First Impressions of Burris FastFire C 1x22mm Red Dot Reflex Sight
I’ve been carrying concealed for over a decade, and the quest for the perfect EDC setup is a never-ending journey. Red dots on pistols were once considered range toys, but they’ve become indispensable tools for serious concealed carry, and the Burris FastFire C 1x22mm Red Dot Reflex Sight enters the scene as a contender in the micro-compact optic arena. The promise of a lightweight, always-on, and easily co-witnessed red dot specifically tailored for sub-compact pistols intrigued me.
My aging eyes, and frankly, a lifetime spent behind iron sights, demanded an upgrade in target acquisition speed and low-light visibility. Previously, I’d experimented with the original Burris FastFire, but its larger footprint wasn’t ideal for my smaller EDC guns. The FastFire C seemed to address this directly, offering a more streamlined design for concealed carry.
Upon unboxing, the FastFire C immediately felt robust, despite its polymer construction and minimal weight. The integrated lens hood and serrations suggest thoughtful design for real-world use. Compared to a Trijicon RMRcc, which is a leading optic in this segment, the Burris feels noticeably lighter, although perhaps less overtly rugged. I chose the Burris over the Shield RMSC due to Burris’s reputation for durability and the “Always On” feature, which eliminates fumbling for buttons in a critical situation.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The FastFire C appears well-engineered and purpose-built. I was eager to see if its performance would match its promising design and features, and how its polymer housing would hold up to daily carry.
Real-World Testing: Putting Burris FastFire C 1x22mm Red Dot Reflex Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Burris FastFire C 1x22mm Red Dot Reflex Sight was my local indoor shooting range. I mounted it on my Glock 43X MOS using the RMSc footprint. The first session involved drawing from concealment and engaging targets at 7, 10, and 15 yards.
The automatic brightness adjustment worked seamlessly, adapting to the range’s lighting conditions. Target acquisition was significantly faster compared to iron sights, even with limited prior experience with pistol red dots. There were no malfunctions or issues during the first range session, and the sight held zero perfectly after the initial 50 rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of daily carry and weekly range sessions, the Burris FastFire C has proven to be a reliable and valuable addition to my EDC setup. The polymer housing has held up surprisingly well. I have seen no significant signs of wear and tear beyond minor cosmetic scuffs. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a lens cloth and occasional compressed air to remove debris from the emitter window.
Compared to my earlier experience with the larger Burris FastFire, the FastFire C’s smaller profile makes a significant difference in comfort and concealability. The “Always On” feature remains a game-changer, providing instant readiness without battery life concerns. While some purists may prefer aluminum housings for maximum durability, the FastFire C’s performance has exceeded my expectations, proving that polymer can be a viable option for a concealed carry optic.
Breaking Down the Features of Burris FastFire C 1x22mm Red Dot Reflex Sight
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Burris
- Color: Black
- Fabric/Material: Combined (Polymer Housing)
- Magnification: 1x
- Reticle: 6 MOA Dot
- Illumination Color: Red
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Emitter Type: Open
- Battery Life: 25000 hours
- Shockproof: Yes
- Fogproof: Yes
- Quantity: 1
- Red Dot Sights-Footprint: RMSc
These specifications are crucial for understanding the FastFire C’s intended use. The 1x magnification allows for both-eyes-open shooting, maintaining situational awareness, vital for EDC. The 6 MOA dot is a good compromise between speed and precision, easily visible without obscuring smaller targets at reasonable distances. The 25,000-hour battery life from a common CR2032 battery provides peace of mind for always-on functionality.
Performance & Functionality
The Burris FastFire C 1x22mm Red Dot Reflex Sight performs admirably in its intended role as a micro-compact pistol optic. Accuracy is significantly improved compared to iron sights, especially for shooters with aging eyes or those who struggle with sight alignment. The automatic brightness adjustment is intuitive and effective. It seamlessly adjusts the dot’s intensity to match the ambient light, although manual override settings provide additional control for specific conditions.
The sight’s primary strength is its blend of lightweight design and reliable performance. While the polymer housing might raise concerns about durability, it has proven to be sufficiently rugged for everyday carry. A potential weakness is the battery compartment location, which requires removing the optic to change the battery. However, with the extended battery life, this is a minor inconvenience. Overall, the FastFire C meets and even exceeds expectations for a red dot in this category.
Design & Ergonomics
The Burris FastFire C sports a low-profile design, which allows for co-witnessing with standard-height iron sights on many pistols, further enhancing its EDC suitability. The lightweight polymer construction contributes to comfortable carry, minimizing added weight to an already weighty concealed firearm. The sight is user-friendly. The large window provides a generous field of view, making target acquisition quick and intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the FastFire C is a key consideration, given its polymer construction. However, after months of testing, I can attest to its resilience under normal EDC conditions. The housing is scratch-resistant, and the lens remains clear and free from damage. Maintenance involves only occasional cleaning with a lens cloth and inspection for debris. The optic should provide years of reliable service with minimal care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Burris FastFire C 1x22mm Red Dot Reflex Sight is designed to mount directly to any slide or adapter plate that uses the RMSc footprint. This makes it compatible with a wide range of sub-compact pistols and aftermarket mounting solutions. While the optic itself doesn’t have specific customization options, such as different reticle colors or sizes, the ability to use existing RMSc mounts expands its versatility significantly.
Pros and Cons of Burris FastFire C 1x22mm Red Dot Reflex Sight
Pros
- Lightweight and Compact: Ideal for concealed carry, adding minimal bulk to your pistol.
- Always-On Technology: Provides instant readiness and eliminates the need to manually activate the optic.
- Automatic Brightness Adjustment: Intuitively adjusts the dot’s intensity for optimal visibility in any lighting condition.
- RMSc Footprint: Ensures compatibility with a wide range of pistols and mounting options.
- Excellent Battery Life: Offers an impressive 25,000 hours of runtime on a single CR2032 battery.
Cons
- Battery compartment requires optic removal for replacement.
- Polymer housing may not appeal to users prioritizing maximum ruggedness, despite proving durable in testing.
Who Should Buy Burris FastFire C 1x22mm Red Dot Reflex Sight?
The Burris FastFire C 1x22mm Red Dot Reflex Sight is perfect for individuals seeking a lightweight, reliable, and always-on red dot for their sub-compact or micro-compact EDC pistol. It is particularly well-suited for concealed carriers who prioritize fast target acquisition and improved accuracy in defensive scenarios. Those with aging eyes or difficulty using traditional iron sights will also benefit significantly from this optic.
Those who demand extreme durability and operate in harsh environments might consider optics with aluminum housings. Individuals who prefer a wider range of customization options, such as adjustable reticle sizes or colors, may also find the FastFire C too basic for their needs.
A must-have accessory for the FastFire C is a quality holster designed to accommodate the optic. Also, spare CR2032 batteries are always a good idea.
Conclusion on Burris FastFire C 1x22mm Red Dot Reflex Sight
The Burris FastFire C 1x22mm Red Dot Reflex Sight has proven to be a valuable addition to my EDC setup, offering a compelling blend of lightweight design, reliable performance, and intuitive functionality. Its always-on feature and automatic brightness adjustment make it a truly “set it and forget it” optic. The polymer housing has held up surprisingly well.
At a price point of $229.99, the FastFire C represents an excellent value proposition, offering features and performance comparable to more expensive optics. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Burris FastFire C to anyone looking to upgrade their sub-compact or micro-compact pistol with a reliable and user-friendly red dot. It offers a significant improvement in target acquisition speed and accuracy without compromising concealability or comfort. Upgrade your EDC today with the Burris FastFire C 1x22mm Red Dot Reflex Sight.