First Thoughts on the Burris Flattop FastFire Mount Burris Fastfire I & II
The Burris Flattop FastFire Mount Burris Fastfire I & II promises a simple and effective solution for AR-15 owners looking to co-witness their Burris FastFire red dot sights with iron sights. As someone with over a decade of experience in tactical gear, I’ve seen countless mounting systems, from the rock-solid to the downright flimsy. The Burris mount aims to provide extra protection for the optic while offering a convenient storage compartment, a feature that immediately piqued my interest.
My journey to finding the perfect optic mount started with a need for versatility. I wanted a setup that allowed for rapid target acquisition with a red dot, but also retained the reliability of iron sights in case of optic failure. Several mounts claimed to do this, but many felt bulky or sat too high.
Upon unboxing, the Burris Flattop FastFire Mount Burris Fastfire I & II feels solid, although somewhat lightweight. The matte black finish is standard fare, and the integrated storage compartment is a clever touch. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic, hoping the execution would match the design’s potential.
I considered the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro AR mount and the Trijicon RMR mount before settling on the Burris offering. The Leupold mount felt too bulky for my liking, and the Trijicon, while undeniably robust, commanded a significantly higher price. The Burris seemed to strike a balance between features, price, and a promise of co-witnessing.
My first impression was one of hopeful utility tempered by the reported issues with screw length. I was excited about the possibility of a streamlined, protective red dot mounting system, but also concerned about potential installation headaches. Only real-world testing would reveal if the Burris Flattop FastFire Mount Burris Fastfire I & II could live up to its claims.
Real-World Testing: Putting Burris Flattop FastFire Mount Burris Fastfire I & II to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Burris Flattop FastFire Mount Burris Fastfire I & II at my local shooting range, mounting it on my AR-15. The initial installation was immediately problematic. As the user feedback suggested, the included screws were indeed too short to properly secure my Burris FastFire II. This was a frustrating start.
Despite the screw issue, I managed to temporarily secure the FastFire using some longer screws I had on hand (not ideal, but necessary for testing). The range conditions were typical: sunny with a slight breeze. While secured, the co-witnessing was decent, aligning the red dot with my iron sights.
The biggest initial issue was the screw length, hindering secure mounting. Without a proper fit, any accuracy testing would be compromised and potentially unsafe. The short screws are a significant oversight from Burris.
Extended Use & Reliability
Given the initial mounting issues, “extended use” was limited. I managed to put about 100 rounds downrange before the makeshift screws started to loosen. The mount itself showed no signs of wear, but the lack of secure optic attachment made any long-term assessment impossible.
Durability of the mount itself seems adequate based on the materials, but the fatal flaw is the mounting hardware. The mount is easy enough to clean, if you can get it mounted!
Compared to other mounting solutions I’ve used, this one has been a major disappointment. Previous mounts from American Defense Manufacturing and Scalarworks offered rock-solid stability and easy installation. The Burris mount falls far short.
Breaking Down the Features of Burris Flattop FastFire Mount Burris Fastfire I & II
Specifications
- Type: Scope Mount. Specifically designed as a red dot optic mount.
- MFG/Model: AR-F3 Mount. Clearly identified for flattop AR-15 platforms.
- Style: Red Dot Optic Mount. Specifically tailored for red dot sights.
- Misc: Flattop AR-15. Designed for AR-15 rifles with a flattop receiver.
- Finish: Black Matte. Offers a non-reflective and tactical appearance.
These specifications should translate to a simple, effective mounting solution for AR-15 owners. However, the undersized screws undermine the entire purpose of the design.
Performance & Functionality
When properly installed (with correct screws), the Burris Flattop FastFire Mount Burris Fastfire I & II can function as intended. Co-witnessing with iron sights is achievable, and the optic is somewhat protected by the mount’s raised sides. However, the initial hurdle of incorrect hardware is a major setback.
The biggest strength is the potential for co-witnessing and optic protection. The primary weakness is the inadequate mounting hardware, rendering the mount unusable out of the box. It does not meet expectations due to the screw length issue.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality appears decent, using what seems to be a durable aluminum alloy. The weight is reasonable, not adding excessive bulk to the rifle. Ergonomically, the design is fairly simple, but the storage compartment is a nice touch.
The user-friendliness is significantly hampered by the installation problems. The learning curve should be minimal, but the screw issue makes it far more complicated than it needs to be.
Durability & Maintenance
The mount itself seems durable and likely to last a long time under normal use. Maintenance should be simple, requiring only occasional cleaning. However, the poor initial experience casts doubt on the overall value.
The longevity of the mount is irrelevant if it cannot be properly installed and secured. The ease of cleaning is a minor positive, overshadowed by the major installation flaw.
Accessories and Customization Options
The mount is designed specifically for the Burris FastFire I & II red dot sights. The integrated storage compartment is intended to hold a spare battery, open end wrench, and Torx® wrench (though these are not included). It is designed to fit any Weaver or Picatinny-style base.
The key accessory is, obviously, the Burris FastFire optic itself. Compatibility with other red dot sights is not guaranteed.
Pros and Cons of Burris Flattop FastFire Mount Burris Fastfire I & II
Pros
- Potential for co-witnessing with iron sights.
- Offers some protection for the Burris FastFire optic.
- Integrated storage compartment for spare battery and tools.
- Compatible with Weaver or Picatinny-style bases.
- Relatively lightweight design.
Cons
- INADEQUATE SCREW LENGTH for mounting the FastFire (major flaw!).
- Potentially requires sourcing aftermarket screws.
- Questionable quality control given the screw issue.
Who Should Buy Burris Flattop FastFire Mount Burris Fastfire I & II?
Perfect for: AR-15 owners specifically using the Burris FastFire I & II who are willing to risk having to source their own mounting screws. Only if Burris addresses the screw length issue, this mount could be a good option for those prioritizing co-witnessing and optic protection on a budget.
Who should skip this product? Anyone unwilling to deal with potential installation headaches and the need for sourcing replacement screws. Those prioritizing rock-solid reliability and guaranteed ease of installation should look elsewhere.
Must-have accessories or modifications? Definitely a set of longer screws suitable for mounting the FastFire securely. Potentially thread locker for added security once properly mounted.
Conclusion on Burris Flattop FastFire Mount Burris Fastfire I & II
The Burris Flattop FastFire Mount Burris Fastfire I & II presents a frustrating paradox. On paper, it offers a well-designed solution for co-witnessing a red dot optic with iron sights on an AR-15. The integrated storage compartment is a clever touch, and the potential for optic protection is a definite plus.
However, the inadequate screw length renders the mount virtually useless out of the box. This is a significant quality control issue that undermines the entire product.
The price of $81.99 is not justified given the need for sourcing aftermarket parts. It’s overpriced for a product that requires immediate modification to function as intended.
I cannot personally recommend this product in its current state. Unless Burris addresses the screw length issue, buyers are better off investing in a more reliable mounting solution from another manufacturer. The Burris Flattop FastFire Mount Burris Fastfire I & II has the potential to be a good product, but as it stands, it’s a disappointment.