So, I have always had a favorable impression of Burris' Fastfire 2. It is surely does not set the standard in miniature reflex sights but I believe has carved a firm niche where it does proper justice. It surely tramples the 'value optics' that have attempted to manufacture a similar design.
The reason I decided to bring this product up is due to the fact that Burris has now secured its improved upon model 3; this along with what I believe competition from Bushnell and others has made the old model 2 available at very decent prices. It has its flaws, but still posses the same qualities it was regarded for when it was first introduced.
Note: there are quite a few places that are selling at MSRP
I recently picked up one, open box 'not used' for ~$160
This included the pic rail attachment-
I'm sure most of you are familiar with this sight but here are a few of its specs for reference:
Burris FastfireII
-Made in Philippines
-Magnification: 1.07x (yes, that's correct)
-4 MOA red reflex type dot
-Brightness Settings: 0- self adjusting to light detected on sensor
-Waterproof to vague specifications
-Dimensions (LxWxH): 1.8"x1.0x0.9 (46mmx25.4mmx23.7mm)
-Window Dimensions: .82" x .59" (21mm x 15mm)
-Weight (without mount): 0.9 oz./25grams
-(with mount) : 1.75oz/49grams (on my scale)
-(... & cover) : 1.875/53grams (on my scale)
-Total Windage & Elevation Adjustment: 190" at 100 yd each
-(plenty for awkward mounting positions)
-Adjustment Increments (with included disk): 1 MOA/60MOA per revolution
-Recoil Resistance: minimum 1,000 G's
-Operating Temperature: -10F(-25C) - +130F(+55C)
-Storage Temperature: -40F (-40C?) - +160F (+70C)
-Battery Type: 1) 3v CR2032 Lithium (must disassemble unit to replace)
- Mount to Base Materials:
-2 #6 Torx screws at 12 inch/lbs
-1/4" clamp nut nut with recoil lug at 20 inch/lbs
-Warrantee: 1 year limited, Original owner (non-transferable), convoluted wording implies owner must pay shipping both ways- must have copy of original sales receipt for service
Package
Circuitry and Battery
Size
Lens Coating
Pic Mount
For Reference
Impressions:
-Good value at its price point-
-Glass is nice but has a very low magnification (odd from my perspective)
-Auto brightness has potential advantages and weaknesses (no user levels)
-Its max and minimum brightness are ok, but not in the same league as
Aimpoint, Eotech or Trijicon
-Battery replacement forces user to disassemble unit (frustrating)
- Windage and Elevation controls are not user friendly (require separate unit)
-LED is 'always on', on/off control is a power saving feature. This is regarded
as a quality assurance that the emitter will always be ready to function.
-Plethora of mounting options across a wide variety of firearm platforms;
including different base attachments and mounts that are firearm specific
-On/Off switch is on left side of unit, difficult to access on a 45 degree for
right handed shooters
-4 MOA dot is symmetrical with good color.
-One year (non transferable) limited warrantee is kind of meek
-Included protective cover is nice (even though its plastic)
-Made in the Philippines (at least it's not China) I believe Vortex's PST as well
-Magnetic Battery compartment and torx wrench/screws are a nice touch
Overall, I feel the FastFire is a good buy. It's no RMR (hopefully I will have one by next week) but at its price point you can pick up a few of these because in the end they still work. If you have one, serious rifle that needs an optic of this nature then it might be beneficial to look elsewhere. However, if you need a few and its purpose is something other than the most serious it may be something to consider. Their are trade offs taking a step down to these but they are in a different league than the 'not to be named' copies.
Hope this can be helpful,
I will follow with some additional pics (mounted,reticle etc...)
The reason I decided to bring this product up is due to the fact that Burris has now secured its improved upon model 3; this along with what I believe competition from Bushnell and others has made the old model 2 available at very decent prices. It has its flaws, but still posses the same qualities it was regarded for when it was first introduced.
Note: there are quite a few places that are selling at MSRP
I recently picked up one, open box 'not used' for ~$160
This included the pic rail attachment-
I'm sure most of you are familiar with this sight but here are a few of its specs for reference:
Burris FastfireII
-Made in Philippines
-Magnification: 1.07x (yes, that's correct)
-4 MOA red reflex type dot
-Brightness Settings: 0- self adjusting to light detected on sensor
-Waterproof to vague specifications
-Dimensions (LxWxH): 1.8"x1.0x0.9 (46mmx25.4mmx23.7mm)
-Window Dimensions: .82" x .59" (21mm x 15mm)
-Weight (without mount): 0.9 oz./25grams
-(with mount) : 1.75oz/49grams (on my scale)
-(... & cover) : 1.875/53grams (on my scale)
-Total Windage & Elevation Adjustment: 190" at 100 yd each
-(plenty for awkward mounting positions)
-Adjustment Increments (with included disk): 1 MOA/60MOA per revolution
-Recoil Resistance: minimum 1,000 G's
-Operating Temperature: -10F(-25C) - +130F(+55C)
-Storage Temperature: -40F (-40C?) - +160F (+70C)
-Battery Type: 1) 3v CR2032 Lithium (must disassemble unit to replace)
- Mount to Base Materials:
-2 #6 Torx screws at 12 inch/lbs
-1/4" clamp nut nut with recoil lug at 20 inch/lbs
-Warrantee: 1 year limited, Original owner (non-transferable), convoluted wording implies owner must pay shipping both ways- must have copy of original sales receipt for service
Package
Circuitry and Battery
Size
Lens Coating
Pic Mount
For Reference
Impressions:
-Good value at its price point-
-Glass is nice but has a very low magnification (odd from my perspective)
-Auto brightness has potential advantages and weaknesses (no user levels)
-Its max and minimum brightness are ok, but not in the same league as
Aimpoint, Eotech or Trijicon
-Battery replacement forces user to disassemble unit (frustrating)
- Windage and Elevation controls are not user friendly (require separate unit)
-LED is 'always on', on/off control is a power saving feature. This is regarded
as a quality assurance that the emitter will always be ready to function.
-Plethora of mounting options across a wide variety of firearm platforms;
including different base attachments and mounts that are firearm specific
-On/Off switch is on left side of unit, difficult to access on a 45 degree for
right handed shooters
-4 MOA dot is symmetrical with good color.
-One year (non transferable) limited warrantee is kind of meek
-Included protective cover is nice (even though its plastic)
-Made in the Philippines (at least it's not China) I believe Vortex's PST as well
-Magnetic Battery compartment and torx wrench/screws are a nice touch
Overall, I feel the FastFire is a good buy. It's no RMR (hopefully I will have one by next week) but at its price point you can pick up a few of these because in the end they still work. If you have one, serious rifle that needs an optic of this nature then it might be beneficial to look elsewhere. However, if you need a few and its purpose is something other than the most serious it may be something to consider. Their are trade offs taking a step down to these but they are in a different league than the 'not to be named' copies.
Hope this can be helpful,
I will follow with some additional pics (mounted,reticle etc...)
