Choosing the right red dot sight can make a big difference in your shooting. The Burris Fastfire 3 and Vortex Viper are two popular options for gun enthusiasts. Both sights offer quality and performance, but they have some key differences.
The Burris Fastfire 3 is known for its compact size and affordability. It’s a good choice for those on a budget. The Vortex Viper, on the other hand, is praised for its durability and clear optics. The Vortex Viper tends to have a sharper dot and better battery life, but it comes at a higher price point.
When picking between these two sights, shooters should think about their needs and budget. The Fastfire 3 works well for casual use, while the Viper might be better for more intense shooting or competitive situations. Both sights can improve accuracy and speed when aiming.
Key Takeaways
- Both sights offer quality, but differ in price and features
- The Vortex Viper has better optics and durability
- Budget and intended use should guide the choice between the two
Overview of Burris Fastfire 3
The Burris Fastfire 3 is a compact red dot sight known for its reliability and ease of use. It offers quick target acquisition and precise aiming for various firearms.
Key Features
The Fastfire 3 boasts several notable features. It has three brightness settings, allowing users to adjust the dot intensity for different lighting conditions.
The sight is compatible with a wide range of firearms, including handguns, shotguns, and rifles. This versatility makes it a popular choice among shooters.
One standout feature is its automatic brightness sensor. This sensor adjusts the dot brightness based on ambient light, ensuring optimal visibility.
The Fastfire 3 also has a low battery indicator. This alerts users when it’s time to replace the battery, preventing unexpected power loss during use.
Technical Specifications
The Fastfire 3 comes in two dot size options: 3 MOA and 8 MOA. The 3 MOA dot is ideal for precise aiming at longer distances, while the 8 MOA dot is better for quick target acquisition at close range.
The sight weighs only 0.9 ounces, making it one of the lightest options in its class. Its dimensions are 1.9 x 1.0 x 1.0 inches, maintaining a low profile on firearms.
Battery life varies depending on usage, but typically lasts around 5 years. The sight uses a single CR1632 battery.
The Fastfire 3 has a parallax-free design. This means the dot stays on target regardless of eye position, improving accuracy.
Design and Mounting Options
The Fastfire 3 features a durable aluminum housing. This protects the internal components from shock and harsh weather conditions.
It has a waterproof design, able to withstand submersion up to 10 feet. The lenses are coated to resist scratches and provide clear visibility.
Mounting options are versatile. The sight comes with a Picatinny mount, but it’s also compatible with various pistol mounts.
The top-loading battery compartment is a user-friendly design feature. It allows for easy battery changes without removing the sight from the firearm.
Overview of Vortex Viper
The Vortex Viper is a popular red dot sight known for its durability and performance. It offers features like multiple brightness settings and a wide field of view.
Key Features
The Vortex Viper boasts a compact design that’s ideal for pistols and rifles. It has a 6 MOA dot size, which allows for quick target acquisition.
The sight offers 10 brightness settings. This range helps users adapt to various lighting conditions.
The Viper is powered by a CR 2032 battery. It has a battery life of up to 150 hours at the highest setting and 30,000 hours at the lowest.
One standout feature is its fully multi-coated lens. This coating enhances light transmission and reduces glare.
Technical Specifications
The Vortex Viper weighs just 1.1 ounces. Its lightweight design makes it suitable for extended use.
It has a length of 1.81 inches and a width of 1.06 inches. The compact size allows for easy mounting on different firearms.
The sight’s elevation and windage adjustments are 1 MOA per click. This precise adjustment helps with accurate zeroing.
The Viper has a parallax-free design. This means the dot stays on target regardless of eye position.
It’s compatible with Glock MOS and Springfield OSP systems. This versatility increases its appeal to various gun owners.
Ergonomics and Build
The Vortex Viper is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum. This material ensures durability without adding excessive weight.
It features a low-profile design. This allows for co-witnessing with iron sights on many firearms.
The sight is waterproof and shockproof. These qualities make it suitable for use in harsh environments.
Its O-ring seals prevent moisture, dust, and debris from entering the optic. This feature enhances the sight’s longevity.
The Viper has a matte anodized finish. This reduces glare and provides a non-reflective surface.
Optical Performance
The Burris FastFire 3 and Vortex Viper differ in their optical features. Each sight offers unique reticle options and lens treatments that impact clarity and performance.
Reticle Types
The Burris FastFire 3 comes with two reticle size options: 3 MOA and 8 MOA dots. The 3 MOA dot works well for precise aiming at longer distances. The 8 MOA dot allows for quicker target acquisition up close.
The Vortex Viper offers a 6 MOA dot. This size strikes a balance between the FastFire 3’s options. It provides fast sight picture for close-range shooting while maintaining usability at moderate distances.
Both sights feature bright, crisp red dots. The Viper’s dot appears slightly more defined against varied backgrounds.
Lens Clarity and Coatings
The FastFire 3 uses high-grade optical glass with index-matched lens coatings. These coatings reduce glare and maximize light transmission. The result is a clear sight picture with minimal distortion.
The Vortex Viper boasts fully multi-coated lenses. These coatings enhance light gathering ability and reduce reflections. The Viper’s optics produce a bright and clear reticle.
Both sights perform well in various lighting conditions. The Viper has a slight edge in low-light scenarios due to its coating technology.
Durability and Reliability
The Burris FastFire 3 and Vortex Viper both offer sturdy construction and protection against the elements. These features are crucial for optics used in demanding conditions.
Material and Construction
The Burris FastFire 3 is made of high-grade aluminum. This material provides a good balance of strength and lightweight design. The sight’s body is shockproof, helping it withstand recoil and impacts.
The Vortex Viper also uses aluminum for its main body. It has a low-profile design that adds to its durability. Both sights have protective hood options available for extra shielding.
Each optic uses high-quality glass for the lenses. This helps prevent scratches and cracks during use.
Weather Resistance
Both the FastFire 3 and Viper are built to handle tough weather conditions. They are waterproof, which means they can be used in rain or wet environments without issue.
The optics also feature fog-proof construction. This prevents internal fogging that can obscure the sight picture in humid or cold conditions.
Neither sight will corrode easily. They have special coatings that resist rust and other forms of weather-related damage.
The battery compartments on both models are sealed to keep moisture out. This protects the electronics and extends the life of the optics.
Ease of Use
The Burris FastFire 3 and Vortex Viper differ in their user-friendliness. Key factors include adjustment controls and battery management.
Adjustment Controls
The Burris FastFire 3 offers simple windage and elevation adjustments. Users can make changes with a small flathead screwdriver or coin. Each click moves the point of impact by 1 MOA.
The Vortex Viper features tool-less adjustment dials. Shooters can easily adjust settings in the field without extra tools. This design proves helpful during competitions or hunts.
Both sights have protective caps over the adjustment screws. These caps shield the mechanisms from dirt and damage.
Battery Life and Replacement
The FastFire 3 uses a CR1632 battery. It lasts up to 5 years on lower brightness settings. Changing the battery requires removing the sight from the firearm.
Vortex Viper runs on a CR2032 battery. It promises long-lasting performance. The top-loading battery compartment allows for easy changes without removing the sight.
Both models feature auto-brightness sensors. These adjust dot intensity based on ambient light. This feature helps conserve battery life in varying conditions.
The Viper’s design gives it a slight edge in battery replacement ease. Its longer battery life may also appeal to frequent users.
Compatibility with Firearms
The Burris Fastfire 3 and Vortex Viper are versatile red dot sights compatible with various firearms. Both offer different mounting options and work well with multiple gun types and calibers.
Mounting Systems
The Burris Fastfire 3 uses the Vortex Venom footprint standard. This allows for easy mounting on many pistols and rifles. It comes with a Picatinny rail mount for quick attachment to compatible firearms.
The Vortex Viper also uses a common mounting pattern. It fits many popular handgun models directly. For rifles, it includes a low Picatinny mount.
Both sights offer aftermarket mounting plates. These expand compatibility to even more firearms.
Firearm Types and Calibers
The Fastfire 3 and Viper are suitable for handguns and rifles. They work well on pistols for competitive shooting or self-defense. On rifles, they excel in close to mid-range scenarios.
These sights can handle recoil from various calibers. They’re tested to withstand thousands of rounds. Common pairings include:
- 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP pistols
- AR-15 style rifles in .223/5.56mm
- Shotguns for turkey hunting or home defense
Both are light enough for carry guns. They don’t add much weight to hunting rifles either. This versatility makes them popular choices for many shooters.
Price and Value
The Burris FastFire 3 and Vortex Viper differ in cost and after-purchase support. These factors can greatly impact a buyer’s decision when choosing between these red dot sights.
Cost Comparison
The Burris FastFire 3 is generally less expensive than the Vortex Viper. This price difference can be significant for budget-conscious buyers. The FastFire 3 offers good value for its cost, making it an attractive option for those new to red dot sights.
The Vortex Viper, while pricier, comes with some extra features. These may justify the higher cost for some users. Both sights are competitively priced within the red dot market.
Prices can vary based on retailers and specific models. It’s wise to shop around for the best deals.
Warranty and Customer Service
Vortex offers a strong warranty policy. Their VIP warranty covers their products for life. This coverage is transferable and doesn’t require a receipt.
Burris also provides a good warranty. Their Forever Warranty covers the FastFire 3 for life. It protects against defects in materials and workmanship.
Both companies have reputation for good customer service. They typically respond quickly to issues and honor their warranties. This level of support adds value to the purchase, beyond just the initial cost of the sight.
Professional and User Reviews
Both the Burris FastFire 3 and Vortex Viper have received extensive feedback from experts and consumers. Their opinions highlight key strengths and weaknesses of each red dot sight.
Expert Opinions
Gun experts praise the Burris FastFire 3 for its lightweight design and easy adjustability. They note its affordability without compromising quality. The Vortex Viper gets high marks for its wider field of view and suitability for hunting and tactical shooting.
Professionals appreciate the Viper’s slightly smaller size, measuring 1.8 inches in length. They find it aesthetically pleasing when mounted on firearms. Both sights are recognized for their durability, being waterproof and shockproof.
Consumer Feedback
Users of the Burris FastFire 3 often praise its value for money. They find it reliable and easy to use, especially for beginners. Some mention its compatibility with various firearms as a plus.
Vortex Viper enthusiasts highlight its crisp, clear red dot. Many prefer the Viper’s more vibrant red dot compared to the orange tint of some competitors. Users also appreciate its sturdy construction and consistent performance.
Both sights have loyal followings. Buyers often base their choice on personal preferences and specific shooting needs.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The Burris Fastfire 3 and Vortex Viper are both quality red dot sights with their own strengths. The Vortex Viper stands out for its lightweight design and wider field of view. It’s well-suited for hunting and tactical shooting.
The Burris Fastfire 3 offers more dot size options, with 3 MOA and 8 MOA choices. This flexibility can be beneficial for different shooting scenarios.
For those on a tighter budget, the Burris Fastfire 3 may be the better choice. It provides solid performance at a competitive price point.
The Vortex Viper excels in windage adjustments and has a slightly shorter profile. These features can be advantageous for certain shooting styles and firearm setups.
Both sights are reliable and offer good value for money. The final decision depends on individual needs and preferences.
Hunters and tactical shooters might lean towards the Vortex Viper. Those wanting more dot size options may prefer the Burris Fastfire 3.
Ultimately, both sights will serve most shooters well. It’s recommended to test both if possible before making a final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Burris FastFire 3 and Vortex Viper are popular red dot sights with distinct features. Shooters often compare their durability, battery life, mounting options, and accuracy.
What are the key differences between the Burris FastFire 3 and the Vortex Viper red dot sights?
The Burris FastFire 3 is generally more budget-friendly, while the Vortex Viper offers a wider field of view. The Viper is specifically designed for hunting and tactical shooting applications.
The FastFire 3 has multiple dot size options, while the Viper typically comes with a 6 MOA dot.
Which red dot sight is more durable between the Burris FastFire 3 and the Vortex Viper?
Both sights are built to withstand tough conditions. The Vortex Viper is waterproof and shockproof, as is the Burris FastFire 3.
Their durability is comparable, with both designed to handle recoil and harsh environments.
How do the Burris FastFire 3 and Vortex Viper compare in terms of battery life?
The Vortex Viper uses a CR2032 battery and is known for its long-lasting performance. The Burris FastFire 3 also uses a CR2032 battery.
Exact battery life can vary depending on brightness settings and usage patterns.
Can the Vortex Venom mount be used for the Burris FastFire 3?
The Vortex Venom and Burris FastFire 3 have similar footprints. In many cases, mounts designed for one can be used for the other.
However, it’s always best to verify compatibility before purchasing or installing.
What improvements does the Burris FastFire 4 have over the FastFire 3?
The Burris FastFire 4 is an updated version of the FastFire 3. It may offer improved features or performance.
Specific improvements can include better battery life, enhanced durability, or updated optical coatings.
How does MOA accuracy compare between the Burris FastFire 3 and the Vortex Viper?
The Vortex Viper typically comes with a 6 MOA dot, which is suitable for rapid target acquisition. The Burris FastFire 3 offers multiple dot size options.
MOA accuracy can depend on factors like dot size and individual shooter skill.