The Burris Fullfield Knob Synergy System

I recently had the chance to test a new Burris Fullfield riflescope, which features the innovative Knob Synergy System. This system makes it easy to swap between different elevation turrets, giving shooters the flexibility to choose the setup that best fits their needs. In addition to a standard capped turret, Burris offers three optional elevation turrets to choose from—including models you can custom engrave for quicker and more precise elevation adjustments. This level of customization is a significant step forward for shooters who want to tailor their optics to different situations and is a novel development worth explaining.

For my test I shot with the Fullfield 3-12x42 with Ballistic E3 reticle at 100 yards. For consistent results, I used a custom-built 6XC with a 26” Benchmark Barrel MTU-contour barrel, MPA BA Precision chassis, Defiance Deviant action, Triggertech Diamond trigger, and Area 419 Sidewinder muzzle brake. The temperature was around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and I was shooting reloaded ammo at a velocity of 3044 feet per second (fps). 

Available in a variety of magnification ranges all Fullfield scopes are Second, or Rear, Focal Plane (SFP) and feature multi-coated lenses allowing for effective low-light shooting. Some models are available with illuminated reticles and parallax adjustment knobs. The scope I tested did not have either. The Ballistic E3 reticle featured in my optic provided 6 MOA of down, left, and right measurement, and 2 MOA of measurement on the top of the center crosshair, ideal for hunters looking for quick holds and enough information for quick measurements and corrections.

Knob Synergy Breakdown and Range Testing

I first mounted the Fullfield onto my rifle using Burris’s 1” Signature Rings and bore-sighted on the range. I then established my zero on the supplied Standard Capped elevation and windage turrets, which came pre-installed on the scope. They are bright red. This is to help you from leaving your caps at the range. The feel of every click during each adjustment was nice and clear, and there were no issues when establishing my zero. The Standard Capped elevation turret is a little limited. It has no zero stop, as well as no indicator for the amount of rotations traveled up or down. This is perfectly fine for sighting in and those who do not dial, but not ideal for shooters who may want to shoot at greater distances. If you want to drastically change your elevation settings after establishing your zero, it is necessary to take detailed notes to avoid becoming completely lost on the turret. Or in the case of Knob Synergy, upgrade your knob!

My process for testing the consistency of the Knob Synergy System after zeroing was to fire several shots at the same aiming point while making elevation adjustments up to 600 yards. This allowed me to see how well the scope tracked between changes depending on which elevation knob I was using and allowed me to experiment with internally adjusting the elevation after establishing my zero stop on the Advanced Capped and Advanced Exposed knobs. The BurrisConnect App, which is free on IOS and Android, allows users to save shot data for different profiles and ammo loads. This provides a great platform for testing how each knob operates.

First, I started with the Standard knob. I shot one shot at each elevation on a target marked by 1” (1 MOA at 100 yards) squares, aiming at the center of the bottom leftmost diamond. The scope tracked accurately as I made my adjustments following my ballistics chart, and I returned to my zero once I tested out to 600 yards.

After concluding my test of the Standard turret, I switched to the Advanced Capped turret. I was curious to see how well my zero would hold when switching turrets, so I was careful when doing so—although some human error may have been involved, which resulted in a slight lowering of my zero from the Standard to the Advanced turrets.

The process of changing from turret to turret was relatively simple. The provided instructions were easy to follow, though did not specify that the shooter needs to press down when installing the zero stop in order for a small pin to slot into an engraved space inside the turret, so it took me a few minutes to figure it out. This system also necessitates the handling of extremely small screws, which could prove to be an issue if the turrets are changed in the field. Thankfully, Burris includes extra screws with each scope.

I chose to set my zero stop 1.5 MOA below my established zero. This is something I do for convenience on all scopes with a zero stop. To do so, I first dialed down 1.5 MOA on the Standard turret, then carefully followed the process to switch turrets. I set the zero stop, placed the turret on top (set 1.5 MOA below 0), then dialed back up to my 100-yard zero.

A wonderful feature of the Fullfield eliminates the need for this process, however: internal adjustments can be made to the elevation when the zero-stop mechanism is either loosened or not installed. I tested this feature on my third string of shots, dialing down 2 MOA from my zero-stop point (therefore 3.5 MOA below my 100-yard zero), and I was very pleased at the consistency of the adjustment. After two shots, I internally dialed back up 2 MOA, re-tightened the zero-stop mechanism, and dialed the rest of the way back to my zero before shooting two extra shots, which all landed at the correct elevation. It should be noted, however, that the zero-stop ring turned with the internal knob when the screws were loosened, so it was important to remember to reset the zero stop once I was finished.

When the Advanced Capped turret was installed and the zero-stop set, I repeated my process, this time aiming at the middle of the target (at the same elevation as my previous test) to test the tracking consistency. Again, the fact that the ensuing shots were lower than my previous shots should likely be attributed to human error, as I was figuring out the system. The final turret I tested was the Advanced Exposed turret, which also comes with a zero stop. Functionally, it is identical to the Advanced Capped turret; the only difference is that its elevation adjustments are always exposed rather than being coverable. The installation was identical to the previous turrets, and I once again followed my established testing process, aiming at the center of the bottom right diamond.

As my testing drew to a close, I was very impressed with the consistency between turrets. Each piece was clearly machined with care and attention to detail, and the process of installing each separate turret was about as simple as possible. Although I did not have the opportunity to try it out for myself, the option to have a custom turret engraved with my personal ballistic data is wonderful. The zero stops were firm, and all adjustments, whether done internally or externally, were clear both auditorily and to the touch.

Scope Applications

The Knob Synergy System is truly innovative and would be especially useful for shooters wanting to upgrade their optics instead of replacing it—the Standard knob provides a simple, easy-to-understand elevation turret without any features that would be confusing to a beginner, while the Advanced knobs allow for greater flexibility for more experienced shooters. Introducing a zero stop and the ability to custom-engrave an elevation turret for your specific setup is a huge plus. This system saves money and frustration and is certainly worth a look!

The scope is built from a single piece of aluminum and designed for durability. It should also be noted that there is no MIL option for the Fullfield, including the reticle or Knob Synergy turrets. In the future, as this system is developed further, having MIL options, could transform an already unique and flexible scope and turret system into something uniquely customizable and alluring to a wider part of the shooting community.

That all being said, this is an excellent system as-is, especially for new shooters and hunters. As previously stated, the Fullfield is designed for durability in rugged terrain and flexibility in an array of different lighting conditions. The Knob Synergy System provides hunters with the ability to easily adapt their scope to their environment—switching the Advanced Exposed knob for the Advanced Capped in situations where the scope may get jostled and the elevation could change—without worrying about consistency issues from turret to turret. The customizable turret option allows a hunter to have a scope that conforms to their data and the information relevant to them, making critical shots far easier and faster than on a conventional scope.

If you are a hunter who frequently finds yourself in demanding terrain and challenging light conditions, a beginning shooter who wants the option to upgrade your gear along with your skills without breaking the bank, or are interested in pushing the capabilities of one scope to the max, the Burris Fullfield scope with Knob Synergy System could be the right scope for you.