Burris Optics Celebrates 50 Years Of Fullfield Riflescopes

Firearms and ammunition ballistics have changed greatly over the last half-century, but one of the biggest leaps in performance hit the scene five decades ago, when Burris Optics introduced its Fullfield line of riflesopes. Three Burris Fullfield scope models entered the market in 1975, boasting 53 percent more field of view (FOV) than conventional scopes and 23 percent greater FOV than wide-angle scopes of the time. The original trio was offered in 4X, 2-7X, and 3-9X magnification.

Don Burris started his company in 1971 with a mission to improve riflescope performance. Early on, he recognized the importance of quality construction, the need for maximum light transmission and generous field of view. After four years of development, Fullfield riflescopes hit the market.

Two years later, Burris introduced Hi-Lume lenses into the company’s growing variable-power scope line. The multi-coated lenses enhanced visibility by 20 percent, thanks to 99.5 percent light transmission through each lens surface. They are offered in Burris’ optics to this day. In 1980, Fullfield “mini-scope” variants for carbines and compact rifles were introduced, as well as fixed-power models offering long eye relief for Model 1894 Winchesters and pistols.

In recognition of this proud heritage and 50 years of manufacturing , Burris has introduced the fifth-generation Fullfield riflescope for 2025. They maintain the company’s “hunter first” approach to engineering, but deliver the performance every shooter expects and the wide FOV characteristics the Burris legend was built upon.

“Only the most outstanding companies become woven into the cultural fabric of the American hunting community,” said Bruno Beccaria, general manager of Burris Optics, “Fewer still are the product lines that continue a half-century or more after their introduction. The Burris Fullfield is one of those exceptional products that has been taken afield by multiple generations of passionate and demanding hunters.”

Burris was founded in Greeley, Colo., where it remains. Today, it is one of the more than 50 subsidiaries of Beretta Holding Group, which has a workforce of more than 6,200 employees across the globe.