Burris FastFire 3 1x 21x15mm 8 MOA Red Dot Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 190 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification Review

The Burris FastFire 3 1x 21x15mm 8 MOA Red Dot Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 190 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification Made a Bold First Impression

The world of red dot sights is vast and varied, ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end, military-grade optics. The Burris FastFire 3 1x 21x15mm 8 MOA Red Dot Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 190 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification, manufactured by Burris, sits squarely in the mid-range, promising a blend of durability, performance, and user-friendly features. With its 8 MOA dot size and compact design, it’s specifically geared towards rapid target acquisition, making it a contender for pistols, shotguns, and rifles used in close-quarters scenarios.

My journey to the Burris FastFire 3 started with a problem: I needed a reliable and compact optic for my home defense shotgun. My aging eyes were struggling with iron sights in low-light situations, and I wanted something that would allow me to quickly and accurately engage a threat. I considered several options, but the FastFire 3’s reputation for ruggedness and its convenient top-mounted battery compartment ultimately swayed my decision.

Upon unboxing, the FastFire 3 felt solid and well-built. The steel housing gives it a reassuring heft without being overly bulky. The simple, uncluttered design is immediately appealing. I also liked the included protective cover, a small detail that speaks to Burris’s commitment to protecting the optic.

I considered the Trijicon RMR and the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, but ultimately opted for the Burris FastFire 3. While the Trijicon RMR is renowned for its bomb-proof construction, it commands a much higher price point. The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro offered similar features, but I’d heard mixed reviews about its battery life. The Burris FastFire 3 seemed to strike the best balance between price, performance, and practicality for my needs.

My first impression was positive – I was excited to mount it on my shotgun and head to the range. I was particularly impressed with the clarity of the glass and the brightness of the red dot. The top-mounted battery compartment was a clever design, and the overall build quality instilled confidence.

Real-World Testing: Putting Burris FastFire 3 1x 21x15mm 8 MOA Red Dot Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 190 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Burris FastFire 3 took place at my local shooting range. I mounted it on my 12-gauge shotgun using the optional picatinny mount offered by Burris. The installation process was straightforward, and the optic felt secure and stable. I spent several hours practicing target acquisition and firing drills at distances ranging from 7 to 25 yards.

The FastFire 3 performed admirably in bright sunlight. The 8 MOA dot was easy to see and acquire, even against brightly lit targets. I also tested it in a dimly lit indoor range, and the adjustable brightness settings allowed me to dial in the perfect dot intensity for optimal visibility.

The learning curve was minimal. Within minutes, I was comfortably and accurately engaging targets. The unlimited eye relief allowed me to maintain a clear sight picture regardless of my head position. There were no major issues after the first range trip, but I did notice that the windage and elevation adjustments felt a bit mushy.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Burris FastFire 3 has proven to be a reliable and durable optic. I’ve used it in various weather conditions, including rain and humidity, without any performance issues. The 100% waterproof construction has held up its promise.

Aside from minor cosmetic scratches on the steel housing, the FastFire 3 shows no signs of significant wear and tear. I regularly clean the lens with a microfiber cloth and inspect the mounting screws to ensure they remain tight.

Maintenance is simple. The top-mounted battery compartment makes replacing the CR1632 battery a breeze. A fresh battery has consistently provided hundreds of hours of runtime, even with the automatic brightness setting engaged.

Compared to my previous red dot sight (a budget-friendly model from a less reputable brand), the Burris FastFire 3 is a significant upgrade. Its superior build quality, clearer glass, and reliable performance make it a worthwhile investment. The improved accuracy and speed of target acquisition have noticeably boosted my confidence during shooting sessions.

Breaking Down the Features of Burris FastFire 3 1x 21x15mm 8 MOA Red Dot Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 190 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification

Specifications

• Magnification: 1x (Fixed) – Provides a true, distortion-free view of the target.
• Objective Diameter: 21x15mm – A compact size that doesn’t obstruct the field of view.
• Dot Size: 8 MOA – 8 MOA* is large and easy to see, which is good for quick target acquisition at shorter distances.
• Eye Relief: Unlimited – Allows flexible mounting options and comfortable shooting from various positions.
• Field of View: 190 ft @ 100 yds – Offers a wide field of view for enhanced situational awareness.
• Battery: CR1632 – Common and easily replaceable battery type.
• Finish: Not Specified (Typically matte black) – Minimizes glare and blends well with most firearms.
• Body Material: Steel – Ensures durability and resistance to impact.
• Waterproof: 100% Waterproof – Protects against rain, splashes, and submersion.
• Brightness Settings: Manual (3 settings) & Automatic – Provides flexibility in various lighting conditions.
• Adjustments: Windage and Elevation – Allows precise zeroing for accurate shooting.

These specifications are crucial for understanding the FastFire 3’s intended use case. The 1x magnification and 8 MOA dot are optimized for close to medium-range engagements where speed is paramount. The unlimited eye relief makes it suitable for mounting on a variety of firearms, including pistols, shotguns, and rifles. The steel construction and waterproof design ensure it can withstand harsh conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The Burris FastFire 3 excels at its primary function: providing a fast and accurate aiming solution for close-quarters scenarios. The large 8 MOA dot is incredibly easy to acquire, even when shooting from awkward positions or under stress.

The adjustable brightness settings are a welcome feature, allowing me to tailor the dot intensity to the ambient light. The automatic brightness setting is particularly useful, as it automatically adjusts the dot brightness based on the surrounding environment.

One minor weakness is the somewhat mushy feel of the windage and elevation adjustments. While they do function correctly, they lack the tactile clicks found on some higher-end optics. However, once properly zeroed, the optic holds its zero reliably. Overall, the Burris FastFire 3 meets and exceeds my expectations for a red dot sight in this price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The FastFire 3’s compact and lightweight design is a major selling point. It doesn’t add excessive bulk or weight to my shotgun, making it easy to handle and maneuver.

The steel housing feels incredibly robust, and the matte black finish is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. The top-mounted battery compartment is a clever design that simplifies battery replacement. The controls (power button and brightness adjustment buttons) are easily accessible and intuitive to use. There is a small learning curve to using the windage and elevation adjustments, but this is minimal.

Durability & Maintenance

The Burris FastFire 3 is built to last. The steel housing provides excellent protection against impact and abrasion. The 100% waterproof design ensures reliable performance in wet conditions.

Maintenance is straightforward. I simply wipe the lens with a microfiber cloth after each range session. I also periodically inspect the mounting screws and battery compartment to ensure they are properly tightened. With proper care, the FastFire 3 should provide years of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Burris FastFire 3 comes with a protective cover and a basic tool for adjusting windage and elevation. Burris offers a variety of optional mounts for different firearms, including picatinny rails, Glock pistols, and Benelli shotguns.

While the FastFire 3 itself doesn’t offer extensive customization options, it is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, such as lens protectors and anti-reflection devices. It is compatible with most standard picatinny rail systems and Glock mounting plates.

Pros and Cons of Burris FastFire 3 1x 21x15mm 8 MOA Red Dot Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 190 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification

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Who Should Buy Burris FastFire 3 1x 21x15mm 8 MOA Red Dot Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 190 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification?

The Burris FastFire 3 is perfect for:

• Home defense enthusiasts: Provides a fast and reliable aiming solution for shotguns and pistols.
• Competitive shooters (specifically in close-quarters disciplines): The 8 MOA dot facilitates rapid target transitions.
• Hunters (for close-range engagements): Ideal for hunting in thick brush or wooded areas.

Who should skip this product?

• Long-range precision shooters: The 8 MOA dot is not ideal for accurate shooting at distances beyond 100 yards.
• Those seeking advanced features: The FastFire 3 is a relatively basic red dot sight that lacks features such as multiple reticle options or night vision compatibility.

A must-have accessory is a compatible mounting plate for your specific firearm. The Burris picatinny rail mount is a solid choice for rifles and shotguns. Also, consider purchasing a lens protector to safeguard the optic from scratches and impacts.

Conclusion on Burris FastFire 3 1x 21x15mm 8 MOA Red Dot Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 190 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification

The Burris FastFire 3 1x 21x15mm 8 MOA Red Dot Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 190 ft @ 100 yds Field of View, 1x Fixed Magnification is a well-built, reliable, and user-friendly red dot sight that offers excellent value for its price. Its durable construction, easy target acquisition, and convenient features make it a solid choice for home defense, competition, and close-range hunting.

At $229.00, the price is justified by its performance, build quality, and reputation for reliability. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking to improve their accuracy and speed in close-quarters scenarios.

I would personally recommend the Burris FastFire 3 to anyone looking for a dependable red dot sight without breaking the bank. It’s a no-nonsense optic that gets the job done, and done well. If you’re ready to upgrade your aiming capabilities, head to your local gun store or online retailer and give the Burris FastFire 3 a try. You won’t be disappointed.

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