Author Topic: Burris FastFire II (Read 4222 times)

coop2564 · « **on:** July 08, 2009, 11:04:53 AM »

Has anyone replaced a standard 2X scope with one of these on your revolver if so how does your accuracy compare out to say 75yds or so? Pro's and Con's?

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 08, 2009, 11:52:05 AM »

The 2 x scope will hold tighter groups. The red dot will cover your target and your group will open a little.. It is a little harder to be as precise with a red-dot.

Glanceblamm · « **Reply #2 on:** July 09, 2009, 02:00:30 AM »

Only been shooting with the red dot since last Sept or so. I leave it set on the 3moa dot & it is suprisingly accurate out to 120yds (have not shot past that) but I have to agree with Redhawk1 as the scope is just more precise, especially if you were wanting to see groups on paper. I would call a red dot adequate for a standing groundhog @ 100yds and very comforatable for a coyote or a deer at that range but if we were wanting to plink at a crow, I would prefer a scope. On a more informal application the aluminum can is going to be in great danger @ 100yds with my equipment but if a sparrow were to land on the can I would like the scope better. I think that this boils down again to what Redhawk1 was saying about the groups opening a little when the dot is used.

Hope I made a little sense in layman's terms. Con's are that I am restricted (technically) to groups that are no smaller than 3" @ 100yds along with the possibility of the red dot quitting or getting caught with a dead battery. When talking Burris this is probably unlikely. Pro's would be a choice of a color change (Green/Yellow) for the low light conditions with red working well in the full daylight.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 09, 2009, 02:46:27 AM »

Having said what I did above, I use a red-dot for 70% of my handgun hunting, open sights for 25% and a scope for 5%. I don't do much target shooting for groups. I sight my gun in and achieve the best groups and than I stick with that. I do practice shooting weekly with my handguns to stay proficient, I just do shoot targets for groups or paper punching.

I find a red-dot to give "me" the best performance, it is a real advantage in low light conditions like heavy woods and the last 30 min of hunting. The cons of a handgun scope are, not as fast target acquisition and you can't see the cross hairs in lower light conditions or on dark animals in lower light conditions.

My order of how I choose my sight for hunting are as follows, red-dot is my first choice, iron sights and then a scope. Now if I am out in the open hunting, and have lots of light and a good rest, a scope is what I would go with. I am not saying a scope will not work, because I have kill a number of game with a scoped handgun, but I killed a lot more with a red-dot or iron sights.

My red-dot of choice is the Ultra-dot Match dot or the Ultra-dot 25 mm. I was not to impressed with the Burris Fast Fire.

S.B. · « **Reply #4 on:** July 09, 2009, 03:50:38 AM »

Maybe just my eyes but, the higher I turn the reostat the more fuzz I get along with the red dot? Scopes cross hairs stays the same size all the time, in a good clear(Leupold) scope.
Steve

coop2564 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 09, 2009, 04:22:54 AM »

Quote from: Redhawk1 on July 09, 2009, 02:46:27 AM

My red-dot of choice is the Ultra-dot Match dot or the Ultra-dot 25 mm. I was not to impressed with the Burris Fast Fire.

Redhawk what about it didn't you like? Accuracy compared to other red dots or something else?

The main reason I'm interested in the Fastfire is its very small size and lite weight it also self adjust for lighting, full scopes just make a handgun well seem like not a hand gun to me. I have used a standard red dot before and their accuracy was good for the 75yds or closer that I usually shoot. But even they are rather large to me. Just wondering if the fastfire is as accurate as a standard red dot I guess?

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 09, 2009, 04:24:29 AM »

Quote from: S.B. on July 09, 2009, 03:50:38 AM

Maybe just my eyes but, the higher I turn the reostat the more fuzz I get along with the red dot? Scopes cross hairs stays the same size all the time, in a good clear(Leupold) scope.
Steve

In bright light you will not notice the fuzzy shape, the good thing is, in low light I seldom go over the 3 setting, mostly on 1 or 2. The dot is just fine that way.

With the Burris Fast Fire, the intensity is auto adjusting, no rheostat to play with.

The other good thing about a red-dot is, once you get it sighted in, all you have to do is place the red-dot where you want the bullet to go, and it is there...

I don't have anything agents scopes, I just don't like them for my handgun hunting. I handgun hunt like I bow hunt, up close. Can I shoot longer distances, sure I can, but I like it up close..

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 09, 2009, 04:30:57 AM »

Quote from: coop2564 on July 09, 2009, 04:22:54 AM

Quote from: Redhawk1 on July 09, 2009, 02:46:27 AM

My red-dot of choice is the Ultra-dot Match dot or the Ultra-dot 25 mm. I was not to impressed with the Burris Fast Fire.
Redhawk what about it didn't you like? Accuracy compared to other red dots or something else?

The main reason I'm interested in the Fastfire is its very small size and lite weight it also self adjust for lighting, full scopes just make a handgun well seem like not a hand gun to me. I have used a standard red dot before and their accuracy was good for the 75yds or closer that I usually shoot. But even they are rather large to me. Just wondering if the fastfire is as accurate as a standard red dot I guess?

I did not like the look of it on the gun and I was always having to look for the dot, not as fast as a tube red-dots If you like the smallness of the fast fire, have you looked at the Ultra-dot LT http://www.ultradotusa.com/ultradot_dist_2008_003.htm Also Aim point has a micro red-dot as well but a lot more money.

I don't find the Ultra-dot 25 mm to big looking on my handguns, and light as well.

coop2564 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 09, 2009, 04:47:13 AM »

I had not seen that one I do like it, but it seems unavailable right now I went to 5 or 6 sites that I normally buy from none had it or it was out of stock. Like the lifetime warranty!

Larry Gibson · « **Reply #9 on:** July 09, 2009, 06:04:44 AM »

About 6 months ago I mounted a Burris Fastfire onto my Ruger Bisley .41 using a Weaver no D&T mount. I found it simple to zero and very effective in use. The 4 moa dot is only 1 moa at 25 yards and 2 moa at 50 yards. I use a 50 foot small bore bullseye target at 50 yards and it was very simple to center the dot on the bullseye. Accuracy was excellent and equal to what I was getting with a 2.5X scope. Since this is intended as a hunting revolver it is easy to swtch the Fastfire on with the left thumb, after drawing from the leftside carry shoulder holster, as I begin my two handed hold of the revolver without taking eyes off the game animal/target. Aquisition of the dot as the revolver is brought to eye level is fast and sure. I am quite pleased with the Fastfire and really like the small size and low weight. I will remove the Weaver no D&T mount and D&T the top strap in front of the rear sight for a flat bottomed Weaver base. This will allow the rear sight to stay on the revolver and mount the Fastfire lower onto the frame without the added bulk of a regualr scope base. With heavy recoiling revolvers additional base screws (at least 1) can be added if a longer Weave base is used. One might also consider using 8x40 screws instead of 6x48s also. However with the light weight Fastfire I don't think recoil jolting it loose will be a problem. Mounted low on the revolver's backstrap that way will make for an even more compact setup with the availability of iron sights if the battery dies or the Fastfire breaks in the field.

I believe the Burris Fastfire to be the best option for an optical sight on a big game hunting revolver and will be getting a couple more of them for two other revolvers.

Larry Gibson

coop2564 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 09, 2009, 06:17:53 AM »

Thanks Larry I have a .41 mag RB that I want to put it on!

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 09, 2009, 03:33:15 PM »

Quote from: coop2564 on July 09, 2009, 04:47:13 AM

I had not seen that one I do like it, but it seems unavailable right now I went to 5 or 6 sites that I normally buy from none had it or it was out of stock. Like the lifetime warranty!

Try here http://www.ultradotwest.com/ultradot_2008_007.htm

bobthenailer · « **Reply #12 on:** July 21, 2009, 01:29:45 PM »

i would recommend the pride /fowler special ops sight its definatly the best of the bunch of the small red dot sights ! i still have a orgional tasco optima , burris fast fire and the p/f sight . i got rid of the 1st and second generation doctor sight and the truglow red dot sights , i havent tried the j pont sight. if i buy another new one it will definatly be the p/f sight

S.B. · « **Reply #13 on:** July 24, 2009, 04:37:56 PM »

Quote from: Redhawk1 on July 09, 2009, 03:33:15 PM

Quote from: coop2564 on July 09, 2009, 04:47:13 AM
I had not seen that one I do like it, but it seems unavailable right now I went to 5 or 6 sites that I normally buy from none had it or it was out of stock. Like the lifetime warranty!

Try here http://www.ultradotwest.com/ultradot_2008_007.htm

Redhawk1. what's the dot size in these things? Never mind, I found it under Specs.
Steve

coop2564 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 26, 2009, 06:10:44 AM »

Doing a google of the ultra dot L/T I find a lot of mention of the glass poping out of them. Not seeing any negtive comments on the fastfire just FYI.

roger460xvr · « **Reply #15 on:** August 16, 2009, 02:28:59 AM »

I have one on my 6.8spc AR-15 its worked well out to about 75yds then the red dot gets a little fuzzy...

S.B. · « **Reply #16 on:** August 16, 2009, 03:18:44 AM »

Quote from: roger460xvr on August 16, 2009, 02:28:59 AM

I have one on my 6.8spc AR-15 its worked well out to about 75yds then the red dot gets a little fuzzy...

Try turning the reostat down a notch or two?
Steve

Bigeasy · « **Reply #17 on:** August 16, 2009, 04:18:28 AM »

I have one mounted on a Rock River GVT 1911 .45acp, and it works great. I was concerned it might effect the slide function, but it does not. This site is plenty precise for deer size game out to about 100 yards or so, and holds zero well. The dot is pretty clearly defined, though a scope is going to be more percise. I do miss not being able to adjust the intensity, though it seems to do OK with the self adjusting feature. A nice plus is its small size, and the fact you can use most normal holsters. A buddy is borowing that gun right now, so I cant show a picture, but I do have one mounted on an M4 Bushmaster on top of a regular scope (photo attached). That also works well - best of both worlds, speed and accuracy.

Larry

JTPinTX · « **Reply #18 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:19:57 AM »

Well, I got my Fastfire II in yesterday, and mounted it on my 8" DW 715. I really like it so far, it is small, light, and seems to work real well. The dot is pretty bright, I think I am going to do as someone suggested and put a piece of clear tape over the sensor that adjusts the dot intensity to light level, and color the tape with a sharpie. I think that will tone the dot down just about right. To me, it is alot easier and more precise than irons. Semms like a well built unit to me as well. I used the picatinney mount and put it on a weaver base, that way the unit stays with my 8" barrel. I can swap back to my 4" barrel without adjusting my irons.

coop2564 · « **Reply #19 on:** August 20, 2009, 04:34:52 AM »

Great any chance u could post a pic? Would love to c it on a revolver.

JTPinTX · « **Reply #20 on:** August 20, 2009, 08:03:07 AM »

Let me see what I can do. Gonna be pretty busy the next couple of days. I do plan on streamlining the mounting system though. Right now it has the full size Weigand Weaver base on it, which is too big. I'm going to cut it down, and maybe mill the slot for the mount deeper so I can get it lower too. It works fine, it is just more bulky than I feel it has to be. May do a before and after if I get a chance.

JTPinTX · « **Reply #21 on:** August 21, 2009, 05:04:46 AM »

Here is a quick pic of my 715 at the moment. I took the Weigand mount and cut about an inch off the front, and also cut most of the rear off it, normally it would extend all the way back to the rear sight. I cut it down because it looked clunky to me. I would still like to mill the slot a little deeper in the base so it would sit down lower on the vent rib, but it is okay as is. It seems to shoot better this way also. One other thing, the Weigand mount is a weaver, and the Fastfire II is a picatinny... That means the cross slot in the base is a little too small, and you have to take a dremel or round file and make the slot just a little deeper so that the picatinny base will sit down all the way on the top of the weaver base. Once done though, it is a very solid system.

coop2564 · « **Reply #22 on:** August 21, 2009, 06:14:00 AM »

Cool thanks!

ms · « **Reply #23 on:** August 25, 2009, 02:53:55 AM »

Quote from: Redhawk1 on July 09, 2009, 02:46:27 AM

Having said what I did above, I use a red-dot for 70% of my handgun hunting, open sights for 25% and a scope for 5%. I don't do much target shooting for groups. I sight my gun in and achieve the best groups and than I stick with that. I do practice shooting weekly with my handguns to stay proficient, I just do shoot targets for groups or paper punching.

I find a red-dot to give "me" the best performance, it is a real advantage in low light conditions like heavy woods and the last 30 min of hunting. The cons of a handgun scope are, not as fast target acquisition and you can't see the cross hairs in lower light conditions or on dark animals in lower light conditions.

My order of how I choose my sight for hunting are as follows, red-dot is my first choice, iron sights and then a scope. Now if I am out in the open hunting, and have lots of light and a good rest, a scope is what I would go with. I am not saying a scope will not work, because I have kill a number of game with a scoped handgun, but I killed a lot more with a red-dot or iron sights.

My red-dot of choice is the Ultra-dot Match dot or the Ultra-dot 25 mm. I was not to impressed with the Burris Fast Fire.

I bought a Ultra-dot after reading a lot of post on it you can't go wrong .

coop2564 · « **Reply #24 on:** August 28, 2009, 06:06:45 PM »

Well FFII came in today, hope to get it installed tomorrow and shoot some rounds and give it a test soon. Sucker is tiny!

coop2564 · « **Reply #25 on:** August 29, 2009, 06:03:26 AM »

Got it mounted. Hopefully get to shoot soon!

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d100/coop2564/pistolFFII.jpg

S.B. · « **Reply #26 on:** August 29, 2009, 10:34:41 AM »

coop, looks good.
Bigeasy, that's an interesting mount on top of your scope, is the ring drilled and tapped TDC or someother method?
Steve

Bigeasy · « **Reply #27 on:** August 29, 2009, 03:45:06 PM »

Coop - Looks nice on that Raging Bull. Let us know how it shoots

Steve - Thats a Burris top ring half that has a built in pickatinny mount built it. Its designed for mounting a fastfire, or similar sight atop your scope. It works great - snap the gun to your shoulder, head up, and you have the Fastfire for close range, head down on the stock, you have a 2X7 scope for long range accuracy.

Larry

S.B. · « **Reply #28 on:** August 29, 2009, 03:47:24 PM »

Cool!
Steve

coop2564 · « **Reply #29 on:** September 01, 2009, 11:29:09 AM »

Thanks guys for all the feed back, got out yesterday and shot the .41mag RB w/FFII and it did great. Only took 3 shots to sight in! At 50yds I put 12 shots inside 4" and I tried 4 at 100yds all hit inside 6" using 20.5gr H110 and 210gr Rem sp! I really like how small and light this sight is cant wait to try it on game.