Burris Fastfire 3 vs Vortex Venom – 2022 Comparison Guide

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. It’ll also discuss the specifications and differences between the two.

Photo credit: scopesfield.com

Burris Fastfire 3 vs Vortex Venom

Burris Fastfire 3

Vortex Venom

PROS

PROS

  • Easy to operate

  • Available in three MOA and eight MOA Dot Sizes

  • Features windage and elevation settings

  • Three brightness settings and one auto setting
  • Lasts 5,000 to 30,000 hours

  • Features windage and elevation settings

  • Retains information about your last setting

  • Ten brightness settings and an auto function

CONS

CONS

  • Only lasts 5,000 hours

  • Doesn't come with a battery case screwdriver
  • Microfiber cloth is abrasive

  • Brightness controls are complex

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

Adjustment Graduation one MOA

Windage/Elevation Adjustment Range

Windage 100 MOA


Elevation 130 MOA

Windage 86 MOA

Elevation 115 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.

Photo credit: cmore.com

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. 
  • The number of brightness settings differs between the two.

  • Windage and elevation differ on both.

  • Durability is a common feature. Both these products are shock-proof and waterproof and come with lifetime warranties. One of these optics also has ArmorTek coating for added protection.
  • Photo credit: scopesfield.com

    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. 

    Photo credit: gunsandammo.com

    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.  

    Photo credit: cabinrange.com

    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

    Photo credit: youtube.com

    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. 

    Photo credit: jefenry.com

    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.



    Michael Lutes

    Michael Lutes is the managing editor and owner at Gun Mann. He is a veteran, gun enthusiast, 3 gun competitor, and 2a advocate. Mike has a passion for innovation and education across the industry to create great content, training, and insights from the best and brightest.