Review: Burris Oracle Rangefinding Bow Sight

by
posted on June 4, 2019
burrisoraclerangefindingbowsight_lead.jpg

Every bowhunter knows that a rangefinder can be one of the most important tools they can carry into the field. Five yards can make the difference between a perfect shot and an injured game animal. The batteries that most rangefinders use last awhile, but not forever, and it’s a bowhunter’s nightmare to have it die in the field. Personally, I’m always afraid that I’m going to drop my rangefinder out of my stand. But what if you didn’t always have to carry that rangefinder with you?

Burris Optics has introduced an alternative to carrying a rangefinder with you in the field. The Oracle is a one-of-a-kind rangefinding bow sight. True, it is not the first bow sight with a built-in rangefinder, however, the Oracle has remedied many of the issues users had with competition bow sights. For example, the Oracle doesn’t have a glass screen, and the battery has been tested to withstand most temperatures. It’s also been tested to withstand gentle falls—but don’t go throwing your bow off a mountain.

I won’t lie, this new bow sight will add weight and could make your setup a bit top-heavy, however, it only weighs 17 ounces, therefore it isn’t too difficult to get used to. While I didn’t get my test model until long after bow season was over, I still took it to the local archery range and tested the rangefinding capabilities out to 100 yards. (No, I didn’t shoot my bow at that distance.)

Some of you might be wondering what kind of bows would the Oracle is compatible with. The answer is any bow! I shoot a Mission Craze II set at about a 35-pound draw weight, and it worked great on my bow once I sighted in the 20 yard pin. It’s a fixed pin, allowing the user to sight in the rest of the system based on their bow, like a traditional bow sight. However, unlike a normal bow sight in which you have to sight in each pin, the Oracle is smart. Once you sight in the 20 yard pin, you sight in 2 additional distances—I did 30 and 40 yards, since your distances need to be at least 10 yards from each set distance—then the Oracle calculates the trajectory of your arrow to figure out the rest of the distances. It will also store a second arrow profile, so if you use one type of arrows for hunting and a different type for competitions, you can use the same sight and simply change arrow profiles with the push of a button.

It measures the exact distance to the target while at full draw then instantly calculates the trajectory compensation for distance and shot angle. The exact aiming point is displayed along a vertical LED bar centered in the sight. The LED bar is capable of displaying numerous aiming points along its vertical axis. Up to 176 MOA of adjustment (184 inches of drop at 100 yards) is accommodated.

The manual includes all the instructions you need to set up the sight along with the target needed to sight in the pins. Overall, the Oracle is easy to use, and once you are sighted in, you should feel confident about hitting the woods. Additionally, the Oracle can be used whether you’re right or left-handed. It’s shipped in a right-handed configuration, but manual includes instructions for switching it to a left-hand configuration.

The Oracle rangefinding bow sight has an MSRP of $829.99. For more information, visit burrisoptics.com.

Latest

Ledehenry SPD HUSH
Ledehenry SPD HUSH

Henry Repeating Arms Launches HUSH Series Optimized for Suppressor Use

Henry Repeating Arms has officially introduced the HUSH Series. This new line of suppressor-optimized lever-action rifle is the debut release from the company’s Special Products Division (SPD), a new R&D initiative focused on forward-thinking innovation.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Treestands

This latest Member's Hunt comes from Erin Prajzner of Glen Rock, Pa.

New for 2025: Zeiss SFL 50 Binocular

Zeiss has presented its all-new SFL 50 binocular, an extension of the company's SFL family of binocular. It combines the optical performance of a 50 mm binocular, with the size and weight category of competitors’ 42mm frame sizes.

New for 2025: Savage AC30 B.O.B. AccuCan Suppressor

Savage introduces the AC30 B.O.B. (Back Over Barrel) suppressor, a great option for those looking to enhance balance and reduce overall firearm length while shooting suppressed.

First Look: Barnes Harvest Collection Ammunition

Barnes has debuted its Harvest Collection line of ammunition, targeted squarely at American whitetail hunters. Topped with the venerable Sierra Tipped GameKing (TGK) bullet, Barnes Harvest Collection is designed for maximal lethality on thin-skinned game, combining near match-grade accuracy with impressive terminal performance.

First Look: BANISH 30-V2

New from Banish Suppressors, the Banish 30-V2 is an upgraded version of the company’s popular Banish 30 suppressor that is shorter, lighter, quieter and more versatile than ever.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.