In the wake of the celebratory events for the 500th anniversary of Beretta, the group's subsidiaries have presented several highly interesting innovations. Among these, the "Burris & Steiner Experience”, an event that brought together gunsmiths and specialized journalists.
The meeting was divided into two distinct parts: an initial product presentation/technical-commercial discussion just outside Bologna, followed by a practical testing session at the Sant'Uberto di Monterenzio long-range shooting range in the Apennine region.
Two brands, the American one Burris and the German Steiner, both well known to the Italian public, in particular, since they joined the group Beretta, but which industry players believe deserve renewed attention today. Not only because of their positioning compared to other European or Asian brands, but above all because of the technological and qualitative level of their solutions, particularly in the field of "hybrid" optics and integrated systems.
As underlined by Daniele Piva, commercial director of Beretta, "Burris and Steiner have significant potential to develop a significant commercial presence in Italy, and gunsmiths represent the first ambassadors towards the end customer". Bruno Beccaria, general manager of Steiner, is on the same line. Burris, who highlighted a concept very dear to him and adopted by the company, namely how technology must translate into simplification, must be at the service of the user, guaranteeing precision, quality and a more ethical, safe and peaceful hunting experience.
Alberto Corbetta, sales manager Burris, recalled the origins of the American brand, founded way back in 1971 in Colorado and which has always been characterised by a strong innovative imprint, which can be found today in products such as Eliminator 6 and XTR PS, which stand alongside historic product families such as the Fullfield, which are constantly updated.
Steiner Sales Manager Thomas Lippmann recalled the Bayreuth-based company's long tradition, operating for over 75 years and a benchmark in military and nautical binoculars. Among its flagship products are the Nighthunter 8x56, launched in 2000 and known for its extremely high light transmission, and the LRF laser systems capable of measuring distances over 10 kilometers, the result of a technological evolution that began with Makrolon in the 60s and continues through to modern optical protection technologies.
What's new between the field and shooting
The most anticipated part of the event was naturally the field test, where it was possible to directly test some of the latest innovations from the two companies.
Steiner is attracting considerable interest in its new red dot sights, initially intended for pistol use but also suitable for hunting. The MPS Micro Pistol Sight stands out for its compactness, oversized controls, and battery life of up to 90.000 hours with a CR2032 battery, available in 2 and 3,3 MOA versions. Meanwhile, the MPS-C is even more compact (36x27,5x33,5 mm and weighs just 32 grams), with a 1,6 MOA dot, true 1x magnification, and high optical quality, as well as a particularly competitive price.
Also interesting are the eDiscovery 10×42 binoculars, which integrate image and video acquisition and sharing functions via the app Burris Connect, expanding the concept of digital observation in the field.
Hybrid optics and integrated systems
One of the most advanced trends is hybrid optics, where analog, digital, and laser technology are integrated into a single system. Steiner offers a combination of the eRanger 8 riflescope (in the 2-16x50 and 3-24x56 versions) and the eRanger LRF 10x42 binoculars, controlled via the Steiner Connect app. The system allows you to enter ballistic data and measure distances up to 3.000 meters, automatically transferring the information to the riflescope's ballistic turret.
The system also includes advanced features such as GPS impact location, useful for game recovery even in difficult conditions.
Burris responds with the Eliminator 6 4-20×52, a riflescope with a built-in rangefinder beyond 1.800 meters, designed not only for long-range shooting but above all to ensure accuracy and reliability in real-world hunting. The customizable internal display offers a wealth of information, including ballistic data and environmental monitoring.
Alongside this, the Veracity PH 4-20×50 focuses on operational simplicity, with an essential interface and programmable PEK (Programmable Ellevation Knob) turret, while the XTR PS represents the sporting version for precision shooting, with a 34 mm tube and functions dedicated to competition.
A closure on the shooting range
The day concluded with shooting tests up to 800 meters with optics mounted on rifles Sako e Beretta, followed by an informal 600-meter gong competition among the gunsmiths present. Simone Borgesa of the Tower gun shop in Avigliana won with the Eliminator, while Roberto Ruggiero, owner of the eponymous gun shop, stood out with the Veracity.
This event has allowed us to appreciate once again how the evolution of modern optics is increasingly a synthesis between commonly used technology, and how Burris and Steiner are sailing full steam ahead in this direction.
