Welcome to our written review of the flagship rifle scope from Discovery optics. Before we begin, if you enjoy these kinds of reviews, you can support our work by browsing with this link, and using the code CanadianOperator to save 10% off your entire order.
Alternatively, you can get a VIP membership for as little as $4 a month and get awesome perks including early access to articles and videos - and soon, ad free videos on Patreon. Find out more here.
Watch our video review, here:
Discovery Optics XED 6-36x56: A Comprehensive Field Review
Discovery Optics has positioned the XED 6-36x56SFIR as a flagship contender in the precision rifle shooting (PRS) and long-range market. Built on a specialized 35mm tube with a massive 56mm objective lens, this First Focal Plane (FFP) optic is designed to compete with high-magnification glass used in demanding competition environments.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The initial impression of the XED is one of significant heft and durability. Weighing in as a large optic, it is ideally suited for PRS or stationary competition platforms where extra weight is a benefit for recoil management rather than a hindrance.
The ergonomics are a highlight, particularly the oversized controls which are easily adjustable even with gloved hands. There is a clear distinction in how the various controls operate:
- Rotational Controls: The parallax adjustment, diopter, and power ring are exceptionally smooth, providing fluid movement throughout their ranges.
- Turrets: Unlike the smooth-turning rings, the elevation and windage turrets are designed for precision dialing, featuring firm, tactile, and audible clicks.
A thoughtful design choice is the distinct sizing difference between the illumination dial and the parallax adjustment wheel, allowing the shooter to distinguish between them by feel. Additionally, the hash marks on the diopter allow for repeatable, user-specific focus settings.
Optical Performance and Accuracy
The glass on the XED is notably clear, clean, and bright. The 56mm objective lens gathers a substantial amount of light, providing a crisp image and a very sharp reticle across the 6-36x magnification range. In terms of mechanical accuracy, the optic performed excellently; tracking was consistent and repeatable, which is the most critical factor for any precision optic.
The XED is available in both MRAD and MOA configurations, appealing to all shooters regardless of their preferred system. Furthermore, the inclusion of a built-in zero stop is a vital feature for long-distance shooting, allowing for a rapid and reliable return to base zero after dialing for various distances.
Included Accessories
One area where Discovery provides exceptional value is in the "out of the box" experience. The optic comes with a comprehensive accessory kit that is a huge plus for the consumer:
- 35mm scope rings
- Scope leveling kit
- Flip-up lens covers
- Sunshade
Areas for Improvement (Gen II Wishlist)
While the XED 6-36x56 shows great promise, there are several technical aspects we hope to see addressed in a future "Generation II" version:
- Turret Precision: While the clicks are audible, there is a lot of play (slop) in between clicks on the turrets, especially the windage turret. On a flagship optic, this level of play is not acceptable.
- Hash Mark Alignment: The large hash marks on the turrets do not perfectly line up with the indicators on the scope body. This makes adjusting using solely hash marks uncomfortable and potentially inaccurate.
- Eye Box and Reticle Clarity: Moving your head in any direction outside of perfect center within the eye box makes the reticle uncomfortably blurry, an issue made worse by using the illumination.
- Illumination Brightness: The illumination is not "daylight bright." This renders it less useful in many conditions, effectively adding to the cost of the scope without providing a corresponding functional benefit. It also doesn't stand up to other offerings in the market, which do offer daylight bright illumination at a comparable price.
- Chromatic Aberration: There is more chromatic aberration (color fringing) than we'd like to see at this price point. Specifically, ours was magenta and green. Future models would benefit from adjusted coatings or different glass selection to better resist this.
Technical Specifications
Final Thoughts
The Discovery XED 6-36x56SFIR is a feature-rich optic that offers great tracking, clear glass, and excellent ergonomics for the PRS shooter.
While the value proposition is overall excellent and the optic includes many pro level features that competitive shooters demand, a handful of disappointing technical setbacks prevent it from truly dominating in the space.
Improvements to the criticisms mentioned earlier in this article as part of a Gen II package would make this optic a formidable and impressive piece of kit that would easily stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the greats already on the market - especially at a similar price point. We hope to see a more refined Gen II product from Discovery in the future, and hope that it addresses some of our concerns.
As it stands however, it still offers superior value added features and accessories, excellent glass and consistent performance.
Final Rating
- Price: 4/5
- Performance: 4/5
- Features: 3/5
- Ergonomics: 4/5
- Value: 5/5
- Bias: 4/5
Overall: 4/5