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Burris Scopes?

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txfireguy2003 View Drop Down
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    Posted: February/22/2012 at 23:37
Hey folks, I'm new here and have a quick question about Burris optics.  I'm sure this question has been asked and answered several times on here, but I couldn't find what I was looking for by searching.
First, a little background information:
I'm a big fan of Vortex optics and love my Viper.  That being said, I bought another rifle this year.  The gun is a flat out shooter, but the scope that was on it when I got it (second hand) stinks!  It's a Tasco Pronghorn that, as I'm sure you optics junkies are aware, it just plain horrible in pretty much any conditions.  I'm planning to get a better scope soon, but can't decide what to get.  I was thinking something in the Vortex Diamondback lineup, but recently learned of a deal that I qualify for from Burris and was wondering how good they are.  Of course, I don't expect a scope in the $300-500 range to be as good as a Swarovski, but I would expect it to perform at lease close to my Viper in the same range.  My problem, being unfamiliar with the Burris lineup, is knowing what I'm looking at.  What's the ranking of them?  Fullfield II, EuroDiamond, Black Diamond...?  It's not like Leupold where it's VX-I, VX-II, VX-III etc, and also, what do they different levels compare to in terms of quality?  For example, would the Fullfield II be comparable to a Leupold Rifleman, and the Black Diamond be comparable to a VX-III?  I've almost decided to get the Burris, because I can get a great discount from them, allowing me to get a much higher quality scope than I could afford otherwise, but I need to know what I'm getting before I go dropping several hundred bucks.
 
Lastly, am I going to buy a Burris scope that retails for $700 or so and suddenly be disappointed in my $500 Vortex Viper?
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Sparky View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sparky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/23/2012 at 13:32
For what it is worth here is a scope rating scale that I feel it still valid.

http://www.opticstalk.com/topic16515&KW=scope+rating_post194417.html#194417

I did consider a XTR awhile back but decided to go with a Leupold instead.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 3_tens Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/23/2012 at 15:00
The glass of the Burris scopes has been much more crisp than the Leupolds up thru the VX-III linage. In the last couple of years Leupold has finally stepped up to the plate and improved the quality of the lenses they are using. Problem is they are still very proud with their pricing. If you do a lot of dialing for your shots then Leupold turret configuration is the better of the two. I like the Vipers too.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 31 bertram Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/23/2012 at 18:03
Not wanting to get into a spat with the gold ring members club, but I've had good luck with the cheaper Burris FF II series and it compares with the older model Vari-X III.
I could'nt tell any difference in my Black Diamond, so I've been using the FF II's for about 9 or 10 yrs. now with no regrets.  Could be my aging eyes, he he.
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txfireguy2003 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote txfireguy2003 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/23/2012 at 19:06
Thanks fellas, Sparky, that's exactly what I was looking for.  So, from that ranking list, it looks like the Burris Diamonds will be just a step below my Viper, that's pretty much what I'm looking for on this rifle!  That being said, I think my Viper is at least equal to the Zeiss Conquests I've looked through, but that's just me.  I guess I'll get to see what happens with a Burris scope soon.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/23/2012 at 20:27
I must be the unlucky one I have only had two Burris scopes that worked well a 1x and a 2x fixed power scopes and everything else I have gotten from Burris (several) has sucked.  I watched a FFII brand new come apart in the clerks hands at a gun store. The older stuff may be better than the new stuff. I do think their higher dollar scopes are probably their most reliable ones the black diamond series seem quite good. I just dont have good luck with burris which is a shame since I like their balistic reticles and they have been very innovative in new designs. Ouch
Scopes should be selected based on how it will be used so unless you tell us rifle caliber and how it will be used there is little we can recommend.  I have heard a lot of good about this scope though:
Burris 4-12x42 Eliminator Laser Rangefinding Rifle Scope Burris 4-12x42 Eliminator Laser Rangefinding Rifle Scope
Stock # - 200112
  • Matte
  • Plex w/ Illuminated 1/3 MOA Dot (Where Bullet will Drop)
  • Ultra Low Mounting System
  • Remote Activation
$948.95 


Edited by Urimaginaryfrnd - February/23/2012 at 20:32

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote helo18 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/23/2012 at 20:51
I have had great luck with my Burris scopes.  I have a FFII, XTR, and Black Diamond.  Built like a tank, and I have tortured mine.  They may be a bit overpriced, but they are good scopes.

Check out the sample list for some good deals on them

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txfireguy2003 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote txfireguy2003 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/23/2012 at 22:16
Okay folks, I'll tell you what the scope/rifle combo is and what it'll be used for, and maybe you can give me a good recommendation.
 
The rifle is a Remington 700 ADL chambered in .243 Winchester, standard weight barrel, which I replaced the crappy tupperware stock on right away with a Stocky's laminated thumbhole model, freefloated the barrel and plan to pillar/glass bed the action, just haven't gotten around to it yet.  I tuned the stock (old model) trigger to about 3lbs and crisp as it can be.  Even with the cheapo tasco scope, I can shoot 3/4 MOA with it with factory ammo, and not even premium ammo, just Federal 100gr soft points.  I haven't reloaded for it just yet, but I'm pretty certain that I can get it down to a 1/2 MOA or better with handloads and a decent scope.  It is strictly a hunting rifle, primarily for whitetail deer (Texas Hill Country deer for any northern guys, average weight is well less than 200lbs, probably closer to 150 for decent bucks), but also wild pigs, and some varmints like coyotes, bobcats etc.  Since I have my super accurate .308, this is a backup gun for me, but my lady will be using it as well.  It will primarily be used as a stand hunting rifle, whereby I carry it to the stand, lean it up in the corner and wait for my game, so weight is not a HUGE issue, but I do like that the rifle is light and compact compared to my .308 with have a 26" varmint taper barrel.  Hunting range for this rifle, of course, depends on the game being hunted, but I would guess most shots would be in the 100-200 yard range with a few stretching out to 300-400 on smaller critters like coyotes and bobcats where bullet energy isn't as big a factor.  I hunt during all hours and lighting conditions, from dawn till dusk for all animals, and from dusk till dawn for non-game animals (predators, feral pigs etc.).  So, low light usability is important, but also the ability to deal, at least to a point, with bright sunlight.  One of the biggest problems I have with the Tasco is the glare from the sun when shooting into the rising or setting sun, or even when the sun is coming in from an angle and really bright.  Durability is important, but I won't be toting this rig up any mountains in Colorado or anything, it just needs to be tough enough to ride in the truck or on the 4-wheeler and get bounced around a bit and still hold zero, I'm not worried about the recoil of a .243 causing any big issues.
 
Okay, that about sums up everything I can think of right now.  Hope that helps.
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Tip69 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tip69 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/23/2012 at 22:37
For that rifle I think a Bushnell 4200 Elite 3-9X40 would be ideal!  I'm with Urimaginaryfrnd , I'm not much of a Burris guy.  If you're dead set on spending a little more, hard to beat a Zeiss Conquest also in 3-9X40.  I have two each of those scopes and think they would work great for what you describe.
take em!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote txfireguy2003 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/23/2012 at 23:06
Thanks Tip69, I guess this is my deal.  I can get any Burris scope for about 50% off, one time deal.  So, would a $1000 Burris that I buy for $500 and a $500 Conquest be comparable, our would the Burris be better?  I guess my question is, if I have $400 to spend, would an $800 Burris be head and shoulders above a $400 scope of another brand?  If I had $200 to spend, would a $400 Burris be head an shoulders better than a $200 scope of another brand.  Does that make any sense at all?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sparky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/23/2012 at 23:22
So what is your budget? It is hard to make a recommendation without know how much you are willing to spend.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote txfireguy2003 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/24/2012 at 00:18

Sparky:

 

To be honest, I don't know for certain.  I was thinking in the $200-$300 range, but could go slightly higher if the right deal presented itself.  I have a buddy, former army sniper, who always tells me to buy Zeiss Conquest.  The last time I considered that, they were right at $400 and that was too steep for me to buy a 3-9X40, but seems like they have even gone up since then!  I LIKE high magnification, it's not a must, but it just makes shooting for groups easier when I can really zoom in on my target, also makes it easier to put my bullet on a specific spot on that deer, or hit that hog in the ear.  I'm thinking something along the lines of a 12X on the top end for this rifle.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tip69 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/24/2012 at 07:10
not sure a $400.00 Burris would be better than a Elite 4200....  but other $200.00 scopes it sure could be.  Same with regards to an $800.00 Burris and Conquest.  I would have to have both side-by-side to compare and that is what I would recommend.  Hopefully you can find them both at the same place and compare them.  Good Luck.
take em!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/24/2012 at 07:55
being you can get it for 50% off.  I'd go with a burris black diamond and be good They will work just fine and in the event you ever want to trade it in, chances are you can get back more than you have in it. I really think this would be a good fit for you -
 
Burris 4-16x50 Black Diamond 30mm Rifle Scope Ballistic Plex Burris 4-16x50 Black Diamond 30mm Rifle Scope
Stock # - 200926
  • Matte
  • Ballistic Plex
  • 30mm
  • Side Focus
$698.95 
Add Burris 4-16x50 Black Diamond 30mm Rifle Scope to Cart
More Details »

Optional Accessories:

Then again the scope Wes mentioned above, the Eliminator, that would a steal at 50% off and would make your wifes ability to shot at distance be much easier (I'm assuming a lot here BTW, your wife may be an excellent distance shooter)
"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote txfireguy2003 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/25/2012 at 23:16
Okay, thanks guys, I really appreciate it.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tip69 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/26/2012 at 18:55
SVT.....  are you sure he'll get it at half off of that price?  I bet not... bet it's half off suggested retail.  tx, do you know?
take em!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/26/2012 at 21:14
Originally posted by Tip69 Tip69 wrote:

SVT.....  are you sure he'll get it at half off of that price?  I bet not... bet it's half off suggested retail.  tx, do you know?
PeekerDont know...
 
Just going off this statement.  I'm sure it probably off suggested retail from burris's site
Originally posted by txfireguy2003 txfireguy2003 wrote:

Thanks Tip69, I guess this is my deal.  I can get any Burris scope for about 50% off, one time deal.  So, would a $1000 Burris that I buy for $500 and a $500 Conquest be comparable, our would the Burris be better?  I guess my question is, if I have $400 to spend, would an $800 Burris be head and shoulders above a $400 scope of another brand?  If I had $200 to spend, would a $400 Burris be head an shoulders better than a $200 scope of another brand.  Does that make any sense at all?
"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote powderburn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/27/2012 at 06:37
Originally posted by txfireguy2003 txfireguy2003 wrote:

Thanks Tip69, I guess this is my deal.  I can get any Burris scope for about 50% off, one time deal.  So, would a $1000 Burris that I buy for $500 and a $500 Conquest be comparable, our would the Burris be better?  I guess my question is, if I have $400 to spend, would an $800 Burris be head and shoulders above a $400 scope of another brand?  If I had $200 to spend, would a $400 Burris be head an shoulders better than a $200 scope of another brand.  Does that make any sense at all?


To begin with let me say I have and had several burris scopes in the past and have had excellent service from them. I find them to be competitive quality wise and to my eye optically with the other major manufacturers and when I have contacted their customer service mostly for ring screws etc they have been stellar. The had part of your question is the   " head and shoulders" part. That can mean a lot of different things to a lot of people and we don't really know you enough to gage where you are on the scale. I will share with you my personal take. In scopes the law of diminishing returns is alive and well. In reality you can buy an good value scope with pretty decent optics for under $100. From there you begin to see improvement but at a ever increasingly rate of diminishing return in similar scopes. In my personal experience and value system in standard power scopes the top of the scale is about $500 and then you really see the scale start to curve up at a steeper curve ymmv. Now if you are wanting additional features like adjustable or ranging turrets focusing objectives etc. then those do have significant cost impacts but that is an apples to oranges thing. I would agree buy yourself a good black diamond or signature scope in a 2-12 or 4-16 power range and you should be good to go.
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