Ever Used A Sensor Red Dot?

[Abraham]

That is, one that you can't set the size of the dot?

It's adjusted to ambient light by a sensor, thus dot size is up to it - not you - so you don't have the choice of setting the dot large, medium or small? It's done for you. Maybe this is a good thing, but to me it seems like auto pilot and I like manual...

I'm now looking at a Vortex Venom 3 moa and it is one of those sensor types.

Any of you have it or one like it? Burris Fast Fire has the sensor and some of the reviews I've read are not happy with it...

Plus, Vortex is coming out (not now available) with a VV 6moa, and supposedly the only difference is it has a bigger red dot, thus faster target acquisition, but sadly it too is sensor tuned. And, probably won't be available until May or so.

My question: What's your experience with sensor type red dot sights?

Good?

Bad?

Thanks!

[The Annoyed Man]

No idea, sorry. BTW, the dot doesn't really get bigger, it gets brighter, which makes it look bigger.

[Pawpaw]

I own two Fastfire 3's and the automatic brightness is one of my favorite features. I can turn it on and not worry about it until it's time to turn it off again. It worked out really well for me on my Mossberg 500 for a recent duck hunt.

I didn't buy them for long range precision. I wanted fast acquisition at shorter ranges, so I went with the 8 moa dot.

No matter what you produce, someone will not like it.

ETA: The Fastfire 3 also has manual settings. You push the button once to turn it on in automatic mode. If you press it again, it goes into high power. Repeated presses will step down the brightness and then finally turn it off.

Edited to correct how the push button works.

[jkurtz]

I don't use one so I can't offer you an opinion from personal experience, but I have looked into it since I am considering adding an RMR to my carry gun. From what I have researched, the auto sensor ones work just as well as the manual ones with one exception. In the event that you are in a dark environment aiming into a brighter environment, the dot may not get bright enough since the sensor is adjusting the reticle brightness to your darker surroundings.

ETA: I have only researched the Trijicon RMR.

[Abraham]

Thanks to all, I really appreciate your input.

TAM,

My information regarding the Vortex Venom 6 moa (not now available) came from an Optics Planet rep, who readily admitted his knowledge was thin...

Pawpaw,

Your input may very well may be the deciding factor in my decision of what to buy, especially given the option with the Fastfire 3 to go manual rather than using auto sensor. I was eager to buy the Vortex Venom 3moa because it's gotten great reviews and it's remarkably light at 1.4 oz with the mount (Ah, I think...) I'll have to look up the weight of the FF3, but if I recall correctly it's only slightly heavier. Reading of your satisfaction with it, I'm now going to look harder at it. Thanks.

jkurtz,

Thank you for your information about the sensor shooting from dark to light. Most helpful...thanks again.

[Abraham]

Pawpaw,

I looked and can't find if the FF3 comes with a mount or if I have to buy it separately?

Also, which moa did you get?

And finally, where did you buy it?

Thanks for your help!

[Pawpaw]

Pawpaw,

I looked and can't find if the FF3 comes with a mount or if I have to buy it separately?

They sell them without a mount or with one of several mounts included. You can see the different part numbers in the User Guide here: http://www.burrisoptics.com/sites/defau ... 0.2.15.pdf

Also, which moa did you get?

Since my focus was speed, I ordered the 8 moa version with Picatinny mount.

And finally, where did you buy it?

I ordered two from MidwayUSA several years ago: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/154841 ... ount-matte

Thanks for your help!

ETA: One more note... the light sensor on the Fastfire faces front and center. For that reason, I wouldn't expect any problem with shooting from dark to light. I would expect the sight is "seeing" the same light levels you are.

[Abraham]

Pawpaw,

You SIR are a scholar and a Gentleman!

Thank you very much.

Mucho appreciated!!

[lfinsr]

I think you got bad advice. I have a VV and while it does have an auto setting for brightness, it can be turned off. The dot is 3 MOA and does not change size.