  When I tested the fit this on my rail, the fit did seem much better with the longer foot down.  Also, looking at the chart, there is a pretty large difference in height between the Medium and High height 34mm rings.  If you are installing a 50mm objective lens riflescope on a rifle that has a full upper rail, you will need the high height rings.  If you are installing your 34mm tube scope on a traditional style rifle, it will probably be possible to use the medium rings, but you will need to study your rifiles barrel taper and mount to ensure the objective lens has the proper clearance.

Figure 7
Burris Xtreme Tactical Rings Review

Since these rings are made from steel, I think it was a good move on Burris' part to add a hole front to back and another hole vertically through the base portion of the rings to reduce weight.  Another thing I like about these particular rings is that the six Torx head screws are threaded into a steel base so there shouldn't be any significant worries on stripping out the threads in the base, although it is still possible to strip the threads with over tightening.

Figure 8                                             Figure 9                                             Figure 10 
Burris Xtreme Tactical Rings Review  Burris Xtreme Tactical Rings Review  Burris Xtreme Tactical Rings Review

When fully disassembled, the clamp bolt stays pressed inside the base.  The interior of the ring surface that mates with the riflescope is finely polished.  I fully mounted and torqued the caps on my riflescope and then removed the riflescope and there were no visible marks or scratches on my scope.

Figure 11                                                             Figure 12
Burris Xtreme Tactical Rings Review  Burris Xtreme Tactical Rings Review

The clamp bolt has a shelf or flat surface milled into the bolt which is intended to press firmly up against the front part of your rail slot when the ring is installed.  This is an improvement over a round surface pressing up against a flat surface in the rail slot when transmitting recoil forces from the rifle to the scope.

Figure 13
Burris Xtreme Tactical Rings Review

The rings are intended to provide a 1.50" offset from the centerline of the riflescope to the top of the rail.  Since these are 34mm tube diameter rings, the distance from the bottom of the scope tube to the top of the rail is about 0.83" when doing the math and I measured it to be about 0.82" (close enough).

Figure 14
Burris Xtreme Tactical Rings Review

Another thing I like about Burris rings is that they tell you the torque for your cap screws and mount base nuts.  They recommend the base nuts to be torqued to 65 to 100 in-lbs and the cap screws to 20 in-lbs.  For my installation, I use torque wrenches and torqued my base nuts to 80 in-lbs and the cap screws to 20 in-lbs as recommended.

Figure 15
Burris Xtreme Tactical Rings Review

I installed the rings without issue and if you didn't watch the video above, it is probably worth your time.  Installing the rings is not complicated, but there are some things you should always do.  First, make sure the base nut is on the left side of the rifle and the base is pushed forward in the rail slot so that it touches the rail lug.  Next, always try to have the same amount of gap on each side between the ring caps and bases when tightening.  Last, tighten the cap screws in a crisscross pattern to ensure even tightness.  I typically start by getting all the cap screws snug first before I torque base nuts.  I feel this helps ensure good alignment of the entire system.  I then incrementally bring the torque up on all the cap screws evenly to ensure even pressure on my scope tube.

This next photo shows the rings installed on my Ruger Precision Rifle with the Burris XTR II 5-25x50mm Riflescope.  This combination of rifle, rings and riflescope proved to make a great combination during my Range Resting of the Ruger Precision Rifle which proved to be a 1/2 MOA shooting system.

Burris Xtreme Tactical Rings Review

 

Bottom Line

If you are putting together a precision rifle setup and you need a set of high quality and extremely durable 34mm rings which mount to a Picatinny rail, you should consider the Burris Xtreme Tactical Rings when making your decision on which rings to purchase.


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