Let’s Dive into Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope
For years, I’ve been chasing the perfect optic for my handgun hunting setups, something rugged enough to handle magnum recoil yet precise enough for long-range accuracy. Enter the Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope, a name synonymous with handgun optics in the shooting world. Burris promises a scope designed to withstand heavy recoil, boasting excellent light transmission and lasting durability, and my years of experience in the field demanded I see if it lived up to the hype.
My search for a handgun scope stemmed from a growing frustration with open sights on my Thompson Center Encore pistol. The effective range was limited, and aging eyes made accurate shots beyond 50 yards a real challenge. I needed something that could extend my range and improve my shot placement on those tough, ethical shots.
The Burris scope arrived securely packaged, and my first impression was one of solid construction. The matte black finish looked durable, and the adjustments felt precise. It had a reassuring weight, suggesting quality materials and careful assembly.
I considered other handgun scopes from Leupold and Bushnell, but the Burris consistently received high marks for its recoil resistance and clarity. I chose this one hoping for a reliable optic to handle the kick of my larger caliber hunting handguns. Honestly, I was cautiously excited; handgun scopes have often been a mixed bag of performance, but I hoped Burris could deliver.
Real-World Testing: Putting Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing grounds were the local shooting range, where I mounted the Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope on my S&W 500. The weather was typical for early spring – a bit damp with a light breeze. I wanted to see how the Burris performed under real-world conditions.
The scope proved surprisingly easy to zero, with clear and responsive adjustments. Even in the somewhat overcast conditions, the image was bright and sharp. The long eye relief, a critical feature for handgun scopes, was comfortable and forgiving, allowing me to maintain a consistent sight picture even with the heavy recoil of the 500 S&W.
I did notice that the eye relief became more critical as the magnification increased. At 7x, a consistent cheek weld was essential for a clear view, but this is typical of most handgun scopes. Otherwise, the first range session was promising.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use on various handguns, including a .44 Magnum and a .45-70 Contender, the Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope has held up remarkably well. The finish shows no signs of wear, and the adjustments remain crisp and accurate. Most importantly, the scope has consistently held zero, even after hundreds of rounds of punishing recoil.
Maintenance has been minimal. A quick wipe down with a microfiber cloth after each range session keeps the lenses clean and clear. I’ve paid particular attention to the turret adjustments, ensuring they are free of debris and properly lubricated.
Compared to other handgun scopes I’ve used in the past, the Burris stands out for its robust construction and consistent performance. Some cheaper scopes tend to lose zero or exhibit internal fogging after extended use. The Burris has proven to be a reliable and durable optic that has exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope
Specifications
- The Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope features a variable 2-7x magnification, providing versatility for both close-range and longer-distance shots. This range allows for target acquisition in various scenarios.
- It has a 32mm objective lens diameter, offering a good balance between light gathering and overall scope size. The size is manageable on a handgun.
- The scope utilizes a 1-inch tube diameter, which is a common size, allowing for a wide range of mounting options. This also standardizes ring availability.
- Its second focal plane (SFP) reticle means the reticle size remains constant regardless of magnification. This keeps the reticle from obscuring the target at higher magnifications.
- The scope offers an exit pupil range of 4.9 – 16 mm, allowing for comfortable viewing in varying light conditions. The range helps with fast target acquisition.
- It provides a field of view of 7 – 21 ft at 100 yds, giving a wide sight picture for quick target acquisition. The width is beneficial for hunting moving targets.
- The Burris scope features a generous eye relief of 11 – 21 inches, crucial for safe and comfortable handgun shooting. This minimizes the risk of “scope bite”.
- Weighing in at 13 oz, the scope adds minimal weight to the handgun, maintaining a good balance. It does not make the handgun feel unwieldy.
- Adjustment click value is 1/4 MOA, allowing for precise zeroing and adjustments. This is crucial for long-range accuracy.
- The scope has a length of 9.7 inches, making it relatively compact for a handgun scope. Its size doesn’t make the handgun overly long.
- It uses MOA adjustments, a common and easily understood system for making corrections. This simplifies the zeroing process.
- The parallax is set to be parallax free, eliminating the need for parallax adjustment, simplifying use. This is great for faster target acquisition.
- The scope body is constructed from aircraft grade aluminum, ensuring strength and durability. The construction is very rugged.
- The lens is made of glass with Hi-Lume Multi-Coated optical coating, maximizing light transmission and image clarity. This is crucial in low-light conditions.
- It is waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof, ensuring reliable performance in all weather conditions. These features add to its overall durability.
- The scope offers W/E Travel at 100 Yds of 64/64 MOA, providing ample adjustment range for zeroing. This range should handle most handgun calibers.
- It attaches via riflescope rings, offering a secure and stable mounting platform. These rings are a common mounting solution.
Performance & Functionality
The Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope excels in its primary role: enhancing accuracy and extending the effective range of handguns. The clarity of the glass, combined with the variable magnification, makes target acquisition quick and precise. It has greatly improved my ability to consistently hit targets at distances beyond 100 yards.
A notable strength is its ability to maintain zero, even with repeated exposure to heavy recoil. The scope’s internal mechanisms are clearly robust and well-designed, allowing it to withstand the harsh realities of handgun hunting.
However, one area for potential improvement is the low-light performance. While the Hi-Lume multicoating certainly helps, the 32mm objective lens does limit the amount of light gathered. A larger objective lens might improve performance in twilight conditions.
Overall, the Burris scope meets and even exceeds expectations for a handgun optic. It provides a clear, reliable, and durable platform for enhancing handgun accuracy.
Design & Ergonomics
The Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope boasts a simple yet effective design. The matte black finish is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. The scope body is well-proportioned, and the turrets are easily accessible, even with gloves on.
At 13 ounces, the scope is light enough to not significantly alter the balance of the handgun. The eye relief is generous and forgiving, making it comfortable to use for extended periods.
There is no real learning curve to using this scope. The adjustments are intuitive, and the image is clear and easy to acquire.
Durability & Maintenance
The Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope appears to be built to last. The aircraft-grade aluminum construction and robust internal components inspire confidence. The scope has survived hundreds of rounds of heavy recoil without any signs of degradation.
Maintenance is straightforward. A quick wipe down with a lens cloth after each use is generally sufficient. The waterproof and fogproof design eliminates the need for any specialized cleaning or care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope does not come with a plethora of accessories, focusing instead on core functionality. It includes lens caps for protection during storage and transport.
The primary customization option is the choice of reticle. Burris offers the scope with either a standard Plex reticle or their Ballistic Plex reticle, which provides holdover points for longer-range shooting.
The scope is compatible with any standard 1-inch scope rings, providing a wide range of mounting options from various manufacturers.
Pros and Cons of Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope
Pros
- Extremely durable and recoil resistant. This scope is built to withstand the punishing recoil of magnum handguns.
- Clear and bright optics. The Hi-Lume multicoating provides excellent light transmission and image clarity.
- Generous eye relief. Comfortable and forgiving eye relief makes it easy to acquire a sight picture.
- Precise and repeatable adjustments. The 1/4 MOA adjustments are accurate and consistent.
- Versatile magnification range. The 2-7x magnification is suitable for a variety of handgun hunting scenarios.
Cons
- Low-light performance could be better. A larger objective lens might improve performance in twilight conditions.
- Eye relief becomes more critical at higher magnifications. Requires a more consistent cheek weld at 7x.
Who Should Buy Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope?
The Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope is perfect for handgun hunters who demand a durable and accurate optic for their magnum revolvers or single-shot pistols. It’s also well-suited for target shooters looking to extend the range of their handguns.
This scope might not be ideal for those who primarily shoot in very low-light conditions or those who require a scope with a large objective lens for maximum light gathering. Also, those who prefer illuminated reticles may want to consider other options.
A must-have accessory is a set of high-quality 1-inch scope rings. The choice of rings will depend on the specific handgun and mounting system.
Conclusion on Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope
In summary, the Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope is a reliable and high-performing optic that is well-suited for handgun hunting and target shooting. Its durability, clarity, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for serious handgun enthusiasts.
At a price of $389.99, the Burris scope represents a solid value proposition. It provides a significant improvement in accuracy and range over open sights, justifying the cost for those who demand the best from their equipment.
I would definitely recommend the Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope to anyone looking for a high-quality handgun optic. It’s a durable, accurate, and versatile scope that will enhance your shooting experience. Upgrade your handgun setup today and experience the difference a quality optic can make!
