The Burris Fullfield E1 4.5-14x42 riflescope is a popular choice among hunters and target shooters seeking a balance of performance, features, and affordability. This in-depth review will delve into its strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide if it's the right optic for your needs.
Optics and Clarity: Seeing is Believing
The Fullfield E1 boasts a 4.5-14x magnification range, providing versatility for various shooting situations. The 42mm objective lens gathers ample light, crucial for low-light hunting scenarios. While not as bright as some high-end scopes, the image clarity is surprisingly good, offering sharp detail and minimal distortion across the magnification range. Chromatic aberration (color fringing) is well-controlled, even at the edges of the field of view. However, users might notice some slight vignetting at higher magnification levels, a common characteristic in scopes at this price point.
Construction and Durability: Built to Last?
Burris is known for its robust construction, and the Fullfield E1 lives up to this reputation. The scope's body is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, providing excellent resistance to shock and recoil. The nitrogen-filled design prevents fogging, even in extreme temperature fluctuations. The lens coatings are durable and effective at reducing glare and enhancing light transmission. While not indestructible, this scope is well-suited for the rigors of hunting and long-range shooting.
Reticle and Adjustments: Precision is Key
The Fullfield E1 generally comes equipped with the Ballistic Plex reticle, designed to aid in bullet drop compensation. This is a great choice for hunters and long-range shooters who need accurate aiming points at various distances. The reticle is clear, well-defined, and doesn't obscure too much of the target, even at lower magnifications. The adjustments are precise and repeatable, using ΒΌ MOA clicks, making zeroing in a relatively straightforward process. The scope's finger-adjustable turrets offer tactile feedback for confirmation.
Features and Ease of Use: Practicality Matters
The Fullfield E1 offers a few key features that enhance its usability. The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick adjustments to ensure clear vision, while the included lens covers protect the optics from dirt and scratches. The scope's overall size and weight strike a good balance, not overly bulky yet substantial enough to feel durable. Mounting the scope is straightforward, compatible with standard 30mm rings and bases.
Shortcomings and Considerations: Areas for Improvement
While the Burris Fullfield E1 offers excellent value, it's not without its minor drawbacks. Some users have reported slight parallax issues at higher magnifications, though this doesn't seem to be a widespread problem. The eye relief could be slightly more generous, potentially causing some eye strain during recoil if not positioned correctly. Finally, while the build quality is solid, it doesn't reach the level of some high-end, premium scopes.
Final Verdict: A Solid Performer
The Burris Fullfield E1 4.5-14x42 offers impressive performance for its price point. Its clear optics, robust build, and versatile reticle make it a strong contender for hunters and target shooters alike. While it may not possess the cutting-edge features of more expensive scopes, it provides a compelling combination of quality and value. If you're looking for a reliable and accurate riflescope that won't break the bank, the Burris Fullfield E1 4.5-14x42 deserves serious consideration. However, shooters demanding the absolute highest level of performance in every aspect might opt for a higher-end model.
