Burris FastFire 3: Review and Buyer’s Guide

I was really looking forward to getting my FastFire 3 from Burris. Since I had heard really good things about this budget-friendly red dot sight, I was wondering how it would compare to the juggernauts in the field: Aimpoint and EOTech. The FastFire 3 is probably one of the cheapest red dot sights you can get and still it looks quite sturdy.

First Impression of the Burris FastFire 3

So the box it arrived in was quite small and looked quite alright, nothing fancy. The first thing that met my eyes was the User Guide and an optics pad, then a little hood that you can use to put over the FastFire 3. They also provide you with a small jewelry screwdriver to help you with the installation, there is also a battery included. I was surprised at how small the actual FastFire 3 unit is. And compared to most other Red dot sights I have tried the FastFire 3 comes with all the stuff you need to get going, which is really nice.

What Recoil Can a FastFire 3 Handle?

I have tried 9mm, 40mm, 45mm, carbine, .308, 30-06 and a shotgun. I have not noticed any problems at all so far and I have a few friends who owns one who I usually go hunting with and they have not experienced any problems either, so even though its cheap and small it seems quite sturdy.

In their user guide they specify that the Fastfire 3 can handle at least 1000Gs and it’s hard to understand how much a 1000G is without any reference so these are the numbers I found so you can compare:

Glock 17, 124 gr ~576 Gs
Glock 22, 165 gr ~804 Gs
Glock 21, 230 gr ~541 Gs

Features

This is one of the best selling red dot sights on the market for a reason, and here is the list of functionalities:

• Automatic Brightness sensor (this is my #1 reason for getting this one) it works really well.
• 3 manual settings for brightness in case you want to shift by yourself. I thought I might use this but the automatic setting is so good so I don’t really use this at all.
• It’s available with both Weaver and Picatinny mount if you want to mount it on a rifle, pistol, or shotgun.
• You can also get the version without a mount that allows you to choose your own mount.
• There a 3 MOA dot option and an 8 MOA dot option. To be honest I never tried the 8 MOA dot but I guess that could be useful if you are older and just want to use it for handguns. For me I see no reason at all to have an 8 MOA dot, it’s just too big for my taste and takes up to much of the vision in the scope.
• It’s totally parallax-free as most other modern red dot sights, which means that you can shoot with both eyes open.
• You also have Windage & Elevation Adjustments like on other red dot sigh

Technical Data

• Magnification: 1.07x
• Sight Window: 21mm x 15mm; .82″ x .59″
• Elevation adjustment range: 115 MOA
• Windage adjustment range: 86 MOA
• Set value for one scale division: 1 MOA
• Subtension of the aiming dot: 3 MOA or 8 MOA (depending on model)
• Recoil Resistance: At least 1000 G’s
• Operating Temperature Range: -10°F to +130°F (-25°C to +55°C)
• Storage Temperature Range: -40°F to +160°F (-40°C to +70°C)
• Power Supply: 3V with one CR1632 Lithium battery
• Dimensions: (LxWxH) 1.9″ x 1.0″ x 1.0″ (48.2mm x 25.4mm x 25.4mm)
• Weight : 0.9 oz. (25 grams)

Burris FastFire 3 versus Vortex Venom

The Vortex Venom is a great red dot optic with rapid target acquisition. This facilitates easy and quick shots without struggling. The high coated lenses are the reason the device is reliable and competent. 

With a super-light aluminum body, there is exceptional weight reduction. The power and target dot buttons are convenient and easily accessible. They are on the left side, and the device has ten brightness levels. With the auto-brightness sensor, it offers the best performance without the need for adjustment.

Burris FastFire III, on the other hand, comes with great versatility. It can be used alone and can be paired with other optics. This makes mounting in your rifle easy compared to other ones. 

Additionally, there is excellent compatibility with different firearms. The robust design allows this red dot to withstand chock and impacts, hence years of application. The red shot sight ranges from 3 MOA, 8MOA, and 86 MOA. This enables different shooting ranges, thus great for various activities.

Does the Burris FastFire 3 Have Problems?

Although Burris FastFire 3 is a great red dot sight, it still has some downsides. Having a good understanding of these problems helps in easy and convenient usage. The FastFire has a single button which is responsible for dot brightness as well as switching off. This can be inconvenient and facilitates fast battery drain. Unlike others that have dedicated On/Off buttons, this can be tricky to operate. Also, the issue with faulty ones, it can take long before replacement despite the warranty.

Additionally, installing the device too tightly can mess with dot accuracy. Unlike competitors, this red dot sight doesn’t have a light-shielding cover. This is unlike Vortex, which comes with a shielding housing.

Burris FastFire 3 Battery

Although the device has efficient performance, it doesn’t need large batteries. It’s powered by a 3 Volts CR32 battery. This ensures there is convenient carrying ability even when going for hunting or shooting sports. The compact nature of batteries also helps to keep the accessory compact and straightforward.

Apart from the battery type, access is superb. The compartment is located on the top of the sight, which is easy for replacement. Due to the automatic features, it helps the battery to last long for up to 5 years.

The ability to monitor the battery life is one of the great features. It comes with a low battery indicator which is excellent for alerting you when to do the replacement. Besides the auto shut after 8 hours, there is a manual button that ensures maximum battery life.

Burris FastFire 3 vs. Burris FastFire 2

Apart from the slight difference in price, there are other notable differences between the Burris FastFire 3 and Burris FastFire 2. 

Well, the FastFire 2 boasts an automatic brightness sensor, and it provides a 4-MOA red dot. The sensor of this device allows brightness adjustment according to your environment. Hence, it will enable you to maintain your targets and shoot with high accuracy.

On the other hand, the FastFire three is light and sturdy. It puts an incredibly bright dot on your target, thereby offering outstanding speed and accuracy. Besides, the FastFire 3 can be paired on an existing sight and is also ideal as a primary sight.

Thus, the FastFire 3 has more superb features and functionalities than the FastFire 2. This tells you why the Burris FastFire 3 costs some bucks more than the FastFire 2. Also, the FastFire 3 allows you to change the battery with ease because you do not need to retract the scope from the mount. However, both can withstand a substantial amount of recoil to give you a flawless shooting performance.

Burris FastFire 3 Glock- Mounting system

One outstanding feature is that Burris FastFire 3 comes with a Glock mounting system. This handgun scope features a unique design with the Glock modular optic system. It works with almost every handgun that has an optic mounting system. 

The only downside is that this sight comes with mounting screws, which might not be the ideal length for every pistol out there. However, these scopes are perfect for the Glock mounting system. The installation is quite simple.

 Installation of the FastFire 3 on the Glock modular optic system

• The process doesn’t involve any hassles. You need to follow these steps:
• Remove the original MOS side plate.
• Keep aside the screws removed for later use.
• Locate the Glock MOS adapter
• Plate 01 is for mounting the Fastfire sights.
• Using the provided short screws, install the plate 01 to the Glock MOS slide.
• Attach the Fastfire 3 sights to Glock MOS plate using the four locating pins
• Secure your Fastfire 3 to Glock MOS plate with the longer screws together with lock washers. This is the last step of having your Fastfire 3 attached to the Glock pistol.

Burris Fastfire 3 Cover

This scope is high-quality. Despite having impressive functionalities, it is a bit delicate. However, it comes with a cover to protect it from harmful environmental elements. This cover features a patent-pending design featuring neoprene material, therefore soft and does not scratch your scope’s delicate finish.

Besides, this cover can accommodate the Vortex Venom scopes. However, you may need to make some modifications for it to be compatible with backup iron scopes. They come as a pack of two scope covers to give the best protection for your sights.

Burris FastFire 3 versus Trijicon RMR

The Trijicon RMR and Burris FastFire 3 are both state-of-the-art Glock sights. They have unmatched features, but you won’t lack notable similarities and differences. One of the epic features I have noted about these two is that they feature a patented and robust housing.

However, the FastFire 3 offers the advantage of being lightweight and sturdy. The Trijicon RMR boasts patented housing which absorbs impacts and increases the durability of the scope. Both feature upgraded electronics, which are sturdy and practical on slide-ride pistols.

They are versatile, and you can use them on self-defense, tactic shooting, target shooting, hunting exercises, and more. The FastFire 3 has a smaller objective diameter than the RMR. Furthermore, these two feature automatic brightness adjustment. Also, the windage and elevation are quite simple to adjust for both sights.

Where to Buy the Burris FastFire 3?

I really hope you buy your Burris Fastfire 3 here on Amazon, and I would be really thankful and happy if you use this link as it’s my affiliate link and i earn a few bucks, big thanks!

Warranty

The  Burris Forever Warranty™ covers all Burris Fast Fire optics. You get one year warranty with free repair and replacement services when you purchase the Burris FastFire 3.