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Burris Fastfire 3 Red Dot Review

When it comes to red dot sights, the Burris FastFire 3 is a name that frequently pops up among firearm enthusiasts.
Having had the chance to use this sight extensively, I’m here to share my thoughts and experiences with this compact, versatile, and user-friendly optic.
Whether you're a seasoned shooter or a novice, the Burris FastFire 3 has something to offer, and I aim to provide you with a comprehensive review that covers all its aspects.
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Overview and Specifications

The Burris FastFire 3 is a compact reflex sight designed for use on handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Here are the key specifications:
Magnification: 1x
Dot Size: 3 MOA or 8 MOA
Weight: 1.5 ounces
Battery Life: Up to 5,000 hours
Waterproof: Yes
Shockproof: Yes
Adjustment: Windage and elevation adjustments at 1 MOA per click
Mounting: Picatinny/Weaver base included

Best Features

1. Compact and Lightweight Design: One of the standout features of the Burris FastFire 3 is its compact size and lightweight construction. Weighing just 1.5 ounces, it adds negligible weight to your firearm, making it an excellent choice for maintaining balance and maneuverability.
2. Versatile Dot Sizes: The FastFire 3 is available with either a 3 MOA or an 8 MOA dot, catering to different shooting preferences. The 3 MOA dot is ideal for precision shooting, while the larger 8 MOA dot is great for quick target acquisition in close-quarters scenarios.
3. Long Battery Life: With a battery life of up to 5,000 hours, the FastFire 3 ensures you won’t be left in the lurch during critical moments. The top-loading battery compartment makes it easy to change batteries without removing the sight from your firearm, which is a significant advantage.
4. Durability: This sight is built to last. It's both waterproof and shockproof, capable of withstanding the rigors of field use. I’ve used it in various weather conditions, and it has never failed to perform.
5. Automatic Brightness Sensor: The FastFire 3 features an automatic brightness sensor that adjusts the dot’s intensity according to the ambient lighting conditions. This ensures that the dot is always visible but not overly bright, which could be distracting.

Pros

Ease of Use: The FastFire 3 is incredibly user-friendly. Its simple controls and intuitive design make it suitable for shooters of all experience levels.
Clear Optics: The sight offers a clear and crisp view, which significantly aids in target acquisition and accuracy.
Mounting Flexibility: With the included Picatinny/Weaver mount, attaching the FastFire 3 to various firearms is a breeze.
Affordability: Considering its features and performance, the FastFire 3 is reasonably priced, offering excellent value for money.

Cons

Limited Field of View: Due to its compact size, the sight's field of view is somewhat limited compared to larger reflex sights. This might be a minor inconvenience for some shooters.
Dot Adjustment: Adjusting the dot’s brightness manually can be a bit cumbersome, especially when transitioning between drastically different lighting conditions quickly.

Experience Using the Product

From the moment I mounted the Burris FastFire 3 on my pistol, I was impressed by its performance. The sight’s compact size did not hinder my ability to quickly acquire targets. Whether I was at the range practicing my marksmanship or out in the field hunting, the FastFire 3 consistently delivered.
The automatic brightness adjustment worked flawlessly in various lighting conditions, ensuring that the dot was always visible but not overly bright. I particularly appreciated the 3 MOA dot for precision shooting; it allowed me to make accurate shots even at longer distances.
The battery life lived up to its claims, lasting me through multiple shooting sessions without needing a replacement. When it did come time to change the battery, the top-loading compartment made the process quick and straightforward.

Online Customer Comments

The Burris FastFire 3 has garnered positive feedback from many users. Here are a few comments that stood out to me:
"I love the lightweight feel of this sight. It doesn't add any noticeable weight to my handgun, and the automatic brightness adjustment is a game-changer." - User on a firearm forum
"The 3 MOA dot is perfect for my needs. It’s small enough for precision but still easy to pick up quickly." - Amazon review
"Changing the battery is a breeze with the top-loading design. No need to re-zero the sight every time you swap batteries." - Customer review on an online store

FAQs

Q: Is the Burris FastFire 3 suitable for all types of firearms? A: Yes, the FastFire 3 is versatile and can be mounted on handguns, rifles, and shotguns, thanks to the included Picatinny/Weaver mount.
Q: How do I adjust the brightness of the dot manually? A: The sight features a button on the side that allows you to cycle through different brightness settings. However, the automatic brightness sensor usually does an excellent job of adjusting the dot intensity.
Q: Is the FastFire 3 durable enough for heavy recoil firearms? A: Absolutely. The sight is both waterproof and shockproof, making it durable enough to handle the recoil of larger calibers.
Q: Can the dot size be changed after purchase? A: No, you must choose between the 3 MOA or 8 MOA dot size at the time of purchase. The dot size cannot be altered later.
Q: Does the sight come with a warranty? A: Yes, Burris offers a lifetime warranty for the FastFire 3, ensuring peace of mind for your investment.

Alternatives

While the Burris FastFire 3 is an excellent red dot sight, there are other options worth considering:
: The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is known for its ruggedness and reliability. It offers similar features to the FastFire 3 but with a more durable construction, making it ideal for harsh environments. However, it comes at a higher price point.
: The Vortex Venom is another popular choice among shooters. It offers a slightly larger field of view and similar features, such as automatic brightness adjustment and a top-loading battery. The Venom is also competitively priced.
: The Holosun HS507C stands out with its multiple reticle system and solar backup power. It offers excellent battery life and durability, making it a strong contender in the red dot sight market.
: Leupold’s DeltaPoint Pro is renowned for its exceptional optical clarity and durability. It’s slightly larger than the FastFire 3 but offers a larger viewing window and excellent performance, especially in low-light conditions.

Conclusion

The Burris FastFire 3 is a remarkable red dot sight that offers a perfect blend of performance, durability, and value. Its compact and lightweight design, coupled with versatile dot sizes and long battery life, makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of shooting applications. While it has a few minor drawbacks, they are easily outweighed by its many strengths.
If you’re in the market for a reliable and affordable red dot sight, the Burris FastFire 3 should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re mounting it on a handgun, rifle, or shotgun, this sight is sure to enhance your shooting experience and help you achieve greater accuracy.
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