Introduction
The crisp morning air hung still, the scent of gunpowder barely lingering after the last shot. My target, a silhouette at fifty yards, lay riddled with holes, each perfectly placed, a testament to the precision of my handgun and the clarity of its optics. For years, I struggled with the limitations of iron sights, longing for the accuracy I knew was achievable. Then, I discovered the transformative power of a dedicated handgun scope, specifically the Burris 2×20, and my shooting experience was forever changed.
This is not just about hitting the target; it’s about enhancing the shooting experience. It’s about extending your effective range, improving accuracy, and ultimately, enjoying the sport to its fullest. This review will delve into the Burris 2×20 Handgun Scope, exploring its features, performance, and suitability for various shooting scenarios. We’ll unpack why this scope, a popular choice among handgun enthusiasts, might be the perfect upgrade for your pistol.
Design and Build
The Burris 2×20 Handgun Scope immediately presents a rugged and purpose-built aesthetic. Designed specifically for the punishing recoil of handguns, the scope exhibits a robust build that exudes confidence. The first thing that strikes you is the balance of size and function. It’s not overly bulky, making it manageable on a variety of handguns without significantly altering their balance or handling characteristics. Its compact form factor is a significant advantage for those who prioritize portability and maneuverability.
The scope’s construction emphasizes durability. Crafted from high-quality materials, it’s designed to withstand the rigors of field use. The exterior boasts a matte finish, minimizing glare and enhancing its tactical appeal. This finish not only looks good but also contributes to the scope’s weather resistance. You want a scope that can withstand the elements, and the Burris 2×20 delivers on that front.
This scope doesn’t feel flimsy; it feels solid and reliable. The materials used in its construction are chosen for their ability to withstand the shock and vibration associated with handgun recoil, ensuring the scope’s internal components remain aligned and functional shot after shot. This resilience is critical for maintaining accuracy and preventing the scope from shifting zero.
Optical Specifications
The heart of any scope lies in its optics, and the Burris 2×20 does not disappoint. The most defining feature is the 2x magnification paired with a 20mm objective lens. The 2x magnification offers a significant advantage over iron sights without sacrificing the field of view, making target acquisition quicker and easier. This is particularly advantageous at medium ranges, where a magnified view provides the precision needed for accurate shot placement.
The 20mm objective lens gathers ample light, resulting in a bright and clear image, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. This is crucial for extending your shooting time, as the scope remains effective during dawn and dusk. The quality of the lenses is evident when you look through the scope; the image is sharp, with minimal distortion.
The scope’s eye relief is a critical factor for handgun scopes. The Burris 2×20 provides generous eye relief, meaning you can hold the scope at a comfortable distance from your eye without sacrificing the full field of view. This is essential for safety and comfort, especially with powerful handgun calibers that can generate significant recoil. The generous eye relief helps prevent the scope from contacting your eye during recoil, a common concern with other types of optics.
The field of view is a well-considered design element that allows for easy target acquisition. The wider field of view enhances the ability to quickly locate and track targets. The ability to see a larger area contributes to improved situational awareness, especially when shooting in dynamic environments or at moving targets.
The reticle options are an important consideration. The Burris 2×20 is often found with simple yet effective reticle designs. These reticles provide a clear aiming point without cluttering the sight picture. This simplicity is especially helpful for handgun shooters who often need to acquire a target quickly. The reticle’s design allows for precise shot placement, ensuring that the bullet lands where you intend.
Adjustments and Controls
The adjustments and controls are well-designed for ease of use and reliability. The turrets are typically finger-adjustable, which means you can make windage and elevation adjustments without needing tools. This is a significant advantage in the field, as you can easily fine-tune the scope’s zero based on environmental factors or ammunition changes.
The adjustment range, in MOA (Minute of Angle) or clicks per inch, allows for a considerable amount of adjustment, meaning that you can zero the scope for various distances. The turrets click positively, giving the user a clear indication of each adjustment made. This helps to ensure that you are making the precise adjustments needed.
Performance in the Field
When it comes to real-world performance, the Burris 2×20 Handgun Scope truly shines. Target acquisition is swift and intuitive. The combination of 2x magnification and a clear reticle allows for fast and accurate target acquisition, even at varying distances. The image is crisp, and the sight picture is uncluttered, which helps improve focus.
The scope’s accuracy is a testament to its design and build quality. It allows for tighter groupings at various ranges. The ability to make precise shots becomes markedly easier with this scope compared to open sights. The clear view of the target enhances the ability to accurately place shots, even at extended distances.
Durability is essential for a handgun scope, and the Burris 2×20 is built to withstand the harsh realities of field use. It’s designed to endure the powerful recoil generated by most handguns. The scope’s shock resistance is evident in its continued performance even after extensive use. The water-resistant and fog-proof features ensure the scope remains functional in a variety of weather conditions.
The scope’s best use cases are plentiful. It excels at target shooting, hunting, and even competition, where its accuracy and reliability provide a significant advantage. It is ideally suited for use on handguns designed for longer-range shooting, offering a precise and reliable aiming solution. It also works well on hunting handguns for deer, hog, or other game species.
Advantages and Drawbacks
The advantages of the Burris 2×20 Handgun Scope are clear. The magnification level provides enhanced target acquisition and accuracy at various distances. Its build quality and weather resistance contribute to its long-term performance. The scope’s simple reticle allows for quick target acquisition. The generous eye relief provides comfort and safety, even with heavier recoiling handguns. User feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with many shooters praising its durability and clarity. Many users value its reliability and ease of use in a variety of conditions.
The Burris 2×20 Handgun Scope does have potential drawbacks. The 2x magnification, while ideal for many applications, might not be sufficient for extremely long-range shooting. While the glass is high-quality, it won’t compete with more expensive scopes.
Comparisons to the Competition
Compared to its competitors in the handgun scope market, the Burris 2×20 stands out for its combination of value, performance, and reliability. While other scopes may offer slightly different features, the Burris consistently delivers a balanced package that appeals to a wide range of shooters. Other scopes may have more complex reticles, but the Burris keeps things simple and effective. Its focus is always on performance.
The Burris 2×20 offers a great blend of features. It strikes a good balance between performance and price. Competitors may try to match the features, but the Burris 2×20 offers its own special blend of value.
Price and Value
The Burris 2×20 Handgun Scope is usually priced affordably, making it an attractive option for shooters of all levels. The scope offers excellent value for its price point. You are getting a durable, reliable, and accurate scope at a price that doesn’t break the bank. The performance-to-price ratio of the Burris 2×20 is exceptional.
Closing Remarks
In conclusion, the Burris 2×20 Handgun Scope is a highly recommended optic for handgun enthusiasts. Its robust build, clear optics, and user-friendly design make it an excellent choice for target shooting, hunting, and other shooting activities. The balance of size, durability, and clarity provides a significant edge over iron sights, and the scope’s performance in the field is undeniable.
This scope delivers improved accuracy, enhanced target acquisition, and the confidence you need to take that perfect shot. The Burris 2×20 Handgun Scope is ideal for anyone looking to improve their handgun shooting skills.
If you are looking for an affordable scope to increase your effective range and improve accuracy, you can’t go wrong with the Burris 2×20 Handgun Scope. It’s a reliable performer.
