Burris SpeedBead Red Dot Reflex Sight Review

What You Should Know About the Burris SpeedBead Red Dot Reflex Sight

The Burris SpeedBead Red Dot Reflex Sight is designed specifically for shotgun enthusiasts looking for rapid target acquisition. Burris designed this sight to address the common issues wing shooters face, namely maintaining focus on both the target and the front bead, while also eliminating the need for perfect head positioning. This reflex sight promises to improve your shot by aligning the red dot directly with the ventilated rib of your shotgun, minimizing changes to your natural shooting stance.

I’ve spent years struggling with cross-eye dominance and inconsistent shotgun aiming. Traditional bead sights never quite clicked, leading to frustrating misses. I needed a solution that would allow me to shoot with both eyes open and quickly acquire targets. This sight promised to solve this issue.

Upon unboxing, the Burris SpeedBead immediately impressed me with its compact and lightweight design. The aluminum housing felt robust and well-machined, and the integrated mount appeared seamlessly. Its minimalist design ensures it won’t drastically alter the balance of my shotgun.

I considered other red dot sights, but the Burris SpeedBead stood out due to its shotgun-specific mounting system. Options like the Trijicon RMR or Aimpoint Micro require aftermarket mounts that can raise the optic too high, disrupting cheek weld and natural pointing. The integrated SpeedBead mount offered a cleaner, lower-profile solution.

My first impression was excitement tempered with a bit of skepticism. I was eager to see if it would truly live up to its claims of improved accuracy and faster target acquisition. If it does, it will solve a long-standing problem.

Real-World Testing: Putting Burris SpeedBead Red Dot Reflex Sight to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Burris SpeedBead at my local sporting clays range. I mounted it on my Benelli M2, a popular shotgun for both hunting and competition. Conditions were typical for an early spring morning: overcast, with a slight drizzle.

The SpeedBead performed admirably in the less-than-ideal conditions. The 8 MOA dot was bright enough to be easily visible against the gray sky, and the unlimited eye relief allowed me to maintain a clear sight picture even when my cheek weld wasn’t perfect. Target acquisition felt noticeably faster compared to using traditional bead sights.

The only initial issue was a slight looseness in the mounting hardware. I re-tightened the screws with a dab of Loctite, and the problem was resolved. Even with that, I was hitting more clays, and feeling more confident than I had in years.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Burris SpeedBead has proven to be a reliable addition to my shotgun. It has held zero consistently through hundreds of rounds, and the aluminum housing shows minimal signs of wear. I’ve used it in temperatures ranging from below freezing to sweltering summer heat, with no noticeable impact on performance.

Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth removes any dirt or residue. I periodically check the mounting screws and battery, but other than that, it requires very little maintenance. This is a huge advantage over some other optics I have used.

Compared to my previous setup, which involved struggling with inconsistent sight pictures and cross-eye dominance, the Burris SpeedBead is a significant improvement. It has increased my confidence and consistency, and made shooting more enjoyable. I wish I had switched sooner.

Breaking Down the Features of Burris SpeedBead Red Dot Reflex Sight

Specifications

• The Burris SpeedBead features a 1x magnification, allowing for both-eyes-open shooting. This is crucial for maintaining situational awareness in dynamic shooting scenarios. The objective window size is 21 x 15 mm, providing a clear and unobstructed view.
• It utilizes an 8 MOA Red Dot reticle, illuminated by an LED. The red dot is easy to see and quickly acquire even in changing light conditions. The illumination color is, of course, red.
• The sight offers unlimited eye relief, meaning you don’t need to maintain a specific distance between your eye and the optic. This makes it very forgiving and allows for comfortable shooting in various positions. Adjustment is via MOA, with an adjustment click value of 1 MOA.
• The housing is constructed from durable aluminum, finished in black. This provides excellent impact resistance while keeping the weight down. It weighs only 1.9 oz, so it will not significantly alter the balance of your firearm.
• It is powered by a single CR2032 battery, offering a long battery life. Burris claims a five-year battery life under normal usage conditions, which is impressive. The sight is also waterproof and weather resistant for use in harsh outdoor environments.

Performance & Functionality

The Burris SpeedBead excels at its primary function: providing a fast and intuitive aiming solution for shotguns. The 8 MOA red dot is easily visible against a variety of backgrounds, and the parallax-free lens ensures that the dot remains accurate regardless of your eye position. I can attest to the speed of target acquisition.

One minor weakness is the lack of adjustable brightness settings. While the dot is generally bright enough, it can be slightly overwhelming in extremely low-light conditions. A manual brightness adjustment would be a welcome addition.

Overall, the SpeedBead exceeds expectations. It delivers on its promise of improved accuracy and faster target acquisition, making it a valuable tool for any shotgun shooter.

Design & Ergonomics

The Burris SpeedBead boasts a sleek and minimalist design. The aluminum housing feels solid and well-built, and the integrated mount provides a secure and low-profile attachment to the shotgun. It will stand up to a beating.

The sight is lightweight and compact, so it does not significantly alter the balance or handling of the shotgun. The unlimited eye relief and generous field of view make it comfortable to use, even for extended shooting sessions. There is practically no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The Burris SpeedBead appears to be a durable and well-built optic. The aluminum housing is impact-resistant, and the waterproof design ensures reliable performance in adverse weather conditions. It is designed to last.

Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth is all that’s needed to keep the lens clean. I periodically check the mounting screws and battery, but other than that, it requires very little upkeep. Easy maintenance ensures a long life.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Burris SpeedBead comes with a basic set of accessories, including a screwdriver for windage and elevation adjustments and a protective cover. It also has optional 1/8″ and 1/4″ Speed Bead Mount Risers.

While the SpeedBead is primarily designed for use with shotguns, the RMSc footprint allows it to be mounted on some pistols and rifles with compatible mounting plates. The shotgun-specific mounting system limits customization options. You can’t change the mount.

Pros and Cons of Burris SpeedBead Red Dot Reflex Sight

Who Should Buy Burris SpeedBead Red Dot Reflex Sight?

The Burris SpeedBead Red Dot Reflex Sight is perfect for hunters, sporting clays shooters, and anyone looking to improve their shotgun accuracy and speed. It is particularly well-suited for individuals with vision challenges or cross-eye dominance. Any shotgun owner can benefit from this.

Individuals who prefer highly customizable optics with adjustable brightness settings and multiple reticle options might want to consider other red dot sights. Those who require extreme precision at long ranges may find the 8 MOA dot too large. If you want something more specific, skip this product.

A must-have accessory is a small tube of thread locker (e.g., Loctite) to ensure the mounting screws stay secure. Extra CR2032 batteries are also a good idea.

Conclusion on Burris SpeedBead Red Dot Reflex Sight

The Burris SpeedBead Red Dot Reflex Sight is a well-designed and effective optic that delivers on its promises. It significantly improves target acquisition speed and accuracy for shotgun shooters, making it a valuable addition to any shotgun. I love how it has changed my shooting game.

At a price of $250.19, the SpeedBead offers excellent value for money. The enhanced shooting experience and increased confidence it provides are well worth the investment. It is worth the price.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Burris SpeedBead Red Dot Reflex Sight to anyone looking to improve their shotgun shooting. If you are looking to take your shotgun skills to the next level, this optic is a game-changer. Get yours today!