The Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×40 has quietly built a loyal following among hunters who want more capability than a basic duplex scope without paying for a full ballistic reticle system, and having run this scope on a whitetail rifle through a full season, it delivers exactly that middle ground convincingly. Burris backs this scope with its genuinely no questions asked Forever Warranty, which alone sets it apart from most competitors in this price bracket, and the Ballistic Plex E1 reticle gives real, usable capability out to 500 yards without demanding you learn a complex holdover system.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 3-9x |
| Objective diameter | 40mm |
| Tube diameter | 1 inch |
| Focal plane | Second focal plane |
| Reticle | Ballistic Plex E1, illuminated version available |
| Click value | 1/4 MOA |
| Max adjustment | 50 MOA elevation and windage |
| Eye relief | 3.1 to 3.4 inches |
| Weight | 13 oz |
| Length | 12.2 inches |
Optical Performance
Burris uses what it calls precision ground lenses that are genuinely larger than comparable scopes at this price, paired with Hi-Lume multi coatings, and the practical result is a bright, clear image with good contrast in daylight conditions. This is honest mid tier glass rather than premium, but it performs consistently and without the obvious softness or colour cast that cheaper scopes sometimes show.
Low light performance held up reasonably well through legal shooting hours on a season of hunts, with the Hi-Lume coatings doing genuine work in reducing glare during difficult low angle light. As with any 40mm objective at 9x in the last minutes before dark, the image dims noticeably, which is simply the physics of this configuration rather than a specific weakness of this scope.
Reticle and Turrets
The Ballistic Plex E1 is the genuine standout here, using cascading windage and elevation dots that give real, usable holdover and wind correction references out to 500 yards. This sits in a smart middle ground between a plain duplex, which offers no distance reference at all, and a complex MIL or MOA ballistic reticle, which demands real study to use correctly. For a hunter who wants extended range capability without a steep learning curve, this reticle genuinely delivers.
The illuminated version adds 10 brightness settings for low light use, and the centre dot stayed crisp without blooming in testing. Turrets are capped and use standard 1/4 MOA clicks that tracked reliably, though like most scopes in this price bracket they lack the ultra crisp feel of pricier tactical turrets, which is not really the point of a capped hunting turret in any case.
Build Quality and Durability
The double internal springs and steel on steel adjustments give this scope a genuinely solid, repeatable feel, and it is fully waterproof, fogproof and shockproof, with a nitrogen filled tube that has shown no fogging through a wet, cold season. The separated power ring and eyepiece design is a nice practical touch, accepting flip up lens caps cleanly.
At 13 oz this is a comfortably light scope for all day carry, and mounted on a genuinely hard recoiling rifle it held zero without complaint through the season.
Who Should Buy This Scope
This is a strong choice for a hunter who wants real extended range capability without the complexity of a full ballistic reticle system, backed by a warranty that genuinely stands behind the product regardless of fault or how it was damaged. It suits deer, elk and general big game hunting where shots occasionally stretch past typical woods range.
If you want first focal plane holdovers true at any magnification, or you are building a dedicated long range precision rifle, this scope’s second focal plane design and simpler feature set mean a Vortex Diamondback Tactical or similar would serve you better.
Pros
- Ballistic Plex E1 reticle gives genuinely useful extended range capability without a steep learning curve
- Backed by the Burris Forever Warranty, a genuinely strong no questions asked commitment
- Solid, repeatable build with double internal springs and steel on steel adjustments
- Lightweight at 13 oz and comfortable for all day carry
Cons
- Second focal plane means the cascading holdover dots are only accurate at maximum magnification, and low light performance tapers as expected for a 40mm objective at this price
If you want real reach on your hunting rifle without a complicated reticle system standing in the way, this scope is worth a serious look. Check it out and see how it suits your rifle.
Alternatives to Consider
| Alternative | When it’s the better choice |
|---|---|
| Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 | You want Vortex’s ecosystem and a Dead-Hold BDC reticle option |
| Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 | You prioritise glare handling and domestic manufacturing over holdover marks |
| Bushnell Banner 2 3-9×40 | Budget is the top priority and you still want a ballistic reticle |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ballistic Plex E1 reticle?
It is Burris’s holdover reticle featuring cascading windage and elevation dots that give usable drop and wind correction references out to 500 yards, without requiring the shooter to learn a full MIL or MOA ballistic system.
What is the Burris Forever Warranty?
It is Burris’s lifetime warranty covering the scope regardless of fault or how the damage occurred, genuinely comparable in scope to Vortex’s VIP warranty and one of the strongest guarantees in the industry.
Is the Fullfield E1 first or second focal plane?
Second focal plane, so the Ballistic Plex E1 holdover dots are calibrated for use at maximum magnification.
Is the Burris Fullfield E1 good for deer hunting?
Yes, it is a genuinely solid choice for whitetail and general big game hunting, particularly for anyone who wants extended range capability without a complex reticle system to learn.
Verdict
The Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×40 earns its place through a smart, accessible ballistic reticle and a genuinely outstanding warranty, delivering real extended range capability without asking the hunter to become a ballistics expert first. For a dependable hunting rifle scope, it remains a strong, honest choice in its price bracket.
- See Also: Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 Review
I’m Jake, a dedicated shooter and hunter who has spent years testing rifles, scopes, and gear in the field. I write from real experience, sharing what truly works, not what’s trendy. My goal is to give you honest, practical insights that help you make the right choices for your adventures and pursuits.
