Burris Universal Vent Rib Speedbead Mount Review

First Thoughts on the Burris Universal Vent Rib Speedbead Mount

The Burris Universal Vent Rib Speedbead Mount promises a quick and easy way to enhance shotgun performance with red dot optics. As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless mounting solutions, some ingenious, some downright awful. The promise of transforming a standard shotgun into a dynamic hunting or tactical tool, without requiring permanent modifications, is immediately appealing.

I was seeking a versatile optic mounting solution for my aging 12-gauge. I wanted to experiment with red dot sights for faster target acquisition on upland game, specifically quail. I was tired of struggling with traditional bead sights and felt I needed a better aiming solution.

Upon unboxing the Burris Universal Vent Rib Speedbead Mount, the first thing that struck me was its simple, yet seemingly robust design. The black anodized finish gave it a professional, non-reflective look. The mount felt solid in my hand, suggesting a durable build.

Compared to other vent rib mounting solutions I’ve examined in the past, the Burris offering appeared to offer a cleaner, lower profile. Many competing mounts look clunky and interfere with the shotgun’s natural handling. I chose the Burris Universal Vent Rib Speedbead Mount because of Burris‘s reputation for quality optics and mounting solutions.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited by the potential of improving my shotgun’s capabilities. I also hoped the Burris Universal Vent Rib Speedbead Mount could live up to its promise of being a user-friendly and reliable system.

Real-World Testing: Putting Burris Universal Vent Rib Speedbead Mount to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test of the Burris Universal Vent Rib Speedbead Mount was a quail hunt in the Texas brush country. I mounted a Burris FastFire 3 red dot sight on the mount. The mount was attached to my 12-gauge, and I hit the fields. The conditions were dry and dusty.

The Speedbead Mount proved its worth almost immediately. Target acquisition was dramatically faster compared to using the traditional bead sight. I was able to swing on fast-moving quail and get accurate shots off with confidence. There were no issues with the mount shifting or loosening during the hunt, despite the recoil and rough terrain.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use in varying conditions, including a dove hunt in light rain and a sporting clays session, the Burris Universal Vent Rib Speedbead Mount has held up exceptionally well. There are no signs of loosening or shifting. The mount maintains a solid, secure hold on the FastFire 3.

Despite being subjected to significant recoil from heavy field loads, the mount shows no visible signs of wear or tear. Cleaning and maintenance are simple. A quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use is all that’s required. The Burris Universal Vent Rib Speedbead Mount has outperformed my expectations. I’ve used less robust mounting solutions in the past that failed under similar conditions.

Breaking Down the Features of Burris Universal Vent Rib Speedbead Mount

Specifications

• The Burris Universal Vent Rib Speedbead Mount is designed to universally fit most vent-ribbed shotguns. This includes 12 and 20-gauge models, offering broad compatibility.
• The mount is specifically engineered to accommodate the Burris FastFire series of red dot sights. It provides a secure platform for these popular optics.
• The Speedbead Mount is constructed from lightweight, yet durable materials. It adds minimal weight to the shotgun, preserving its balance and handling characteristics.
• The low-profile design ensures the red dot sight sits close to the bore axis. This promotes intuitive aiming and minimizes parallax.

These specifications matter because they combine to deliver a mounting solution that is both versatile and effective. Its ease of installation and secure fit guarantee the red dot sight will maintain zero and provide reliable performance in demanding hunting and shooting scenarios.

Performance & Functionality

The Burris Universal Vent Rib Speedbead Mount performs its job admirably. It provides a stable and reliable platform for mounting a red dot sight on a shotgun. This significantly enhances target acquisition speed and accuracy, especially in fast-paced hunting situations.

Its strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. The design is straightforward, easy to install, and provides a rock-solid mounting point for the optic. While it’s designed specifically for Burris FastFire red dots, its primary weakness is that it isn’t as universal with other brands of optics. Overall, the Speedbead Mount meets and exceeds expectations for its intended purpose.

Design & Ergonomics

The Burris Universal Vent Rib Speedbead Mount features a low-profile design made from lightweight aluminum. This minimizes interference with the shotgun’s balance and handling.

The mounting system is intuitive and requires minimal tools. The instructions are clear, making the installation process quick and straightforward.

Durability & Maintenance

The Burris Universal Vent Rib Speedbead Mount is constructed from high-quality materials. It’s designed to withstand the rigors of field use and the recoil of shotgun ammunition.

The anodized finish provides excellent corrosion resistance. Basic cleaning is all that’s needed to keep the mount in optimal condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Burris Universal Vent Rib Speedbead Mount is primarily designed as a stand-alone mounting solution for Burris FastFire red dot sights. It does not offer extensive customization options beyond the choice of which FastFire model to install.

It directly accepts Burris FastFire red dots without requiring any additional adapters. It’s not directly compatible with other brands of red dots unless adapters are used.

Pros and Cons of Burris Universal Vent Rib Speedbead Mount

Who Should Buy Burris Universal Vent Rib Speedbead Mount?

• Perfect for: Hunters seeking to improve their target acquisition speed on upland game, waterfowl, or turkeys. Also, sporting clay shooters wanting a faster and more precise aiming solution.
• Who should skip this product? Shooters who want maximum versatility in optic choices or those who prefer traditional iron sights.
• Must-have accessories or modifications? A Burris FastFire red dot sight is essential to take full advantage of the Speedbead Mount.

Conclusion on Burris Universal Vent Rib Speedbead Mount

The Burris Universal Vent Rib Speedbead Mount is a well-designed and effective solution for adding a red dot sight to a vent-ribbed shotgun. It provides significant advantages in target acquisition speed and accuracy. The ease of installation and durable construction make it a worthwhile upgrade.

The price of $49.99 is reasonable, especially considering the performance benefits. The improvement in hit probability in hunting scenarios justifies the investment.

I would definitely recommend the Burris Universal Vent Rib Speedbead Mount to anyone looking to enhance their shotgun’s capabilities. If you’re seeking a faster and more precise aiming solution, this mount is a great place to start. Upgrade your shotgun today!