Let’s Dive into Burris SpeedBead Red Dot Reflex Sight
The Burris SpeedBead Red Dot Reflex Sight is Burris’s answer to the age-old problem of shotgun aiming, especially for wingshooters. It promises faster target acquisition, improved accuracy, and a more natural shooting experience. Having struggled with traditional bead sights for years, particularly with cross-dominant eye issues and the challenges of aging eyes, I was eager to see if this red dot could truly deliver.
I’ve always been a fan of Burris optics; they generally offer a good balance of quality and affordability, making them appealing to both seasoned professionals and budget-conscious enthusiasts. This particular model, the SpeedBead, intrigued me with its promise of integrating seamlessly with my shotgun without dramatically altering my shooting style.
The unboxing experience was straightforward; the sight itself felt solid and well-made, constructed of lightweight aluminum. Its compact size was immediately apparent. Comparing it to other red dots I’ve used on pistols and rifles, like the Trijicon RMR and Aimpoint Micro, the SpeedBead is noticeably smaller and less bulky, which is essential for maintaining the balance of a shotgun.
I picked the Burris SpeedBead over other shotgun-specific optics, like traditional scopes or larger reflex sights, primarily because of its low profile and intended ease of integration. Many competing products either sat too high, requiring an unnatural cheek weld, or felt too cumbersome on the shotgun. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; the design seemed well-thought-out, but I was eager to see how it performed in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Burris SpeedBead Red Dot Reflex Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Burris SpeedBead was at my local sporting clays range. It was a slightly overcast day with a light drizzle, presenting a fairly typical hunting condition. Mounting the SpeedBead on my Benelli M2 was relatively simple, although I did encounter a slight fitment issue where the stock didn’t sit completely flush with the receiver – a problem echoed by other users.
The 8 MOA dot was easy to pick up, even in the low light conditions, and aligning it with the target felt surprisingly natural. I found the heads-up display allowed me to track the clay targets with both eyes open, enhancing my situational awareness. The first round was a bit of a learning curve, adjusting to the red dot instead of the traditional bead, but by the second round, my scores had noticeably improved.
There were no immediate malfunctions or issues with the SpeedBead itself. The only real surprise was how quickly I adapted to using a red dot on a shotgun; it felt much more intuitive than I anticipated.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Burris SpeedBead has held up remarkably well. I’ve taken it through various conditions, including a particularly wet and muddy pheasant hunt and several dusty days at the range. There are no signs of significant wear and tear; the aluminum housing has proven to be quite durable.
Cleaning the lens is a simple matter of wiping it down with a lens cloth. The battery life also seems to be living up to Burris’s claims; I’m still on the original CR2032 battery, and the dot remains bright and clear. Compared to my previous experiences with iron sights and traditional beads, the SpeedBead offers a significant improvement in target acquisition speed and overall accuracy, especially in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
Breaking Down the Features of Burris SpeedBead Red Dot Reflex Sight
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Burris.
- Magnification: 1x (for both-eyes-open shooting). This allows for excellent situational awareness and fast target acquisition.
- Objective Window Size: 21 x 15 mm. This provides a clear and unobstructed field of view.
- Reticle: 8 MOA Red Dot. A bright red dot allows for fast target acquisition and easy aiming.
- Illumination Type: LED. An LED provides a clear and consistent dot, even in varying light conditions.
- Eye Relief: Unlimited. Unlimited eye relief makes for comfortable shooting regardless of head position.
- Adjustment Type: MOA. MOA adjustments allow for precise fine-tuning of the optic.
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA. Each click of adjustment moves the point of impact by 1 inch at 100 yards.
- Battery Type: CR2032. The common CR2032 battery offers long life and easy replacement.
- Weight: 1.9 oz. Its incredibly light weight ensures it won’t affect the firearm’s balance or handling.
- Material: Aluminum. The aluminum construction makes the sight both lightweight and durable.
- Water Resistance: Waterproof. Waterproofing ensures reliable performance in all weather conditions.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the sight’s performance and usability. The 1x magnification and unlimited eye relief are essential for maintaining situational awareness and shooting comfortably with both eyes open. The 8 MOA dot is large enough to be easily seen in various lighting conditions, yet small enough to provide reasonable accuracy at typical shotgun ranges. The lightweight aluminum construction ensures that the sight doesn’t add unnecessary weight to the shotgun, maintaining its balance and handling characteristics.
Performance & Functionality
The Burris SpeedBead excels at its primary function: providing a fast and accurate aiming solution for shotguns. The 8 MOA dot is easy to acquire quickly, even for shooters with aging eyes or those who struggle with traditional bead sights. The unlimited eye relief makes it forgiving to different shooting stances and head positions.
One minor weakness is the dot’s brightness; while it’s adequate for most conditions, it can be a little washed out in very bright sunlight. The windage and elevation adjustments are easy to use, but the click values could be finer for even greater precision. Overall, the SpeedBead meets and even exceeds expectations, especially for wingshooting and sporting clays.
Design & Ergonomics
The Burris SpeedBead boasts a sleek, low-profile design that integrates seamlessly with most shotguns. The aluminum construction feels robust, yet the sight remains incredibly lightweight. The compact size and weight distribution ensure that it doesn’t negatively impact the shotgun’s handling characteristics.
It’s user-friendly with minimal learning curve. Simply mount the sight, adjust the dot to your point of aim, and you’re ready to go.
Durability & Maintenance
The Burris SpeedBead appears to be built to last. The aluminum housing is resistant to scratches and dings, and the waterproof construction ensures reliable performance in wet conditions. The battery compartment is easily accessible, making battery changes quick and simple. Overall, maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lens.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Burris SpeedBead comes with a basic set of tools for installation and adjustment. Burris also offers optional risers to adjust the height of the sight for different shooting styles and shotgun models. While the SpeedBead is primarily designed to work with Burris’s proprietary mounting system, adapters may be available for some other popular shotgun models.
Pros and Cons of Burris SpeedBead Red Dot Reflex Sight
Pros
- Faster Target Acquisition: The 8 MOA red dot provides instant target acquisition, significantly improving shooting speed, especially in dynamic shooting scenarios.
- Improved Accuracy: Eliminates the need to perfectly align traditional iron sights, leading to more consistent and accurate shots, particularly for those with cross-eye dominance or aging eyes.
- Lightweight and Compact: Its minimal weight and compact size won’t negatively impact the balance or handling of your shotgun.
- Durable Construction: The aluminum housing and waterproof design ensure reliable performance in various conditions.
- Easy to Install and Use: Simple to mount and adjust, with minimal learning curve.
Cons
- Dot Brightness: The dot can be slightly washed out in very bright sunlight.
- Mounting Issues: Some users have reported fitment issues with certain shotgun models, requiring minor modifications.
Who Should Buy Burris SpeedBead Red Dot Reflex Sight?
The Burris SpeedBead Red Dot Reflex Sight is perfect for:
- Wingshooters: Those looking for a faster and more accurate aiming solution for hunting birds.
- Sporting Clays Shooters: Individuals who want to improve their scores and consistency in clay target shooting.
- Hunters with Aging Eyes: Those who struggle to see traditional iron sights clearly.
- Shooters with Cross-Eye Dominance: Those who have difficulty aligning their dominant eye with the shotgun’s bead.
Who should skip this product? Shooters who prefer traditional iron sights or those who require extreme precision at long ranges.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A riser may be necessary for some shotgun models to achieve the optimal sight height.
Conclusion on Burris SpeedBead Red Dot Reflex Sight
The Burris SpeedBead Red Dot Reflex Sight is a well-designed and effective aiming solution for shotguns, offering faster target acquisition, improved accuracy, and a more natural shooting experience. While it may not be perfect for every shooter or every situation, it’s a valuable upgrade for wingshooters, sporting clays enthusiasts, and anyone who struggles with traditional iron sights.
The price of $250.19 is justified by the improved performance and increased shooting enjoyment it provides. I would definitely recommend the Burris SpeedBead to anyone looking to enhance their shotgun shooting experience. Give it a try and experience the difference for yourself!