I’ve been through a few red dot sights in my shooting journey, but the Burris FastFire 3 has become a reliable companion on my pistol. Let’s break down what makes this little red dot a contender.
Best Features and My Experience:
First up, the FastFire 3 is miniscule. It disappears onto your pistol’s slide, keeping the profile low and handling balanced. This is a huge win for me when it comes to comfortable carry.
Mounting the sight was a breeze. It uses a Picatinny rail mount, and finding a secure fit on my pistol wasn’t an issue. Once zeroed, it has held true – even after some bumps and jostles at the range.
The 3 MOA dot is a good middle ground. It’s big enough for quick acquisition on pistols, yet precise enough for accurate shooting at typical pistol ranges. The brightness adjustment dial is simple to use, offering settings that work well in both bright sunlight and low-light conditions.
Burris boasts of the FastFire 3’s durability, and I haven’t had any reason to doubt them. The construction feels solid, and it’s shrugged off the recoil of everything I’ve put it through, from my snappy 9mm to a friend’s hefty .45 ACP.
Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options
Let’s talk about the good, the bad, and the meh. Here’s my take on the FastFire 3’s pros and cons:
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design
- Easy to mount and zero
- 3 MOA dot offers a good balance between speed and precision
- Adjustable brightness for various lighting conditions
- Seems very durable based on my experience
Cons:
- Some users online have questioned its ruggedness for heavy use or concealed carry due to a couple of reviews. I haven’t experienced this myself, but it’s worth considering.
- The dot size might be a bit large for some shooters who prefer a more precise aiming point.
- Battery access is on top of the sight, which means removing it from the mount for replacement. Not a huge deal, but some newer models offer more convenient options.
What Folks Are Saying Online
Opinions on the FastFire 3 seem divided online. Some users rave about its simplicity and durability, mirroring my experience. However, a few discussions raised concerns about its robustness for heavy-duty applications. It’s always good to take online reviews with a grain of salt, but it’s worth considering these viewpoints.
Alternatives and Perfect Pairings
If the FastFire 3’s size or potential durability issues give you pause, there are always options. The Trijicon RMR series is known for its bomb-proof construction, but it comes with a heftier price tag and footprint. For a similar size and feature set, the Shield SMS might be worth a look.
The FastFire 3 shines on compact pistols. I’ve found it particularly useful on my everyday carry Glock 19. It also works well on rifles and shotguns for close-range applications due to its versatility.
The Final Verdict
The Burris FastFire 3 might not be the fanciest red dot on the market, but for me, it’s a reliable workhorse. It’s compact, easy to use, and gets the job done. If you’re looking for a no-frills red dot sight for your pistol or a versatile option for close-quarters rifle/shotgun work, the FastFire 3 is definitely worth considering. Just keep in mind the online discussions about durability if you plan on using it very hard.