Burris

Burris. Burris is an American manufacturer specializing in high-performance optical equipment for shooting sports and outdoor activities. Founded in the early 1970s, the company has built a reputation for innovative sighting systems and durable optics, particularly within the competitive shooting and hunting communities. Its product lines, which include riflescopes, red dot sights, and binoculars, are known for incorporating advanced optical technology and are used by enthusiasts and professionals worldwide.

History

The company was established in 1971 by Don Burris, an avid shooter and inventor, in Greeley, Colorado. A key early innovation was the development of the first fully multi-coated lenses for sporting optics, which significantly improved light transmission and clarity. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Burris gained prominence in the competitive shooting world, with its scopes being used by champions at events like the Bianchi Cup and in disciplines governed by the International Practical Shooting Confederation. A significant corporate development occurred in 2002 when Burris was acquired by Beretta Holding S.A., the parent company of the famed Italian firearms manufacturer Beretta. This acquisition provided greater resources for research and development, allowing Burris to expand its technological offerings and global distribution network while maintaining its operational base in Colorado.

Products

Burris manufactures a wide array of optical products centered on precision aiming. Its flagship lines include the Eliminator laser-scope series, the XTRA Duty tactical scopes, and the Fullfield and Veracity hunting scopes, many of which feature the proprietary Ballistic Plex and FastFire reticle systems. The company is also renowned for its AR-15-compatible optics, such as the RT-6 model, and its innovative mounting solutions like the P.E.P.R. mount and the Signature Series rings, which utilize synthetic inserts to protect scope tubes. In addition to riflescopes, Burris produces a range of red dot sights, handgun scopes, and spotting scopes, as well as binoculars designed for hunting and general outdoor use, often incorporating HD optics and waterproof construction.

Corporate affairs

As a subsidiary of Beretta Holding S.A., Burris operates within a larger portfolio of sporting brands that includes Steiner Optics, Sako, and Tikka. Its corporate headquarters and primary manufacturing facilities remain in Greeley, Colorado, where it conducts much of its research and development. The company maintains a significant presence in the military and law enforcement sectors through contracts and product lines tailored for tactical use, often tested by units like the U.S. Special Operations Command. Burris also engages in strategic sponsorships and partnerships with prominent competitive shooters, hunting celebrities, and organizations such as the National Rifle Association and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to promote its products and support the shooting sports community.

In popular culture

Burris optics have appeared in various media forms, often associated with precision shooting and tactical scenarios. Their scopes and sights are frequently featured in television series focused on military, law enforcement, and hunting, such as *Top Shot* and *Sons of Guns*. The brand is also commonly referenced in firearms and outdoor enthusiast publications like *Guns & Ammo* and *American Rifleman*, where its products are regularly reviewed. While not as ubiquitously featured in blockbuster cinema as some other optics brands, Burris equipment is used by characters in several action and hunting-themed films and video games that emphasize realistic firearm accessories, cementing its image as a tool for serious marksmen.

See also

* Leupold & Stevens * Vortex Optics * Nightforce * Trijicon * EOTech * Bushnell Corporation * Nikon Inc.

Category:Companies based in Colorado Category:Optical device manufacturers of the United States Category:Sporting goods manufacturers of the United States Category:Firearm sights Category:Companies established in 1971