The Burris SpeedBead Benelli Super Black Eagle II Shotgun 1x 21x15mm 8 MOA Red Dot Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 1x Fixed Magnification, 1.90″ Length Made a Bold First Impression
The Burris SpeedBead Benelli Super Black Eagle II Shotgun 1x 21x15mm 8 MOA Red Dot Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 1x Fixed Magnification, 1.90″ Length promises to revolutionize wingshooting, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. As a seasoned hunter with over a decade of experience, I’ve tried various aiming systems, from traditional beads to more complex holographic sights. This unique red dot system, designed specifically for the Benelli Super Black Eagle II, immediately caught my eye due to its promise of faster target acquisition and improved accuracy in the field.
My biggest challenge was consistently mounting my shotgun in the exact same position under pressure. Birds don’t wait for perfect form. I was looking for a sight that would minimize the impact of slight inconsistencies in my mount and eye alignment, allowing me to focus solely on the target.
The Burris SpeedBead arrived in a no-frills package, which I honestly appreciated. The sight itself felt surprisingly lightweight, a crucial factor for maintaining the balance of the shotgun. The matte black finish seemed durable and well-applied, suggesting it could withstand the rigors of hunting in various conditions.
I considered the Trijicon RMR and Aimpoint Micro H-2, but they require mounting rails or gunsmithing for the Benelli SBE II. The Burris SpeedBead offered a simpler, more integrated solution, designed specifically for my shotgun. I was definitely excited by the potential to improve my wingshooting speed and accuracy with such a streamlined and purpose-built optic.
Real-World Testing: Putting Burris SpeedBead Benelli Super Black Eagle II Shotgun 1x 21x15mm 8 MOA Red Dot Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 1x Fixed Magnification, 1.90″ Length to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Burris SpeedBead on a dove hunt in South Texas. The conditions were hot and dusty, typical for that region. I mounted the sight on my Benelli Super Black Eagle II, a straightforward process that took about 15 minutes using the included tools.
Initially, the 8 MOA red dot seemed large, but in the field, it proved to be incredibly effective for quick target acquisition. The unlimited eye relief allowed me to maintain a clear sight picture even with slight variations in my head position. The biggest surprise was how quickly I adapted to shooting with a red dot on a shotgun; it felt far more natural than I anticipated.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Burris SpeedBead has proven to be remarkably durable. I’ve used it in various weather conditions, from heavy rain during duck season to freezing temperatures while hunting geese. The finish shows no signs of wear, and the optic has maintained its zero despite the recoil of 3.5-inch magnum loads.
Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth is all it takes. Compared to my previous setup with traditional bead sights, the SpeedBead has significantly improved my hit ratio, especially on crossing shots. It delivers on its promise, increasing my confidence in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of Burris SpeedBead Benelli Super Black Eagle II Shotgun 1x 21x15mm 8 MOA Red Dot Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 1x Fixed Magnification, 1.90″ Length
Specifications
The Burris SpeedBead Benelli Super Black Eagle II Shotgun features a 1x fixed magnification and a 21x15mm objective lens. It utilizes an 8 MOA red dot, powered by a CR1632 battery. The sight offers unlimited eye relief and has a compact 1.90″ length.
These specs are important because they contribute to the sight’s ease of use and effectiveness in fast-paced shooting scenarios. The 1x magnification allows for both-eyes-open shooting, maintaining situational awareness. The 8 MOA dot is large enough to quickly acquire targets at typical shotgun ranges, while still being precise enough for accurate shots.
Performance & Functionality
The Burris SpeedBead excels at its primary function: enabling faster and more accurate target acquisition. The large red dot is easy to see in various lighting conditions, and the unlimited eye relief makes it forgiving to use. The simplicity of the design is a major strength.
The only potential weakness is the fixed 8 MOA dot, which some users may find too large for precise shots at longer ranges. However, for typical wingshooting distances, it’s perfectly adequate and even advantageous. It definitely meets and exceeds my expectations for close to mid-range engagements on game birds.
Design & Ergonomics
The Burris SpeedBead’s design is simple and functional. The sight integrates seamlessly with the Benelli Super Black Eagle II, maintaining the shotgun’s balance and aesthetics. The lightweight construction is a major plus, ensuring it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk.
The sight is incredibly user-friendly, requiring minimal setup and adjustment. There’s virtually no learning curve; it’s point and shoot.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Burris SpeedBead is built to last. The rugged construction and durable finish suggest it can withstand years of use in harsh conditions. Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe down after each use is all that’s required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Burris SpeedBead comes with everything needed for installation on a Benelli Super Black Eagle II. The Burris website and aftermarket retailers offer different sized SpeedBead mounts to fit other shotgun models. The sight itself doesn’t offer much in the way of customization, but its simplicity is part of its appeal.
The CR1632 battery is a common size and easy to find, which ensures you can always keep the sight powered up.
Pros and Cons of Burris SpeedBead Benelli Super Black Eagle II Shotgun 1x 21x15mm 8 MOA Red Dot Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 1x Fixed Magnification, 1.90″ Length
Pros
- Fast Target Acquisition: The large 8 MOA dot and unlimited eye relief make it incredibly quick to get on target.
- Improved Accuracy: The red dot system eliminates the need to perfectly align the bead with the target, leading to more consistent shots.
- Easy to Install: The SpeedBead is designed specifically for the Benelli Super Black Eagle II, making installation straightforward.
- Durable Construction: The sight is built to withstand the rigors of hunting in various conditions.
- Lightweight Design: The SpeedBead doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to the shotgun.
Cons
- Fixed 8 MOA Dot: Some users may find the dot too large for precise shots at longer ranges.
- Specific Compatibility: The SpeedBead is designed specifically for certain shotgun models, limiting its versatility.
Who Should Buy Burris SpeedBead Benelli Super Black Eagle II Shotgun 1x 21x15mm 8 MOA Red Dot Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 1x Fixed Magnification, 1.90″ Length?
The Burris SpeedBead is perfect for wingshooters who want to improve their speed and accuracy, especially in close to medium-range engagements. It’s also an excellent choice for hunters who struggle with consistent shotgun mounting or have difficulty seeing traditional bead sights. The sight would be ideal for hunters of waterfowl, upland game, and even turkey.
This product might not be ideal for competitive clay shooters who prioritize extreme precision at longer distances, as the 8 MOA dot might be too large. Also, those who frequently swap optics between different firearms might find the SpeedBead’s model-specific design limiting.
A must-have accessory is a supply of CR1632 batteries, ensuring you’re never caught with a dead optic in the field.
Conclusion on Burris SpeedBead Benelli Super Black Eagle II Shotgun 1x 21x15mm 8 MOA Red Dot Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 1x Fixed Magnification, 1.90″ Length
Overall, the Burris SpeedBead Benelli Super Black Eagle II Shotgun 1x 21x15mm 8 MOA Red Dot Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 1x Fixed Magnification, 1.90″ Length is a well-designed and effective optic that delivers on its promises. The price is justified considering the improved performance and ease of use it offers.
I would definitely recommend the Burris SpeedBead to any Benelli Super Black Eagle II owner looking to enhance their wingshooting capabilities. If you’re tired of missing those fast-flying birds and want a simple, reliable, and effective aiming solution, the Burris SpeedBead is worth the investment. It’s a game-changer that will transform your hunting experience. Upgrade your shotgun and elevate your game today!