My first impression of Firefield 1x 33x24mm Illuminated Green / Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight
The world of reflex sights is vast, filled with options promising rapid target acquisition and improved accuracy. The Firefield 1x 33x24mm Illuminated Green / Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight enters this arena boasting versatility and affordability, a combination that immediately piqued my interest. After years spent evaluating tactical gear, I approached this sight with a blend of hope and healthy skepticism, eager to see if it could truly deliver on its claims.
I was searching for a budget-friendly optic to mount on a .22LR plinker, something that could introduce new shooters to the concept of reflex sights without breaking the bank. My criteria included a clear reticle, adjustable brightness, and a durable build that could withstand the occasional bump. The Firefield seemed to tick these boxes, but I knew the true test would come at the range.
Upon unboxing, the sight felt surprisingly lightweight. Its compact design was appealing, and the aircraft-grade aluminum housing gave the impression of reasonable durability. Compared to the heavier, more robust Trijicon RMR or even a Sig Sauer Romeo5, the Firefield felt almost toy-like, but I reserved judgment until I could assess its performance. My initial excitement was tempered by the budget price point; would it hold zero or would it be a frustrating exercise in futility?
First impressions leaned slightly towards cautious optimism.
Real-World Testing: Putting Firefield 1x 33x24mm Illuminated Green / Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local outdoor range, under clear, sunny conditions. I mounted the Firefield on a Ruger 10/22 using a standard Weaver rail adapter. The mounting process was straightforward, and the sight felt secure once tightened.
The multi-reticle options were immediately noticeable. Switching between the dot, circle-dot, crosshair, and circle-crosshair was simple, and the red and green illumination options offered flexibility in varying light conditions. However, even at the lowest brightness settings, the reticle seemed a bit too bright for my liking in direct sunlight, causing some bloom. The reticle was crisp and clear, though, which aided with quick target acquisition. I quickly realized that precise adjustment was going to be a challenge.
My session started off promisingly with groups in the 2-3 inch range at 25 yards. After about 50 rounds, the sight lost zero. It became more difficult to tighten the screws and maintain the optic’s position.
Extended Use & Reliability
After that initial experience, I remounted the Firefield on another rifle, hoping my previous zeroing issue was simply due to user error or a loose mount. Unfortunately, the problems persisted. Over the next few weeks, I used the sight sporadically on various rifles and even a pistol caliber carbine. Regardless of the firearm, the Firefield struggled to maintain a consistent zero.
The lightweight construction, while initially appealing, began to feel flimsy over time. The brightness adjustment dial felt loose, and the reticle illumination flickered intermittently, suggesting a potential issue with the battery contact. While there was no significant wear and tear on the housing itself, the internal components seemed to be suffering from the recoil. Cleaning was straightforward, as the glass surface wiped clean easily, but the constant need to re-zero the sight outweighed any ease of maintenance. The sight’s failure to maintain zero makes it virtually useless compared to iron sights or other similar optics.
Breaking Down the Features of Firefield 1x 33x24mm Illuminated Green / Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight
Specifications
- Magnification: 1x, offering true two-eye open shooting. This promotes situational awareness, crucial in tactical situations or fast-paced shooting scenarios.
- Objective Lens: 33mm x 24mm, providing a decent field of view for rapid target acquisition. The wider lens allows for easier target tracking and engagement.
- Field of View: 105 feet at 100 yards, offering a generous viewing area. This enhances peripheral vision and allows for a broader view of the surroundings.
- Eye Relief: Unlimited, accommodating various shooting stances and eye positions. This is particularly beneficial for users wearing glasses or those with specific cheek weld preferences.
- Reticle: Multi-Reticle (Dot, Circle-Dot, Crosshair, Circle-Crosshair), offering versatility for different shooting preferences. These options allow the user to select the reticle that best suits their shooting style and target type.
- Length: 3.10 inches, contributing to a compact and streamlined profile. The short length minimizes bulk and keeps the firearm balanced.
- Weight: 3.20 oz, making it incredibly lightweight and minimizing added weight to the firearm. This is advantageous for maintaining maneuverability and reducing fatigue during extended use.
- Finish: Black, providing a non-reflective surface and a tactical appearance. The black finish helps minimize visibility and blend in with the firearm.
- Battery: CR2032, a common and readily available battery type. The ubiquitous nature of the CR2032 simplifies replacement and ensures the sight remains operational.
Performance & Functionality
The Firefield 1x 33x24mm Illuminated Green / Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight, in theory, aims to provide rapid target acquisition and adaptability. The various reticle options and illumination colors are intended to accommodate different shooting conditions. However, the inability to reliably hold zero severely undermines its practical functionality, and the multiple reticle options are useless if the optic cannot reliably hold zero.
The sight’s strengths lie in its lightweight design and multiple reticle choices, while its major weakness is zero retention. It does not meet my expectations for a dependable optic, especially on firearms with any amount of recoil.
Design & Ergonomics
The Firefield boasts a compact design crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, contributing to its light weight. However, the overall build quality feels less robust than higher-end reflex sights. The sight is user-friendly in terms of mounting and reticle selection, but the brightness adjustment dial feels cheap and imprecise.
Durability & Maintenance
The Firefield’s long-term durability is questionable, given its struggle to maintain zero under moderate recoil. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lens. I suspect components will require frequent repair.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Firefield comes with basic mounting hardware and a tool for adjusting the reticle. It is compatible with any firearm equipped with a Weaver or Picatinny rail. No additional accessories were included.
Pros and Cons of Firefield 1x 33x24mm Illuminated Green / Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design.
- Multiple reticle options (dot, circle-dot, crosshair, circle-crosshair).
- Red and green illumination for varying light conditions.
Cons
- Fails to reliably hold zero, especially on firearms with any noticeable recoil.
- Subpar build quality; cheap components.
- Brightness adjustment dial feels loose and imprecise.
Who Should Buy Firefield 1x 33x24mm Illuminated Green / Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight?
The Firefield 1x 33x24mm Illuminated Green / Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight might be suitable for extremely low-recoil applications, such as airsoft or perhaps a very light recoiling air rifle where pinpoint accuracy isn’t critical.
Anyone seeking a reliable optic for firearms chambered in even mild calibers should skip this product. Instead, invest in a higher-quality sight from a reputable manufacturer. There are no must-have accessories that can resolve the fundamental issues with this sight.
Conclusion on Firefield 1x 33x24mm Illuminated Green / Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight
The Firefield 1x 33x24mm Illuminated Green / Red Multi Reticle Reflex Sight promises versatility and affordability, but its inability to reliably hold zero is a critical flaw. While the lightweight design and multiple reticle options might appeal to some, the sight’s poor build quality and inconsistent performance make it a questionable investment.
The asking price of $34.97 may seem attractive, but the frustration and inaccuracy it delivers are not worth the cost. I cannot personally recommend this sight. Spend a bit more for a more reliable optic.
