Burris Fullfield IV 3-12x56

› Could there be a more ideal specification for the hunter, that has long been the classic standard by which others are judged? I don’t think so, and the Burris is a perfect example of keeping things simple, so you can just enjoy great optics when hunting.

Part and parcel
The Fullfield IV arrived with me as part of a package with a Benelli rifle, but it was certainly not a simple tag-along product, and it is available independently. With a 56mm objective, there is a large lens for light entering the tube, and it’s important to realise this represents a 25% greater cross-sectional area than a seemingly close 50mm objective. Coupled with a 3-12x magnification erector tube, you can immediately expect a comparatively bright image regardless of published transmission figures. The tube boasts a sleek, deep black hard-anodised finish, with 50mm of clear tube space in front and 55mm behind the spherical saddle, ensuring ample room to fit your preferred 30mm scope rings.

Caps off
Close-up detail shows capped, finger-adjustable windage and elevation dials for zeroing. The clicks are ¼ MOA, so approximately ¼” at 100 yards, and they are commonly seen across many optics. The clicks themselves are tactile and audible without overrun. There is a characteristic faceted pattern to the caps, which is matched on the zoom collar further to the rear. I like the external pattern, as it remains grippy but doesn’t feel aggressive, and it does not remove the skin or show the dust from your fingers. The windage on the right side is marked 7.5 MOA left or right of centre, and the elevation dial offers 15 MOA of vertical travel per turn, separated into 60 clicks. The overall internal mechanical travel is 100 MOA, so you won’t struggle with zeroing.

Delicate facets
The zoom control offers magnification from 3-12x in a clockwise direction, and there is no perception of any internal motion within the scope tube. The ocular body is parallel and 45.5mm in diameter, so it will accept added accessories clamped in position, and there is a fast-focus eyepiece at the rear for a crisp reticle picture. This tapers down with a rubber rim to prevent any discomfort, and if a camera or similar device is used, it won’t be disturbed by any locking collar. The eye relief doesn’t vary too much through the magnification range, and being a modest 89 to 97mm, you get a reasonably forgiving eye box, so it’s easier to maintain the sight picture through the recoil impulse.

Light up
Not many scopes exist nowadays without reliable illumination, and the Burris is no different. The left-side rotating dial controls reticle intensity in 11 stages, and there is a screw-off end cap to easily replace the CR2032 battery when it runs out. There isn’t an automated off function, but the dial is very easy to control and provides crisp, red illumination without bleeding light at any time or brightness level. Only the very centre cross of the Ballistic E3 reticle illuminates, and I think this is the best path for a hunting scope to take, as it maintains that precise aim point in any light conditions without obscuring the overall view. The small centre cross floats above the lower aim-over marks, and with the scope being second focal plane, you can alter the magnification to change the subtension on target to suit your favourite hunting cartridge. There are small windage aim-offs too, yet one of my favourite features of the reticle is the gently tapering arms from the edge, which automatically draw your eye central.

Optical comments
The field of view spans the entire tube width, and there are no annoying vignettes on the perimeter throughout the magnification range. The zoom control is especially nice to use, and I like the machined pattern of the collar for plenty of grip without excess styling. Similarly, the tube finish is perfect—matte black without any tendency to collect debris from the skin on your hands. The scope is guaranteed to be waterproof and fog-proof, and as expected, promises multi-coated lenses. However, in practice, such claims often amount to little more than marketing hype for many optical brands. In contrast, these Chinese optics deliver an impressive image with excellent colour balance and low-light performance that far surpasses expectations at this price point.
The tracking proved reliable, and the scope held zero without issue. If I did dial any corrections for longer test shots and then counted my clicks to return to zero, the scope performed without fault.

Fixed focus
The parallax is fixed at 100 yards, and on a 3-12x, this isn’t really a huge focal drawback unless you want to use full magnification at very close range. The image may not match the ultimate resolution of premium optics, but for straightforward shots on larger quarry like deer at close ranges, it delivers everything you need—without unnecessary features or, crucially, a hefty price tag. The reticle weighting seems optimal, and it’s visible clearly in all daylight conditions, with illumination only being required in very poor light. I conducted experiments to provoke any signs of chromatic aberration, but once again, there was nothing noticeable or bothersome. I am left with nothing but respect for this Burris scope.

Conclusion
When manufacturers stick with a proven formula and don’t try to be excessively innovative, they can produce some great glass for a very modest price. For a hunter wanting solid reliability and image quality that exceeds the expectations of this price point, I think the Burris is a solid choice, with a quibble-free warranty that the American brand takes very seriously.

Reviewer: Chris Parkin