Burris Tac30 vs MTAC: Three Years of Hard Testing on Montana Working Rifles

The coyote pack circled our calving pasture at dusk, testing for weakness among the newborns. My ranch rifle wore a Burris MTAC that March evening, while my backup truck gun carried a Tac30—both optics I’d been running side-by-side for three years. Making quick shots in fading light while protecting livestock taught me that choosing between these Burris scopes isn’t about which is “better”—it’s about understanding their design intentions. After twenty-five years carrying rifles professionally and mounting these exact optics on everything from competition ARs to dangerous game rifles, I’ve learned both scopes excel when used properly.

Why Compare Within the Burris Family?

My grandfather ran a fixed 4x Weaver on his .30-06 for forty years, never seeing need for “fancy variable power.” He’d laugh at comparing two scopes from the same company. But modern shooting demands versatility—from point-blank defense to precision at distance—that fixed magnification can’t provide.

Burris builds solid American optics that punch above their price point. The Tac30 and MTAC represent different approaches to the low-power variable problem. Understanding their strengths helps match tool to task.

Testing Protocol: Real Montana Conditions

Both scopes underwent identical testing over three years:

Environmental Testing

• Temperature range: -35°F to 97°F
• Altitude: 4,200 to 10,500 feet
• Weather: Blizzards, dust storms, ice storms
• Duration: Three years continuous field use

Durability Assessment

• Round count: 5,200 through MTAC, 4,800 through Tac30
• Drop testing: Multiple heights and surfaces
• Water testing: Full submersion and rain exposure
• Vehicle testing: Thousands of miles of ranch roads

Practical Applications

• Predator control (coyotes, occasional wolves)
• Competition (3-Gun, practical rifle)
• Training law enforcement officers
• Guided hunting backup rifles
• Ranch security and livestock protection

Optical Performance: Different Glass, Different Goals

Burris Tac30: Traditional Clarity

The Tac30’s glass delivers what I call “honest clarity”—no fancy coatings trying to enhance colors, just clear sight pictures. During a November mule deer hunt near the Breaks, that natural color rendition helped distinguish a mature buck from younger satellites in flat evening light.

The 3-9×40 configuration (actual model tested) provides more flexibility than the MTAC’s typical 1-4x range. At 9x, I’ve made precise shots on prairie dogs to 300 yards—impressive for a scope this affordable. The higher magnification proves valuable for load development and zeroing.

Field Reality: The Ballistic Plex reticle stays usable throughout the magnification range. Unlike complex Christmas-tree reticles that confuse under stress, this simple design works when adrenaline spikes.

MTAC: Speed-Focused Design

The MTAC’s true 1x setting transforms rifles into both-eyes-open fighting tools. During close-range drills with local deputies, that true 1x consistently produced faster first shots than the Tac30’s 3x minimum.

The illuminated reticle—while not daylight bright—provides enough contrast during dawn and dusk when predators move most. Last winter, engaging multiple coyotes in failing light, that illumination made the difference between success and explaining dead chickens to my wife Sarah.

Practical Application: The MTAC’s wider field of view at low power excels for tracking moving targets through brush. Following running deer through timber, that extra visibility prevents losing targets during critical moments.

Magnification Range: Understanding the Trade-offs

Tac30’s 3-9x Advantage

Starting at 3x eliminates the both-eyes-open capability but provides immediate magnification for positive identification. This matters when distinguishing coyotes from neighbor’s dogs at distance—a mistake that costs relationships and potentially livestock.

My son used a Tac30 for his first antelope hunt. The 9x magnification allowed precise shot placement at 287 yards, building confidence in a young shooter. Try that with a 1-4x and watch frustration build.

The Downside: Inside 50 yards, 3x proves too much magnification. During a barn clearing after suspected break-in, I grabbed the wrong rifle. That Tac30 was useless for close work—switched to pistol immediately.

MTAC’s 1-4x Versatility

True 1x magnification changes everything for defensive or close-range use. The rifle handles like it’s wearing a red dot at 1x, then provides adequate magnification for 200-yard shots at 4x.

During three years of 3-Gun competition, the MTAC’s range perfectly matched typical stage requirements. From point-blank paper to 200-yard steel, one scope handled everything without compromise.

Limitation Reality: At 4x maximum, target identification beyond 250 yards becomes challenging. Small targets like prairie dogs disappear into backgrounds. For true long-range work, more magnification is needed.

Durability: Three Years of Ranch Abuse

Tac30 Torture Test

My Tac30 survived:

• Rolling off truck hood onto gravel (twice)
• Complete ice encasement during freezing rain
• Direct impact from thrown fence post (long story)
• 4,800 rounds including hot handloads
• Salt water exposure during coastal training

Results: Scratched finish, perfect function, maintained zero

Critical Failure: After extremely hard impact (rifle fell from tree stand), the reticle rotated slightly. Still functional but annoying. Burris fixed under warranty.

MTAC Punishment Protocol

My MTAC endured:

• Submersion for 72 hours (forgot in stock tank)
• Teenage nephew learning to shoot (worst abuse possible)
• -35°F overnight in truck during polar vortex
• Used as handle to pull rifle from mud
• 5,200 rounds of mixed ammunition

Results: Illumination dimmer after submersion, otherwise perfect

Surprise Discovery: The MTAC’s more complex internals proved equally robust to the simpler Tac30. Both exceeded expectations for sub-$500 optics.

Eye Relief and Comfort

Tac30: Traditional Spacing

The Tac30’s 3.5-4 inches of eye relief works well for most shooting positions. During bench work and prone shooting, plenty of clearance exists. However, unconventional positions sometimes challenge eye box limits.

Wearing heavy winter clothing changes cheek weld position. The Tac30’s eye relief barely accommodates thick parkas—discovered during a January coyote hunt at -20°F.

MTAC: Generous Forgiveness

The MTAC’s eye relief proves more forgiving across its magnification range. From awkward vehicle shooting to moving through brush, maintaining sight picture requires less precision.

During force-on-force training, shooting around barriers and from compromised positions, the MTAC’s generous eye box kept targets visible when the Tac30 would show black edges.

Turret Systems: Different Philosophies

Tac30: Capped Protection

The Tac30’s capped turrets prevent accidental adjustment—crucial for truck guns and brush hunting. Once zeroed, it stays zeroed regardless of handling.

Adjustment clicks feel positive but somewhat mushy. During a long-range class, making precise corrections required careful counting. The 1/4 MOA clicks work but lack the tactical precision feel.

MTAC: Exposed Flexibility

The MTAC’s exposed turrets enable quick adjustments without removing caps. During prairie dog shoots where distances vary constantly, this proves valuable.

However, those exposed turrets adjust accidentally. Found my zero off by 2 MOA after the rifle rode in the truck bed. Now I verify zero before any critical use.

Illumination Systems: Practical Differences

Tac30: Simple When Present

Not all Tac30 models include illumination. Mine does, offering basic red illumination that helps in low light without overwhelming the reticle.

Battery life extends forever with minimal use. The CR2032 battery in mine lasted two years of occasional use. Simple, effective, no complaints.

MTAC: Advanced but Hungry

The MTAC’s illumination system offers more adjustability but drinks batteries faster. Eleven brightness settings seem excessive—I use three regularly.

The center dot illumination helps during dawn/dusk hunting. Not bright enough for noon sun but perfect for legal shooting hours when the game moves.

Mounting and Compatibility

Tac30: Standard Rings

The 1-inch tube (on my 3-9×40 model) means rings are available everywhere. Every gun shop stocks 1-inch rings. This matters in rural Montana where specialty items require ordering.

Standard height rings work on most rifles without clearance issues. The 40mm objective sits low enough to maintain proper cheek weld with standard stocks.

MTAC: Modern 30mm

The 30mm tube provides more adjustment range but requires specific rings. Not every rural shop stocks 30mm rings—learned this before an important hunt.

The larger tube does provide more elevation adjustment for long-range work. If you’re pushing distances, those extra clicks matter.

Real-World Applications

Ranch/Farm Work

Tac30: Better for deliberate shots at distance. Checking fence lines, identifying predators, precise varmint control.

MTAC: Superior for quick action. Multiple targets, close-range work, defensive situations.

My setup: MTAC on primary ranch rifle, Tac30 on truck gun for longer shots.

Competition Use

Tac30: Limited by 3x minimum. Most 3-Gun stages include close targets where 3x proves excessive.

MTAC: Purpose-built for competition. The 1-4x range matches typical stage requirements perfectly.

Hunting Applications

Tac30: Excellent for stand hunting, longer shots, situations requiring precision.

MTAC: Better for still-hunting, driven game, quick shots in timber.

Both work, but match magnification to your hunting style.

Cost Analysis: Value Proposition

Current Market Pricing

• Tac30: ~$250-350 depending on model
• MTAC: ~$350-450 depending on configuration

The price overlap means choosing based on features, not just budget.

Long-Term Value

Both maintain value reasonably well (50-60% of retail after three years). The MTAC’s tactical features appeal to more buyers, potentially easier resale.

Burris warranty backs both equally. Their customer service handled my reticle rotation issue professionally and quickly.

Three Years Later: Lessons Learned

What Surprised Me

Tac30: Simplicity proves valuable. Fewer features mean less to break or confuse.

MTAC: True 1x capability transforms rifle handling more than expected.

Both survived abuse that should have killed them.

What Disappointed

Tac30: 3x minimum limits versatility more than anticipated.

MTAC: 4x maximum insufficient for longer shots I regularly take.

Battery life on MTAC illumination underwhelms.

Unexpected Discoveries

The Tac30 works better on hunting rifles where deliberate shots prevail.

The MTAC excels on defensive rifles where speed matters most.

Neither replaces good fixed-power scopes for specialized use.

Making the Choice: Honest Recommendations

Choose the Tac30 If:

• Longer shots predominate
• Simplicity appeals
• Traditional hunting applications
• Budget constraints exist
• You prefer capped turrets

Choose the MTAC If:

• Versatility matters most
• Close-range speed needed
• Competition use planned
• True 1x appeals
• Tactical features desired

My Personal Approach

Primary Ranch Rifle: MTAC for versatility Truck Gun: Tac30 for longer shots Competition AR: MTAC exclusively Hunting Rifles: Depends on terrain and game Loaner Guns: Tac30 for simplicity

The Bottom Line from Montana

After three years running both scopes hard, each proves its worth in appropriate roles. The Tac30 delivers traditional scope performance at budget prices. The MTAC provides modern tactical features that transform rifle capabilities.

Neither disappoints when used as designed. The Tac30 won’t win 3-Gun matches, and the MTAC won’t excel at 400-yard prairie dog shoots. But within their envelopes, both perform admirably.

Those coyotes threatening our calves learned that either scope enables effective predator control. The choice depends on your specific needs, not internet opinions or brand loyalty.

Buy once, train with your choice, and stop second-guessing equipment. Both scopes exceed most shooters’ capabilities. Time behind the rifle matters more than which Burris you mount on top.

Remember: equipment doesn’t replace marksmanship fundamentals, but quality optics remove excuses for missing.

Ready to upgrade your rifle optics? Explore more field-tested reviews and training resources at Moosir.com, where experience meets practical instruction.