Finding the ideal red dot or sight for your weapon takes quite a bit of consideration.
There are many excellent options on the market, and deciding between two popular products is challenging.
This article will highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the Burris Fastfire 3 vs. Vortex Venom. Itโll also discuss the specifications and differences between the two.
Burris Fastfire 3 vs Vortex Venom
Burris Fastfire 3 | Vortex Venom |
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PROS | PROS |
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CONS | CONS |
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BEST FOR | BEST FOR |
Pairing with another sight or as the primary sight for speed, accuracy, and durability. | Shooters who want multiple brightness options and an optic that can recall the most recent brightness setting. |
Relevant Specs: Burris Fastfire 3 vs Vortex Venom
Specs | Burris Fastfire 3 | Vortex Venom |
---|---|---|
Weight | 1.5 oz (with the Picatinny mount) | 1.1 oz |
Dimensions | 1.9 inches long | 1.9 inches long |
Sight Window Dimensions | .82 inches x .59 inches | 1.11 inches wide |
Battery Type/Size | CR 1632 (Lithium 3V) | CR 1632 (Lithium 3V) |
Brightness Settings/Colors | Three manual settings and one automatic | Ten manual brightness settings and one auto |
MOA/Dot Size(s) | Available in three MOA or eight MOA | Available in three MOA and six MOA |
Windage/Elevation Adjustment Resolution | Adjustment Graduation one MOA | Edge-to-edge resolution |
Windage/Elevation Adjustment Range | Windage 100 MOA
| Windage 86 MOA |
Auto On/Off | Yes (auto-off) | Yes (auto-off) |
Waterproofing | Yes (O-ring sealed) | Yes |
Weight
The weight of sight contributes to the overall weight of the gun. This can affect balance, which in turn impacts the gun's accuracy.
Dimensions
It's important to choose a red dot that will fit your firearm correctly. An optic that's too big may obscure your view.
Sight Window Dimensions
The sight window dimensions affect your field of view. A larger window is useful for accuracy and close-quarter shots.
Battery Type/Size
The battery should be long-lasting and easy to replace. Ideally, a red dot's battery should last three to five years if not used frequently.
Brightness Settings/Colors
You'll need a red dot that can adapt to various types of lighting.
MOA/Dot Size(s)
A smaller dot is better for precision, while a larger dot picks up easier on the target.
Windage/Elevation Adjustment Resolution
The clearer the resolution, the better your view will be.
Windage/Elevation Adjustment Range
This refers to how much you can adjust your scope horizontally and vertically.
Auto On/Off
This feature extends the battery life if you forget to turn your optic off.
Waterproofing
A waterproof optic functions well, even if it's raining.
Key Differences Between Burris Fastfire 3 and Vortex Venom
There are some significant differences when comparing the Burris Fastfire 3 vs. Vortex Venom. Although both optics have similar advantages, one is slightly superior in multiple aspects. Some notable differences are:
- The Vortex comes in three MOA and six MOA, while the Burris is available in three MOA and eight MOA.
- The Burris weighs 1.5 ounces with a rail, and the Vortex weighs 1.1 ounces with a rail. The Burris that comes without a rail weighs 0.9 ounces.
- Image quality is exceptional on both red dots, but the larger glass on the Vortex offers a better field of view.
- Both options feature adjustable brightness levels, but the method of operation differs. The Burris is more comfortable to operate with only one button.
Advantages of Burris Fastfire 3
The Burris Fastfire 3 is an excellent optic of high-quality. It has three manual brightness settings and an automatic function. When this option is selected, the sensor adjusts the brightness to the environment.
It's user friendly, with just one button to adjust how bright you want your optic to be. The Burris also has excellent adjustment with a range of 115 MOA for windage and 86 MOA for elevation.
The Burris Fastfire 3 is also waterproof, shock-proof, and fog-proof. It's nitrogen-filled and has a recoil resistance of at least 1000 Gs. The dimensions are suitable for most firearms.
Advantages of Vortex Venom
When comparing the Burris Fastfire 3 vs. Vortex Venom, the latter has had less time to develop a fan base as it's newer. This product has ten brightness settings as well as an auto function.
It has two versions, a three MOA and a six MOA, both come highly recommended. The adjustment range is slightly better than the Burris, with a maximum windage adjustment of 100 MOA and a maximum elevation of 130 MOA.
The optic is durable, waterproof, and shock-proof. It also features a lifetime warranty. The Vortex Venom offers a larger window, and it's easy to maintain.
Use Case Comparison: Burris Fastfire 3 vs Vortex Venom
These red dots are aftermarket products with a similar price point and comparable stats. Both products are fairly versatile in terms of the weapons they're compatible with.
Both have an auto-off function, but the duration varies. The Burris turns off after nine hours, while the Venom takes 14 hours. They both have a top-loading battery, which is convenient as you don't have to remove the optic to change it.
Home Defense
If you're deciding between the Burris Fastfire 3 vs. Vortex Venom for home defense, either option will deliver excellent results. The flaw in both these products is that neither has a night vision option, which can come in handy when defending your property.
To protect your home from invaders, you'll need an optic that works well for moving targets. It should be easy to use and have reliable battery life. It should also feature a more clear view over a larger window.
Target/Range Shooting
Target shooting requires precision. The brightness settings need to accommodate various lighting in different environments. While the Burris 3 offers this with its three settings, the Vortex Venom gives target shooters ten setting options.
SMG/Rifle Use
Both of these red dot products come in two options. The Vortex comes in three MOA and six MOA, and the Fastfire comes in three MOA and eight MOA.
The larger options are both ideal for SMG and rifle use over short distances. Those wanting precision on their rifle would opt for a smaller MOA.
CCW/Concealed Carry
An excellent attribute of both options is that they work well on rifles as well as handguns. They're compact enough to fit snugly and discreetly against your body.
The field of view is larger on the Vortex Venom, but this is a disadvantage in concealed carry. The Fastfire 3 is slightly narrower in dimension and thus is more appropriately suited to be used for concealed carry.
Final Thoughts: Burris Fastfire 3 vs Vortex Venom
There are many reasons why shooters enhance their firearms with scopes or red dots. Accuracy is the primary reason, but the application differs from one gun enthusiast to the next.
When assessing the Burris Fastfire 3 vs. Vortex Venom, most of the features are similar, with only slight advancements in one brand. For home defense, you need a clear view of your target, and the optic you use needs to be user-friendly.
When comparing the two, you also need to consider which is better for concealed carry and target shooting. Another aspect that you must take into account is the cost of these products.
Both feature excellent durability against the elements, being shock-proof, fog-proof, and waterproof. The adjustability settings on both are also more than adequate.
Depending on what you use your weapon for, you may opt to choose a product that lacks in one benefit but excels at another.
Home-Defense: Burris Fastfire 3 / Vortex Venom
Target / Range Shooting: Burris Fastfire / Vortex Venom
SMG / Rifle Use: Burris Fastfire 3 / Vortex Venom
CCW / Concealed Carry: Burris Fastfire 3 / Vortex Venom
People Also Ask
The main aspects of both products discussed in this review give clarity on which optic is better for specific uses. There might be additional questions regarding the topic. This section will look at some frequently asked questions.
What Type of Battery Does a Burris Fastfire 3 Use?
The Burris uses a lithium CR 16332 battery.
What Battery Does Vortex Venom Red Dot Sight Take?
The Venom uses a CR 16332 battery.
How Big is a Burris Fastfire?
The Fastfire 3 dimensions are 1.9 inches long, 1.0 inches wide, and 1.0 inches high.