This all started with a riflescope—a Burris Fullfield 3-12×42, to be exact.
And why did I end up with a Fullfield scope? Well, 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the Fullfield line of scopes.
Burris was founded back in 1971 when Don Burris set out to improve riflescope performance for hunters. After four years of development, the company brought to market three scopes that delivered 53% more field of view than conventional models and 23% more than wide-angle scopes.
In 1975, these three new models marked the beginning of the Fullfield line, offering 4X, 2-7X, and 3-9X magnification.
The new scopes would be followed two years later by Burris’ Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses. These new lenses, integrated into the company’s variable-power lineup, enhanced visibility by 20% by delivering 99.5% light transmission through each lens surface.
These Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses are used in today’s scopes.
For the 50th anniversary, Burris reintroduced the Fullfield line—specifically the new 5th Gen models. They reached out to a number of outdoor and shooting writers, sending each a scope of their choosing.
There are six models offered in the Fullfield line: 2-8x35mm; 2.5-10x42mm; 3-12x42mm; 3-12x56mm; 4-16x50mm; and 6-24x50mm. MSRPs range from $192 to $600, depending on the model and reticle selected.
Photo courtesy of Burris
I received the Fullfield 3-12×42mm with the Ballistic E3 reticle. Across the line, six reticle options are offered, though not every model supports each. The 3-12×42mm is available with the Plex ($300), Ballistic E3 ($312), or Wind Ret-Illuminated ($396) reticle.
The other options for the Fullfield riflescopes include a Heavy Plex, Wind Ret, and 3P#4 reticles. The complete list of all reticles Burris offers can be found online in the Burris Reticle Library.
Photo courtesy of Burris
The Ballistic E3 is a rear focal plane reticle. When zeroed at 100 yards, each line on the lower vertical crosshair is calibrated to 200, 300, and 400 yards respectively. Burris notes: “This is, of course, for the average caliber. To find your exact bullet drop, input your ballistic and environmental data into our ballistic calculator.”
Since I’ll be shooting a .50 caliber muzzleloader with a selection of 250- and 290-grain bullets, I’ll probably start by zeroing at 50 yards before stepping out to 100 yards. So, lots of trial and error—mostly error, given my skill set.
Another feature of the Ballistic E3 reticle is the set of cascading dots that are designed to help adjust for a crosswind of 10 mph. Again, this applies to “the average caliber,” so we’ll see how it plays out on the range when shooting a muzzleloader.
Another notable aspect of the Fullfield line is its compatibility with the Burris Knob Synergy.
Photo courtesy of Burris
Burris Knob Synergy is a modular turret system that allows you to swap between different elevation and windage knob styles. There are three options: the Knob Synergy Advanced Exposed, the Knob Synergy Advanced Capped, and the Knob Synergy Advanced Exposed Windage.
I do not have these, but you can assume I want the upgrade, because, well, gadgets.
Mounting the riflescope, any riflescope, is best done with either plenty of experience, or the proper tools to avoid the mistakes one without experience (guess who) would undoubtedly make.
Thankfully, I had both a Master Gun Workstation and the Smart-Torq & Driver Master Set from Real Avid. The Master Gun Workstation is very straightforward and kept me from trying to free-style mount the scope.
Photo courtesy of Real Avid
The Smart-Torq & Driver Master Set is even more important, since to properly mount a scope, or a red dot optic, you need to use the correct torque. Since I had a couple questions I contacted Burris’ customer service staff. One of the questions they answered—because I was too lazy to search it out on their website—was the torque needed to secure the scope.
Because I was using a set of their 1″ Zee Rings, they confirmed for me that the proper torque for the cross bolts is 30 inch-lbs while the top ring torque should be 20 inch-lbs. Done and done.
The final piece of the mounting puzzle was the use of Real Avid’s Level-Right Pro. I cannot stand when something appears to be even slightly crooked. Even more so when we’re talking about a scope. Nothing gets in your head like obsessing over a reticle that looks off kilter when you should be focusing on the target and taking your shot.
Photo courtesy of Real Avid
To be honest, I’m pretty sure I need to double-check this as I failed to recharge the reticle projection light. That’s what I get for cutting corners and not properly preparing.
The light projects the reticle back through the scope onto the precision alignment grid so you can clearly see if the reticle is truly vertical and oriented 90-degrees to the horizontal gun plane. Which is a whole lot better than just “eyeballing it.”
With a little more experience with these tools, and thoroughly reading the directions, this Real Avid set up should make the process a breeze.
I’m now waiting for one or two more items one needs for handling and measuring powder before heading to the range and putting my first rounds down range.
One side note, I neglected to mention. There was a time when not all scopes were suitable for muzzleloaders. That’s not really the case with modern riflescopes. Though, it is best to confirm this with the manufacturer of the scope you select for your muzzleloader.
During my call to Burris customer service, I asked specifically about muzzleloader compatibility. The staffer assured me that the latest generation of Fullfield scopes is muzzleloader-ready. In fact, he explained that all six models had been durability-tested with a variety of large-caliber firearms, all the way up to .50 caliber—and not just a muzzleloader, but the big boy .50.
— Paul Erhardt, Managing Editor, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network
You can read the first installment of this series, No School Like The Old School, here.
