First Thoughts on the Burris S&W M&P Fastfire Red Dot Reflex Sight Mounting Plate
The Burris S&W M&P Fastfire Red Dot Reflex Sight Mounting Plate is a seemingly simple piece of kit designed to do one job: securely attach a Fastfire red dot sight to a Smith & Wesson M&P pistol. In a market saturated with optics-ready pistols, many older, yet perfectly functional, M&Ps are left wanting. This Burris mounting plate offers a solution.
I’ve been a fan of red dot sights on pistols for years, particularly for their fast target acquisition. However, I’ve always been a bit hesitant about having my slides milled. The Burris S&W M&P Fastfire Red Dot Reflex Sight Mounting Plate seemed like the perfect way to add a red dot to my trusted M&P without permanent modification.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed with the apparent build quality. The Matte Finish was even and appeared durable. The plate felt solid, and the machining looked precise. It was heavier than I anticipated, which could be a good thing regarding long-term durability.
I considered a few other mounting plate options. Some were cheaper, generic brands; others were part of complete slide replacement kits. Ultimately, I chose the Burris plate for its reputation for quality and the simplicity of its design. I was eager to get it mounted and see how it performed. This offering from Burris seemed like a thoughtful solution.
My initial feeling was one of cautious optimism. I’ve used Burris optics before with great success. However, the devil is always in the details, especially with mounting solutions. I hoped it would live up to its promise of providing a rock-solid platform for my Fastfire red dot.
Real-World Testing: Putting Burris S&W M&P Fastfire Red Dot Reflex Sight Mounting Plate to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Burris S&W M&P Fastfire Red Dot Reflex Sight Mounting Plate extensively at my local shooting range. The range offered a variety of shooting scenarios, from static target practice to rapid-fire drills. I put several hundred rounds downrange with the mounting plate attached. The weather was typical for early summer: warm and slightly humid.
Installation was straightforward. The plate replaced the rear sight. The included screws seemed to be the correct length and thread pitch. Most importantly, once tightened, there was absolutely zero movement.
During the initial shooting session, the mounting plate performed flawlessly. There was no shifting or loosening. The Fastfire red dot held its zero perfectly. It was like it was part of the gun from the factory.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including weekly range visits and participation in a local pistol league, the Burris S&W M&P Fastfire Red Dot Reflex Sight Mounting Plate continues to impress. It has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear and tear beyond minor cosmetic scratches.
The plate is easy to clean. A simple wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session keeps it in top condition. I periodically check the screws to ensure they remain tight.
Compared to my previous experience with another brand’s universal red dot mount on a different pistol (which constantly loosened and required frequent adjustments), the Burris plate is a game-changer. It offers vastly superior stability and reliability. It has certainly exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Burris S&W M&P Fastfire Red Dot Reflex Sight Mounting Plate
Specifications
- The Burris S&W M&P Fastfire Red Dot Reflex Sight Mounting Plate is specifically designed for Smith & Wesson M&P pistols. This ensures a precise fit and optimal compatibility.
- The plate features a Matte Finish. This reduces glare and helps to maintain a low profile.
The plate is constructed from steel. This provides excellent durability and resistance to recoil forces. The minimalist design keeps the weight to a minimum, ensuring it does not negatively impact the balance of the pistol.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Burris S&W M&P Fastfire Red Dot Reflex Sight Mounting Plate is to provide a stable and secure platform for mounting a Fastfire red dot sight. It accomplishes this exceptionally well. The plate fits snugly into the rear sight dovetail, and the screws provide ample clamping force.
The plate’s strengths lie in its simplicity and rock-solid mounting capabilities. Its weakness, if any, is its limited compatibility; it’s designed specifically for S&W M&P pistols and the Fastfire optic.
The Burris S&W M&P Fastfire Red Dot Reflex Sight Mounting Plate more than meets my expectations. It delivers on its promise of providing a reliable mounting solution for a red dot sight.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Burris S&W M&P Fastfire Red Dot Reflex Sight Mounting Plate is simple and functional. The Matte Finish blends seamlessly with the pistol’s slide. The weight is negligible.
The plate is incredibly user-friendly. Installation is a breeze, requiring only basic tools and a few minutes.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the quality of materials and construction, the Burris S&W M&P Fastfire Red Dot Reflex Sight Mounting Plate should last for many years under normal use. Regular cleaning and inspection of the mounting screws are all that’s needed to keep it in optimal condition.
The Matte Finish is surprisingly durable. It resists scratches and wear remarkably well.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Burris S&W M&P Fastfire Red Dot Reflex Sight Mounting Plate does not come with any accessories beyond the necessary mounting screws. Its primary customization option is the choice of Fastfire red dot sight to mount on it.
The plate is designed specifically for the Burris Fastfire series of red dot sights. It may be compatible with other red dot sights that share the same footprint.
Pros and Cons of Burris S&W M&P Fastfire Red Dot Reflex Sight Mounting Plate
Pros
- Secure and stable mounting platform for Fastfire red dot sights.
- Easy installation, no gunsmithing required.
- Durable steel construction with a Matte Finish.
- Maintains zero reliably, even with high round counts.
- Cost-effective alternative to slide milling.
Cons
- Limited compatibility, only works with S&W M&P pistols and Fastfire red dots.
- Adds a small amount of height to the optic, potentially requiring taller sights.
Who Should Buy Burris S&W M&P Fastfire Red Dot Reflex Sight Mounting Plate?
The Burris S&W M&P Fastfire Red Dot Reflex Sight Mounting Plate is perfect for M&P owners who want to add a Fastfire red dot sight to their pistol without permanently modifying the slide. It is also a great choice for those who want a simple, reliable, and cost-effective mounting solution.
Those who should skip this product are individuals who own pistols other than S&W M&Ps, or those who prefer red dot sights with different mounting footprints. Also, if you are very sensitive to the height-over-bore of your red dot, you might prefer a direct slide mill instead.
A must-have modification, which I highly recommend, is suppressor-height sights. These will allow you to co-witness with the red dot. This provides a backup sighting system and aids in finding the dot quickly.
Conclusion on Burris S&W M&P Fastfire Red Dot Reflex Sight Mounting Plate
The Burris S&W M&P Fastfire Red Dot Reflex Sight Mounting Plate is an excellent product that delivers on its promises. It offers a secure, stable, and easy-to-install mounting solution for Fastfire red dot sights on S&W M&P pistols.
The price of $49.99 is more than justified given the quality of construction and the performance of the plate. It is an excellent value proposition.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Burris S&W M&P Fastfire Red Dot Reflex Sight Mounting Plate to anyone looking to add a red dot sight to their M&P without permanently modifying their slide. Don’t hesitate – upgrade your M&P today!