I first want to say that my family owns a combined 4 Bushnell TRS-25’s. Without a doubt, these are the best red dots you can get for your money in this price range.
I currently have one mounted on a Smith and Wesson M&P 22 and it is a ton of fun! The S&W M&P 22 is a .22 LR on an AR-15 platform. It’s not incredibly accurate, so a scope isn’t really practical. It is the perfect red-dot gun though as most of my shots from 50-100 yards are within a 2 inch group with this Bushnell TRS-25. Before I get into the comparison, I also would like to note 1 minor annoyance about this red-dot. When looking through the tube, you can actually see back of the red-dot projector. It is a little block that protrudes into the viewing tube. It’s not a huge issue by any means; I just want to make people aware that this isn’t a defect or anything. It is like that on all 4 that we have.
I also own a Burris Fastfire III, which is a great red-dot, but I’m not quite sure it’s worth the money in most applications. Please see the following comparison breakdown.
TRS-25:
Pros:
Cost: You cannot get better quality or design for this price.
Quality/Design: All cost factors aside, the quality and design of this red-dot are great.
Functionality: While it states that it is 3 MOA, I believe it’s more like 2-6 MOA, because the dot gets bigger or smaller with the light setting adjustment. This is actually helpful, because you get an adjustable MOA red-dot which gives you a greater ability to use it in multiple applications.
Rigidity: This goes along with quality and design, but it’s important to note that this thing is solid once you mount it.
Battery life: I still haven’t had to replace any batteries; I’ve had them over 2 years.
Cons:
This tube design is slightly bulky compared the Burris Fastfire III. I really wouldn’t call it bulky in general, only in comparison to the Fastfire.
The projector block is in your line of sight.
It’s not free.
Burris Fastfire III:
Pros:
The size/weight: This is the smallest and lightest red-dot on the market that I know of (Trijicons are close). Way smaller and lighter than EOTechs, and of course, smaller than the Bushnell TRS-25. Because of its small size, it is able to be mounted on pistols. Some pistols are even pre-fitted for it, such as the FN-FNX 45 Tactical.
The battery life: Just like the TRS-25, this has amazing battery life. I am very impressed at how long they are able to extend the battery life now in these.
The design/quality: The design is perfect for me, I love how low-profile and light it is. It really adds so much functionality to a gun without adding weight or bulkiness. It also has a very precise 3 MOA dot.
Cons:
Cost: As far as I’m concerned, this is still the best red-dot at this price point, but I’m not convinced it is worth its entire cost.
It might be more fragile than other red dots: I wouldn’t call it fragile by any means, but if you dropped your gun directly on top of the red-dot, I’m not confident that it would remain intact (there’s a possibility). But it can surely handle any type of recoil.
There was a large imperfection in the glass on my first one, so I had to exchange it for a new one.
All in all, I like both for different reasons, but if you just want a great red-dot for the money, go with the TRS-25. The only time I can recommend the Fastfire, is if you wanted to put a red-dot on a pistol. Otherwise, I’m not convinced it’s worth the price difference.
I tried to cover as much as I could, but this is getting rather lengthy, so please let me know if you have any questions and I’ll make sure to answer them!
| Brand | Bushnell |
|---|---|
| Color | Black Low Rise Mount |
| Style | Red Dot Sight |
| Sport | Hunting |
| Item Weight | 0.01 Ounces |
| Material | Metal |
| Magnification Maximum | 1 |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 25 Millimeters |
| Magnification Minimum | 1 x |
| Compatible Devices | Handgun, Shotgun, Rifle |
| Mounting Type | Picatinny Mount |
| Night vision | No |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 11.54 x 5.98 x 4.8 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.02 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 2.5 x 3.4 x 2.2 inches |
| Brand Name | Bushnell |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Warranty Description | Lifetime Limited Warranty |
| Model Name | Advanced VX |
| Suggested Users | Binoculars, Scopes & Accessories |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Bushnell |
| Part Number | 731303 |
| Model Year | 2013 |
| Included Components | Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope, CR2032 Battery |
| Size | 1x20mm |
