Choosing between the Burris FastFire III and Vortex Venom can be tricky for gun owners looking to upgrade their sights. Both red dot sights offer compact designs and reliable performance for pistols and rifles.
The Burris FastFire III and Vortex Venom share many similarities, including versatility for use on different firearms. The Vortex Venom edges out the FastFire III with a longer battery life and more brightness settings, giving it a slight advantage for most shooters.
These red dot sights are popular choices for their durability and clear optics. The FastFire III has been around longer, while the Venom is a newer option that builds on proven features. Both offer waterproof and shockproof construction to withstand recoil and harsh conditions.
Key Takeaways
- The Vortex Venom offers longer battery life and more brightness options than the Burris FastFire III
- Both sights are versatile and can be used on pistols and rifles
- The FastFire III and Venom are durable with clear optics and waterproof designs
Overview of Burris FastFire III
The Burris FastFire III is a compact red dot sight designed for quick target acquisition. It’s suitable for use on both rifles and pistols, showcasing its versatility.
This sight features a 3 MOA dot reticle, which provides a balance between precision and speed. The dot is bright and clear, making it easy to see in various lighting conditions.
The FastFire III offers both automatic and manual brightness settings. It has 3 manual brightness levels, allowing users to adjust the dot intensity to their preference.
Durability is a key feature of the FastFire III. It’s waterproof, shock-proof, and fog-proof. The sight is nitrogen-filled and can withstand recoil of at least 1000 Gs.
The FastFire III provides a total elevation range of 115 MOA and a windage range of 86 MOA. This allows for precise adjustments to suit various shooting scenarios.
Burris backs the FastFire III with their “Forever Warranty”. This warranty covers any defects or issues, providing peace of mind to users.
The sight is known for its competitive pricing in the red dot market. It offers a good balance of features and affordability for shooters looking for a reliable optic.
Overview of Vortex Venom
The Vortex Venom is a popular red dot sight designed for use on handguns and rifles. It features a 3 MOA dot reticle, making it well-suited for precise aiming at various distances.
This compact sight offers 10 brightness settings, allowing users to adjust the dot intensity for different lighting conditions. The Venom includes both manual and automatic brightness modes for added versatility.
Key features of the Vortex Venom include:
- Waterproof and shockproof construction
- Multi-coated lenses for clear, crisp sight picture
- Easy-to-use top-loading battery compartment
- Lightweight aluminum housing
The sight provides 130 MOA of total elevation adjustment and 100 MOA of windage adjustment, offering ample range for zeroing on different firearms. Its wide field of view helps shooters maintain situational awareness.
Vortex designed the Venom to be durable and reliable under various conditions. The sight’s O-ring seals prevent moisture, dust, and debris from entering the optic.
The Vortex Venom mounts easily on many firearms using included mounting plates or aftermarket options. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for both recreational shooters and competitive athletes.
Design and Build Quality
The Burris FastFire III and Vortex Venom have distinct design features and build qualities that set them apart. Both sights are made to be compact and durable for various shooting applications.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Burris FastFire III measures 1.9 inches long, 1 inch wide, and 1 inch high. It weighs just 0.9 ounces without the mount.
The Vortex Venom is slightly larger at 1.9 inches long, 1.1 inches wide, and 1.02 inches high. It weighs 1.1 ounces without the mount.
Both sights are lightweight and compact, making them suitable for handguns and rifles. The small size difference may affect how they fit on certain firearms.
Material and Durability
The FastFire III has an aluminum housing that provides durability while keeping weight low. Its matte black finish helps reduce glare.
The Venom uses a machined aluminum housing with a hard anodized finish. This gives it excellent scratch and corrosion resistance.
Both sights use high-quality glass lenses with special coatings to enhance clarity and light transmission. The Venom’s lens has additional ArmorTek coating for extra protection against scratches and smudges.
Mounting Options
The FastFire III comes with a Picatinny mount included. It’s also compatible with various pistol mounts for popular handgun models.
The Venom includes both a low Weaver/Picatinny mount and a pistol mount plate. This gives it versatility right out of the box for different firearms.
Both sights use industry-standard mounting patterns, allowing use of aftermarket mounts for specific needs.
Waterproof and Shockproof Ratings
The FastFire III is rated waterproof, though Burris doesn’t specify to what depth. It’s designed to withstand heavy recoil from large caliber firearms.
The Venom is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, making it waterproof and fogproof. Vortex states it can be submerged up to 1 meter.
Both sights are built to handle harsh conditions and recoil from repeated firing. They’ve been tested to maintain zero and function after drops and impacts.
Optical Features
The Burris Fastfire III and Vortex Venom offer distinct optical features that impact their performance. These features include reticle design, lens quality, brightness settings, and field of view.
Reticle Style and Size
Both sights use a red dot reticle, but there are differences in size. The Burris Fastfire III offers a 3 MOA dot size. This smaller dot allows for more precise aiming at longer distances.
The Vortex Venom provides two options: a 3 MOA or 6 MOA dot. The 6 MOA dot is easier to see and allows for faster target acquisition at close range.
Shooters should consider their primary use when choosing between these reticle sizes. Smaller dots work well for accuracy at a distance, while larger dots excel in quick-moving situations.
Lens Quality and Clarity
Both sights feature high-quality glass for clear sight pictures. The Vortex Venom uses fully multi-coated lenses to reduce glare and improve light transmission. This results in a bright, clear image even in low-light conditions.
The Burris Fastfire III also employs Hi-Lume multicoating on its lenses. This coating helps to reduce reflections and increase light transmission, providing a clear sight picture.
Both sights offer good edge-to-edge clarity, allowing shooters to maintain situational awareness while focusing on their target.
Brightness Settings and Visibility
The Burris Fastfire III features three manual brightness settings. Users can adjust the dot brightness to match their environment. This manual system is simple to use but may require more frequent adjustments.
In contrast, the Vortex Venom offers both manual and automatic brightness settings. The auto-brightness feature uses a sensor to adjust dot intensity based on ambient light. This can be helpful in changing light conditions.
The Venom provides 10 brightness settings compared to the Fastfire III’s three. This wider range allows for finer adjustments to suit personal preferences and lighting situations.
Field of View
Both sights offer a wide field of view, which is crucial for situational awareness and quick target acquisition. The Burris Fastfire III provides a slightly larger window, measuring 21x15mm.
The Vortex Venom’s window is slightly smaller at 26.4x16mm. Despite this minor difference, both sights allow for easy target acquisition and tracking.
The wide field of view on both sights makes them suitable for use on handguns and rifles. Shooters can keep both eyes open while using these sights, enhancing situational awareness.
Battery Life and Power Management
The Burris FastFire III and Vortex Venom differ in their battery life and power management features. These aspects are crucial for hunters and shooters who need reliable optics in the field.
The Burris FastFire III advertises a battery life of 5 years. However, real-world usage suggests it can last up to 11,000 hours on lower brightness settings.
In contrast, the Vortex Venom boasts a battery life of up to 30,000 hours on its lowest setting. This gives the Venom a significant advantage in longevity.
Both sights feature automatic power-down functions to conserve battery life:
- FastFire III: Powers down after 8 hours in Auto Brightness mode
- Venom: Shuts off after 14 hours
The Vortex Venom offers 10 brightness settings, providing more versatility in various lighting conditions. The FastFire III typically has 3 manual brightness settings plus an auto-adjust mode.
Battery replacement is easier with the Venom, thanks to its top-load battery system. Users can change the battery without removing the sight from their firearm.
These features make both sights reliable choices for extended use, with the Venom holding an edge in battery life and adjustment options.
Ease of Use
The Burris Fastfire III and Vortex Venom differ in their user-friendly features. Each sight has its own approach to controls and mounting.
Control Layout and Adjustments
The Burris Fastfire III has simple brightness controls on top of the unit. Users can easily adjust the brightness with a single button. It offers three manual brightness settings.
The Vortex Venom provides more options. It has up and down arrows for precise brightness control. The Venom offers 10 brightness settings, giving users finer control over dot intensity.
Both sights feature windage and elevation adjustments. The Fastfire III uses slotted screws, while the Venom has finger-adjustable turrets. This makes the Venom slightly easier to adjust in the field without tools.
Installation and Compatibility
The Burris Fastfire III and Vortex Venom are designed for versatile mounting options. Both sights can be used on pistols and rifles.
The Fastfire III comes with a Picatinny mount included. This allows for quick installation on many firearms right out of the box.
The Vortex Venom doesn’t include a mount, but it’s compatible with a wide range of aftermarket options. It fits standard RMR footprints, making it suitable for many pistol slides.
Both sights are lightweight and compact. This makes them easy to install without significantly affecting the balance of the firearm.
Performance in Different Scenarios
The Burris FastFire III and Vortex Venom show strengths in various shooting situations. Each sight has unique features that can affect their performance depending on the specific use case.
Competitive Shooting
In competitive shooting, both sights offer quick target acquisition. The Vortex Venom has a slight edge with its 130 MOA elevation range, compared to the FastFire III’s 115 MOA. This extra adjustment can be crucial in long-range competitions.
The Venom’s auto-brightness feature adapts quickly to changing light conditions. This helps shooters maintain focus on their targets without manual adjustments.
FastFire III users praise its clarity and durability during intense matches. Its lightweight design reduces fatigue during long shooting sessions.
Both sights have multiple brightness settings, allowing shooters to customize their view based on the lighting at different competition venues.
Hunting
For hunting, both sights excel in low-light conditions. The Vortex Venom’s larger window provides a wider field of view, helpful when tracking moving game.
The FastFire III’s compact size makes it ideal for hunters who prefer a minimalist setup. It adds minimal weight to hunting rifles or shotguns.
Both sights are waterproof and fog-proof, essential for unpredictable weather during hunting trips. Their durability ensures they can withstand rough terrain and harsh environments.
The battery life of both sights is sufficient for extended hunting trips. However, the Venom’s top-loading battery design allows for quicker changes in the field.
Tactical and Law Enforcement
In tactical situations, both sights offer rapid target acquisition. The FastFire III’s lower profile may provide a slight advantage in close-quarters scenarios.
The Vortex Venom’s 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustments allow for precise zeroing, crucial in law enforcement applications where accuracy is paramount.
Both sights are compatible with night vision devices, a key feature for tactical operations. Their multiple brightness settings accommodate various lighting conditions.
The FastFire III and Venom both have robust construction, able to withstand the rigors of tactical use. Their shock-resistant designs ensure reliability under stress.
Price Comparison and Value for Money
The Burris FastFire 3 and Vortex Venom both offer good value in the red dot sight market. The FastFire 3 typically comes at a slightly lower price point than the Vortex Venom.
Prices can vary, but generally:
- Burris FastFire 3: Around $239
- Vortex Venom: Slightly higher, often around $250-$300
Both sights provide excellent features for their price range. They offer similar specifications, including reflex-style design and adjustable brightness settings.
Warranty is an important factor in value assessment. Burris offers a “Forever Warranty” for the FastFire 3. Vortex provides a VIP warranty for the Venom, which is a lifetime, no-questions-asked guarantee.
When considering value, shooters should think about their specific needs. The FastFire 3 might be preferable for those on a tighter budget. The Venom could be worth the extra cost for those who prioritize warranty coverage.
Both sights are competitively priced for their quality and features. They represent good value in the red dot sight market, making either choice a solid investment for most shooters.
Warranty and Customer Support
When it comes to warranty and customer support, both Burris and Vortex offer strong options for their red dot sights.
Burris provides a Forever Warranty for the FastFire 3. This warranty covers any defects or issues with the sight for its lifetime.
Vortex goes a step further with their VIP warranty for the Venom. It’s a lifetime, no-questions-asked warranty that covers any damage to the sight, even if it’s not the manufacturer’s fault.
Both companies have responsive customer service teams ready to assist with any problems or questions. Users can reach out via phone, email, or through the company websites.
It’s worth noting that while both warranties are comprehensive, the Vortex VIP warranty edges out slightly. It covers accidental damage, which the Burris warranty may not always include.
For shooters who are rough on their equipment or frequently use their sights in harsh conditions, the Vortex warranty might provide extra peace of mind. However, both companies stand behind their products with solid support.
Conclusion
The Burris FastFire III and Vortex Venom are both excellent red dot sights. They offer similar features and performance, making the choice between them challenging.
The FastFire III stands out with its solid construction and reliability. It’s a great option for shooters who prioritize durability.
On the other hand, the Vortex Venom impresses with its longer battery life and more brightness settings. This makes it ideal for those who need extended use without frequent battery changes.
Both sights are versatile, working well on rifles and pistols. They offer clear optics and precise aiming points.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and specific needs. Both the FastFire III and Venom deliver high-quality performance in compact packages.
Shooters can’t go wrong with either option. Both sights represent excellent value for money in the red dot sight market.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Burris FastFire III and Vortex Venom are popular red dot sights with distinct features. They differ in durability, optical quality, and cost-effectiveness. Let’s explore key aspects of these sights to help shooters make informed decisions.
What are the primary differences between the Burris FastFire III and the Vortex Venom in terms of features?
The Vortex Venom offers more illumination options than the Burris FastFire III. It also has a slightly wider field of view.
The Burris FastFire III is known for its compact size and lightweight design. Both sights are versatile and can be used on rifles and pistols.
How do the Burris FastFire III and Vortex Venom compare in durability and reliability?
Both sights are built to withstand harsh conditions. The Burris FastFire III is waterproof, shock-proof, and fog-proof. It has a recoil resistance of at least 1000 Gs.
The Vortex Venom is also durable and reliable. It comes with a lifetime VIP warranty that covers almost any kind of damage or defect.
Can the Vortex Venom fit on a mount designed for the Burris FastFire models?
Yes, the Vortex Venom can fit on mounts designed for Burris FastFire models. Both sights have similar footprints, making them compatible with many of the same mounting options.
This compatibility allows for easy switching between the two sights without changing the mount.
What are the known issues or drawbacks of the Burris FastFire III?
The Burris FastFire III has a shorter battery life compared to the Vortex Venom. Some users find its adjustments less user-friendly.
The sight’s smaller size can make it challenging for some shooters to acquire targets quickly in certain situations.
In what ways does the Vortex Venom’s optical quality compare with that of the Burris FastFire III?
The Vortex Venom generally offers better optical quality with a clearer and brighter dot. It has a wider field of view, which can aid in faster target acquisition.
The Burris FastFire III still provides good optical quality, but some users find the Venom’s sight picture clearer.
Which red dot sight is more cost-effective, the Burris FastFire III or the Vortex Venom?
The Burris FastFire III is typically priced lower than the Vortex Venom, making it more budget-friendly. However, the Venom’s longer battery life and comprehensive warranty can offer better long-term value.
Shooters should consider their specific needs and budget when deciding which sight is more cost-effective for them.