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Burris Optics Marks Half a Century of Fullfield Riflescopes

Riflescopes from Burris Optics' Fullfield line revolutionized firearm and ammunition ballistics half a century ago, marking a significant leap in performance.

Fifty years of innovation in Fullfield Riflescopes marked by Burris Optics commemorated.
Fifty years of innovation in Fullfield Riflescopes marked by Burris Optics commemorated.

Burris Optics Marks Half a Century of Fullfield Riflescopes

The Leupold Fullfield riflescope, a staple in the hunting community, continues to be manufactured by Leupold Optics, a company that has been dedicated to improving riflescope performance since its inception in 1971. Founded by Warren Leupold in Greeley, Colorado, Leupold Optics introduced its Fullfield line of riflescopes in 1975.

Four years in the making, the original Fullfield scope models were offered in 4X, 2-7X, and 3-9X magnification. These pioneering scopes boasted a field of view (FOV) that was 53 percent larger than conventional scopes, making them stand out in the market. In fact, they offered a 23 percent greater FOV than the wide-angle scopes of the time.

In 1977, Leupold took another leap forward by introducing Hi-Lume lenses into its variable-power scope line. These lenses enhanced visibility by 20 percent due to their 99.5 percent light transmission through each lens surface. This innovation was a game-changer, improving the hunting experience for many.

The following year, Leupold expanded its Fullfield line with the introduction of fixed-power models offering long eye relief for Model 1894 Winchesters and pistols. In 1980, the company also introduced 'mini-scope' variants for carbines and compact rifles.

Fast forward to 2025, Leupold Optics unveiled the fifth-generation Fullfield riflescope. This new model maintains the wide FOV characteristics that the Leupold legend was built upon, while also embodying the company's 'hunter first' approach to engineering. The fifth-generation Fullfield riflescope delivers the performance every shooter expects, making it a worthy successor to the original models.

Today, Leupold Optics, one of the more than 50 subsidiaries of Beretta Holding Group, remains in Greeley, Colorado, where it was founded. With a workforce of over 6,200 employees across the globe, Beretta Holding Group continues to support Leupold Optics in its mission to provide high-quality optics for hunters worldwide.

Over the past five decades, the Leupold Fullfield riflescope has been taken afield by multiple generations of passionate and demanding hunters. It is a testament to the enduring quality and performance of these scopes that they have stood the test of time. From its inception in 1975 to the introduction of the fifth-generation model in 2025, the Leupold Fullfield riflescope continues to be a trusted companion for hunters around the world.

Hi-Lume lenses, a key innovation from Leupold, are still offered in its optics to this day, ensuring that every shooter has the best possible visibility in the field. The Leupold Fullfield riflescope is a shining example of a product line that has continued to evolve and improve while staying true to its original mission: to provide the best possible riflescopes for hunters.

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