Last updated on July 6th, 2026
The recently released Burris FastFire 4 red dot sight has hit the shelves. I got hold of the FastFire 4 and fitted it onto my 12 gauge, as I find it’s a lot faster to get onto a target with a red dot than with iron sights.
Quick Take
The Burris FastFire 4 Red Dot is best judged by how it fits the rifle, not just by the spec sheet. Glass quality, reticle design, controls, mounting height and real-world use matter more than chasing one big headline number.
- Best use case: match the optic to the rifle?s actual job before worrying about brand hype.
- Check before buying: reticle style, eye relief, turret feel, weight and mounting requirements.
- Do not forget the mount: good rings and correct height are part of the optic system.
The red dot is however very versatile, being able to be mounted on multiple types of firearms including pistols, rifles and shotguns.
Red Dot’s
These optics are designed for use in close range shooting. The illuminated dot stays in alignment with the weapon regardless of what position your eye is in. This almost completely eliminates the parallax effect and issues with eye relief.
Red dot sights are commonly used for hunting, police, military and target shooters as they provide fast target acquisition. Quickly getting on target and keeping both eyes open when shooting are why I chose a red dot for my shotgun.
Burris
Burris has a long history being founded in 1971 in the US and continues to produce innovative products for the shooting and hunting community. The company also provides a forever warranty where all products will be replaced or repaired and is transferred to future owners.
We have previously checked out the RT-1 red dot from Burris and were impressed with the build quality, and function of the optic, so we were keen to see if the FastFire 4 worked just as well.
Construction
The Burris FastFire 4 is built sturdy and is coated in a matte finish. It weighs in at a very light 1.6 oz or 28 grams.
The CR1632 battery lasts an insane 26,000 hours of use on the medium brightness setting.
The kit also includes a weather/dust cover which attaches via two screws on the back of the sight and is easy to attach with the included tool.
The window on the sight is larger than the FastFire 3, providing a better view of the target. The window box on the FastFire 3 is 21x15mm and the larger window on the FastFire 4 is 29×18.75mm.
To control the optics settings there is a button on each side of the red dot. The left side controls the four brightness levels and also acts as an on and off button when held down. The button on the right side cycles the reticle choices.
Reticles
There are four different reticle options available. All reticles are illuminated red and include a 3 MOA dot, 11 MOA dot, 3 MOA dot with circle and 11 MOA dot with circle. The 3 MOA dot is for longer range shooting where you can be a little more precise and the 11 MOA dot is for closer ranges.
Changes are made in 1 MOA click values with a total of 90 MOA elevation and windage adjustment. There is an included tool in the box that helps to make the adjustments.
Conclusion
This is a great high quality red dot with a huge battery life. The small and large reticle choices are great for choosing between focused and fast shooting. Burris have achieved a great balance of price and product quality, you wont regret purchasing this red dot.
Specifications
| Magnification | 1x |
| Focal Plane | SFP |
| Reticle | Multi-Reticle |
| Adjustement Graduation | 1 MOA |
| Max Elevation Adjustment | 90 MOA |
| Max Windage Adjustment | 90 MOA |
| Length | 48mm |
| Weight | 45grams |
| Dot Size/Colour | 3 MOA;11 MOA;Red |
Burris FastFire 4 Buyer Fit Table
The Burris FastFire 4 should be compared as a compact reflex sight for speed, not as a replacement for a magnified rifle scope. It makes sense when the target is close enough that simplicity and a fast dot matter more than precision holds.
| Use | Fit | Compare |
|---|---|---|
| Close-range rifle or shotgun setup | Strong fit | Other compact red dots. |
| Hunting rifle backup sight | Possible fit | Mounting options and durability. |
| Long-range rifle | Poor fit | Use magnified optics. |
Compare compact optics with the LPVO guide, MPVO vs LPVO guide and scope guide.
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FAQ
Is the Burris FastFire 4 Red Dot worth it?
The Burris FastFire 4 Red Dot is worth considering if its magnification, reticle, glass quality and adjustment system match how you actually shoot. For lighter field setups, the biggest question is whether it gives you a clearer aiming solution than the optic you would otherwise buy.
Who is the Burris FastFire 4 Red Dot best suited to?
It suits shooters who want an optic for lighter field setups and are willing to choose based on real features rather than brand name alone. Check the reticle, turret layout, weight and warranty before deciding.
What should I compare with the Burris FastFire 4 Red Dot?
Compare it against optics in the same role and price bracket. Look closely at glass clarity, turret tracking, reticle usability, low-light performance, weight and how easy it is to get support or accessories locally.
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