Red dot sights are popular among gun owners for their quick target acquisition and accuracy. Two top contenders in this market are the Vortex Venom and Burris FastFire 3. Both offer compact designs and reliable performance, making them solid choices for various firearms.
When comparing these two sights, it’s important to consider factors like build quality, optical performance, and ease of use. The Vortex Venom edges out the Burris FastFire 3 with its longer battery life, lighter weight, and more brightness settings. These features make the Venom a more versatile option for different shooting conditions.
Both sights are waterproof and shockproof, ensuring durability in tough environments. They also share similar mounting options, allowing use on pistols and rifles. While the FastFire 3 has a strong reputation, the Venom’s newer design offers some modern upgrades that many shooters appreciate.
Key Takeaways
- The Vortex Venom offers longer battery life and more brightness settings than the Burris FastFire 3.
- Both sights are durable and versatile, suitable for use on pistols and rifles.
- Price and personal preference play key roles in choosing between these two quality red dot sights.
Overview of Vortex Venom and Burris FastFire 3
The Vortex Venom and Burris FastFire 3 are popular red dot sights used on both pistols and rifles. These compact optics help shooters aim quickly and accurately.
Both sights offer similar features, including waterproof and shockproof construction. They are lightweight and have low profiles, making them ideal for concealed carry pistols.
The Vortex Venom has a slightly wider lens, providing a better field of view. It comes with 10 brightness settings, allowing for fine-tuning in various lighting conditions.
The Burris FastFire 3 is known for its durability and ease of use. It has 3 brightness settings and an automatic brightness mode that adjusts to ambient light.
Key differences:
- Vortex Venom: 10 brightness settings
- Burris FastFire 3: 3 brightness settings + auto mode
- Venom has a wider lens
- FastFire 3 is slightly more compact
Both sights are versatile and can be mounted on various firearms. They offer clear optics and precise aiming points for improved shooting accuracy.
Shooters often choose between these two based on personal preference, as both provide reliable performance in the field.
Design and Build Quality
The Vortex Venom and Burris FastFire 3 have distinct design elements that set them apart. Both sights offer robust construction and user-friendly features, but differ in some key aspects.
Material and Durability
The Vortex Venom is constructed with aircraft-grade aluminum, providing excellent durability while keeping weight low. Its housing is shockproof, able to withstand recoil and impact.
The Venom features O-ring seals to make it waterproof, protecting internal components from moisture damage.
Burris FastFire 3 also uses high-grade materials for durability. It has a rugged build quality designed to handle recoil and tactical use.
The FastFire 3 is waterproof as well, ensuring reliable performance in various weather conditions.
Both sights have scratch-resistant lenses to maintain clear optics over time.
Size and Weight Comparison
The Vortex Venom and Burris FastFire 3 are both compact and lightweight, ideal for use on handguns or as secondary sights on rifles.
Vortex Venom dimensions:
- Length: 1.9 inches
- Width: 1.1 inches
- Height: 1.0 inches
- Weight: 1.1 ounces
Burris FastFire 3 dimensions:
- Length: 1.9 inches
- Width: 1.0 inches
- Height: 1.0 inches
- Weight: 0.9 ounces
The FastFire 3 is slightly lighter, which may appeal to users prioritizing minimal weight.
Mounting Options
Both sights offer versatile mounting options for various firearms.
The Vortex Venom comes with a Picatinny/Weaver mount, making it easy to attach to many rifles and shotguns.
It’s also compatible with several pistol mounting plates, allowing use on popular handgun models.
The Burris FastFire 3 includes a Picatinny mount as well. It fits standard mounting systems for easy installation on rifles and shotguns.
Burris offers additional mounting plates for specific pistol models, enhancing its versatility.
Both sights can be used as primary optics or mounted on top of other sights for added functionality.
Optical Performance
The Vortex Venom and Burris FastFire 3 offer distinct optical features that impact shooting accuracy and ease of use. Both sights provide clear views and bright reticles, but differ in some key areas.
Lens Clarity and Reticle
The Vortex Venom boasts exceptional edge-to-edge resolution without blurring. Its wide lens enhances target acquisition and situational awareness.
The Burris FastFire 3 delivers clear optics but doesn’t quite match the Venom’s field of view. It offers a 3 MOA dot reticle, suitable for versatile shooting scenarios.
Vortex Venom users can choose between 3 MOA and 6 MOA dot sizes. The 3 MOA option works well for precision at longer ranges, while the 6 MOA dot excels in quick target acquisition for close-quarters shooting.
Brightness Settings
Both sights feature adjustable brightness settings to suit different lighting conditions. The Vortex Venom includes 10 brightness levels, allowing fine-tuning for optimal visibility.
The Burris FastFire 3 offers 3 manual brightness settings plus an auto-brightness mode. This auto feature adapts to ambient light, which can be helpful in changing environments.
The Venom’s wider range of manual adjustments gives shooters more control over dot intensity. The FastFire 3’s auto mode provides convenience for those who prefer a set-and-forget approach.
Field of View
The Vortex Venom’s wider lens contributes to a broader field of view. This expanded sight picture helps shooters maintain awareness of their surroundings while focusing on the target.
The Burris FastFire 3 offers a good field of view but is slightly narrower compared to the Venom. It still provides ample visibility for most shooting applications.
A wider field of view can be particularly beneficial in dynamic shooting scenarios or when tracking moving targets. For stationary precision shooting, the difference may be less noticeable.
Ease of Use
The Vortex Venom and Burris FastFire 3 differ in their user-friendly features. These red dot sights have distinct approaches to adjustments and power management.
Reticle Adjustments
The Vortex Venom offers 10 brightness settings, giving users more control over dot intensity. This range helps in various lighting conditions. The Venom’s top-loaded battery compartment makes changes quick and easy.
The Burris FastFire 3 has 3 brightness settings. While fewer options, it’s simpler to use. The FastFire 3 features automatic brightness adjustment. This can be helpful for shooters who don’t want to fiddle with settings.
Both sights have windage and elevation adjustments. The Venom’s adjustments are a bit easier to make precisely. The FastFire 3’s adjustments work well but may require more care.
Battery Life and Replacement
The Vortex Venom boasts longer battery life. It can last up to 30,000 hours on the lowest setting. The FastFire 3 offers up to 11,000 hours of use. Both use CR1632 batteries.
Changing batteries is easier on the Venom. Its top-load design means you don’t need to remove the sight. The FastFire 3 requires removal for battery changes. This can affect zero retention.
The Venom’s longer life means less frequent changes. This is handy for competition or defensive use. The FastFire 3’s auto-adjust feature can help conserve battery in some situations.
Compatibility and Versatility
The Vortex Venom and Burris FastFire 3 offer adaptability across various firearms and shooting scenarios. Both sights excel in different use cases, making them versatile options for shooters.
Firearm Compatibility
The Vortex Venom and Burris FastFire 3 are compatible with a wide range of firearms. They can be mounted on pistols, rifles, and shotguns. This flexibility allows shooters to use these sights on different weapons without needing multiple specialized optics.
The Vortex Venom comes with a Picatinny mount, making it easy to attach to many firearms right out of the box. It also has a variety of mounting options available for different gun models.
The Burris FastFire 3 offers similar mounting versatility. It can be attached to Picatinny rails and has specific mounts for popular pistol models.
Both sights are compact and lightweight, which makes them suitable for concealed carry pistols and hunting rifles alike.
Use Case Scenarios
These red dot sights shine in various shooting situations. For competitive shooting, both the Vortex Venom and Burris FastFire 3 provide quick target acquisition and precise aiming.
In home defense scenarios, their illuminated reticles allow for rapid sight picture in low-light conditions. The multiple brightness settings on both sights let users adjust for different lighting environments.
For hunting, these sights are beneficial when tracking moving targets. Their wide field of view helps hunters keep an eye on their surroundings while maintaining focus on the target.
Both sights perform well in tactical situations, offering durability and reliability under stress. Their compact size doesn’t add significant bulk to firearms, maintaining maneuverability in tight spaces.
Precision and Accuracy
The Vortex Venom and Burris Fastfire 3 are both known for their precision and accuracy in the world of red dot sights. These compact optics offer shooters a reliable way to acquire targets quickly and accurately.
The Vortex Venom boasts 10 brightness settings, giving users more control over the dot intensity. This flexibility allows for better accuracy in various lighting conditions.
On the other hand, the Burris Fastfire 3 offers 3 manual brightness settings. While fewer options, these settings are well-calibrated for common shooting scenarios.
Both sights feature adjustable windage and elevation, allowing shooters to fine-tune their aim. The Vortex Venom’s adjustments are slightly easier to make, which can lead to improved accuracy over time.
When it comes to precision, both sights perform admirably. The Vortex Venom has a slight edge with its wider field of view, potentially improving target acquisition speed.
It’s worth noting that both sights are parallax-free, ensuring consistent accuracy regardless of eye position. This feature is particularly useful for rapid target engagement.
In terms of durability, both sights are built to withstand recoil and maintain zero. The Burris Fastfire 3 is rated for 1000 Gs of recoil, demonstrating its ability to maintain accuracy under stress.
Price Comparison
The Burris Fastfire 3 and Vortex Venom are both priced under $250, making them competitive options in the same price range. This puts them in the mid-tier category for red dot sights.
Actual prices can vary depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. It’s common to find these sights on sale, which can make one temporarily more affordable than the other.
Both sights offer good value for their price point. They provide features typically found in more expensive models, such as:
- Waterproof construction
- Shock resistance
- Multiple brightness settings
The Vortex Venom often comes with a slightly higher price tag than the Burris Fastfire 3. However, the difference is usually small enough that buyers should focus on features and performance rather than cost alone when making a decision.
It’s worth noting that both manufacturers offer warranty coverage. This adds value to the purchase and should be factored into the overall price consideration.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Users have shared their thoughts on both the Vortex Venom and Burris FastFire 3 red dot sights. Many praise the Vortex Venom’s brightness settings, which offer up to 10 levels of adjustment.
The Burris FastFire 3 receives positive feedback for its compact size. At 1.9 inches long, it’s considered quite small compared to other reflex sights in its price range.
Some shooters appreciate the versatility of both sights, noting they can be used effectively on both rifles and pistols.
Battery life is a key factor for many users. The Vortex Venom gets high marks for its longer-lasting battery, which some find more convenient.
Ease of adjustment is another point of comparison. Several reviewers find the Vortex Venom’s controls more user-friendly than those of the FastFire 3.
Both sights receive praise for their build quality and durability. Users report reliable performance in various shooting conditions.
Price is a consideration for many buyers. The Vortex Venom is often seen as offering slightly better value, typically priced a bit lower than the Burris FastFire 3.
Pros and Cons
The Vortex Venom and Burris FastFire 3 each have unique strengths and weaknesses. Both offer reliable performance but differ in key features that may sway buyers one way or the other.
Vortex Venom Highlights
The Vortex Venom stands out for its longer battery life and wider range of illumination options. It weighs slightly less at 1.1 ounces, making it a good choice for those concerned about weight.
The Venom offers easy adjustability, which many shooters appreciate. Its controls are user-friendly and intuitive. This red dot sight also provides a slightly wider field of view compared to the FastFire 3.
One potential drawback is that it’s a newer model, so it hasn’t had as much time to build a loyal following. However, its performance speaks for itself.
Burris FastFire 3 Highlights
The Burris FastFire 3 is known for its durability and reliability. It’s waterproof, shock-proof, and fog-proof, with a nitrogen-filled body that can withstand recoil up to 1000 Gs.
This sight comes in two dot size options: 3 MOA for precision and 8 MOA for faster target acquisition. The FastFire 3 is versatile and can be used on both rifles and pistols.
On the downside, it has a shorter battery life compared to the Venom. Its illumination settings are also more limited, which may be a concern for some users.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
The Vortex Venom and Burris FastFire 3 are both excellent red dot sights. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
The Vortex Venom offers 10 brightness settings and a slightly wider field of view. It also comes with Vortex’s renowned VIP warranty.
The Burris FastFire 3 is more compact and lightweight. It provides 3 brightness settings and is generally more affordable.
Both sights are versatile and can be used on rifles and pistols. They offer similar dot sizes and battery life.
For shooters prioritizing warranty coverage and more brightness options, the Vortex Venom may be the better choice. Those looking for a more compact, budget-friendly option might prefer the Burris FastFire 3.
Ultimately, the decision depends on individual needs and preferences. Both sights will serve most shooters well in various shooting scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Vortex Venom and Burris FastFire 3 are popular red dot sights with distinct features. Users often have questions about their differences, compatibility, and performance.
What are the main differences between the Vortex Venom and Burris FastFire 3 red dot sights?
The Vortex Venom offers 11 illumination settings, while the Burris FastFire 3 has 3 brightness levels. The Venom comes with a 3 MOA dot, whereas the FastFire 3 is available in both 3 MOA and 8 MOA options.
The Vortex Venom has a slightly higher price point but comes with a lifetime warranty. The Burris FastFire 3 is more budget-friendly and still offers good quality.
Can the Vortex Venom red dot use the same mounts as the Burris FastFire series?
Yes, the Vortex Venom can use the same mounts as the Burris FastFire series. These two red dot sights share the same hole pattern, making them compatible with each other’s mounting systems.
This compatibility allows users to switch between the two sights without changing their existing mounts.
What are the unique features of the Burris FastFire 4 compared to the FastFire 3 model?
The Burris FastFire 4 is an upgraded version of the FastFire 3. It features improved battery life and a more user-friendly interface.
The FastFire 4 also includes additional brightness settings and a more durable construction compared to its predecessor.
How do the Vortex Venom and Burris FastFire 3 compare in terms of durability and reliability?
Both the Vortex Venom and Burris FastFire 3 are built to withstand tough conditions. They are waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof.
The Burris FastFire 3 has a recoil resistance of at least 1000 Gs. The Vortex Venom is known for its rugged construction and reliable performance in various environments.
Are there any known issues with the Burris FastFire 3 that users should be aware of?
Some users have reported issues with the battery compartment on the Burris FastFire 3. The battery cap can be difficult to remove or replace.
There have also been occasional reports of the sight losing zero after heavy recoil, but this is not a widespread problem.
Does the Burris FastFire 3 have a ‘shake awake’ feature similar to other modern red dot sights?
No, the Burris FastFire 3 does not have a ‘shake awake’ feature. Users must manually turn the sight on and off to conserve battery life.
This is one area where newer models like the FastFire 4 and some competitors have an advantage over the FastFire 3.