The Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm riflescope is one of the most popular scopes currently on the market. This is probably due to the fact that it has tremendous versatility, performs reliably, and is also of incredible value.
Suitable for varmint and small game, along with low to mid-ranged target shooting, with durability that could handle a .50 cal. There are many recommendations for this riflescope across many areas of firearm ownership.
Therefore, I decided to see what all the fuss is about and if all this hype is warranted. Let’s find out in my in-depth Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope Review…
About Burris Optics
The Burris Optics company was formed in 1971 by its founder Don Burris. Originally a design engineer for Redfield, Burris believed he could build a better rifle scope than what was available at the time.
Some of Don Burris’ innovations while working for Redfield included the first 4-12x and 6-18x rifle scopes. He also developed the first consistently centered non-magnifying reticle in variable power scopes. This technology is used in 99% of scopes today.
Humble Beginnings
During the first four years, Don Burris’ new company produced only rings, bases, and open sights. However, it didn’t take long for his passion to return, and by 1975, he was back to designing and manufacturing sporting optics.
The first optic produced by Burris Optics was the original Fullfield. It has evolved only slightly to this day and is still produced as the Fullfield II. This shows that Don Burris knew exactly what he was doing with the product remaining relatively unchanged over the years.
Looking Towards The Future
Don Burris passed on in 1987 with his company, which still bears his name continuing to grow. Burris has kept his vision and tradition going by being first to the market with numerous innovative products.
In 2002 Burris Optics became part of the Beretta family of companies. The product line now includes hunting and tactical rifle scopes, red dot, and reflex sights, plus, as when the company was founded, a complete line of rings and bases.
Dedicated To Their Customers
Even though Burris Optics is an American company, as with many other companies, the economic situation has been tough. Since the year 2000, labor, raw materials, and plant costs all rose over 40%, resulting in some tough decisions.
The line of more affordable scopes would either have to be reduced in quality or completely discontinued. Without wanting to make either sacrifice, Burris manufacturing was relocated to the Philippines while maintaining their same quality and standards.
QC, testing, inspection, packaging, customer service, and warranties remain in the USA. Burris headquarters is located in Colorado.
First Impressions
On paper, the Burris Fullfield II looks like an absolute bargain. It is easy to immediately see the appeal, but often what’s on paper doesn’t match in real life. So, first of all, let’s take a look at the most appealing claims.
The first thing that catches my eye is a claimed 95% light transmission. Next is that the tubes are purged and filled with nitrogen 24 times. Is that excessive? Either way, it seems extremely dedicated and thorough.
Set for Life
You can be assured that Burris is confident in its products because they come with a lifetime warranty. That makes me confident also knowing that as long as I treat this product correctly, Burris has my back. A huge bonus.
The other feature that caught my attention was the quad seals used in place of O-rings. I’m not sure how much better this would be, but once again, it sounds great. Most importantly, though, when I place my eye on the scope, the quality of the glass is absolutely fantastic.
Features
Created using a solid single-piece outer tube, it is both durable and stress-free. It can withstand extremely heavy shocks and vibrations. Even the heaviest recoil firearms are no match for the Fullfield II. The body tube has a 1-inch (2.54-centimeter) diameter.
Thanks to the quad seals mentioned earlier, the scope offers fully waterproof protection. When it’s raining, your rifle can still protect you instead of you protecting it. This isn’t the only weather protection on offer either.
Ready for Any Conditions
I also already mentioned the repeated filling and purging of nitrogen into the tube. The reason this is done is that it replaces the oxygen contained inside. This results in the prevention of fogging on both the inside and outside of the lens. Even in cold and rainy environments.
Variable magnification is possible for narrowing in on your target with improved accuracy. Base magnification is 3x with a maximum zoom of 9x. This level of zoom capability is suitable for short to medium-distance targets.
High-precision Optics
Burris manufactures high-quality, precision-ground lenses using high-grade optical glass. They are larger than other comparable scopes, helping to increase the level of light collection resulting in clearer and brighter vision.
Burris then coats their lenses with multiple layers of index-matched Hi-Lume material. This aids in low-light performance and glare reduction. Utilizing lenses with high durability along with amazing levels of brightness and clarity improves your success rate dramatically.
Making Some Adjustments
The integrated-eyepiece design features a non-slip grip that makes adjustments in the field fast and simple. Adjusting for both focus and zoom can be achieved with absolute accuracy and stays put at your selected level.
The turrets for windage and elevation are positive steel-on-steel operation. This assures repeated accuracy for zeroing in your rifle. Once an adjustment has been made, it is locked in and remains at your selected setting.
It’s Your Decision
There are two different reticle types available for the Fullfield II. The first being Burris’ Plex, which is a clean and simple aiming device. It’s highly visible for fast targeting using a classic thin crosshair with bolded edges.
The other reticle is Burris’ Ballistic Plex, which offers simple and effective trajectory compensation for hunting. It can compensate out to 500-yards (457-meters) and can be matched to caliber or bullet weight.
You also have the choice of either a matte-black color for reduced light reflection or nickel, which is an attractive silver color. However, if you want the nickel, hurry because it has been discontinued, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Performance
I’m sure pretty much everyone else is the same. One of the first things you do with a new scope is looking through it and checking out the optics. That’s exactly what I did with the Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm.
Straight away, I could tell that both the clarity and light transmission were on par with much more expensive scopes. Admittedly, the clarity doesn’t seem as great across the entire spectrum, but it’s pretty darn close.
Taking Care of Your Lenses
A set of lens caps are included with the scope; the two plastic covers are joined together with a string of rubber. They will offer some protection and are better than nothing, but a set of flip-ups would be on my list of desired accessories.
Both the windage and elevation turrets are hand-turnable, or can be turned more accurately and with better leverage using a coin. A nice design feature is the fact that the settings can be read from behind the scope.
Deliberate and Responsive
When making adjustments to the turrets, the feeling is both deliberate and responsive. Each movement is met with a satisfying and audible click. Being steel on steel, you can be assured of consistent and repeated precision.
While I was happy with the performance of the knobs on the turrets, if it’s not your cup of tea, you can make a request from Burris. For a small fee, they will happily replace the standard knobs with target knobs.
Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope Pros & Cons
Pros
- Optic performance is comparable to much more expensive scopes.
- Shock-proof construction can handle high calibers and heavy recoil.
- Both waterproof and fog proof with quad seals and nitrogen-filled tube.
- Impressive clarity and brightness right across the zoom range.
- Knob settings can easily be read from behind the scope.
- Full confidence with Burris’ Forever Warranty.
Cons
- Limited eye relief compared to its competitors.
- Zoom ring is firm to turn and might be difficult for younger users.
- Performs best over a distance of 200 yards (182 meters).
- Slight edge distortion can be detected.
Looking for More Superb Scope Options from Burris?
Then check out our in-depth reviews of the Burris Droptine 3-9mm Riflescope, the Burris Scout 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope, and the Burris 4-16x50mm Eliminator III Laserscope Ballistic Riflescope.
Or take a look at our reviews of the Best 308 Rifles Scopes, the Best Mini 14 Ranch Rifles, the Best Air Rifle Scopes, the Best Scout Scopes, the Best Deer Hunting Scopes, the Best 300 Win Mag Scopes, as well as the Best Scopes for AR15 under 100 Dollars you can buy in 2023.
Conclusion
After a closer inspection of the Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm rifle scope, it is easy to see why it’s such a popular choice. When a design has barely changed over the years, it has to be a trusted and reliable recipe.
While the scope isn’t absolutely perfect with some limited eye relief and occasional slight edge distortion, it gets the important features right. And the optics are definitely the clearest and brightest you’ll experience within this price range.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more reliable product at this incredible level of value. Therefore, on this occasion, the hype is warranted.
Happy and safe shooting.
