What’s the difference between Burris Fastfire 3 and Trijicon RMR?
I wanted to find out, so I bought both red dot sights and hand-tested everything:
- Reticle
- Durability
- Battery life
- Field of view
- And so much more
By the end of this Burris Fastfire 3 vs Trijicon RMR comparison review, you’ll know which red dot sight is best for you.
Let’s get started!
Quick Comparison Table
| Features | Burris Fastfire 3 | Trijicon RMR |
|---|---|---|
| MOA | 3 & 8 | 3.25 |
| Magnification | 1x | 1x |
| Eye Relief | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Illuminated? | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.9 ounces | 1.2 ounces |
| Dimensions | 6 x 5 x 2 inches | 1.8 x 1.1 x 1 inches |
Burris Fastfire 3 vs. Trijicon RMR Red Dot Sights Review
The Burris Fastfire 3 and Trijicon RMR promise speedy target acquisition and excellent aim for outdoor activities, like hunting and shooting after dark.
The Burris offers more pinpoint accuracy at short-range distances, all with the convenience of being a primary sight or paired with an existing reflex sight. The Trijicon RMR is a tiny but rugged red dot that packs a punch with its fierce close-quarter engagement abilities.
Both of these sights guarantee optimal aiming performance with high-quality illuminated red dots that adjust to any lighting situation.
I’ll be covering clarity, efficiency, durability, and more to determine which is the best reflex sight.
Let’s dive in!
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The Fastfire 3’s glass clarity is good, but I’ve got to say the sight picture isn’t as clear as the clarity on my Leupold or Trijicon optics.
However, I could get a crisp view out to 50 yards, so it’s not bad.
But it’s interesting to compare the reticles of the Burris Fastfire 3 and Vortex Venom. I own both of these optics and find the Burris’ smaller reticle weak in comparison.
However, I’ve found that the Fastfire 3 is the most durable, so it depends on what every individual prefers in an optic. I can willingly trade out the best clarity for something that can take more abuse, but it’s a personal choice.
That’s why I like to recommend non-illuminated optics, like the Vortex Viper HS-4 16×50.
As for the reticle, it’s a 3 MOA dot with a sharp and bold illuminated red dot. Which is an excellent choice for rifles, but it also has top-notch pinpoint accuracy. I loved pairing this red dot sight with my Bushnell 1-4×24 riflescope to get the best accurate performance.
In addition, the red dot has a choice of three settings of manual brightness and automatic sensors that adjust to any lighting condition.
The RMR’s glass clarity is always crystal clear with its multi coated lens. In addition, the shape of its glass creates a wide-band light transmission for minimal change in the color of the target area.
I’m always impressed with the clarity from Trijicon because they consistently deliver exceptional glass quality.
In addition, its 3.25 MOA dot makes it easy to locate the dot pretty quickly. My vision is decent, but I think this dot would be great for anyone with vision issues because it’s such a prominent dot.
The reticle’s auto brightness level adjusts effortlessly in dark to light conditions. So I didn’t even have to think about resetting it as the outdoor lighting changed during my testing phase of this optic.
Round 1 (Clarity and Accuracy) Champion: Trijicon RMR
Battery Life
The Burris has a CR1632 battery, which can last up to five years.
Yes, five years. This optic makes it possible due to the red dot’s automatic time-out feature, which saves valuable power after eight hours. That makes sustained night vision use no problem.
Plus, the battery is easily accessible on the top of the sight. So I didn’t have to remove the sight to change the battery. There’s also a low battery warning indicator, so I would feel excellent about using this sight for several years.
This optic reminds me of the even longer-lasting power of the Vortex Sparc and Sparc 2.
The Trijicon reflex sight has a CR2032 Lithium Battery with two years of use and five years in dark storage. This sight also includes a button lock-out mode and conserves battery power.
Another automatic mode feature is the RMR’s battery conservation mode. This helpful night vision feature adjusts the illuminated aiming dot to ambient lighting after 16.5 hours.
The battery features are close here, but I had to go with the Burris. Although the RMR has incredible battery power, nothing can beat the FF3’s five-year battery life.
Round 2 (Battery Life and Power) Champion: Fastfire 3
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The eye relief of the Fastfire 3 is unlimited.
After my testing phase at the range, I could get my target with both eyes open with swift accuracy. I tried this sight out with one of my lightweight Leupold riflescopes for even more precision at a longer distance.
The RMR’s eye relief is also unlimited, but I had difficulty aiming with both of my eyes open.
So instead, I had to adjust which eye got a better view, making it difficult to match up with my dominant hand.
Round 3 (Eye Relief) Champion: Fastfire 3
Durability & Weight
With its lightweight and compact design, the Burris didn’t disrupt my sense of balance or handling of my firearm.
It weighs 25 grams or 0.9 ounces. So I appreciated the light-as-a-feather feel during my shooting practice.
I’ve found a similar lightweight, compact structure from Vortex riflescopes.
The RMR is rugged and durable with its aluminum construction and impact-absorbing design.
This durability feature has to do with its unique patented housing shape that dips down, which helps to divert trauma away from the lens, preventing shattered glass.
After testing it out, I can confidently say that this red dot sight, weighing in at 1.2 ounces, is the toughest miniature sight on the market. It could rival similar red dot sights with its rugged durability.
Round 4 (Durability) Champion: Trijicon RMR
Windage, Elevation & Brightness Knob
The turrets of the Fastfire 3 offer smooth adjustments without the need for tools.
This aspect is helpful since I’ve forgotten to bring tools with me in the past. So this feature was the life-saver of the day.
I was able to zero this red dot sight at 10 yards. Plus, it held zero well throughout my shooting practice. Shooting practice with this red dot sight reminded me of the excellent zeroing capabilities of the Burris 332 and 536.
The RMR’s turrets adjust easily and hold zero solidly, which makes this sight simple to use.
This sight also doesn’t require tools, so I appreciated two sights with this feature. Plus, the turrets adjust with a soft but audible click.
These sights are similar in several ways, but I liked the zeroing of the Burris. It was easy to zero at just 10 yards with great visibility and more accuracy.
Round 5 (Windage Knobs and Turrets) Champion: Fastfire 3
Mounting
The Burris Fast Fire mount is available for the Fastfire 3, but I find it rather generic.
Meaning, the included mount may not be the correct length for all firearms.
My recommendation for this sight would be the Lonsel Dove Tail mount because this sight fits so smoothly on Picatinny mount and Weaver rails.
- ✌ Precision Material - Premium out of aircraft grade aluminum alloy and black hard coat anodize finish, sturdy & durable.
- ✌ Convert 11mm Dovetail to 21mm Picatinny Rail - 2.94 inches length at the base, the picatinny rail extends 3.94 inches allowing for more flexible optics placement.
- ✌ Mount Base - Fit 11mm dovetail mounts, Base mount 3/8" to 7/8" converter adapter. Low profile 0.59" riser rail for scope.
Mounting isn’t included for the RMR, but I highly recommend a Picatinny Rail like the Trijicon RM33 RMR Mount.
- Country Of Origin : China
- The Package Height Of The Product Is 4 Inches
- The Package Length Of The Product Is 8 Inches
This low mount is specifically designed for Trijicon sights to work with the RMR reflex sights. Plus, it’s easy to install and lightweight.
Although I’m not particularly impressed with the Burris FastFire mount, it’s much better than no mount at all. Plus, it is made explicitly for the Fastfire series of red dots. So all I had to do was upgrade to a Dove Tail mount to get everything I was looking for in the Burris Fastfire red dot.
Round 6 (Mounting) Champion: Fastfire 3
Price
The Burris costs $224.57 and is the more affordable choice from these two red dot sights.
This red dot can’t be beat with its high-quality battery power, but I didn’t find it nearly as durable as the RMR. That said, it’s still the best for a budget and will perform effectively.
The RMR costs $469.99, which is a high price tag.
- 3.25 MOA ADJUSTABLE LED RMR: Features an automatic brightness mode and easy push buttons for eight adjustable brightness settings including 2 nv and 1 Super bright
- DEPENDABLE ELECTRONIC DESIGN: Ruggedized Battery contacts and electronics ensure performance and survivability in harsh environments
- UNIQUE PATENTED HOUSING SHAPE: Military-grade aluminum alloy forged housing shape diverts force of impact away from the lens, greatly increasing its durability
But I’d rather have an optic that can survive anything than deal with issues later on. In addition, its automatic brightness feature is also a win-win.
I’m going to give this win to the RMR, even though it’s double the price of the Fastfire 3. What’s my reasoning? I believe you get what you pay for, and as I mentioned earlier in this review, I’d much rather have the most durable optic available on the market.
Round 7 (Pricing and Cost) Champion: Trijicon RMR
Burris Fastfire 3 vs. Trijicon RMR Red Dot Sight: Which is Better?
Both the Burris Fastfire 3 and the Trijicon RMR offer swift target acquisition, pinpoint accuracy, and excellent illumination. I would highly recommend either of these red dots, but there can only be one champion.
And I declare the Fastfire 3 the better red dot.
Here are the top reasons why:
- More affordable
- Battery time-out feature
- Easy and fast zeroing capabilities
- Unlimited eye relief great for one or both eyes open
There is my recommendation and the winner of this close race between these optics. With the Fastfire 3, I’m confident in getting the most extended battery life, lighter weight, and swifter target accuracy.