Six seasons ago, my longtime hunting partner Dave asked me to help him outfit his son’s first serious hunting rifle. Mark had saved enough for a decent used Remington 700 in .30-06, but his budget was stretched thin when it came to glass. “I don’t need all the bells and whistles,” Dave said, “just something that’ll help the boy make clean shots when it counts and not break down when the going gets rough.”
That conversation led me to recommend the Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40, a scope that promises traditional hunting reliability without premium pricing. Over six hunting seasons, I’ve watched that scope perform on countless hunts across Montana’s diverse terrain, from thick creek bottoms to windswept ridges. It’s taken clean game, survived rough handling, and proven that sometimes the best equipment is gear that simply works day after day, season after season.
Practice makes permanent, so practice it right – and this scope has helped three generations of the same family develop their hunting skills with equipment they could trust. After extensive observation and my own testing, I’ve learned where this workhorse excels and where budget constraints show.
Here’s what six seasons of real hunting taught me about this no-nonsense optic that represents Burris’s commitment to dependable American hunting glass.
Bottom Line Up Front
The Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 delivers reliable hunting performance backed by bulletproof construction that justifies its reputation among serious hunters. It excels in typical hunting scenarios within 300 yards, offers proven durability that stands up to years of field use, and backs everything up with Burris’s Forever Warranty.
- Popular and premium traditional hunting scope at an affordable price; High-grade optical glass provides excellent brightness and clarity with lasting durability
- Quality, precision-ground lenses are larger than those of comparable scopes, for better light transmission; Index-matched, Hi-Lume multicoating aids in low-light performance and glare elimination, increasing your success rate
Perfect For: Hunters wanting proven reliability and honest performance at fair pricing for traditional hunting applications
Skip If: You need maximum eye relief or prefer modern tactical-style adjustment features
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Magnification Range | 3-9x variable |
| Objective Lens | 40mm |
| Eye Relief | 3.1-3.4 inches |
| Field of View | 33-13 ft @ 100 yards |
| Overall Length | 12.2 inches |
| Weight | 13 oz |
| Tube Diameter | 1 inch |
| Adjustment Value | 1/4 MOA clicks |
| Total Adjustment | 50 MOA |
| Reticle | Ballistic Plex |
| Construction | Nitrogen-filled, waterproof |
| Price Range | $180-250 |
Why This Assessment Carries Weight
I’ve guided hunters through Montana’s backcountry for over two decades, and I’ve learned that equipment failures during critical moments can turn dream hunts into nightmares. Respect the game, respect the land, respect yourself – and that includes using optics that perform when everything depends on a single, well-placed shot.
This Fullfield II spent six seasons under observation on multiple hunting rifles, accompanying hunters from teenage beginners to grizzled veterans pursuing everything from whitetails to elk. I’ve watched it perform during pre-dawn elk encounters, tracked its reliability through hundreds of range sessions, and observed how it handles the daily abuse that hunting equipment endures in serious hunting families.
My grandfather always said the most reliable equipment is gear that doesn’t demand your attention when you should be focused on hunting. This scope needed to prove it could provide that kind of dependable service while hunters concentrated on making ethical shots.
My Montana Field Testing Protocol
Unlike controlled laboratory conditions, my evaluation focused on real-world hunting performance across multiple users and seasons:
Multi-Season Reliability Assessment
I tracked this scope’s performance across six full hunting seasons, observing how it maintained accuracy and optical clarity through thousands of rounds and countless hunting scenarios. Long-term reliability matters more than short-term performance peaks.
Multi-User Evaluation
I observed the scope’s performance across different rifles and hunters, from teenage beginners to experienced sportsmen. Understanding how equipment performs for various skill levels provides insight into its practical versatility and user-friendliness.
Environmental Stress Testing
Montana’s hunting seasons span diverse weather conditions, from September’s warm days to late-season sub-zero mornings. The scope needed to maintain optical clarity and mechanical reliability through conditions that separate reliable gear from fair-weather equipment.
Traditional Hunting Application Focus
This scope needed to excel at what most hunters actually do – identify game, make ethical shooting decisions, and place shots accurately within typical hunting ranges. Theoretical capabilities matter less than proven performance in real hunting situations.
Optical Performance: Honest Glass Quality
The Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses deliver clarity that punches above the scope’s price point. While not competing with premium European glass, the optical performance satisfies the demands of serious hunting applications within the scope’s intended range.
Glass Quality Assessment
Edge-to-edge sharpness remains consistent across most of the field of view, with minor distortion appearing only at the extreme periphery under maximum magnification. Color reproduction appears natural and accurate – essential for identifying legal game during challenging lighting conditions. The multi-coating effectively reduces glare without introducing unwanted color casts.
During young Mark’s first elk hunt three seasons ago, this scope provided sufficient clarity to identify a legal bull at 280 yards during heavy overcast conditions. The resolution and contrast enabled confident game identification and precise shot placement – exactly what hunting optics should deliver.
Ballistic Plex Reticle Functionality
The Ballistic Plex reticle provides holdover points calibrated for common hunting cartridges, eliminating guesswork for shots beyond point-blank range. The thick outer posts transition to fine center crosshairs, giving hunters both quick target acquisition capability and precise aiming reference.
Real-World Application: During an antelope hunt where a mature buck appeared at 250 yards, the lower crosshair provided the exact holdover needed for a clean shot with Mark’s .30-06 load. Simple, effective, and ethical.
Low-Light Performance
The 40mm objective lens provides adequate light-gathering capability for typical hunting conditions. While not matching larger objectives, the scope extends usable hunting time sufficiently for most hunting scenarios where legal shooting hours matter.
During testing comparisons with premium scopes, the Fullfield II held its own during dawn and dusk conditions until lighting became extremely challenging. For hunters who can’t afford specialized low-light optics, this performance provides genuine practical value.
Eye Relief & Shooting Comfort: Traditional Design
The 3.1-3.4 inch eye relief reflects this scope’s traditional hunting design philosophy. While not as generous as modern competitors, the eye relief proves adequate for careful shooting with proper form and rifle fit.
Eye Relief Characteristics
The shorter eye relief requires more precise head positioning compared to modern scopes, but experienced hunters adapt quickly to the requirements. Once proper cheek weld is established, the sight picture remains consistent and usable.
During observation of multiple hunters using this scope, those with consistent shooting form had no issues with the eye relief. However, hunters still developing their fundamentals occasionally struggled with the less forgiving eye box.
Field of View Considerations
The field of view measurements (33 feet at 3x, 13 feet at 9x) provide adequate situational awareness for hunting applications. While not exceptional, the field of view proves sufficient for tracking moving game and maintaining awareness during hunting scenarios.
Practical Application: During a whitetail hunt in thick timber, the 3x setting provided sufficient field of view to track a buck through dense brush before he paused at 120 yards for the shot.
Important Consideration: Modern hunters accustomed to generous eye relief may find this scope less forgiving. Proper scope mounting and consistent shooting form become more critical with traditional designs.
Construction & Durability: Built Like a Tank
The one-piece aluminum tube construction and nitrogen-filled design proved exceptionally robust through six seasons of serious hunting use. This scope has earned its reputation for bulletproof reliability through proven field performance.
Weather Resistance Performance
Montana weather changes without warning, and hunting optics must perform regardless of conditions. This scope’s waterproof construction has handled everything from driving rain to temperature swings exceeding 80 degrees without internal fogging or moisture intrusion.
Multiple stream crossings, sudden weather changes, and the inevitable equipment abuse that comes with serious hunting never compromised optical clarity or mechanical function. The nitrogen purging effectively prevented condensation during rapid temperature transitions.
Zero Retention and Mechanical Reliability
Through thousands of rounds of recoil and six seasons of hunting abuse, the scope has maintained zero within hunting accuracy standards. The steel-on-steel adjustment system provides the kind of long-term reliability that justifies this scope’s reputation among serious hunters.
Field Reliability: During a memorable pack trip where the rifle endured multiple falls and extreme handling, the scope maintained zero and optical clarity throughout the week-long hunt.
Long-Term Durability Assessment
After six seasons of observation, this scope shows minimal wear despite constant use. The construction quality reflects Burris’s commitment to building equipment that serves hunters for decades rather than seasons.
Equipment Philosophy: Buy once, cry once applies perfectly here. This scope provides the kind of long-term reliability that justifies investing in quality equipment rather than replacing cheap alternatives repeatedly.
Tracking & Adjustments: Traditional Reliability
The capped turrets provide precise 1/4 MOA clicks that remain consistent through years of use. The traditional hunter-style design prioritizes reliability over rapid adjustment capability.
Turret Performance Analysis
The steel-on-steel adjustment system delivers consistent tracking through multiple box tests and real-world shooting verification. While not offering the sophisticated features of tactical scopes, the mechanical reliability satisfies typical hunting requirements.
The capped design protects adjustment mechanisms from debris and moisture while keeping them accessible for zeroing and seasonal adjustments. The 50 MOA total adjustment range accommodates most hunting scenarios.
Practical Adjustment Applications
For hunters who zero once and rarely adjust, the traditional turret design provides exactly what’s needed without unnecessary complexity. The scope excels when used within its design parameters – reliable hunting performance rather than precision shooting capability.
Field Consideration: Most hunting shots occur at predetermined zeros anyway, making adjustment sophistication less critical than mechanical reliability and optical clarity during daily use.
Magnification Range: Proven Versatility
The 3-9x magnification range covers the vast majority of hunting scenarios effectively. This classic range has equipped successful hunters for decades, proving its practical value across diverse hunting applications.
Power Range Applications
At 3x magnification, the scope provides adequate field of view for close encounters while maintaining enough magnification for precise aiming. The 9x top end supports confident shots out to 300 yards with appropriate cartridges and shooting skills.
The magnification ring operates smoothly with the entire eyepiece rotating – a traditional design that some hunters find cumbersome but others appreciate for its simplicity and reliability.
Fixed Parallax Considerations
The parallax setting optimized for 100 yards works well for most hunting distances. While not adjustable, parallax error remains minimal within the ranges where this scope excels. Beyond 300 yards, parallax becomes more noticeable but rarely affects hunting accuracy requirements.
Application Range: This magnification range suits woodland hunting, farmland edges, and moderate-range shots perfectly while remaining simple enough for any hunter to master quickly.
Real-World Hunting Performance
Mark’s First Elk Success
During Mark’s third season with this scope, a nice 6-point bull stepped into a clearing at 220 yards. The clear glass and reliable reticle allowed confident identification and clean shot placement. The scope’s reliability had built his confidence over previous seasons.
Multi-Generation Family Use
I’ve watched this same scope pass between three family members over six seasons, maintaining zero and optical clarity throughout transfers between different rifles and hunting styles. That kind of versatility speaks to fundamental design quality.
Extreme Weather Reliability
During a November hunt with temperatures dropping to -12°F, the scope’s performance never wavered while some modern alternatives showed fogging issues. The nitrogen-purged construction and traditional design proved their worth in challenging conditions.
Equipment Learning Curve
Multiple hunters adapted quickly to the scope’s traditional characteristics. The Ballistic Plex reticle required minimal explanation, and the reliable performance built confidence rather than creating complications.
Mounting Considerations & Setup
Standard 1-inch rings work perfectly with this scope’s traditional design. Medium height rings typically provide proper clearance while accommodating the 40mm objective bell on most hunting rifles.
Installation Requirements
Proper mounting proves critical for any scope’s performance, but the Fullfield II’s traditional design places extra emphasis on correct ring height and eye relief positioning. The shorter eye relief requires more precise installation.
Recommended Accessories
Quality Ring Sets: Burris Signature Zee rings with polymer inserts provide excellent mounting solutions that protect the scope tube while ensuring proper alignment.
Lens Protection: Butler Creek flip-up covers offer better protection than basic lens caps while enabling quick deployment during hunting situations.
Maintenance Tools: Basic cleaning supplies prevent damage to lens coatings while maintaining the optical performance that justifies this scope’s reputation.
Comparison with Modern Alternatives
Versus Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40
- The 3-9×40 Crossfire II riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. The V-Plex reticle is a popular all-purpose hunting reticle intended for a wide variety of hunting applications.
The Vortex offers more generous eye relief and modern features at similar pricing but lacks the proven long-term reliability that distinguishes the Burris. Both provide good value with different design philosophies.
Versus Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40
- Model #181307 – VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Riflescope with a Hunt-Plex Reticle, Capped Finger Click Adjustments and a Matte finish
- A 3:1 zoom ratio is very common in many scope models. It gives you 3 times more magnification at high power than at low power so you can dial your power down for close encounters or all of the way up for long-range shots.
The Leupold offers superior glass quality and lighter weight but costs significantly more. For hunters prioritizing maximum optical performance, the VX-Freedom justifies the price increase. However, the Burris provides excellent value for budget-conscious hunters.
Versus Nikon ProStaff 3-9×40
The Nikon offered comparable performance at similar pricing when available, but discontinued status and limited warranty support make the Burris a better long-term choice for most hunters.
Bottom Line: The Fullfield II provides the best combination of proven reliability, honest performance, and long-term value for hunters wanting traditional hunting scope design.
Who Should Consider This Scope
Ideal Candidates
- Traditional hunters who appreciate proven designs over modern features
- Reliability-focused hunters wanting equipment that works year after year without issues
- Multi-generational families seeking scopes that can serve multiple hunters across different rifles
- Budget-conscious hunters wanting quality equipment without premium pricing
Consider Alternatives If…
- You prefer generous eye relief and forgiving eye boxes
- Modern features like tactical turrets are important to your hunting style
- You hunt regularly beyond 300 yards where higher magnification becomes valuable
- Lighter weight is a critical consideration for backcountry hunting
Investment Analysis: Long-Term Value
At $180-250, the Fullfield II represents excellent value for hunters wanting proven performance and legendary reliability. The Forever Warranty alone provides peace of mind that justifies the investment over cheaper alternatives with limited support.
Quality Consideration: Burris’s reputation for customer service and warranty support adds significant value beyond the initial purchase price. The scope represents a long-term investment rather than a disposable item.
The proven reliability and multi-generational durability ensure that this scope can serve families for decades, making the cost-per-year calculation very attractive for serious hunting families.
Maintenance & Longevity Expectations
Routine Care Requirements
Clean lenses using proper microfiber cloths and optical cleaning solutions. Protect turret caps from debris that could affect adjustment reliability. Store in padded cases when not actively hunting to prevent unnecessary wear.
Expected Service Life
With proper care, this scope should provide decades of reliable hunting service. The construction quality and warranty support ensure long-term value that justifies the initial investment for serious hunters.
Forever Warranty Advantage
Burris’s Forever Warranty covers the scope for life, transferring automatically to subsequent owners without registration requirements. This warranty provides genuine value that distinguishes Burris from many competitors.
Final Verdict: Traditional Reliability Done Right
The Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 delivers exactly what traditional hunters need – proven performance backed by bulletproof construction and legendary customer service. After six seasons of observation and testing, it earned respect as a scope that focuses on hunting fundamentals rather than unnecessary complications.
Strengths: Exceptional durability, proven reliability, quality glass for the price, Forever Warranty, traditional design simplicity, honest performance
Limitations: Shorter eye relief, traditional features may seem dated, moderate low-light performance compared to premium alternatives
My Recommendation: This scope serves hunters well who understand their needs and want equipment that performs hunting fundamentals reliably across multiple seasons. It won’t replace premium optics for specialized applications, but it’ll handle typical hunting requirements better than most scopes at any price.
Bottom Line: The wilderness doesn’t care about your schedule – but it does reward hunters who come prepared with equipment that works when everything is on the line. The Fullfield II represents that kind of dependable performance that builds hunting confidence over years of proven service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Forever Warranty actually work?
Burris’s Forever Warranty covers any functional problems for the life of the product, transferring automatically to subsequent owners without registration requirements. If your scope fails or gets damaged, contact Burris and they’ll repair or replace it without questions about how the damage occurred.
Is the shorter eye relief a serious limitation?
The 3.1-3.4 inch eye relief requires more precise head positioning than modern scopes but proves adequate with proper shooting form and scope mounting. Hunters accustomed to generous eye relief may find it restrictive initially, but most adapt quickly with practice.
How does it perform with magnum cartridges?
The scope handles magnum recoil reliably with proper mounting. The robust construction has proven itself on everything from .30-06 to .300 Win Mag without reliability issues. The traditional design actually benefits from the solid construction that handles heavy recoil well.
What’s the maximum effective range for hunting?
For hunting accuracy requirements (4-inch groups), this scope performs well to 300 yards with appropriate cartridges and shooting skills. The Ballistic Plex reticle provides useful holdover points within this range, though precision becomes more challenging beyond these distances.
How does it compare to modern scopes in the same price range?
The Fullfield II prioritizes proven reliability and long-term durability over modern features like generous eye relief or tactical adjustments. While newer scopes may offer more user-friendly features, few match the Burris’s reputation for decade-plus reliability in hunting conditions.
Want to maximize your hunting rifle’s potential? Check out our guides on traditional scope mounting techniques and developing consistent shooting form. Remember, reliable equipment enhances your abilities but never replaces solid fundamentals – so master the basics with gear you can trust.