The Burris FastFire 4 red dot sight has quickly become a popular choice among shooters, and for good reason. This compact and robust optic offers a compelling blend of features, performance, and value. This review delves deep into its capabilities, addressing key aspects to help you decide if the FastFire 4 is the right red dot for you.
What Makes the Burris FastFire 4 Stand Out?
The Burris FastFire 4 distinguishes itself from the competition through a combination of factors:
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Exceptional Brightness: Boasting an impressive 8 brightness settings, including two ultra-low light settings perfect for dawn and dusk shooting, the FastFire 4 ensures clear visibility in virtually any lighting condition. This is crucial for maintaining target acquisition in diverse environments.
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Compact and Lightweight Design: Its small footprint and lightweight construction make it ideal for concealed carry handguns, shotguns, and even rifles where a low-profile optic is preferred. This doesn't compromise durability; it's built to withstand recoil and harsh conditions.
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Easy-to-Use Adjustments: The windage and elevation adjustments are simple and intuitive, requiring minimal tools for zeroing. This is a huge advantage for shooters of all skill levels.
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Reliable Battery Life: The FastFire 4 utilizes a single CR1632 battery, offering extended battery life, minimizing the need for frequent replacements. This is especially beneficial for those who prioritize reliability in the field.
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Durable Construction: Burris is known for its rugged optics, and the FastFire 4 lives up to that reputation. Built with high-quality materials, it can withstand the rigors of regular use and harsh environments.
Detailed Features and Specifications
Let's examine the FastFire 4's specifications in more detail:
- Magnification: 1x
- Field of View: Unspecified (varies slightly depending on mounting height)
- Dot Size: 3 MOA
- Battery: CR1632
- Weight: Approximately 1 ounce (depending on mount)
- Length: Approximately 1.5 inches
- Mounting: Uses a variety of mounting options, including Burris' proprietary footprint and Picatinny rail mounts.
Pros and Cons
Like any product, the Burris FastFire 4 has its advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
- Excellent Brightness Settings: Adapts well to varied lighting conditions.
- Compact and Lightweight: Ideal for concealed carry and various firearms.
- User-Friendly Adjustments: Easy to zero and adjust.
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand recoil and harsh conditions.
- Long Battery Life: Minimizes the need for frequent battery changes.
Cons:
- Limited Field of View: Smaller than some larger red dot sights. This is a trade-off for its compact size.
- 3 MOA Dot: Might be too large for some precision shooting applications, although perfectly suitable for close to medium-range scenarios.
- Price Point: While competitive, it’s not the cheapest red dot on the market.
Who is the Burris FastFire 4 For?
The Burris FastFire 4 is a versatile optic suitable for a wide range of shooters and applications, including:
- Concealed Carry: Its small size and lightweight design make it perfect for handguns used for self-defense.
- Home Defense: Reliable performance in low-light conditions is crucial for home defense situations.
- Shotgun Use: The rugged construction and bright reticle are advantageous for shotgun applications.
- Rifle Use (Certain Applications): Although not ideal for long-range precision shooting, it's a great choice for close-to-medium range applications on rifles, particularly those needing a low-profile optic.
Conclusion: A Solid Choice for Many
The Burris FastFire 4 red dot sight offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and reliability. Its compact design, bright reticle, and user-friendly adjustments make it a solid choice for a wide range of shooting applications. While it may not be the perfect solution for every shooter, its strengths significantly outweigh its weaknesses for many. Consider your specific needs and shooting style to determine if the FastFire 4 is the right red dot sight for you.