Burris Fastfire 3 vs 4: A Comprehensive Comparison

The world of optics has seen significant advancements over the years, with companies like Burris leading the charge. Two of their most popular red dot sights, the Fastfire 3 and Fastfire 4, have garnered attention from shooting enthusiasts and professionals alike. But how do they stack up against each other? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.

Overview:

Fastfire 3: The Fastfire 3 is Burris's best-selling red dot sight. It's available in two dot sizes: 3 MOA or 8 MOA. This sight is known for its unmistakable, bright red dot that offers shooters an immediate advantage in speed and accuracy. It can function as a primary sight or be paired on top of an existing sight. The Fastfire 3 is especially popular with rifles or for those desiring pinpoint accuracy.

Fastfire 4: The Fastfire 4 builds on the legacy of the Fastfire 3. It offers a larger sight window for faster target acquisition and boasts a longer battery life. One of its standout features is the ability to toggle between four different reticle options. This versatility makes the Fastfire 4 adaptable to various shooting scenarios.

Key Features:

Fastfire 3:

• Dot Sizes: 3 MOA or 8 MOA.
• Brightness: Manual push-button & automatic brightness adjustment with three manual brightness levels.
• Battery: CR1632.
• Mount: Detachable Picatinny Mount.
• Sight Window: 21x15 mm.

Fastfire 4:

• Reticle Options: Four different reticles to choose from.
• Sight Window: Larger than the Fastfire 3 for quicker target acquisition.
• Battery Life: Up to 26k hours on medium brightness.
• Additional Features: Optional screw-on weather shield for a completely enclosed sight, Auto-Brightness & Auto-shutoff after 8 hours.

User Experience:

Fastfire 3: The Fastfire 3 is renowned for its lightweight design and ease of use. The larger 8 MOA dot is favored for quicker target acquisition, while the 3 MOA dot is preferred for more precise shooting.

Fastfire 4: The Fastfire 4 has been well-received for its larger window, which aids in faster target acquisition. The selectable reticle feature is a favorite among users, with the 3 MOA and 11 MOA dots being particularly useful. However, some users have pointed out that the weather cover design could be improved, as it requires a hex wrench for removal.

Price Point:

While the exact price can vary based on the retailer, the Fastfire 4 tends to be priced higher than the Fastfire 3. This is likely due to its advanced features and improved design.

Conclusion:

Both the Fastfire 3 and Fastfire 4 are exceptional red dot sights that offer reliability and precision. The choice between the two largely depends on personal preference and specific shooting needs. If you value a larger sight window and multiple reticle options, the Fastfire 4 might be the better choice. However, if you're looking for a tried-and-true model with a strong track record, the Fastfire 3 won't disappoint.