About Burris Optics

About Burris Optics

Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to explore Burris optics today. This American company has been producing quality sighting systems since 1971, building a reputation for reliability and innovation while maintaining more accessible price points than many premium competitors. With offerings spanning from compact red dots to precision rifle scopes, Burris serves various shooting disciplines with thoughtfully designed optics. Today we will examine the company's background, their technological innovations, notable product lines including the Fastfire 3, Fastfire E, and Fullfield series, compatible firearms, and practical applications. Without further ado, let's take a closer look at this established American optics manufacturer.

Who is Burris?

Burris was founded in 1971 by Don Burris, a former design engineer for Redfield, another American optics company. Based in Greeley, Colorado, the company began with a focus on rifle scopes designed to address shortcomings Don had identified in existing products. This problem-solving approach to product development continues to influence their design philosophy today. The company's development reflects a balance between innovation and practical functionality. Rather than pursuing technological advancements for marketing purposes, Burris has historically focused on addressing real-world shooting challenges through optical and mechanical improvements. This approach has built a loyal following among hunters and practical shooters who value performance and reliability over brand prestige. In 2002, Burris became part of the Beretta Holding Group, joining other established shooting sports brands under the same corporate umbrella. Despite this ownership change, the company has maintained its American operations and distinctive design approach. This acquisition provided additional resources for research and development while expanding their international distribution networks. Throughout their history, Burris has introduced several significant innovations, including their Posi-Lock system, Ballistic Plex reticle, and various optical coating advancements. Their Signature Ring system with movable polymer inserts for scope alignment represented a particularly noteworthy contribution to precision rifle setup. These innovations demonstrate the company's ongoing commitment to practical improvements rather than simply iterating existing designs.

Manufacturing and Technology

Burris maintains design and quality control operations in the United States while utilizing global manufacturing resources for different product lines. Their premium offerings are typically assembled in the Philippines using components from various sources, while some entry-level products are manufactured in China under Burris quality control standards. This balanced approach allows them to offer products across different price points while maintaining consistent performance standards. Several proprietary technologies distinguish Burris optics in the competitive sighting system market: The High-Grade Optical Glass used in their premium lines delivers excellent light transmission while minimizing distortion and chromatic aberration. Their multi-coating process enhances light gathering capability while reducing glare, particularly beneficial in challenging lighting conditions encountered by hunters and tactical shooters. The Posi-Lock System represents one of Burris's most significant mechanical innovations, providing secure reticle alignment through a dual spring-tension system that prevents point-of-impact shifts due to recoil or impact. This system appears in various forms across their rifle scope lines, becoming more sophisticated in their premium offerings. HiLume lens coatings enhance light transmission while providing water and oil-repellent properties that maintain clear sight pictures in adverse weather conditions. These coatings gradually evolved through several generations, with current implementations delivering approximately 95% light transmission—comparable to significantly more expensive optics. The Ballistic Plex reticle family offered intuitive holdover references before ballistic reticles became industry standard. This innovation simplified long-range shooting by providing reference points for bullet drop without complicated calculations or dial adjustments. Modern versions include the Ballistic Plex E1, which incorporates wind drift references and enhanced ranging capabilities. Purchase Burris Optics

FastFire 3 Red Dot Sight

The FastFire 3 represents Burris's established offering in the micro red dot sight category, designed for pistol mounting and secondary optic applications. Key features include:

• 3 MOA or 8 MOA dot options for different application priorities
• Automatic brightness adjustment with manual override capability
• Tool-less battery access from the top of the unit
• Windage and elevation adjustments accessible without special tools
• Low profile design with minimal footprint
• Waterproof construction with sealed electronics
• Battery life of approximately 5,000 hours at medium settings
• Compatible with numerous mounting systems through adapter plates

The FastFire 3 has established a reputation for reliability at a moderate price point, making it popular for competition pistols and hunting firearms where absolute duty-grade durability isn't the primary consideration. Its automatic brightness adjustment feature proves particularly valuable in hunting applications where lighting conditions change rapidly, allowing shooters to maintain focus on targets rather than adjusting optic settings. This optic strikes an effective balance between size, functionality, and cost. While not as compact as some premium competitors, its footprint remains practical for most applications while providing a slightly larger viewing window that many shooters find beneficial for rapid target acquisition. The simplified three-button control system and tool-less adjustments enhance field usability, particularly for hunters and recreational shooters.

FastFire E Red Dot Sight

The FastFire E represents Burris's updated approach to the micro red dot category, incorporating feedback from FastFire 3 users while introducing enhanced features:

• 3 MOA dot optimized for precision across various distances
• Eight manually selectable brightness settings for precise control
• Up to 25,000 hours of battery life at medium settings
• Low mount and adapter plate included for versatile mounting options
• Upgraded electronics with enhanced environmental sealing
• Scratch-resistant lenses with improved coatings
• Motion-activated illumination conserving battery life in field use
• Steel protective shroud enhancing durability

The "E" designation reflects Burris's "Enhanced" approach to their established FastFire platform. The significantly improved battery life addresses one of the few criticisms of the original FastFire 3, while the motion-activated feature ensures the sight is always ready when needed without requiring constant power. This functionality proves particularly valuable for defensive applications where immediate operation is critical. The upgraded lens coatings deliver improved clarity and light transmission compared to the FastFire 3, with reduced blue tinting and enhanced edge-to-edge clarity. These optical improvements combine with the protective steel shroud to create a more robust package without significantly increasing size or weight. The FastFire E effectively bridges the gap between affordable red dots and premium options costing significantly more.

Fullfield Rifle Scopes

The Fullfield series has represented Burris's core hunting scope line for decades, serving as the foundation of their product lineup. These scopes combine traditional hunting reliability with modern features at accessible price points, evolving through several generations while maintaining their fundamental focus on practical field performance. The Fullfield line offers various configurations to address different hunting scenarios:

• Diverse magnification ranges from 2-7x to 6.5-20x covering everything from dense woods to open plains
• Multiple objective lens sizes balancing light gathering with weight and profile
• The popular 2.5-10x42mm Ballistic E3 model providing an ideal balance of field of view, magnification range, and low-light performance for all-around hunting applications
• Traditional Plex reticles for simplicity and several Ballistic Plex variants for trajectory compensation
• Matte, nickel, and silver finishes suited to different aesthetic preferences and hunting environments
• Various tube diameters including both 1-inch and 30mm options across the product family

The Fullfield scopes incorporate several key technologies that enhance their practical field performance:

• Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses optimizing light transmission in challenging conditions
• Precision-ground glass delivering edge-to-edge clarity without distortion
• Nitrogen-filled tubes preventing internal fogging in varying temperatures and humidity
• Quad-seal gas rings protecting internal components from moisture intrusion
• Double internal spring-tension system maintaining zero through recoil and field handling
• Precision adjustment mechanisms with positive tactile feedback
• Stress-free mounting through the proprietary Signature Ring system

The 2.5-10x42mm Ballistic E3 variant deserves particular attention as perhaps the most versatile configuration in the lineup. This magnification range covers everything from close brush hunting to moderate long-range shots, while the 42mm objective provides excellent low-light performance without excessive bulk. The Ballistic E3 reticle incorporated in this model features cascading dots below the horizontal crosshair providing trajectory compensation out to 500 yards, along with windage dots allowing for crosswind adjustments without complex calculations. Throughout the Fullfield's evolution across multiple generations, Burris has maintained the line's fundamental values of reliable performance, optical clarity, and hunter-focused design. The current iterations benefit from technological advancements in lens coatings, reticle design, and mechanical precision while preserving the straightforward usability that made the original Fullfield scopes popular among practical hunters. The optical performance delivers excellent value across the entire Fullfield line, with clarity and low-light capability comparable to scopes costing significantly more. Burris achieves this performance-to-price ratio through efficient manufacturing and focused feature implementation rather than compromising on optical quality. The traditional profile and thoughtful design elements maintain a classic hunting aesthetic while incorporating modern internal technology to meet contemporary performance expectations. Purchase Burris Optics

Practical Applications

Burris optics serve various shooting disciplines based on their specific design characteristics: Hunters comprise a primary user base for Burris products, particularly the Fullfield series. These scopes offer the optical performance necessary for ethical shot placement in challenging light conditions while providing mechanical reliability to withstand field use and transportation. The Ballistic Plex reticle system simplifies holdovers for longer shots without requiring complex calculations, a practical advantage when opportunities present themselves unexpectedly. Competitive shooters, particularly in production and limited divisions, benefit from Burris's performance-to-price ratio. The FastFire red dot sights provide the functionality necessary for competitive success without the investment required for premium brands. Similarly, their tactical scope lines deliver features like zero stops and exposed turrets at price points accessible to entry and mid-level competitors. Tactical and defensive users find value in optics like the RT series and FastFire E, which deliver essential functionality for practical applications without unnecessary features that drive up costs. While not typically chosen for duty use by major agencies, these optics serve armed professionals and responsible citizens seeking reliable performance at moderate price points. The versatility across Burris's product lines makes them particularly popular with shooters who maintain multiple firearms for different purposes. The consistent design language and operational characteristics across their products reduce the learning curve when transitioning between optics, a practical advantage for users who switch between hunting, competition, and recreational shooting.

Distinctive Market Position

Burris occupies a valuable middle ground in the optics market, bridging the gap between budget imports and premium brands commanding significantly higher prices: Their products typically deliver 80-90% of the performance of premium optics at roughly 50-60% of the cost. This value proposition appeals to serious shooters who understand the diminishing returns at the highest price points. The optical clarity, mechanical reliability, and feature sets provide all the functionality most shooters require without the premium associated with benchmark brands. The company's warranty reflects confidence in their product quality while enhancing consumer value. Their "Forever Warranty" provides no-questions-asked repair or replacement regardless of ownership, damage cause, or whether the owner has proof of purchase. This warranty transfers with the optic, enhancing resale value and providing peace of mind for buyers concerned about long-term reliability. Burris maintains a distinctly practical approach to feature implementation, focusing on elements that enhance functional performance rather than marketing-driven specifications. This approach sometimes means they aren't the first to market with new technologies, but their implementations typically arrive with refinements that enhance reliability and usability.

Conclusion

Burris Optics has established a respected position in the sighting system market by delivering proven reliability and practical innovation at accessible price points. Their FastFire red dot sights provide versatile aiming solutions for pistols and secondary applications, while the Fullfield rifle scope series continues their long tradition of hunter-focused optical excellence. The balance of performance, durability, and value across their product lines appeals to practical shooters who prioritize functionality over brand prestige. While not competing directly with the highest-tier manufacturers, Burris optics deliver the features and performance necessary for successful hunting, competition, and defensive applications without commanding premium prices. Their continued focus on solving real-world shooting challenges rather than chasing specifications for marketing purposes has built a loyal following among discriminating shooters who recognize their excellent performance-to-price ratio. We here at True Shot Ammo carry Burris optics in addition to our range of ammo for sale. Our inventory of ammunition for sale covers popular calibers like 9mm, 5.56, 12 gauge, and .22 LR. Put plainly, we carry a wide range of pistol, rifle, rimfire, and shotgun ammunition optimal for shooters of all types. Whether you want to buy a Burris optic or purchase bulk ammo, we have you covered. As always, happy shooting.