As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with various scopes over the years. But there’s one that consistently stands out from the pack – the Burris Fullfield II Riflescope. This piece of optical engineering has been a game-changer for many hunters, myself included, and today I’m excited to share my in-depth review with you.
A Legacy of Quality
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s take a moment to appreciate the pedigree behind this scope. Burris has been in the optics game since 1971, and they’ve been producing the Fullfield line since 1975. That’s nearly half a century of refining and perfecting their craft. It’s no wonder they’ve earned a reputation for producing high-quality scopes at reasonable prices.
Burris was actually the first company to introduce multi-coated lenses in their scopes, setting a new standard in the industry. While the manufacturing process has been outsourced to the Philippines, Burris maintains strict quality control with final examinations and checks performed in the US. This commitment to quality is backed by their “Burris Forever Warranty” – a testament to their confidence in their products.
Crystal Clear Optics
The heart of any good scope is its optical system, and the Fullfield II doesn’t disappoint. Burris has equipped this scope with their Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses, which provide exceptional light transmission and clarity. In fact, Burris claims a 95% light transmission rate, which puts it on par with many higher-end scopes.
I remember the first time I looked through a Fullfield II at dusk – the image was so bright and clear, I felt like I could reach out and touch the 8-point buck I was watching. This clarity is crucial for those early morning or late evening hunts when light is at a premium.
The scope offers various magnification options, from 2-7x to 6.5-20x, catering to different hunting scenarios. Here’s a quick breakdown of the available models:
2-7x35mm: Compact and lightweight, perfect for fixed distance shooting
3-9x40mm: The most popular model, versatile for various hunting situations
4.5-14x42mm: Excellent for long-range hunting
6.5-20x50mm: The most powerful, ideal for extreme long-range shooting
Personally, I’ve found the 3-9x40mm model to be the sweet spot for most of my hunting needs. It provides enough magnification for precision shots at distance, while still offering a wide field of view for closer targets.
Built to Last
One thing I’ve always appreciated about Burris scopes is their rugged construction. The Fullfield II features a solid, one-piece main tube that’s nitrogen-filled and sealed with their proprietary quad-seal system. This makes the scope completely waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
The scope is purged and filled with nitrogen 24 times before leaving the factory, ensuring superior moisture resistance. The quad seals are an upgrade from the single O-rings used in many comparable scopes, providing extra protection against the elements.
I’ll never forget the time I accidentally dropped my rifle (with the Fullfield II mounted) from my tree stand. My heart sank, thinking I’d just ruined an expensive piece of equipment. But to my amazement, after retrieving it and checking, the scope was completely unharmed and still perfectly zeroed. That’s the kind of durability that gives you confidence in the field.
Precision Adjustments
The Fullfield II features steel-on-steel click adjustments for windage and elevation. These provide a satisfying, audible click with each adjustment, allowing for precise zeroing. The turrets are low-profile, which I appreciate as they’re less likely to snag on brush or clothing when moving through dense cover.
The adjustment range varies depending on the model:
- 2-7x scope: 60 MOA
- 3-9x scope: 50 MOA
- 4.5-14x scope: 40 MOA
- 6.5-20x scope: 30 MOA
All models feature 1/4 MOA adjustments, allowing for fine-tuning your aim. The steel-on-steel construction of these adjustments is superior to brass or nylon used in some other scopes, ensuring long-term precision and durability.
Reticle Options
Burris offers several reticle options with the Fullfield II, including their innovative Ballistic Plex reticle. This reticle features additional hash marks below the center crosshair, allowing for quick holdover adjustments for long-range shots.
The Ballistic Plex reticle was designed to work with the most popular factory hunting rounds used in North America, including:
- 243 Winchester 100 grain
- 270 Winchester 130 grain and 150 grain
- 30-06 in 150 and 165 grain
Burris researched the trajectory of these cartridges and determined an average to create the Ballistic Plex pattern. The center of the reticle is zeroed for 100 yards, with additional lines for 200, 300, and 400 yards. The intersection of the thin and thick portions of the crosshairs serves as the aiming point for 500-yard shots.
I remember using this feature on an elk hunt in Colorado. We spotted a bull at about 350 yards – further than my usual shooting range. Thanks to the Ballistic Plex reticle, I was able to quickly adjust my aim using the hash marks, resulting in a clean, ethical harvest. It’s features like this that make the Fullfield II stand out from other scopes in its price range.
Generous Eye Relief and Field of View
Eye relief is crucial, especially when using high-powered cartridges. The Fullfield II offers a generous 3.1-3.8 inches of eye relief (depending on the model), which has saved my brow from scope bite more than once. Trust me, you don’t want to learn about the importance of eye relief the hard way!
The field of view is also impressive:
- 2-7x35mm: 45-13 feet at 100 yards
- 3-9x40mm: 33 to 13 feet at 100 yards
- 4.5-14x42mm: 9 to 23 feet at 100 yards
- 6.5-20x50mm: 17 feet at 100 yards
This wide field of view, especially at lower magnifications, allows you to keep track of your surroundings and spot game more easily.
Parallax and Focus
The 4.5-14x and 6.5-20x models come with parallax adjustment, which is set from 50 yards to infinity. This is particularly useful for long-range shooting where parallax error can significantly impact accuracy.
All models feature a fast-focus eyepiece, allowing for quick and easy reticle focus. However, it’s worth noting that the eyepiece and power ring are integrated, which may take some getting used to if you’re accustomed to separate controls.
Value for Money
Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects of the Burris Fullfield II is its price point. It offers features and performance that rival scopes costing two or three times as much. As someone who’s always looking for gear that offers the best bang for the buck, the Fullfield II hits the sweet spot.
To put this in perspective, when compared to similarly priced scopes from other brands, the Fullfield II often comes out on top in terms of optical clarity, durability, and features. For instance, its 95% light transmission rate is comparable to what you’d find in much more expensive scopes.
Long-Range Performance
While the Fullfield II is versatile enough for various hunting scenarios, it truly shines in long-range applications. The higher magnification models, combined with the Ballistic Plex reticle, make it an excellent choice for reaching out to 500 yards and beyond.
I’ve used the 4.5-14x model for long-range varmint hunting, and its performance was impressive. The clarity at full magnification allowed me to pick out prairie dogs at distances where they were barely visible to the naked eye.
However, it’s worth noting that at extreme ranges (600+ yards), you might start to notice some image distortion at the edges of the scope. In my experience, this doesn’t affect the point of aim, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re planning on regularly shooting at these distances.
Final Thoughts
After years of use in various hunting situations, I can confidently say that the Burris Fullfield II is a top-tier scope that won’t break the bank. Its combination of clear optics, rugged construction, and innovative features make it a versatile tool for hunters of all experience levels.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for a reliable backup scope, or a newcomer to the hunting world seeking quality gear to start your journey, the Fullfield II is an excellent choice. It’s a scope that will serve you well for years to come, through fair weather and foul, from the dense forests to the open plains.
Remember, a scope is an investment in your hunting success. With the Burris Fullfield II, you’re not just buying a piece of equipment – you’re investing in clearer shots, ethical harvests, and ultimately, more memorable hunts.
While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some ultra-premium scopes, the Fullfield II offers an exceptional balance of performance and affordability. It’s a testament to Burris’s commitment to providing quality optics to hunters at all budget levels.
So why not give it a try? Your next big trophy might just be a Fullfield II away. And with Burris’s lifetime warranty, you can make that purchase with confidence, knowing you’re protected for years to come.
Whether you’re gearing up for deer season, planning a long-range varmint hunt, or just looking to upgrade your current optics, the Burris Fullfield II deserves a spot on your shortlist. It’s a scope that’s earned its place in the hunting world, and I’m confident it will earn a place in your gear bag too.