Ruger Forum

heymatthew · October 8th, 2012, 04:43 PM

Since there's been some interest in this thread so far, I thought I would throw up some images of the optic before I put it on the pistol for anyone interested in seeing it in a little more detail with its various components.

Front:

This is a decent view of the lens coatings, which are said to be superb.

Rear:

Here you can see the Power Button on the left-hand side, as well as the adjustment markings, which are new to the FFIII. You can also see the top-mounted battery cover.

Cover:

This shows the optic with the cover attached. Note: It took a little pit of panicked shaking and smacking to get the optic out of the cover without it being attached to anything. Don't put the optic in the cover without it fastened to a firearm.

Cover - Viewing Angle:

This shows the optic with the cover attached. The cover is see-through which allows you to use the optic while it's protected.

Optic/Cover Comparison:

This shows you just how large the cover is. Notice that it is roughly double the size of the naked optic. Again, in a tactical situation, this might be ideal as the optic would be both protected and still usable under the cover. But for a target application where the gun will be used in more controlled environments, this cover is definitely overkill. I would have much preferred something significantly smaller.

Picatinny Mount:

This shows the optic with the provided picatinny - or Weaver - Mount attached to it. It's still extremely compact even with this baseplate and screw attached. I'm not using this setup because I wanted the dovetail mount for a tighter, more compact total package, but my unit came with the picatinny baseplate at no additional charge. Note: The picatinny mount doesn't come included unless specified. You can buy the FFIII in several configurations including the mounting base for your particular firearm. Be sure and check which one you are getting. The various mounts are listed on the Burris website and you can purchase whichever one you need to meet your specific needs.

I'll update tomorrow evening (hopefully) with the optic attached to my 22/45. Stay tuned...

Tacky · October 8th, 2012, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heymatthew

I hear ya. I think my current lineup are all guns I won't part with. I'd love to build an AR one of these days, though. There's a place locally called Palmetto State Armory and I've heard they make some great components. I might start with one of their lowers and build it piece-by-piece as I get the money. I think it would be a fun 6-month or 1-year project.

Its addictive, I started with 1 oh bout 6 years ago, now own 7 in various calibers they are fun to build, fun to shoot and there are more parts out for them than a chevy 350 engine.

But keep me posted on your FF III range testing, I plan to eventually put one on a pistol, maybe a glock 34, or mark III stainless fluted hunter. I could always put one on my 10/22, think it would serve well in that purpose.

I also see now what you meant about the cover, thats way larger than the FFII's, wonder why the did that. You would think that they would have offered a cover similiar to the one in the picture I posted thats basically like putting on a glove, not much bigger than the sight itself. I can also see what you mean a piggy back configuration would probably work better in my case with it, and my style sight cover for your particular setup. However I do like the marks for adjustment on the top, the FFII came with a screwdriver and a dial that fit on it, to make your adjustments, it was lame. The 1913 mount looks the same as the II from what I can tell, so both sights should work on the same mounts. I know I would for sure like the top mount battery since you have to remove the II from the mount to change it. Also the II has an on off switch and brightness is automatic, thats the biggest differences I can tell.

heymatthew · October 9th, 2012, 09:03 AM

I received the mounting plate today at work and put it on the pistol during my lunch break (it sure is nice to work at a place where I can go into a conference room and mount a scope or an optic or swap out a stock during lunch). I'll post pictures of it tonight when I get home and have a chance to take some.

First impressions on the gun are superb, though. It's small, lightweight and tough. The mounting was a little tedious as the curvature of the Ruger receiver doesn't allow for a perfectly even surface to make sure the dot is mounted squarely, but I did eyeball it and it's good enough for me. The mounting setup on this thing is rock solid. The instructions didn't completely apply to my particular mount as they were generic and applied to other mounts so I had to sort through the information to get what I needed. A quick Google search led me to an old archived thread on another forum where I got some good information as well. Once locked down, though, this thing fit rather nicely.

I'm considering removing the front sight from my gun at this point as it sticks up pretty high. I'll take it to the range this weekend and see if the dot and the front site blade correspond. If they don't, I'm removing the front sight and I'll just put a blank in to fill the hole.

Stay tuned for photos of the mounted setup soon...

scooter.maclusky · October 9th, 2012, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tacky

Glad you like it, but I couldn't part with it, but i will give you the list of the parts I used incase you decide to use a similar setup. I had originally thought the FF II sight picture was gonna be blocked by the 50mm bell of that nikon when I had invisioned it, but i was wrong. That combination really works great for coyote hunting, long range from 100 to 602 yards and red dot for 25 yards. I couldn't be happier.

I think that's an outstanding rifle. I want to build an upper with 18 to 20" barrel for precision target shooting. I was willing to buy a complete upper but have noticed that 20 million other people want one too so all are sold out. Please send me the parts list!
BTW I first looked at the Burris but got an Aimpoint.

Tacky · October 10th, 2012, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooter.maclusky

I think that's an outstanding rifle. I want to build an upper with 18 to 20" barrel for precision target shooting. I was willing to buy a complete upper but have noticed that 20 million other people want one too so all are sold out. Please send me the parts list!
BTW I first looked at the Burris but got an Aimpoint.

Sent you a list in a PM, if you have any questions just PM me!

heymatthew · October 10th, 2012, 01:37 PM

Finally got some photos of the FastFire III on my 22/45 Hunter (5.5" Barrel). It really does fit well and doesn't change the balance of the gun a bit. The 5.5" barrel really helps to even everything out on the front end. I've got a plain black sight coming from Ruger to replace that HiViz sight as I find the extra red dot a bit distracting. It shows in the viewing window just a little bit and when shooting both eyes open, I get a weird ghost image because one eye is seeing the fiber optics while the other is seeing the red dot. Weird. I figure a lower profile black front sight will serve the purpose of filling the hole (couldn't get a screw blank for the front sight) while staying out of the way enough to keep me from getting distracted.

Hitting the farm this weekend to sight it in and see how it shoots (hopefully).

Here are the images:

Tacky · October 10th, 2012, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heymatthew

Finally got some photos of the FastFire III on my 22/45 Hunter (5.5" Barrel). It really does fit well and doesn't change the balance of the gun a bit. The 5.5" barrel really helps to even everything out on the front end. I've got a plain black sight coming from Ruger to replace that HiViz sight as I find the extra red dot a bit distracting. It shows in the viewing window just a little bit and when shooting both eyes open, I get a weird ghost image because one eye is seeing the fiber optics while the other is seeing the red dot. Weird. I figure a lower profile black front sight will serve the purpose of filling the hole (couldn't get a screw blank for the front sight) while staying out of the way enough to keep me from getting distracted.

Hitting the farm this weekend to sight it in and see how it shoots (hopefully).

Here are the images:

VERY very nice, the exact picture I had in my head for the one I plan to build, like you took it straight outta my thoughts. It a good thing we don't live close and shoot togather at the range, or I would probably be drooling all over that one.

Great job though!

heymatthew · October 10th, 2012, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tacky

VERY very nice, the exact picture I had in my head for the one I plan to build, like you took it straight outta my thoughts. It a good thing we don't live close and shoot togather at the range, or I would probably be drooling all over that one.

Great job though!

Come on down and shoot it anytime you'd like! Just don't drool on it.

I'm really pleased with the results. Can't wait to get the shorter front sight on it and sight the whole thing in. I had contemplated selling the Hunter for a while and getting one of the threaded barrel models of the 22/45, but being that they discontinued the Hunter shortly after I got it, I just can't part with it because I know it's unlikely that I'll ever get another. Besides, I've got the VQ internals and everything set up just the way I want it. Swapping for something else would be counterproductive at this point.

Tacky · October 10th, 2012, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heymatthew

Come on down and shoot it anytime you'd like! Just don't drool on it.

I'm really pleased with the results. Can't wait to get the shorter front sight on it and sight the whole thing in. I had contemplated selling the Hunter for a while and getting one of the threaded barrel models of the 22/45, but being that they discontinued the Hunter shortly after I got it, I just can't part with it because I know it's unlikely that I'll ever get another. Besides, I've got the VQ internals and everything set up just the way I want it. Swapping for something else would be counterproductive at this point.

My next trip to SC will be taking me to MB probably next april for a week or so. If I get some time when I can shoot, I will be looking you up, thats for sure.

heymatthew · October 10th, 2012, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tacky

My next trip to SC will be taking me to MB probably next april for a week or so. If I get some time when I can shoot, I will be looking you up, thats for sure.

That would be great! If you let me know when a little ahead of time, I'd be glad to take an afternoon off and run up there. I'm sure we could find a place to shoot. It only takes me about on hour and a half to get there from where I am. I'd be glad to meet up with you for some lunch and a range session.