Author Topic: Help me decide - Fastfire or Fiber Optic front only? (Ruger .44) (Read 2889 times)

nickE10mm · « **on:** January 22, 2013, 02:58:11 AM »

Hi all,

I'm taking a poll to help me decide whether or not to put a Burris Fastfire 3 (reflex dot) on my Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 mag or not.

Admittedly, I've never been much of a scope guy (on handguns, at least) and when I had a Leupold 2X on my Dan Wesson I really didn't like the way it carried most of the time. Keep this in mind, however... before, I had to permanently mount the scope to the Dan Wesson, plus it was much heavier and was magnified, whereas in this situation, I'll be able to remove the sight whenever I like but will give me the option to put it ON based on where or what I'm hunting that particular day since the Ruger has integral mounts. Also, the Fastfire 3 is a little and very lightweight sight. Its also a sight that I could use on other firearms if I so wished.

I just tried the Williams Fiber Optic Firesights on my Ruger but am returning them today because my POI is about 6 inches left with them installed (but dead on with the stock Ruger sights), and I actually CHECKED THIS AGAIN a different day at the range, double verified. Rather than keep messing with them with a warranty or exchange, I'd rather just buy either a 1) standalone HiViz FO front sight or 2) a reflex optic. I normally prefer a good set of FO's since I can shoot open sights well out past 50 yards for the most part but I got to thinking how very nice my friend's JPoint reflex was on his G20. I have VERY good eyesight but think I might want an unmagnified dot to assist in long shots on game, be it deer, coyotes or other varmints.

The main issue I'm looking at is cash. The Williams Firesight (front AND rear FO) was $40. The HiViz FO sight (front FO sight only) is $40 or so. The Burris is $40 for the Ruger mount ONLY, plus $240 for the sight. It gets very good reviews but I've not heard of many people actually using one on a hunting revolver.

The question is, do I return the Firesight for another front sight (HiViz) for an even exchange of cash or do I exchange the Williams for a Ruger mount and buy the Fastfire after I've saved up the cash (a month or so maybe?).

Any firsthand experiences? Any comments?

Thanks in advance!

Here is my Ruger...

Here's a copuple guys who've done it before...

Mike in Virginia · « **Reply #1 on:** January 22, 2013, 01:34:36 PM »

Very nice gun. Personally, I've considered handgun hunting as a challenge, but that challenge is weakened by the addition of a scope. However, I recently acquired a pistol with a V notch rear sight and a firesight on the front. I can't align those sights at all. The firesight is a furry blur. So I've decided to mount it with optics. I don't like the red dots because the dot negates precise aiming. It's just too big when aimed at a target or animal unless the target or animal is very close. I'm going to a scope, something I've shunned for years.
Red dots are very nice for fast aquisition, but for exactness, they are not much. I can do better with iron sights.

nickE10mm · « **Reply #2 on:** January 23, 2013, 03:17:52 AM »

Interesting ....

My experience with irons is similar in that I normally prefer them, but for shots over 50 yards, a dot or reticle is by far superior.

Thanks for your response!

nickE10mm · « **Reply #3 on:** January 24, 2013, 03:15:28 AM »

Looks like I'm gonna go with the Fastfire 3.... If I try and and absolutely can't work with it, I'll probably either 1) return it and go with the Ultradot (1" or 30mm undecided) and some LOW RUGER rings or 2) just put the FF on another pistol (G29 or Fusion 10mm).

We'll see!!

Darrell H · « **Reply #4 on:** January 24, 2013, 03:50:12 AM »

Quote

I don't like the red dots because the dot negates precise aiming. It's just too big when aimed at a target or animal unless the target or animal is very close.

Mike, I would have to respectfully disagree with you on this. I get good accuracy with my red dots. I use a plain sheet of 8 1/2' x 11" paper or a paper plate for targets and just hold center of the paper. Here is an example...This 3/4" group was shot at 60 yards with my 480 Ruger and an Ultradot:

They have worked well for me in hunting situations as well:

While practicing for a recent auodad hunt in Texas, I was busting water-filled milk jugs at 140 yards with my Ultra-dot topped Super Redhawk in 454 Casull shooting 335 grain Cast Performance handloads.

niceE10mm,
Those are some nice guns that you have posted above.

I have several reflex sights and while I do like them alot, I still prefer the Ultradot for my serious hunting handguns. My latest reflex sight purchase was a trijicon RMR. I installed it on my Freedom Arms 454 Casull (with 45 Colt cylinder installed):

Let us know how the Fastfire III works for you!

RevJim · « **Reply #5 on:** January 24, 2013, 07:13:15 AM »

I tried to use a scoped TC Contender in (.223) once. Turns out that I am absolutely no good with a scoped handgun! I do much better with regular irons. I've never "hunted" with a pistol, but always have one and have used one to dispatch vermin or make a finishing shot, all close range.
Now, having said that, I did use an Aimpoint on a Bushmaster AR .223 for a couple years ( Urban Defense courses, etc.) and it was a revelation! I could hit out to 300, parallax wasn't an issue, and fast to put on target was an understatement! It also co-witnessed with my irons, an exceptionally good idea on a CQC rifle. I have often thought about putting a Red Dot optic on my dad's Ruger Single Six for fun. I think a Red Dot sight of some sort is worth trying out, especially on a handgun like yours. Good luck to you Pard.

RevJim · « **Reply #6 on:** January 24, 2013, 07:16:24 AM »

Hey Darrell, that's impressive handgun results! Some people just have a knack for using a handgun like you do, others, not so much. For them, hunting with a handgun would be a stunt, like a guy who hunts with a bow, but who never practices with it.

Darrell H · « **Reply #7 on:** January 24, 2013, 08:50:54 AM »

Rev Jim, I appreciate the compliment! For the record, I wasn't trying to "impress" anyone and I hope that the photos weren't taken as me "boasting" in any way. I don't have anything to boast about, there are certainly members on the site with MUCH more handgun hunting experience than me. I posted those photos in an effort to show that I actually do use ultradots on my hunting handguns and do not feel handicapped with them. Thanks again!

Darrell H

RevJim · « **Reply #8 on:** January 25, 2013, 04:02:02 AM »

Ha, I didn't take it as boasting at all, in fact, you have a "right" to boast! All nice shot placements, quality animals, quality equipment...those are not the marks of a hot shot braggart! ha. I'm proud of you and I don't even know you, lol. I approached bow hunting the same way, back in '75. I sought out a guy who knew what he was doing ( this was early compound days) who set me up with the proper, fitted equipment, etc. and then taught me how to shoot. I practiced almost every day. When my opportunity came, I was fortunate it all came together and a nice 11 ptr (Texas count) about 140# was my prize. I could have used a pistol, as it was only about 10 steps, ha. But again, my irons would have served me well. Good job!

odoh · « **Reply #9 on:** January 25, 2013, 08:27:54 AM »

I've FastFire II & III on my SRHs and so far me be happy. A benefit of these type is one doesn't have to concern oneself w/ring spacing. If you do go w/ UD, the 30mm is definitely better BUT the industry doesn;t make LOW 30mm rings 'cept for warne which woul requre a weigand weaver type base which negates the benefit of the low rings which is how I wound up w/the fastfires on my revolvers. I 'think' the UD may be more durable tho.

nickE10mm · « **Reply #10 on:** January 26, 2013, 07:27:20 AM »

[size=78%]Darrel, AWESOME PICS and reports! I've had about the same luck as you, but its always been with an open-sighted 10mm in one form or another... I just got into wheelguns relatively recently. Also, that FA w/ RMR is SUPPPPER DROOL.... I envy thou.[/size]

[size=78%]odah, I wasn't aware that you couldn't get LOW rings for a 30mm tube ... grumble grumble... lol[/size]

nickE10mm · « **Reply #11 on:** February 05, 2013, 01:52:58 PM »

FASTFIRE 3 IS ORDERED! WOOHOO!! Should be here before the weekend ... Unfortunately I won't be shooting the gun until NEXT weekend, but ill sure be fondling it!

odoh · « **Reply #12 on:** February 05, 2013, 07:57:55 PM »

You didn't mention your mount of choice so I'm guessing the Buris mount. Tip: there is a raised rail/ridge along bottom edge that preclude it from setting level on the SRH. Might be ok for the Mini 14/77 but needs to be ground down (mount base, not the gun

) for the SRH ~ I used a dremel and jewelers file. Does no good to take it up w/Buris. Additionally, in that I hate clinch marks, scuff/scratches on my gun, I placed thin bronze washers under the clinch screw heads to prevent permanent marring. Brass/bronze is softer than steel of course. Ok, so I've OCD

nickE10mm · « **Reply #13 on:** February 06, 2013, 04:53:02 AM »

Quote from: odoh on February 05, 2013, 07:57:55 PM

You didn't mention your mount of choice so I'm guessing the Buris mount. Tip: there is a raised rail/ridge along bottom edge that preclude it from setting level on the SRH. Might be ok for the Mini 14/77 but needs to be ground down (mount base, not the gun ) for the SRH ~ I used a dremel and jewelers file. Does no good to take it up w/Buris. Additionally, in that I hate clinch marks, scuff/scratches on my gun, I placed thin bronze washers under the clinch screw heads to prevent permanent marring. Brass/bronze is softer than steel of course. Ok, so I've OCD

Ya know, I think I read your MidwayUSA review of that part.... and while I did have a few small hiccups getting the mount to lock down evenly and tightly, its now SOLID AS A ROCK with no filing of any kind. The problem, for me, lied with Burris' own included instructions! They advise to lock down the left side and THEN the right side, while I found that doing this created a loose and off center mount... but when the directions were reversed, everything worked perfectly. I only solved this problem after walking away (frustrated) and coming back later in a very rebellious mood. I left my own review there on MidwayUSA, too.

Now, who KNOWS if I would have had the same problem on a SRH, as my .44 is a SBHH. I'll be posting a full review when I get mine mounted and some trigger time!

nickE10mm · « **Reply #14 on:** February 13, 2013, 07:40:42 AM »

Range report this weekend hopefully!

Darrell H · « **Reply #15 on:** February 13, 2013, 01:47:29 PM »

Looks good! Anxious to hear the range report.

ratgunner · « **Reply #16 on:** February 16, 2013, 09:21:13 AM »

Quote from: Darrell H on February 13, 2013, 01:47:29 PM

Looks good! Anxious to hear the range report.

Plus one on that

I'm wondering if that gets a glare on it in the sun ? I have the same pistola and am liking that setup.

nickE10mm · « **Reply #17 on:** February 17, 2013, 01:33:15 PM »

Okay, all ...

Went to the range this morning and all I can say is WOW! The Fastfire 3 has turned my Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter into a precision hunting instrument!

I only had about 75 rounds loaded for today's session but I had good luck with my loads.

Here is my last target of the day at 25y shooting a 240gr LSWC over 9.0gr WSF. I tainted the beautiful target with a mag from my Glock 29 (circled in yellow in middle) but the other two groups are a cylinder-full each. Nice little knots in the paper.

Below is a 50 ***YARD*** cylinder full I lucked out on

Another 25y group...

Here is the LAST SHOT OF THE DAY @ 25y, I had one round left, popped it in, clicked shut the loading gate and sat down quickly, snap-shooting at the small bulls. BINGO.

Here is the setup with the cover on the Fastfire... very cool

Here is the setup as I will probably typically carry it in the woods

After getting used to this setup, I found it amazingly easy to make hits, even at long range. It was quite windy today so I saw no need to worry about spreading groups out at 100y, although I did shoot 5-10 rounds at that range. I need to play with this setup some more... and I need something to shoot at that "isn't" paper.

I'm gonna start working up loads for accuracy now ... I'm thinking 250gr Keiths, flat based, with both 2400 and WSF. MMMMM

I'm probably leaving something out on this review ... so I'll follow up later!

ratgunner · « **Reply #18 on:** February 18, 2013, 12:53:00 PM »

Looks like it works great. Thanks for the update.

corbanzo · « **Reply #19 on:** February 18, 2013, 12:58:01 PM »

Fastfire's are a nice sight. I put one on my .454.

For fiber optics, a little bring finger nail polish on the front ramp of a regular sight will do the same thing basically.

nickE10mm · « **Reply #20 on:** February 19, 2013, 03:44:28 AM »

Quote from: corbanzo on February 18, 2013, 12:58:01 PM

Fastfire's are a nice sight. I put one on my .454.

For fiber optics, a little bring finger nail polish on the front ramp of a regular sight will do the same thing basically.

As for your FO comment, yes ... About the same.

dalv · « **Reply #21 on:** March 15, 2013, 03:54:39 PM »

Nick,
Read your post with great interest and kudos to you and a fine setup. My first 44 is a Redhawk that I am loading for and loving it. Put an UltraDot on which I have mixed feelings about as it does cover the target at 50yd +. Thinking of going to a reticle but the reason for my post is I am wondering how you will carry your gun.
It seems difficult to holster with the forward location of the Burris.
Just curious, not critical, and appreciate your thoughts.
Dalv

nickE10mm · « **Reply #22 on:** March 15, 2013, 04:33:24 PM »

Quote from: dalv on March 15, 2013, 03:54:39 PM

Nick,
Read your post with great interest and kudos to you and a fine setup. My first 44 is a Redhawk that I am loading for and loving it. Put an UltraDot on which I have mixed feelings about as it does cover the target at 50yd +. Thinking of going to a reticle but the reason for my post is I am wondering how you will carry your gun.
It seems difficult to holster with the forward location of the Burris.
Just curious, not critical, and appreciate your thoughts.
Dalv

Thanks, dalv....

I know what you mean by the dot "covering" the target at 50+ yards but it really doesn't concern me as it only covers 1.5" @ 50y and 3" @ 100y, which means I can still shoot good groups by shooting for the center-most part of the dot at any range. But yes it's kind of a cross between open sights and a magnified scope.

As for how I carry it ... I use an Uncle Mikes Bandolier holster, size 4, camo. It fits like a glove and would also fit with a larger scope should I decide to put something else on later.

Try one!

dalv · « **Reply #23 on:** March 15, 2013, 10:30:45 PM »

Thanks Nick - I might have to! Good Luck and shoot often