Now that I have got a barrel on order for my Encore , it is timeto shop for a scope. I am seriously considering a straight 4 power. This is going on a hunting gun for whitetails in moderate to heavy cover and 100 yds will be a long shot. The caliber is 6.5X55 swede in a 14 inch tube. What opinions do you guys have on Burris opposed to Leupold ? Which one is going to serve me better? Thanks Rick
Posts: 236 | Location: Adirondack Mountains of NY | Registered: 21 April 2001
I have used both and I prefer the Burris. I never really had any mechanical failures with either of these brands, the Burris scopes just seem clearer to me. I think the Burris 2-7X pistol scope is the best hunting scope on the market, but if you prefer a fixed power scope the 4X is a good one.
I also like the Bushnell Elite 2-6X scope. The only thing I don't like about the Bushnell is that it has a very narrow field of view when compared to the Burris. It is a little cheaper though if money is an issue.
CRICKER, I've used both and have found the Leupold much better. I've had three Burris scopes. All were new. I had nothing but trouble with all three. The first was a fixed 4x. It spent more time in shipment than it did on my rifle. Supposedly it had been "fixed", but refused to hold a zero. I finally threw it away. The second was a low power variable, I forget which. I put it on a .338 WM. It didn't stand up to the recoil. When I got it back "repaired" I used it as trading materal. The third was a 2x-7x that I mounted on a .243 W. At the third shot the reticle took about a forty-five degree list to port. When it came back, it was traded off. I have never had another burris scope, and never will. I can understand anyone having a product go kaput, but not three. Sorry to rain on your parade.
I have both. I was a Long time fan of Leupold..but the last three Scopes I have purchased have been Burris. For my money the finish apears better on the Burris and the scopes are just as Good as my Leupolds. I have shot my Burris on a 444Marlin chambering in a contender and had ZERO problems with it. To boot they are a little less money. fireball
I would look at the overall picture. Both scopes are ok but I favor Leupold over Burris. If you have ever had to deal with Burris's customer service dept you would never buy another product from them again, Leupold on the other hand is great #1 in my book. Resale value also, Leupold always hold thier own over Burris if you ever have to sell. TK
Posts: 132 | Location: Anacortes WA | Registered: 04 May 2002
I like the Burris and Bushnell 2x6. I have 4 Burris scope and 3 Bushnell. Leupold make a good scope you need to just try them out and see what you like But you will not got wrong with any of the three
Cricker, I have and currently own both. Customer service for me has been good from both. I have had a number of scopes from Burris 4x, 1.5x4, 2x7, 7x, 5x, 3x9, 10x, & 3x12. With Leupold I have a 2x & 4x. They (Burris) have been on everything from a 222 rem 10 inch TC to 338 Win. Mag. Encore handgun and a 7.82 Patriot XP-100. I have had both brands break. Twice I have been in a bind for a scope back. Burris met my time window. On another time, when I put no time frame it took longer than I thought it should. I fully support both companies. Currently, I have 3-3x12's, 1-2x7 (Burris) 2x & 4x (Leupold) xphunter xphunter
Greetings! I'd go with Burris over Leupold in a handgun scope for the simple reason that for true long range shooting, on anything above 6X you really need an adjustable objective.
Burris has it, and Leupold does not. It makes a noticable difference past 150 yards when using either brand of scope in my experience
Posts: 830 | Location: Virginia, USA | Registered: 08 March 2002
I'm partial to leupolds, but haven't personally tried the Burris, so can't make a fair comparison.
I would say that since you indicate you'll be hunting in moderate to heavy cover, I'd highly recomend a 2-6 variable over a fixed 4X. On a handgun you loose alot of field of view over a rifle, and I personally would not sacrifice field of view over power. In fact, I'd take a fixed 2x over a 4x for a handgun inside 100 yds.
Posts: 7213 | Location: Alaska | Registered: 27 February 2001
I've had both on my barrels, now there's only Burris. Sold all of my Luepolds on my pistols and bought Burris(8 total 1x,2x, 2x, 4x, 2x7.1.5x4, 3x9,7x target). (I still have Luepold rifle scopes). Service on Burris I always heard was lousy! I blew the internal focus out of my 2x7 P/L with my 45/70 SSK barrel. Sent it to Burris and recived it back in 21 days from sending date. What impressed me was that I asked for tech too call me when working on scope to answer ?? and he did!!! Luepold tech told me nothing was wrong with my 6.5x20 A/O and it was probally me that was problem!!! I have a Browning a-bolt stainless stalker in 300 Win Mag that would clover-leaf @ 100 with hand-loads and went to shooting 4" groups, and was told that I probally was at fault! Needless to say "super" got an ear full and I don't favor even Luepolds any more. PS after 4th time back to Luepold, my 300 will clover leaf again!!! BURRIS in my book!!!
Seems to me that most of the Bad reviews about Burris came from another Forum. I was worried about Burris customer service so I emailed them. Thier reply was positive and they told me that if I needed a Scope repaired and I had a Time frame they would do everything they could to meet it and Even noted that at times they sent a Loaner scope when a customer was in a HUGE need for a special HUNT. I am sure thier are a few who accually had a bad experiance with burris...but i would think that if they called Burris they would make it right!....Thier feed back about thier customer service was MORE positive and the response was Much quicker than I recieved from Leupold. As far as resale value?? Have you tried to buy a Used Burris handgun scope for a cheap price the last year? Most are asking almost new prices. Fireball
Cricker, Given the specs you've mentioned, I'd rec you consider a scope w/ the widest field of view (fov) you can find. Having said that, I think you'll find Burris is the winner. I too hunt in thick woods, usually where a "long" shot is only 75 yards! Also, I don't know about you, but the deer I hunt won't seem to stop walking when I want them too.... I've used a variety of scopes for this type of deer hunting (Burris 3-9X, Burris 2-7X, Leupold 2.5-8X, Leupold 2X, Leupold 4X, Simmons 2.5-7X, and Tasco 2-8X) and find that I favor the Burris 2-7X. This scope offers a VERY wide fov at 2X for woods hunting, but can be cranked up to 7X if I decide to hunt a power line where 250 yd shots are possible. No other scope offers such a combination of high magnification PLUS wide fov. Admittedly, the Leupold 2.5-8X is the BRIGHTEST scope I've seen, but the narrow fov more than counteracts that, in my book. If you won't be doing any hunting beyond 150 yds, you might want to consider the Burris 1.5-4X. I've heard a lot of good about the Bushnell 2-6X, but it also has a narrow fov. Gary T.
Posts: 491 | Location: Springhill, LA | Registered: 27 March 2002
As you can tell opinions vary. I had a chance to do a side by side on a Leupold 2.5-8 and the Burris 2-7. Looking at them together you can really see the difference. At least I could. But opinions vary. I have Leupolds on three of my most used barrels. I even put one on my 22 Long Rifle I like them so much better, even at $100 more. I have to admit though, that the generous eye relief of the Burris pistol scopes would be nice. Slim
Thanks for the insight from all of you guys. I borrowed an Encore barrel in 308win with a 2X Leupold and found it very clear and the eye relief was great. Still looking for someone with a burris so I can compare. Most everyone around here prefers a dot. I have got a Redfield compact ESD on my 30-06. It is a great dot sight and I may try it on the 6.5X55. I also have a tasco dot on my 223 , but I am sure they won't handle the heavy kickers. Keep the opinions coming...........I haven't made up my mind yet. Thanks Rick
Posts: 236 | Location: Adirondack Mountains of NY | Registered: 21 April 2001
Cricker, if you don't mind me straying from the original question, have you ever tried a red dot sight? In my opinion they are light years ahead of any scope in thick cover on a handgun. The eye relief is phenominal compared to the tiny field of view in a handgun scope. I think typically most people think of a red dot sight as being a very short range sight. On my 357 Herrett, I can shoot a tighter group at 100 yards than I can with my custom rifle with a scope. Last year I got a buck in thick cover while he was on the move at 80 yards. I never would have been able to see him with my pistol scope. By the way, I have a Leuopold 2.5X8 and like it very well. I have it equipped with butler creek lens covers and it has a wider field of view than a fixed power scope.
Grey Eagle
Posts: 98 | Location: MO, USA | Registered: 22 March 2002
"FORD" "CHEVY" "FORD" "CHEVY" Sounds like I sould give FORD (BURRIS) another try. It's just that one bite left a real bad taste. By the way the problem I had was with a compact 4x12 (RIFLE)that I ordered direct from burris with target knobs and a dot crosshair(special order) when I got the scope the glass was so bad It's was like looking at the bottom of a round fish bowl. Called and sent it back three times.Each time they said they fixed it.$31.00 in shipping later I ate my loss and thats where I got that bad taste. After that I ended up trading it for a Leupold straight 6x. Thanks Tony
Posts: 132 | Location: Anacortes WA | Registered: 04 May 2002
How about light gathering ability? I have a 2X Leupold, 2x Simmons and a Redfield 2-6x. All seem to have about the same light gathering abilities. All are the 20mm objective. Is Burris any better? How much does the bigger objective help? Thanks,Lone Hunter
Posts: 210 | Location: Smithfield, NC, USA | Registered: 15 April 2002
quote:Originally posted by TonyK: If you have ever had to deal with Burris's customer service dept you would never buy another product from them again....
Now, now, now... I just sent a Burris Signature 6-24x Mil-Dot in, three weeks ago, for a focusing problem... and also had them install their Ballistic Mil-Dot reticle (which was not available when I purchased my scope)... and got it back yesterday. The focusing problem is fixed and the reticle is what I wanted. I'm quite happy with how I was treated by Burris.
Russ
Posts: 2982 | Location: Silvis, IL | Registered: 12 May 2001
Russ, Glad to here it, because if they treated all customers the way they treated me you would not have a choice on what scope to buy!! They would be out of business! Maybe just maybe I'll try one of the burris 3x12s Tony
Posts: 132 | Location: Anacortes WA | Registered: 04 May 2002
TonyK, When it comes to the Burris 4x12 Compact rifle scope line you are not the first to be disappointed. My hunting buddy Steve has had 2 4x12 Compacts. He wasn't pleased and sent them back several times. But we haven't noticed this problem in other Burris Scopes. Also back in the late 80's they were having trouble with reticule in the 1.5x4 pistol scope-that is fixed now by the way. I really like my LER 3x12's. If I had a hunting handgun that I wouldn't shoot over 300 yards I would probably go with the Burris LER 2x7 for an overall larger field of view and a lower magnification for heavy timber hunting. xphunter
quote:Originally posted by TonyK: Russ, Glad to here it, because if they treated all customers the way they treated me you would not have a choice on what scope to buy!! They would be out of business! Maybe just maybe I'll try one of the burris 3x12s Tony
I'm with you Tony. I bought a posi-plex 3-9 pistol scope that could not be seen through. The customer rep. was an idiot. They finally fixed it by sending me a replacement that was fine, but that was enough for me. If anyone had glanced through that first 3-9 they would have instantly known it was no good. I'm not paid to test scopes, I have to buy them. If they won't check them before they sell them, I'll buy from someone who does! Lefty
quote:Originally posted by xp100hunter: TonyK, When it comes to the Burris 4x12 Compact rifle scope line you are not the first to be disappointed. My hunting buddy Steve has had 2 4x12 Compacts. He wasn't pleased and sent them back several times. But we haven't noticed this problem in other Burris Scopes. Also back in the late 80's they were having trouble with reticule in the 1.5x4 pistol scope-that is fixed now by the way. I really like my LER 3x12's. If I had a hunting handgun that I wouldn't shoot over 300 yards I would probably go with the Burris LER 2x7 for an overall larger field of view and a lower magnification for heavy timber hunting. xphunter
Why Not use the Burris 3x12 and turn it down to 7x when you MUST HAVE the field of view? The F.O.V. only disapppears when you turn it up to 9-12 power on mine Fireball
I ordered a scope on sunday evening from midsouth shooters. (good thing I did too cause that bullet sale really made them busy on monday) I finally decided on a straight 2 power and Burris. A little less $$$ and it has a 24mm obj.(Leupold has a 20mm obj) Now I am waiting for the little brown truck. As a side.... VVCG has billed my card for the other half of my 6.5X55 barrel, so I expect that soon too. Thanks again for all the help. This board is the best.( even without a big catfish ) Rick
Posts: 236 | Location: Adirondack Mountains of NY | Registered: 21 April 2001
I am in the market for a low power variable and by that I mean something like 1x-4X. There are not too many options in that range. My problem with the Burris in this range is that it is only a 20mm objective. I'm guessing the FOV on this one is not as great as on the other Burris models with the larger objective lens?
Cokdnloded, You would need to check Burris' website against other manufacturers, but I don't think that your field of view will be affected by the 20mm objective. The FOV isn't determined by the obj. diameter, but rather on how the eye relief is set up. Usually, the greater the eye relief the less the field of view for a given magnification. The Burris 1.5x4LER has a FOV of 21 feet @ 100 yards at 1.5 power and it has a FOV of 11 feet @ 100 yards on 4 power. I hope this helps. xphunter
What is the eye relief like on the 3x12 Burris guys? I bought a 3x9 Burris and it isn't really what I expected. I still have not found a scope with the eyerelief that my B&L has. Now if they would only make more of these handgun scopes with PA they would all have somthing!
Posts: 655 | Location: Kansas US of A | Registered: 03 March 2002
I'm a bit late on posting but I have used Nikon 2X, Leupold 2X, Leupold 4X, and Burris 2-7X on Encore and Contenders.
Don't anyone take this wrong, because I'm a Leupold fan and have three more Leupolds on rifles, but I've sold my Leupold pistol scopes. I like the Nikon 2X for a low power scope. In a side by side comparison to my Leupold, the FOV is larger and it is much brighter. I had no complaints with my Leupold 4X and just sold it to raise cash for two Burris 2-7X scopes. Greg
Posts: 1230 | Location: Saugerties, New York | Registered: 12 March 2002
quote:Originally posted by TonyK: I would look at the overall picture. Both scopes are ok but I favor Leupold over Burris. If you have ever had to deal with Burris's customer service dept you would never buy another product from them again, Leupold on the other hand is great #1 in my book. Resale value also, Leupold always hold thier own over Burris if you ever have to sell. TK
I would say to this post a great big and loud AMEN!
quote:Originally posted by jsh: What is the eye relief like on the 3x12 Burris guys? I bought a 3x9 Burris and it isn't really what I expected. I still have not found a scope with the eyerelief that my B&L has. Now if they would only make more of these handgun scopes with PA they would all have somthing!
I don't have first hand experience with either scope so I'm using Burris' own numbers to answer your question. This is where I found the information if you wish to look at it too...
According to their specs, both scopes have pretty much the same eye relief. The 3x12 has a little bit less when it is set on 12x, but you have to give up something to get more power and it appears that the critical eye relief loses about .5". Not a bad tradeoff in my book, but I'm sure it is a pain when you're trying to look through it while laying on your back!
Posts: 391 | Location: Kansas | Registered: 12 March 2002
There have been some negative comments about Burris' Customer Service. While I'm sure that the reports are accurate, I'd like to give another side of the story. The first "good" scope I ever bought was a 4x16 Signature. Just before the second hunting season with it, I had some trouble getting the windage to dial in, being ignorant of how such things work I managed to completely collapse the turret springs before discovering that the adjustable base screw was broken. When I backed out the turret the entire thing came out and the nitrogen escaped. I contacted Burris and confessed my error. They said, send it in, and we'll look at it. The repaired the scope and shipped it back, no charge. It was gone something like 3 weeks, plenty of time for deer season.
The next instance came when I bought a 2x7 LER used. Some one else had done exactly the same thing....trip to Burris, same result. Scope repaired, no charge. BTW- They picked up the return shipping.
Just yesterday I called about a chipped lense in a 10X LER. I asked the technician about a price. His response was, "just send it in, it probably won't be much". From the way he said it, I suspect it will be like the others, no charge.
I own 8 Burris scopes and one Luepold. All are excellent. I have been able to do very well with resales. In fact, the Burris LERs, IMO, hold their value better than Luepolds. For example, try and get a deal on 3x12s these days. You sure won't steal one very often.
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(BURRIS) another try. It's just that one bite left a real ![[Frown]](images/icons/frown.gif){kind=icon}
After that I ended up trading it for a Leupold straight 6x.
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