The Firefield Impact Mini 1x 16x21mm 5 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Reflex Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 1x Fixed Magnification, 1.90″ Length Made a Bold First Impression
The world of red dot sights is vast, ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end optics that cost more than some firearms. The Firefield Impact Mini 1x 16x21mm 5 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Reflex Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 1x Fixed Magnification, 1.90″ Length aims to bridge the gap, offering a compact and seemingly rugged optic at an incredibly accessible price point. Its promise of unlimited eye relief, a 5 MOA red dot, and included mounting options piqued my interest, promising a versatile and user-friendly experience.
I was on the hunt for a lightweight and compact red dot sight to mount on a dedicated .22LR AR pistol. I needed something that wouldn’t break the bank but could still hold zero and provide quick target acquisition for plinking and small game hunting. The allure of the Firefield Impact Mini was strong, given its compact size and low price.
Unboxing the Firefield Impact Mini, I was immediately struck by its diminutive size. The matte black finish appeared decent, and the included high and low mounts were a welcome bonus. The weight felt surprisingly light, almost alarmingly so, raising some initial concerns about long-term durability.
I considered options like the Bushnell TRS-25 and the Sig Sauer Romeo5. I ultimately chose the Firefield Impact Mini due to its smaller footprint and even lower price, figuring it was worth a shot for a .22LR application. My first impression was a mixture of curiosity and apprehension; could such a small and inexpensive optic actually deliver on its promises?
Real-World Testing: Putting Firefield Impact Mini 1x 16x21mm 5 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Reflex Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 1x Fixed Magnification, 1.90″ Length to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Firefield Impact Mini was at my local shooting range, mounted on my AR-22 pistol. The weather was sunny with a slight breeze, providing decent visibility for testing the optic’s performance. I primarily engaged targets at 25 and 50 yards.
The initial zeroing process was straightforward using the provided adjustment tools. I found the 5 MOA dot relatively easy to see in the bright daylight, though the dot clarity wasn’t exceptional. After about 50 rounds, however, the dot started flickering intermittently.
Extended Use & Reliability
After only a few more range sessions, the Firefield Impact Mini‘s reliability became a serious concern. Despite careful cleaning and storage, the flickering issue persisted and worsened. The dot would sometimes disappear completely, requiring me to remove and re-seat the battery.
The matte finish scratched easily, and the windage/elevation adjustments felt mushy and imprecise. I cleaned it after each use, and kept it stored in a padded case, but the wear was noticeable. Compared to my experiences with higher-quality red dots like Aimpoint or Trijicon, the Firefield Impact Mini fell far short in terms of overall reliability and durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Firefield Impact Mini 1x 16x21mm 5 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Reflex Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 1x Fixed Magnification, 1.90″ Length
Specifications
The Firefield Impact Mini 1x 16x21mm 5 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Reflex Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 1x Fixed Magnification, 1.90″ Length boasts several key specifications. These include its 1x fixed magnification, a 16x21mm objective lens, and a 5 MOA illuminated red dot. The sight is powered by a CR1632 battery and offers unlimited eye relief. The overall length is a compact 1.90 inches.
These specs translate to a wide field of view, fast target acquisition at close to medium ranges, and a compact and lightweight design. The unlimited eye relief is particularly beneficial for shooters who wear glasses or prefer unconventional shooting positions. However, the 5 MOA dot size can obscure smaller targets at longer distances, and the CR1632 battery life is generally shorter compared to optics that use larger batteries.
Performance & Functionality
When it functioned correctly, the Firefield Impact Mini provided acceptable accuracy for close-range shooting. Target acquisition was reasonably fast, and the illuminated dot helped in low-light conditions. However, the constant flickering and eventual failure made it unreliable for anything beyond casual plinking.
The biggest weakness is definitely the reliability of the electronics. The low price reflects the quality of components used, and it shows in the inconsistent performance. Ultimately, it didn’t meet my expectations for a reliable optic.
Design & Ergonomics
The Firefield Impact Mini‘s compact size and lightweight design are definite positives. It mounts easily on Weaver and Picatinny rails and doesn’t add significant weight to the firearm. However, the build quality feels somewhat cheap, and the adjustment turrets lack tactile feedback.
The sight is relatively user-friendly, with simple push-button controls for adjusting brightness. The lack of a distinct click for each adjustment increment makes precise zeroing a bit challenging.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Firefield Impact Mini‘s long-term durability is questionable. The scratching on the finish was more than I would expect, and the failure of the red dot emitter is a major concern. The sight is easy to wipe down and clean, but the internal components seem prone to failure.
I doubt this optic would withstand heavy use or harsh environmental conditions for very long. The one user feedback about it failing after only a few shots appears to reflect the product’s general quality, sadly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Firefield Impact Mini comes with both a low-profile mount and a co-witness mount, providing flexibility for different firearm setups. It also includes a protective cover, a CR1632 battery, and adjustment tools. There aren’t many specific aftermarket accessories designed solely for the Firefield Impact Mini, but it is compatible with any Weaver/Picatinny rail-mounted accessories.
While you can’t really “customize” the optic itself, you can choose which mounting height best suits your needs. Aftermarket lens protectors may fit, but I didn’t personally test any.
Pros and Cons of Firefield Impact Mini 1x 16x21mm 5 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Reflex Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 1x Fixed Magnification, 1.90″ Length
Pros
- Incredibly affordable price point.
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Includes both low-profile and co-witness mounts.
- Unlimited eye relief is forgiving for different shooting styles.
- Easy to mount on Weaver/Picatinny rails.
Cons
- Questionable long-term reliability; dot failed prematurely.
- Mediocre build quality; finish scratches easily.
- Imprecise windage/elevation adjustments.
- 5 MOA dot can obscure smaller targets at longer distances.
Who Should Buy Firefield Impact Mini 1x 16x21mm 5 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Reflex Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 1x Fixed Magnification, 1.90″ Length?
The Firefield Impact Mini 1x 16x21mm 5 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Reflex Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 1x Fixed Magnification, 1.90″ Length might be suitable for casual plinkers or airsoft enthusiasts who are looking for a very inexpensive red dot sight for low-impact applications. It is best suited for those who prioritize affordability above all else and are willing to accept the risk of potential reliability issues. If you are willing to risk $50 on something that might break soon after buying it, this is for you.
Anyone who requires a reliable optic for serious shooting applications (hunting, self-defense, competition) should definitely skip this product. Those who demand high-quality construction and consistent performance should look elsewhere.
Given the potential reliability issues, a spare CR1632 battery is a must-have. Consider also purchasing a higher-quality red dot sight as a backup.
Conclusion on Firefield Impact Mini 1x 16x21mm 5 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Reflex Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 1x Fixed Magnification, 1.90″ Length
The Firefield Impact Mini 1x 16x21mm 5 MOA Illuminated Red Dot Reflex Sight – CR1632 Battery, Unlimited Eye Relief, 1x Fixed Magnification, 1.90″ Length promises a lot for a very low price, but ultimately falls short in terms of reliability. While its compact size and lightweight design are appealing, the inconsistent performance and questionable durability make it difficult to recommend for anything beyond casual use.
At a price of $49.97, the value proposition is questionable. It might be tempting as a budget option, but the risk of premature failure outweighs the savings.
Personally, I would not recommend the Firefield Impact Mini. Invest in a more reputable brand with a proven track record of reliability. Spend a bit more and get something that will last.