A Closer Look at Burris and its Legacy
The world of optics can be a confusing one. Navigating the landscape of riflescopes, with their myriad features and price points, often leaves shooters and hunters feeling overwhelmed. However, amidst this complexity, certain models consistently stand out for their exceptional balance of performance, value, and reliability. One such scope, a favorite among both seasoned veterans and newcomers alike, is the Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42. This article delves deep into the heart of this renowned optic, exploring its features, performance, and suitability for a variety of shooting endeavors. We will discover why the Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 has become a staple in the hunting and shooting communities.
Before diving into the specifics of the Fullfield II, it’s important to understand the brand behind it. Burris has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality, durable, and performance-driven optics. For decades, the company has been synonymous with innovation and a commitment to delivering excellent value. They are known for providing rugged, reliable scopes that can withstand the rigors of the field, without breaking the bank. Their dedication to quality and customer satisfaction has solidified their place as a trusted name in the industry. The Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 embodies this commitment.
Unpacking the Core Specifications: What Makes This Scope Tick
The Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 boasts several key features that contribute to its overall performance and versatility. The scope starts with a variable magnification range, a defining characteristic that contributes significantly to its appeal. It’s a range that extends from a relatively modest lower power to a high enough magnification suitable for longer range shots.
The objective lens, measuring a diameter that’s considered ideal for a balance between light gathering and portability, plays a crucial role in image quality. Its size allows for a generous amount of light to enter the scope, providing a clear and bright view, even in challenging lighting conditions, at dawn or dusk.
The reticle is another critical element. Depending on the specific model, the Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 comes with various reticle options, with many popular choices including variations of the classic plex design or the ballistic plex. These reticles are designed for ease of use and can simplify aiming, particularly at extended ranges.
The scope is generally built with a standard tube diameter, commonly found in many mounting systems. This standardized design is crucial for compatibility and ease of mounting on a variety of rifles.
The adjustment turrets are another vital part of the design. They typically feature easy-to-use adjustments for windage and elevation, allowing the shooter to fine-tune their aim for optimal accuracy. The mechanism is usually a finger adjustable type, making the zeroing process quick and straightforward.
The scope’s construction is built for the outdoors, incorporating features such as waterproofing, fog-proofing, and shock resistance. These elements contribute to the scope’s durability and ensure that it can withstand the harsh conditions encountered in the field, from rain and snow to rough handling.
Beyond these core components, several other design elements enhance the user experience, including generous eye relief and a functional diopter adjustment for focusing the reticle to the shooter’s eye. Additionally, the high-quality lens coatings on the Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 are crucial for maximizing light transmission and minimizing glare, leading to a sharper, clearer image.
Performance in the Field: Putting the Scope to the Test
When assessing a riflescope, performance is paramount. This Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 delivers in several key areas.
The image quality is generally excellent, particularly for its price range. The clarity is noticeable, and the brightness is typically more than sufficient for most hunting and shooting scenarios. The multi-coated lenses play a crucial role in this, optimizing light transmission and reducing internal reflections. While it may not rival the image quality of some ultra-premium scopes, the Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 consistently provides a crisp and clear picture, allowing the shooter to easily distinguish targets and track their movements.
Accuracy and tracking are vital for any riflescope. The Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 often delivers on this front. The scope’s ability to maintain zero, even after repeated use and adjustments, is generally commendable. The adjustment turrets are designed to be accurate and repeatable, ensuring that adjustments to windage and elevation translate directly to the point of impact. This responsiveness is a boon for long-range shooting and when making adjustments for varying environmental conditions.
Ease of use is another crucial factor. The Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 is typically user-friendly. The magnification ring is smooth and easy to operate, allowing for quick adjustments in the field. The focus ring and the diopter adjustment are easily accessible. Overall, the design makes the scope simple to set up and use effectively.
Considering its features, it’s clear that this optic is suited for multiple types of shooting.
Hunting: Perfect Applications
This optic has become a favored choice for hunters of various game species. Its versatile magnification range is a key asset. At the lower end of the magnification range, the scope provides a wide field of view, making it ideal for close-range encounters in dense brush or wooded areas. As the target moves further, you can quickly dial up the magnification, providing a clearer view and allowing for more precise shot placement at greater distances. Its robust construction and weatherproof design make it well-suited for use in a variety of hunting environments. Many hunters have successfully employed the Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 for deer, elk, varmint hunting and other species. The reliability and accuracy of the scope provide hunters with the confidence they need to make ethical and effective shots.
Target Shooting: A Good Choice?
The Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 is also often well-suited for target shooting. The adjustable magnification enables precise aiming at different distances. The clarity and brightness of the image allow for clear target identification, and the accurate turret adjustments allow for fine-tuning the point of impact. While it might not have all the advanced features of a dedicated target scope, it provides a capable and affordable option for recreational target shooting, especially at distances that don’t require the most complex adjustments.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective
To provide a well-rounded review, it’s essential to examine the pros and cons.
Advantages:
- The Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 is known for its excellent value for the money. It offers a competitive set of features and performance at a price point that makes it accessible to a wide range of shooters and hunters.
- The scope delivers reliable performance. It has proven to be a durable and dependable optic that can withstand the rigors of field use.
- The versatile magnification range makes it suitable for a wide range of shooting scenarios, from close-range hunting to longer-range target practice.
- The image quality is generally clear and bright, providing a good view of the target.
Potential Disadvantages:
- While the image quality is good, it may not match the clarity of some high-end scopes, which can be a factor for shooters who require the absolute best optical performance.
- The reticle options, while functional, are somewhat limited compared to some other scope models.
Comparison with Competitors: Where Does It Stand?
In its price range, the Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 faces competition from several other well-regarded riflescopes. It often competes with other scopes from brands like Leupold and Nikon. However, the Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 often holds its own, usually offering better performance at a more competitive price. While some competitors may offer slightly better optical clarity or more advanced features, the Burris scope often balances its performance and cost. For many users, this combination represents a compelling advantage.
In Conclusion: A Trusted Optic
The Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 represents a strong choice for those seeking a versatile, reliable, and value-driven riflescope. Its combination of features, performance, and competitive price makes it an excellent option for hunters and shooters alike. Whether you are stalking game in the woods, or practicing at the range, this scope delivers the clarity, accuracy, and durability needed to perform well. The Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 has earned its reputation as a workhorse optic, a tool that consistently delivers on its promises.
Ultimately, the Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 is a strong contender for anyone looking for a quality scope that offers great value and reliable performance. It’s a scope that has stood the test of time and is still a popular choice for a good reason. If you are in the market for a versatile and durable riflescope, the Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 should be at the top of your list.
