Burris Scope Fullfield 3-9×40 E1 Ballistic Plex 350 Legend 1in Tube SFP Rifle Scope Review

True Results from the Burris Scope Fullfield 3-9×40 E1 Ballistic Plex 350 Legend 1in Tube SFP Rifle Scope

When the need arises for accurate, reliable optics on a budget, especially for niche cartridges like the 350 Legend, choices can feel limited. My own recent acquisition of a 350 Legend rifle left me with a similar quandary: I needed functional glass quickly without breaking the bank. After exploring options from Crimson Trace to Leopold, I landed on the Burris Scope Fullfield 3-9×40 E1 Ballistic Plex 350 Legend 1in Tube SFP Rifle Scope. This optic, with its promise of a functional Ballistic Plex reticle and Burris’s reputation for durability, seemed like a solid compromise. My initial impression upon unboxing was positive; the scope feels robust, far exceeding the “budget” feel one might expect at this price point, and the matte finish is classic and practical. While I considered a Vortex Crossfire II Straightwall, its prolonged unavailability pushed me towards this Burris. The immediate sense was one of pragmatic satisfaction, a feeling that I’d made a sensible choice for immediate needs.

Real-World Testing: Putting Burris Scope Fullfield 3-9×40 E1 Ballistic Plex 350 Legend 1in Tube SFP Rifle Scope to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial foray with this scope was at the local shooting range, paired with my new 350 Legend rifle. I mounted it using readily available 1-inch Vortex scope rings, which proved to be a perfect fit. Zeroing was straightforward; within about 1.5 MOA at 100 yards, which, while not match-grade precision out of the box, was more than acceptable for the intended purpose of deer and small game hunting. The generous eye relief and comfortable eye box made acquiring a sight picture quick and easy, even with the variable magnification from 3x up to 9x. No significant surprises or quirks presented themselves during this initial session; it simply performed as expected, a testament to its straightforward design.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several weeks, this optic has seen consistent use, both at the range and during a couple of excursions into wooded areas during deer season. It has held its zero admirably through repeated firing sessions and the general bumps and jostles that come with moving between different locations. Despite the lack of a robust parallax adjustment, I haven’t noticed significant issues at typical hunting ranges, though some users have noted a slight blur at 100 yards, which I found to be minimal for my purposes. Cleaning is as simple as with any other scope, requiring only a lens cloth and appropriate cleaning solution, and I’ve experienced no fogging or water ingress despite a few damp days. Compared to previous budget optics I’ve used, this Burris feels significantly more durable and reliable, outperforming cheaper alternatives and offering a quality typically found at a higher price point.

Breaking Down the Features of Burris Scope Fullfield 3-9×40 E1 Ballistic Plex 350 Legend 1in Tube SFP Rifle Scope

Specifications

The Burris Scope Fullfield 3-9×40 E1 Ballistic Plex 350 Legend 1in Tube SFP Rifle Scope is a variable magnification optic with a 3x to 9x power range and a 40mm objective lens diameter. It features a 1-inch main tube diameter and the Ballistic Plex reticle located in the Second Focal Plane (SFP). The exit pupil ranges from 5mm to 13mm, and the scope is non-illuminated. Its construction utilizes high-grade optical glass with Hi-Lume multi-coating for enhanced brightness and glare reduction. The scope weighs in at a respectable 13 oz, with a length of 14.9 inches. Adjustment turrets offer 0.25 MOA click values for windage and elevation. Importantly, it boasts a one-piece tube construction, designed for durability and resistance to shock and vibration, and is waterproof and nitrogen-filled to prevent internal fogging. The parallax setting is fixed at 50 yards.

These specifications translate directly into user experience. The 40mm objective lens provides a good balance between light-gathering capability and overall scope profile, making it suitable for a variety of hunting conditions. The 3-9x magnification is incredibly versatile, covering the most common shooting distances encountered by hunters and recreational shooters. The Ballistic Plex E1 reticle is designed to offer trajectory compensation, a crucial feature for cartridges like the 350 Legend that have a more pronounced drop at longer ranges compared to traditional rifle cartridges. The Second Focal Plane placement means the reticle size remains constant regardless of magnification, which is ideal for holding over or under using the reticle’s hash marks at a specific magnification. The 1-inch tube is a standard size, making it compatible with a wide range of mounting systems. Its lightweight design is a significant plus for hunters who carry their rifle for extended periods, and the waterproof and fogproof construction ensures reliability in adverse weather.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function – providing a clear and accurate sight picture – this optic performs admirably, especially considering its price point. The clear glass and effective multi-coating deliver bright images, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions, although as some users noted, it can become difficult to see in the final minutes of shooting light. The Ballistic Plex reticle is functional and easy to understand, offering a practical solution for compensating for bullet drop without the complexity of some more advanced reticles. Adjustments made to the turrets are repeatable, meaning that once you’ve zeroed the scope, you can be confident that returning to your original zero or making adjustments for different distances will land you back on target. While it lacks an adjustable objective for parallax correction, the fixed parallax at 50 yards is generally adequate for hunting distances where the 350 Legend excels. This is not a long-range precision instrument, but for its intended application, its performance is well within expectations, often exceeding them for the cost.

Design & Ergonomics

The Burris Scope Fullfield 3-9×40 E1 Ballistic Plex 350 Legend 1in Tube SFP Rifle Scope sports a no-nonsense, functional design. The matte black finish is discreet and helps reduce glare. The one-piece tube construction contributes to a feeling of ruggedness and durability, suggesting it can withstand the recoil of various rifle calibers without issue. The finger-adjustable turrets offer a sleek profile, and the markings are clear and easy to read, though some users have found the process of re-zeroing them slightly fiddly. The power ring and eyepiece are well-separated, which is a practical design feature that accommodates the attachment of flip-up lens caps, a welcome addition for protecting the lenses. The overall feel is solid, without any noticeable creaks or flex, and the scope’s relatively compact dimensions make it a good fit for a variety of rifle platforms.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience and Burris’s reputation for quality, the durability of this scope is a strong suit. The stress-free, solid 1-piece outer tube is designed to absorb shock and vibrations, and the double internal spring-tension system is engineered to maintain zero through recoil. I haven’t encountered any signs of wear beyond minor cosmetic scuffs from regular handling. Maintenance is minimal; keeping the lenses clean is the primary concern. The waterproof and nitrogen-filled nature of the scope means it’s built to resist the elements, which is crucial for any piece of gear intended for outdoor use. There are no user-replaceable parts in terms of significant components like turrets or internal mechanisms, but the construction suggests that with basic care, this scope should offer years of reliable service. Potential concerns for some might be the stiff zoom ring when cold, as one user noted, which can make magnification adjustments less fluid in frigid temperatures.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Burris Scope Fullfield 3-9×40 E1 Ballistic Plex 350 Legend 1in Tube SFP Rifle Scope comes with basic but essential accessories: a lens cap. This is a common practice for scopes in this price range, where the manufacturer prioritizes optical quality and ruggedness over extras like elaborate lens covers or rings. Fortunately, the 1-inch tube diameter ensures broad compatibility with a vast array of aftermarket scope rings, mounts, and accessories from brands like Vortex, Leupold, and Warne. For those looking to enhance their setup, investing in quality scope rings and a suitable mounting base is highly recommended, as mentioned by other users. The separated power ring and eyepiece also readily accept standard flip-up lens covers, which are a worthwhile addition for protecting the objective lens and ocular lens from the elements and potential damage.

Pros and Cons of Burris Scope Fullfield 3-9×40 E1 Ballistic Plex 350 Legend 1in Tube SFP Rifle Scope

Who Should Buy Burris Scope Fullfield 3-9×40 E1 Ballistic Plex 350 Legend 1in Tube SFP Rifle Scope?

This optic is an ideal choice for budget-conscious hunters and recreational shooters who need a reliable and functional scope for their 350 Legend rifle or other firearms suitable for medium-range engagement. It is particularly well-suited for those who prioritize a tough, dependable optic that can withstand field use without extensive worry. If you are setting up a rifle for deer hunting, hog hunting, or general plinking and want accurate holdovers without a complex reticle, this Burris is a strong contender. It’s also a great option for someone looking to outfit multiple rifles without spending a fortune on each one.

However, individuals who require extreme low-light performance for hunting in dense forest or at twilight might want to consider an illuminated model or a scope with a larger objective lens. Shooters who demand pinpoint accuracy at extended ranges (beyond 200-300 yards) or frequently shoot in variable conditions where parallax adjustment is critical might need to look at higher-tier optics. For those building a dedicated tactical or long-range precision rifle, this scope’s fixed parallax and MOA adjustments might be limiting. Essential complementary items include a sturdy set of 1-inch scope rings and a compatible mounting base for your specific rifle platform.

Conclusion on Burris Scope Fullfield 3-9×40 E1 Ballistic Plex 350 Legend 1in Tube SFP Rifle Scope

The Burris Scope Fullfield 3-9×40 E1 Ballistic Plex 350 Legend 1in Tube SFP Rifle Scope represents a fantastic balance of performance, durability, and affordability. It successfully addresses the need for a capable optic on less common cartridges like the 350 Legend without demanding a premium price. The optical clarity is good, the reticle is functional for its intended purpose, and the build quality inspires confidence for use in the field. While it has its limitations, particularly in extreme low-light conditions and the fixed parallax, these are understandable compromises at its price point. For its $159.99 price tag, the value delivered is substantial, making it a highly recommendable choice for its target audience. I would readily recommend this optic to anyone seeking a solid, reliable, and affordable hunting scope.