Sunday, June 10, 2012

My Review of the Burris Fast Fire 3 Part Two


'Dimensional and Gasket Differences with the FF2'
In terms of width, the FF2 and FF4 are the same. However, the FF3 is both a bit longer and taller than the FF2. Despite these differences, though, the FF3 will still fit on existing mounts made for the FF2. Since it is a bit longer, it does protrude a bit lengthwise on my Glock Slide Mount.

Top view of both sights, showing the longer length of the Burris FF3


The taller profile of the FF3 gives it a slightly better field of view compared to the FF2, which is pretty good from a practical point of view. However, the taller profile doesn't look very good, and sort of ruins the sleek appearance of the sight, especially the side profile. In terms of overall looks, I think the FF2 is better than the FF3.

Front view of both sights, showing the taller profile of the Burris FF3


The Gasket on the bottom of the sight is also different. On the FF2, it is wide and loose, which actually ended up being damaged slightly after I installed/removed it 2-3 times. On the FF3, it is smaller with a different shape, and is fixed, making it more durable and less likely to be damaged during installation/removal.


Bottom view of both sights, showing the Gasket areas. Note the torn area around one of the holes on the FF2


'Battery and Sight Adjustment Improvements, and Other Differences'
There is a big improvement in terms of accessing the battery. On the FF2, you needed to remove the unit from its mount to get to the battery. On the FF3, there is a separate panel that gives you access to the battery for changes that won't require removal of the unit from its mount.

The sight adjustment screws are bigger, with 1MoA markings around each screw, helping you make more precise adjustments if needed. There is also no locking screws anymore that you need to loosen or tighten during adjustment, making sight adjustments much easier and faster.

End to end view of both sights. Note the accessible battery compartment, new switch and new adjustment screw with markings on the Burris FF3


I also noticed that the coating on the lens is different. On the FF2, it was more of Orange-colored. However, on the FF3, it is more of Blue. This seems to indicate that a different coating was used on the lens.

'Loose Screws During Shooting'
One problem I previously found when using the FF2 on my Glock 23 was how the screws on the sight and its mount would come loose after firing a couple of dozen rounds. There are four screws of the FF2 and its Slide Mount. Two screws connecting the FF2 to the Mounting Plate, and another two screws connecting the Mounting Plate to the Dovetail Block, and ALL four of them became loose during the firing session.

A Slide Mount like mine means the sight is jarred back and forth as it travels with the slide during recoil, and the vibration during such actions is causing the screws to slowly come loose on their own. It is possible that a Non-Slide Mount (like on one of those enclosed Carbine Kits like the Fab Defense KPOS or CAA Tactical Roni) will be better as the sight will not be going back and forth with the slide, and thus have less vibration or recoil impulse.

View of the Burris FF3 on its slide mount on my Glock. Notice the portions of the sight where the protective cap rubs on the unit during removal/installation, it is wearing off the finish. A bit unsightly


For the FF3, I used an Adhesive Threadlocker to try to keep those screws from becoming loose. I found one at the Ace Hardware at our neighborhood SM Mall, it is made by Cord and is called Crocodile Grip. You apply the blue glue on the threads then install and tighten them.

Initial curing takes about 10 minutes, though full curing will occur after about 24 hours. Make sure you apply generous amounts of the Threadlocker on the screws, and then just wipe off the excess using Q-Tips and/or Cotton Buds.

'Shooting Sessions'
The improvement with the new sight adjustment system was very evident the first time I shot the unit, I just shot and dialed the adjustments to screws to zero it, no need to lock/unlock additional screws. The graduations around the screws also helped, helping me make more precise adjustments.

The biggest surprise was the Protective Cap. I removed it when I zeroed the sight, and then put it back on. After about 5 rounds, I was caught by surprise when the cap flew out of the unit and into the right side of my head. I put it back in, and tried to observe the cap as I was firing it.

It turns out that the cap rose a little bit everytime I shot the gun. I'm not sure why, its either the ejected shell bumped into it and shoved it upward, or the rearward motion of the slide caused the cap to rise due to inertia. Or perhaps because of both.

I tried to watch which is which, but just couldn't see clearly despite my efforts. I am leaning more towards the theory that the inertia of the cap causing it come loose and fly out. At any rate, the number of shot before the cap flew off was pretty consistent, after about 4-5 shots.

There were no other surprises, the screws on the sight did not loosen after shooting a couple of hundred rounds both in semi and full auto, indicating that the Threadlocker I put on the screws were very effective.

'Parting Shot'
The new cap is nice, enabling you to aim the gun during emergencies. However, it will fly off during successive shots, and more importantly it restricts the field of view, making it harder and longer for you to acquire the dot, hence I would prefer to remove it if I can before shooting the gun.

An Adhesive Threadlocker like the one I used is MANDATORY for these reflex sights if you mount them on the slide, because if not, then that sight will come loose. It is a hassle putting the Threadlocker on and wiping them off when installing or removing the sight, but its likely you will rarely have to do this when going thru your normal shooting sessions.

These Burris Fast Fire sights are very well made, they don't malfunction or lose their zero despite the battering they get when mounted on the slide like on my pistol.

With all the other improvements, like the more accessible battery and easier sight adjustments, all of it make for a worthwhile upgrade if you can afford it. There are minor irritants, like the cap wearing out parts of the sight's finish, and the less compact and less aesthetic appearance, but overall the pluses far outweigh the negatives.

If you want to see the Burris Fast Fire 3 in action, here is a video of me shooting it in full-auto (skip to the 1:28 mark if you want to view the firing portion of the video right away):

http://youtu.be/_BBz4xptwDQ

(End of Part Two)

--> My Review of the Burris Fast Fire 3 Part One

--> My Review of the Burris Fast Fire 3 Part Three

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