I need your help as you are the guys that make all the decisions....
My buddy who is the Steiner Rep is here in the store. Steiner is now being distributed in the USA thru Burris and obviously we have the opportunity to start carrying Burris' line too.

Speak out. Help me decide what to do. What should we do and which Burris products do you like?

can't sell something you ain't got

words of wisdom I agree.

The question is should we carry it. What are the general opinions of Burris products?

Many tactical guys like the Burris line. Personally, for me, Zeiss, Swarovski, IOR, S&B, are all that I buy.

But you can't ignore the fact that a lot of shooters buy a lot of the Burris scopes. If I was in your position, I would carry the upper end of the Burris line for those shooters.

I have 8 burris scopes on rifles at this time. Does that help?

YOU would have to pay ME to own another POS Burris scope.

I bought a silver 2x7 to match my S&W 629. I sent it back twice for debris rattling around inside from the 44 mag recoil. Never again!

I have no idea why another once proud American company has gone to crap. But they can go out of business altogether for all I care.

quote:

Originally posted by gr8fuldoug:
words of wisdom I agree.

The question is should we carry it. What are the general opinions of Burris products?

Doug,

I don't own any Burris scopes, and have no planes to every buy any.
Just one data point in your analysis.

Don

I'd personally be looking for the other brands you carry. Lots of good stuff there. But who knows, maybe Burris will sell?

- mike

Never will I own another Burris! Reticle broke on SECOND shot. Returned and "fixed". Completely broke down after less than 40 rounds.

I was not pleased with the last Burris I bought, so probably won't purchase another. Just was not up to quality I prefer. Now, there are some who would buy them I'm sure, but how many is the question, Dom.

I would add Leupold to your line-up before I added Burris.

I appreciate all the input. From what i gather they have a worthwhile product in a riflescope, and scope accessories, however, their other gear is so so and their customer service needs a bit of an improvement.
Does that about sum it up?

Their scopes break, their customer service sucks, and although they have a few cute gimmicks, they don't have the type of technology a true long range shooter requires.

Here a good thread about Burris Customer Service....or lack there of....

http://www.noslerreloading.com...storder=asc&start=15

They have a better line up of pistol scopes than anybody else. I think you might look into them, as they sell pretty well. I also hear that the upper levels-signature and above are good scopes. If you can get the signature rings, you should sell a bunch of them.

I have 4 fullfield II's and one signature series, and I have never had any issues out of them. I love the ballistic plex recticle. Their signature series rings are my go to ring of choice. Just my 2 cents

I have two of the Fullfield II 3-9x40, one 2-7x Posi-Lock IER handguns scope on a .308 Encore, and a 7x on a .223 Contender. So far I've had no problems. So I don't know if I'm lucky or the others here are unlucky. A hunting buddy has at least 3 Burris scopes as well and he's had no problems either that I know of.

Doug,

I've purchased a few items from you - always been impressed with the service and quality.

Having said that, I really don't quite see what gap the Burris line would remotely fill in the line up you do offer.

I've had good luck with my Burris Optics - no issues at all. The Euro-Diamond and Sig Select scopes I own have been comparable to a Leupold VX-III in terms of clarity. I really, really like the Burris #4-3p reticle.

The two Euro-D's I have on my .375 H&H have held up just fine and the Burris 2x eer on my 629 .44 Mag has worked very reliably. The Euro-D's on the .375 are e-Dot's btw and aside a penchant for eating batteries when left on the in safe for a month ( ) I really can't say anything bad about the durability of the scopes.

Having said that, they do not offer the clarity or quality of glass that even a Conquest offers. Price wise, Burris' Euro-D line is as much as a Conquest - so for my money, Conquest takes the win.

They are not even in the same league as the Alpha glass Diavari, Swaro and S&B scopes.

They are HEAVY bastards though and I can say I have not had a single problem with the Burris line up.

Doug,

I am with Robert, I just don't know what "hole" they would fill in your line.

My sense is that buyer's will opt for other mfgs at the higher end of the Burris line and while the lower end of the Burris line is a good value, there are a trememdous number of retailers that carry it.

Net, I would invest my inventory dollars elsewhere.

I have a previous generation Signature Series binocular. They are exceptional and were a great value. The higher end scopes I've looked through have been equally impressive though they are edging up a bit in price. I am totally underwhelmed by their lower end scopes though. For the lower end I'll stick with Pentax or Nikon lower end products. The Burris is just too much $ for too little glass.

Can you carry only some of their products or do you have to take the whole line?

LWD

Doug,

I would rather see you carry Nikon rifle scopes than Burris rifle scopes. I have a few Burris scopes, and they are OK. Nothing to get excited about, but are OK. I think the Nikon scopes are better quality, especially in the Buckmaster and Monarch series. I think if you carried those 2 series scopes, you'd sell more volume than selling the same Burris scopes that every online catalog service sells.

I've have NO bad experiences with Burris because I read many negative reviews and never bough any. I probably never will either.

quote:

I would rather see you carry Nikon rifle scopes...

+1

I am looking at the Black Diamond series. I would like to ask the ones who know if I should buy the 6-24X or 8-32X for 600- and 1,000-yard shooting. Thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by gr8fuldoug:
I appreciate all the input. From what i gather they have a worthwhile product in a riflescope, and scope accessories, however, their other gear is so so and their customer service needs a bit of an improvement.
Does that about sum it up?

As a fellow dealer, I would say sell what you have confidence in. Burris has been highly reliable, and dollar for dollar is the best buy for optics on the market today. However, and this is supported by reports from PH's in Africa, the most reliable scope for the money is by and far a Leupold. Everyone, do not dismiss the Burris, espeically the LRS and Tactical. When it comes to Tactical, I cannot see a better optic for the buck. Mike

quote:

Originally posted by Bob in TX:

quote:

I would rather see you carry Nikon rifle scopes...

+1

+2

Homebrewer,

I had a 8-32x blackdiamond. I was not impressed. You could not use it over about 24x at all, because at that power, the optics were not clear. It would give you a headache from trying. My 6-18x Nikon buckmaster was more clear at 18x than the Burris blackdiamond was at 18x.

When I called Burris about the scope, wanting to send it back, I got this "technical expert" on the phone that was convinced all I needed was to be told how to adjust the focus of the eyepiece. I tried to patiently explain the problem to him, and that it wasn't the focus knob, and that I had many other scopes of various magnification powers, even a couple other Burris scopes, but he wouldn't have any of it, and also wouldn't give me an RMA to send it back.

In my Burris, there is an internal lens that's out of adjustment optically, and increasing the magnification increases the problem. If you keep it at 20x and below, it's no problem. But what's the point in buying a variable power scope that'll go to 32x when you can't use it over 20-24x? Especially for around $700?

I sold the Burris away to a friend for less than 1/2 it's value and told him to send it back to Burris for repair or replacement (they have a "lifetime warranty" IF you don't get the same "technical expert" I had). So far he hasn't "gotten around to it", and keeps diddling with it now and again.

The Burris isn't even close to as clear as my Vortex viper 6.5-20x50.

My friend managed a very popular gun shop here in mid-michigan and he did not recommend Burris. He said they were a nightmare to deal with on warranty issues and customer service at the dealer level. That was a couple years ago though. He said they deny most warranty claims due to "Abuse" when it was nothing of the sort being the cause or problem. One instance he gave me is that he sent a scope in for a customer to have a reticle change done. 3 months later he called them and they denied that they ever recieved the scope or ever had a work order for it. Even when he had the UPS verification of delivery they denied it. I can't remember what came of it but I have shied away because of this.

AR has very knowledgeable people with heaps of experience as well as expertise. This is less than 5% of the public. Your average customer will not be the AR type.

What is your target clientele? That is the key issues that you need to address. If it is the average shooter / hunter who is not an expert or enthusiast, then they are the kind who will buy Burris, Simmons, Redfield etc. I suspect that you will make more money selling Burris and the lower range than the higher grade scopes simply because you will sell more of them to a large number of average customers rather than the experts. Most of the experts have already got their suppliers sorted. Yes you will also sell a lot of Leupolds purely on reputation & quality at an affordable price.

Your decision is about running a successful business and not about being a high grade vendor. You need to make sure that you sell enough to make money and earn a decent living. Then you can think about the reputation you want to have in the market. If you do not make a profit, your reputation will be history. JMHO

Good luck

I wish you would carry Burris! I don't know how many Burris Scopes that I have but have only had one bad one and purchased it used from the other -bay. I have purchased several of the Burris Binos over the last year for different people and they have all been blown away at the quality for the price. Burris Signature rings are second to none. I'd rather have them than Leupold myself.

I have sent a couple scopes back to Burris for knob or reticle changes without a hitch at all. They have sent me free replacement screws several times at no charge.

I do use Swaro Binos, I really like the eyecup adjustment better on the Swaro's. But for the clarity for the money the last few Burris' I ordered were a better bargain.

Burris Pistol scopes are simply the best in my opinion, nuf said.

I don't think they could hurt your business Doug. People that like a product are going to use it regardless and people that don't aren't.
Give 'em a shot!

God Bless, Louis

Homebrewer, The 24 would be my choice. Alot of mirage with more than that unless you really pick the times when you shoot.

God Bless, Louis

quote:

Originally posted by Donald Nelson:

quote:

Originally posted by Bob in TX:

quote:

I would rather see you carry Nikon rifle scopes...

+1

+2

+3

I own both Burris and Nikon. As others have said, the Burris FFII is "ok", but that's it.

My Nikon Monarch is a far better piece of optics.

quote:

Originally posted by gr8fuldoug:
I appreciate all the input. From what i gather they have a worthwhile product in a riflescope, and scope accessories, however, their other gear is so so and their customer service needs a bit of an improvement.
Does that about sum it up?

Customer service needs a little improvement is an understatement. They need a lot of improvement to just get to terrible customer service. Here is my experience with Burris.

In the past two years I have sent two scopes back to burris. One for a reticle change the other for repair. Both needed to be sent back multiple times to actually be repaired correctly. The scope that was sent in for a reticle change was brand new when I sent it in. It came back looking like a disabled 5 year old put it back together. That scope took 6 months of phone calls and lies to get replaced. I was told at least a dozen times it was either going to ship or had shipped. The best was when I called to check the status the last time. I had been dealing with the head of customer service. I asked to speak with him. He was not in and no one knew anything about the scope that was supposed to be shipped two weeks prior. I was told he must of forgot as he was real busy getting ready for his elk hunt and how he left 6 hours late for his hunt. I lost it on the phone. I went into one of those swearing fits were you feel like you blacked out and don't remember what you all said. I did not get to hunt with my gun of choice because I had no scope!! The scope was finally shipped two weeks later. A month after about the seventh or eighth promised ship date.

The other scope was a four month ordeal. It went in for debris floating around in it. Again numerous promised ship dates came and went. When I finally got it back it looked as though someone took 40 grit sandpaper to the inside of the rear lens. Took about two weeks of phone calls to finally get somewhere. I was promised a shipping label would be mailed out. Three weeks and several phone calls later still no label. So I had to ship it back at my expense. Along with the scope a very nasty letter was sent. Scope came back via next day air after them having it for four days. It was fixed except for the whole eyepiece being a little loose. Twenty rounds later I have crap floating in the scope again.

I am done with Burris. I have a back up scope for this gun. As soon is his scope dies which I figure won't be long it is going back to Burris. Hopefully they just replace it instead of trying to fix it. I have owned it for about four years and it was been to the factory six times now. Either way it will be sold and replaced by something else.

So I would not suggest any retailer sell Burris. If the customer cannot get anywhere with Burris they are going to be your problem. I have spoke with several retailers and have been told they cannot get anywhere with Burris either.

If you were to get Burris I would not go full line. I would only get what is unique to their product line as they do offer some scopes that no one else does. I would then pray that you never ever have to deal with their customer service.

quote:

Originally posted by youngoutdoors:

Homebrewer, the 24 would be my choice. A lot of mirage with more than that unless you really pick the times when you shoot.

God Bless, Louis

I shoot in the mornings. Problem is my range faces dead East. I have to wait until the sun gets up a bit in order to see anything downrange. By then, if it's summer, there can be a bunch of heat out there. Thank you for the reply.

What's everybody's opinion of this one?

http://www.theriflescopestore.com/sisisi10lora2.html

I have a Burris Blackdiamond scope that I would put up against any scope in that price range for optical clarity and reliablity anytime, however I probably won't buy anymore Burris handgun scopes as they just don't seem to handle recoil. As for Burris customer service, they are top notch! If I were you I would only carry the USA made Burris products. I like Luepold optics but think Burris optics are a better value.

From a business point of view. Only offer them if you can be competitive in pricing. I am not sure about Burris but you may need to purchase a large lot of them in order to gain competitive advantage.

quote:

Originally posted by Luckyducker:
I have a Burris Blackdiamond scope that I would put up against any scope in that price range for optical clarity and reliablity anytime, however I probably won't buy anymore Burris handgun scopes as they just don't seem to handle recoil. As for Burris customer service, they are top notch! If I were you I would only carry the USA made Burris products. I like Luepold optics but think Burris optics are a better value.

When was the last time you had dealings with Burris customer service? Not just a phone call but actually sent something in?

2 years ago I actually sent a Burris bino in after my kid ripped the eyepieces off. I called Burris and told them exactly what happened. They said to send them in with a note of explanation. I did so and Burris sent me a brand new pair of binos for free.

No company could do any better.

None of my other Burris products have ever needed repair. Precisely as it should be.

I think the Burris line would be a wonderful addition to your store Doug.

What is the warranty going to be? IMHO, they would have to retail for at least 25% less than a similar model Leupold. Leupold has a lifetime (on the scope) warranty.

Rich

quote:

Originally posted by nsaqam:
2 years ago I actually sent a Burris bino in after my kid ripped the eyepieces off. I called Burris and told them exactly what happened. They said to send them in with a note of explanation. I did so and Burris sent me a brand new pair of binos for free.

No company could do any better.

None of my other Burris products have ever needed repair. Precisely as it should be.

I think the Burris line would be a wonderful addition to your store Doug.

You are one of the lucky ones I guess. Both my experiences have been in the last year. I will not buy any product that requires luck to be treated right if I need service for the product. For every good experience I have heard of burris I have heard two or three bad ones. Not good odds.

Doug, When buying a scope I NEVER think of Burris.