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

man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass
man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass

The Drawbacks of Being a Numbers-Oriented Gun Guy

Like any hobby or pastime that is in any way even vaguely related to machines or technology, firearms attract a (possibly) disproportionate number of “right-brained,” STEM-oriented personalities who like numbers.

First Look: MDT Hand Cannon Slingshot

Slingshots are fun, but they can also be a legitimate backup defensive tool—in 2023, a 13-year-old Michigan boy saved his 8-year-old sister from being kidnapped by using a $3 slingshot to fire a marble and a rock at the assailant, striking him in the chest and head.

The LCP Meets Magpul: Ruger's LCP Max with Magpul's EHG

Over the years, Ruger has enhanced its LCP with the introduction of the LCP II and LCP Max. New for 2026, Ruger is offering a new version of the LCP Max with the addition of a Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip.

Review: 945 Industries Q.A.P. Series Off-Body Carry Bag

Off-body carry can be somewhat controversial, but choosing the right gear can go a long way toward successful carry. One good option is the Q.A.P. Series of bags from 945 Industries.

At 75, CCI is Offering Even More

In 2026, CCI Ammunition—formally Cascade Cartridge, Inc.—marks its 75th anniversary with a fitting tribute to innovation and American ingenuity.

Gun of the Week: Powder River Precision Rubicon Icon

Powder River Precision has taken the basic Ruger 10/22 rifle concept and enhanced it with its Rubicon Icon design.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.