Preview: Burris BTS35 v3

by
posted on January 19, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Burris BTS35 v3

Hornady’s 22 ARC with Burris BTS35 v3Previous to my range testing, I had the opportunity to join four other industry professionals for a coyote hunt that went well into the evening hours. As these dogs are equally active at night, we used the cover of darkness to put some fur on the ground. Burris’ BTS35 v3 thermal riflescope proved to be an amazingly capable little unit, and I thoroughly enjoyed working with it on our multi-day pursuit.

I found the 400x300-pixel resolution to be more than adequate to identify coyotes at the distances we engaged them, and the internal battery life simply could not be beaten. Charging it up in the morning yielded enough run time for several nights, which saved a few of us who had forgotten to plug them in. During our downtime, I scrolled through the settings and found navigation to be intuitive, as it revealed important features such as reticle selection and picture-in-picture zoom for tighter shots.

Being that thermal imaging presents a two-dimensional re-creation of a three-dimensional scenario, any feeling of depth perception is lost. Therefore, the flat-shooting nature of the 22 ARC was well-suited to this style of hunting. It didn’t matter if the dog was at 20 yards or 206—just putting the reticle in the vitals and pressing the trigger proved successful. If those numbers seem rather specific, it is because they were confirmed through real-world use. With an MSRP of $3,000, Burris’ relatively affordable thermal can be fit into the budget of many hunters.

For more information about the BTS35 v3 riflescope, visit burrisoptics.com.

Latest

Ihtog Walther P38 1
Ihtog Walther P38 1

I Have This Old Gun: Walther P38

On the eve of World War II, the German military sought a new sidearm that was easier to manufacture than the P08 Luger. Its answer was the P38.

C&H Precision STRYKR: A Red-Dot Sight for PDWs

The C&H Precision STRYKR is a hard-use, enclosed-emitter optic designed for PDWs and compact carbines.

Rifleman Interview: Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 OD Green Topographic Rifle

At “Plinkapalooza” in May we had a chance to try out the latest Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 rifle.

Patriots Landing Announces "A Nation Remembers" Veterans Weekend

Patriots Landing, a faith-based veterans workshop based in Kentucky, announced it would hold "A Nation Remembers" veterans weekend in Grant County, Ky., from Sept. 16-20.

Past NRA President Allan Cors, 1936-2026: Liberty Takes A Loss

One of liberty’s champions, past NRA President Allan D. Cors died on August 10, 2026.

Moving to the Micro Red-Dot: An Old Dog Learns Some New Tricks

After shooting open-sighted handguns for more than 40 years, the author's aging eyes finally caught up to him, and his concealed-carry pistol now sports a red-dot optic.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.