I remember my first time at a steel challenge competition. Armed with my trusty handgun and its factory iron sights, I felt confident. That confidence evaporated after the first buzzer. My focus frantically shifted from the front sight to the target, back to the rear sight, trying to re-align for each of the five steel plates. My splits were slow, my transitions were clumsy, and the frustration was immense. It was a humbling experience that highlighted a fundamental truth in shooting: speed is born from simplicity. Trying to perfectly align three separate focal planes (rear sight, front sight, target) under pressure is a complex task. This is the exact problem that a quality red dot sight is designed to solve, and it’s why we were so eager to put the Burris FastFire 3 Red Dot Sight through its paces. It promises to simplify the equation, replacing a three-point problem with a single, intuitive aiming point.
- VERSATILE RED DOT OPTIONS - The FastFire 3, Burris's best-selling red dot sight, is available with a 3 MOA or 8 MOA dot. Choose the 8 MOA dot for quick target acquisition in short-range scenarios, or...
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND TOUGH DESIGN - The FastFire 3 series is both light and tough, ensuring it won't compromise gun balance or handling. Its compact build makes it versatile for mounting on guns using...
What to Consider Before Buying a Red Dot Sight
A red dot sight is more than just an accessory; it’s a key solution for drastically improving target acquisition speed and accuracy, especially at close to medium ranges. By projecting an illuminated dot onto a lens, it creates a single aiming point that is superimposed on your target. This allows you to shoot with both eyes open, maintaining full situational awareness and eliminating the need to align traditional iron sights. The benefits are immediate: faster follow-up shots, improved accuracy for shooters with vision issues (like cross-dominance), and a more intuitive shooting experience that feels less like a chore and more like an extension of your own vision.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the same challenges I did. This includes competitive shooters looking to shave seconds off their time, hunters who need to acquire a moving target quickly in varied light conditions, and recreational shooters who want to improve their proficiency and confidence with handguns, rifles, or shotguns. It’s also an excellent upgrade for home defense firearms where rapid and accurate aiming is paramount. However, it might not be the best choice for those who specialize in long-range precision shooting, as it offers no magnification. For distances beyond 200 yards, a magnified optic like a variable-power scope would be a more suitable tool.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The size and weight of a red dot are critical, especially on a handgun. A bulky sight can disrupt the firearm’s balance and make it difficult to find a compatible holster. The Burris FastFire 3 excels here, with a compact, lightweight aluminum body that adds minimal bulk, preserving the natural handling characteristics of the host firearm.
- Performance & Reticle: The “MOA” (Minute of Angle) of the dot determines its size. A smaller dot, like the 3 MOA on this model, covers less of the target, allowing for more precise shots at a distance. A larger dot (like the 8 MOA version) is easier and faster to pick up for very close-range work. Also, consider brightness settings; a good optic needs to be visible in bright daylight without “starbursting” in low light.
- Materials & Durability: Your sight will be subjected to recoil, bumps, and the elements. Look for a robust housing, like the aluminum used in the FastFire 3, and features like shockproof and waterproof construction. High-grade optical glass ensures a clear, crisp sight picture without distortion or tint.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like battery access can be a major point of frustration. Older designs required removing the entire optic to change the battery, which meant re-zeroing it every time. A top-loading battery compartment, like the one on the FastFire 3, is a massive quality-of-life improvement. Also, look for adjustments (windage and elevation) that are easy to make without special proprietary tools.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Burris FastFire 3 Red Dot Sight stands out in several areas, particularly its balance of performance, durability, and user-friendly design. You can explore its detailed specifications and see current pricing here.
While the Burris FastFire 3 Red Dot Sight is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Reticle allows for 4 different styles. Dot, Circle/Dot, Crosshair/Dot, Crosshair/Circle/Dot combinations. All in one sight!
- 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗰: Designed with a fully sealed system, the optic offers unmatched protection against the elements, ensuring reliable...
- DUAL COLOR OPTIONS: Package includes one Green and one Orange OverSight for versatile shooting conditions and personal preference.
Unboxing and First Impressions: Compact, Clean, and Ready for Work
Pulling the Burris FastFire 3 Red Dot Sight from its packaging, the first thing we noticed was its incredibly light weight. At just a fraction of a pound, it feels almost negligible in the hand, a testament to its well-machined aluminum housing. The finish is a clean, even matte black that should resist scuffs and glare. The package includes the sight itself, a protective sight cover, a CR1632 battery, a small screwdriver/adjustment tool, and the Picatinny mount, which feels just as sturdy as the optic. The glass is clear with a very slight blueish tint, common among red dots in this category, but it’s not distracting and doesn’t impede the sight picture. Compared to some bulkier tube-style sights, the open reflex design provides a wide, unobstructed field of view. The power button is a single, rubberized control on the left side, providing tactile feedback when cycling through the brightness modes. Overall, the initial impression is of a well-built, no-nonsense optic designed for performance without excess weight or complexity.
What We Like
- Extremely lightweight and compact, preserving firearm balance
- Proven to hold zero reliably under heavy recoil from various firearms
- Convenient top-mounted battery compartment eliminates the need to re-zero
- Versatile design is effective on pistols, rifles, and shotguns
- Features both automatic and manual brightness settings for all conditions
- Backed by the excellent Burris Forever Warranty
What We Didn’t Like
- Battery cover can be difficult and finicky to install correctly
- The included multi-tool/screwdriver is of poor quality
Deep Dive: Putting the Burris FastFire 3 to the Test
An optic can look great on the workbench, but its true value is only revealed under fire. We mounted the Burris FastFire 3 Red Dot Sight on a variety of platforms—a Canik TP9SFX pistol, a Mossberg 590 shotgun, and as an offset secondary optic on an AR-15—to test its versatility and durability. Across hundreds of rounds, we analyzed its ability to hold zero, the clarity of its dot, and its overall ergonomic function in real-world shooting scenarios.
On the Range: Unshakeable Reliability and Holding Zero
The single most important job of any sight is to maintain its point of aim. If it can’t hold zero, nothing else matters. This is where the Burris FastFire 3 Red Dot Sight truly shines. After an easy initial mounting process on our Canik using the factory-supplied plate, we zeroed the dot at 25 yards. The windage and elevation adjustments provide audible, tactile clicks, and we had it dialed in within a few magazines. The “tool-less” claim is a bit of a misnomer—you do need a small flathead driver—but the included tool (or any standard small screwdriver) works fine for this task. Once zeroed, we put it to work.
After 500 rounds of 9mm, the dot hadn’t shifted. To really test its mettle, we mounted it on our 12-gauge shotgun. The recoil from a shotgun, especially with full-power slugs and buckshot, is a notorious optic killer. We were incredibly impressed. As one user confirmed after running 96 full-power 12-gauge loads, the zero “hasn’t shifted.” Another shooter mounted it on an AR-12 shotgun and found that even on rapid fire, it stayed “perfect.” Our experience mirrored this exactly. We applied a drop of blue Loctite to the mounting screws as a best practice, a step several experienced users also recommended, and the sight remained absolutely locked in. From the snappy recoil of a high-velocity pistol round to the violent slam of a shotgun, the Burris FastFire 3 Red Dot Sight proved to be a steadfast and reliable aiming solution.
Optical Clarity and Dot Performance in All Conditions
The heart of any red dot is the dot itself. The 3 MOA dot on our test unit was crisp and perfectly round, with no noticeable flare or “starburst” effect, even for shooters with astigmatism. This small dot size is a fantastic choice for all-around use; it’s precise enough to make accurate shots on small targets out to 50 yards and beyond, yet still fast enough to pick up quickly for close-quarters shooting. The high-grade optical glass provides a clear view, and we found the parallax-free design to be excellent, allowing for forgiving head placement without a significant shift in the point of impact.
The brightness control system is another standout feature. The sight has one automatic brightness mode and three manual settings. The auto-brightness was surprisingly effective, adjusting seamlessly as we moved from the shaded firing line into bright, direct sunlight. However, we found ourselves, like many other users, preferring the manual settings. Having direct control is reassuring, and the highest setting is more than bright enough for any daylight condition. One user noted they typically keep it “one step below the brightest,” which we found to be a great sweet spot for most outdoor range work. The ability to shoot with both eyes open, focusing only on the target and the red dot, fundamentally changes the shooting experience. As another user so perfectly put it, “This product has made me 2x faster and more accurate… It feels like cheating!” We wholeheartedly agree; the intuitive nature of this sight allows you to simply look at your target, place the dot, and press the trigger. You can see for yourself how this optic can transform your shooting performance.
Ergonomics and Real-World Usability
Burris made a critical design choice with this optic that sets it apart from many competitors in its price range: the top-mounted battery. On older or cheaper reflex sights, the battery is located underneath the unit. This means every time you need a new battery, you have to completely remove the sight from your firearm, destroying your zero and forcing you to sight it in all over again. The top-access port on the FastFire 3 is a game-changer for long-term use, making a simple battery swap a 30-second task that doesn’t affect your settings.
However, this brings us to the most common complaint we found, both in our own testing and across numerous user reports: the battery cover itself. It’s a small, coin-slot cap that can be frustrating to thread correctly. You must apply even, downward pressure to compress the battery against the contact while simultaneously turning it. If it’s even slightly angled, it will refuse to thread. As one user rightly advised, “Take your time and make sure the lid is lined up perfect then screw it down tight.” Another noted the need for “a better screwdriver than what is provided,” which we also found to be true. A proper-fitting, larger flathead screwdriver provides much better leverage and control than the flimsy included tool. While this is a definite ergonomic flaw, it’s a one-time frustration during setup rather than a recurring performance issue. Once you get it cinched down tightly—and several users emphasized cinching it down—it holds firm and does its job.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings align closely with the broad consensus among shooters who have purchased and used the Burris FastFire 3 Red Dot Sight. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with users praising its durability and performance as being far above its price point. It’s frequently described as a “solid” optic that “works as advertised.”
Many positive reviews highlight its incredible resilience. One user, who mounted it on a Canik TP9SFX, reported that it was “still holding zero after 1 year of use” and over 2,000 rounds. Another put it on a pistol chambered in the high-velocity .22 TCM, which has a “monster” muzzle flash, and after 400 rounds reported “no problems.” This ability to withstand abuse is a recurring theme.
On the other hand, the most consistent point of criticism revolves around the installation process, specifically the battery cover. One user called it “challenging,” while another detailed the need to “have a good sized flathead and make the cover is level when putting pressure on it to close.” There were also isolated reports of receiving units with signs of prior use or missing components, which seems to be a vendor/shipping issue rather than a product defect. Thankfully, as one user pointed out, even in these rare cases, “Burris has an excellent warranty and will repair or replace no questions asked,” a sentiment that provides significant peace of mind.
How Does the Burris FastFire 3 Compare to Alternatives?
The red dot market is crowded, but the Burris FastFire 3 Red Dot Sight holds a strong position. Here’s how it compares to three popular alternatives.
1. HOLOSUN HS510C HM3X Combo Magnifier
The Holosun combo is less of a direct competitor and more of a complete rifle optics system. It includes both a reflex sight and a 3x flip-to-side magnifier. This package is ideal for AR-15 or similar rifle shooters who want the flexibility to engage targets at 1x for close quarters and quickly magnify for longer shots. The Holosun also boasts features like a solar panel for backup power and multiple reticle options. However, it is significantly larger, heavier, and more expensive than the Burris. For a handgun, shotgun, or a minimalist offset rifle sight, the lightweight and compact FastFire 3 is the far more practical choice.
2. Vortex Strikefire II Red Dot Sight
- The Strikefire II Red/Green Dot is a rugged, reliable red dot sight that is at home in a variety of shooting applications. It allows the shooter to operate between two dot colors and ten brightness...
- Fully multi-coated lenses provide a clean and bright, unobscured point of view. Unlimited eye relief allows for rapid target acquisition. Max Elevation Adjustment- 100 MOA. Max Windage Adjustment- 100...
The Vortex Strikefire II is a classic “tube-style” red dot sight. It’s larger and heavier than the FastFire 3, making it almost exclusively suited for rifles and shotguns. Its main advantages are its enclosed design, which can offer better protection for the emitter in harsh environments, and the renowned Vortex VIP Warranty. Shooters who prefer the sight picture of a tube sight and are mounting it on a long gun might prefer the Strikefire II. However, for anyone needing a small, lightweight optic, especially for a pistol, the Burris FastFire 3’s reflex design is superior.
3. Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Reflex Sight
- Model #119688 - DeltaPoint Pro Red Dot Sight, 2.5 MOA Dot and a Matte finish
- Leupold’s Professional-Grade Red Dot Optical System offers unmatched light transmission that’s designed to outperform in the most challenging lighting conditions, industry-leading glare reduction...
The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro is a direct competitor to the FastFire 3 but sits at a higher price point. It’s widely regarded as a top-tier, duty-grade reflex sight, known for its extremely rugged construction and exceptionally clear glass. The DPP often features a larger viewing window and a similar top-loading battery design. It’s a fantastic optic, but it comes with a premium price tag. The Burris FastFire 3 Red Dot Sight offers a remarkable 80-90% of the DPP’s performance for a fraction of the cost, making it the clear winner for shooters who are looking for the absolute best value for their money.
Our Final Verdict: The Best Value Workhorse Red Dot
After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently say that the Burris FastFire 3 Red Dot Sight is one of the best values on the market today. It’s a rugged, reliable, and versatile optic that delivers performance far exceeding its price. It holds zero like a rock, even under the punishing recoil of a 12-gauge shotgun, provides a crisp and clear aiming dot, and incorporates crucial user-friendly features like a top-loading battery. While the battery cover installation is a minor ergonomic hiccup, it’s a small price to pay for the incredible performance you get in return.
We recommend this sight without hesitation to anyone looking for a high-performance red dot without a high-end price tag. It’s an ideal choice for competitive pistol shooters, turkey and deer hunters, and anyone looking to upgrade a rifle or home defense shotgun. It simply works, and it works well. If you’ve decided the Burris FastFire 3 Red Dot Sight is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API