Last spring, I was helping a local deputy set up his patrol rifle when he asked the question I hear constantly: “Should I get the Burris 332 or spend extra for the 536?” Having run both optics hard for the past two years – the 332 on my truck gun and the 536 on Sarah’s coyote rifle – I’ve got real answers based on thousands of rounds and actual field use, not just bench testing.
These aren’t your typical red dots – they’re prism sights with etched reticles that work even when batteries die. That feature alone saved my bacon during a December predator hunt when my 332’s battery gave up in -15°F weather. But there’s more to consider than just backup capabilities. After putting both through their paces in Montana’s varied conditions, from dusty summer matches to frozen winter mornings, I’ve learned exactly where each excels and where they fall short.
Your best survival tool is the six inches between your ears, but choosing the right optic sure helps when targets appear at varying distances. Let’s break down what actually matters between these two Burris offerings.
Quick Comparison Overview
| Feature | Burris AR-332 | Burris AR-536 |
| Magnification | 3x fixed | 5x fixed |
| Weight | 14.2 oz | 18.75 oz |
| Eye Relief | 2.5 inches | 2.5-3.5 inches |
| Reticle | Ballistic CQ | Ballistic CQ |
| Illumination | Red/Green LED | Red/Green LED |
| Battery | CR2032 | AA |
| Street Price | ~$300 | ~$350-400 |
| MOA Adjustment | 0.5 MOA | 0.33 MOA |
Glass Quality and Reticle Performance
Burris AR-332
The 332’s Hi-Lume multi-coated glass surprised me initially. During a prairie dog shoot last summer, I was consistently hitting targets at 250 yards despite the afternoon mirage. The glass isn’t Nightforce quality, but for a $300 prism sight, it punches above its weight.
The Ballistic CQ reticle works – period. Those thick subtension lines that look cluttered at the gun counter? They disappear when you’re shooting both eyes open at moving targets. During a 3-gun match, I found the bold center horseshoe faster to acquire than traditional crosshairs, especially transitioning between targets.
One issue: at maximum illumination, the reticle can wash out your target. I learned to run it two clicks below max during bright daylight. In low light, that bright illumination becomes an asset. The etched reticle means even with a dead battery, you’ve still got an aiming point – critical for a defensive rifle.
Burris AR-536
The 536’s glass clarity edges out the 332, especially at distance. Those extra 2x of magnification reveal details the 332 can’t resolve. Last month, I watched Sarah identify a coyote versus a neighbor’s dog at 400 yards – impossible with the 332, easy with the 536.
Same Ballistic CQ reticle, but at 5x, those subtension lines feel more crowded. The numbers etched for holdovers are harder to read quickly. Where this shines is precision work – putting rounds exactly where you want them at 300+ yards. The finer adjustments (0.33 MOA vs 0.5 MOA) support this precision role.
Night vision compatibility surprised me. With the illumination turned low, this works beautifully behind my PVS-14. Not something I expected from a budget prism sight.
Glass Winner: AR-536 for clarity and distance work
Battery Life Reality Check
AR-332 Battery Performance
That CR2032 battery lasts… if you remember to turn off the illumination. Forget once, and you’ll find a dead battery next range session. I’ve trained myself to check it’s off before casing the rifle. Real-world runtime with moderate use: about 40 hours of actual illumination time.
The good news? You don’t need illumination during daylight. The etched reticle stands out fine against most backgrounds. I only use illumination at dawn/dusk or against dark backgrounds.
AR-536 Battery Life
The AA battery should last longer, but doesn’t dramatically outperform the 332 in practice. Maybe 50-60 hours of illumination. The real advantage? AA batteries are everywhere. Gas stations, grocery stores, your kitchen junk drawer. CR2032s? Not so much.
Both drain batteries if left on. Neither has auto-shutoff. Plan accordingly.
Battery Winner: AR-536 for availability, slight edge on runtime
Eye Relief and Shooting Comfort
AR-332 Eye Box
At 2.5 inches, the 332’s eye relief is tight but manageable. On my 16″ carbine, mounted at the rear of the receiver, I get a full sight picture with a consistent cheek weld. Move your head slightly? The image blacks out quick.
This forced consistency actually improved my shooting form. Can’t be sloppy with head position. Both-eyes-open shooting works great – the 3x magnification doesn’t cause the disconnect that higher magnifications create.
AR-536 Eye Relief
The 536’s variable 2.5-3.5 inch relief sounds better on paper but requires careful mounting. Too far forward and you’re straining to see. Too far back risks scope bite from recoil (yes, even on an AR).
At 5x, single-eye shooting becomes challenging for extended periods. Eye fatigue sets in after about 50 rounds. This is definitely a both-eyes-open optic, which takes practice if you’re not used to it.
Eye Relief Winner: AR-332 for consistency and comfort
Durability Testing
AR-332 Toughness
This optic has survived:
- Falling off my truck tailgate onto gravel (Scout’s fault)
- -25°F to 105°F temperature swings
- Getting soaked during an unexpected thunderstorm
- 3,000+ rounds of .223 and .300 Blackout
Still holds zero. Still tracks true. The aluminum housing shows scratches but no cracks. Nitrogen purging works – no internal fogging even going from heated truck to frozen outdoors.
At 14.2 ounces, it doesn’t throw off rifle balance. My truck gun points naturally with it mounted.
AR-536 Durability
At 18.75 ounces, you feel this optic’s weight. Sarah’s rifle gained noticeable forward weight bias. The construction is equally bombproof – survived similar abuse including a tumble down a rocky hillside during a coyote stalk.
The included flip-up covers and tethered turret caps add field protection the 332 lacks. Small detail, but those covers have prevented lens scratches during transport.
Durability Winner: Tie (332 lighter, 536 better protected)
Adjustment Precision
AR-332 Turrets
Half-MOA clicks feel positive with audible confirmation. Zeroing took 5 rounds at 50 yards, held through subsequent range sessions. The oversized adjustment knobs work with gloved hands – tested during Montana winter.
Tracking test: Dialed 20 MOA up, 20 MOA right, 20 down, 20 left. Point of impact returned exactly to zero. That’s rare in this price range.
AR-536 Adjustments
The 0.33 MOA adjustments allow finer zeroing – noticeable when zeroing for match ammunition. Same positive clicks, same reliable tracking. The capped turrets prevent accidental adjustment during transport.
For precision work beyond 200 yards, these finer adjustments matter. For minute-of-coyote inside 200? The 332’s adjustments are plenty.
Adjustment Winner: AR-536 for precision, AR-332 for practical use
Mounting Considerations
AR-332 Mount Issues
The included Picatinny mount works but sits too low for many shooters. I replaced mine with a Midwest Industries QD mount for better height and return-to-zero capability.
One quirk: achieving perfect level required slight loosening of the mount. Locked down tight, it canted slightly right. Your mileage may vary.
AR-536 Mounting
No mount included, but that’s actually better – choose what works for your setup. The longer body needs more rail space. On carbine-length rails, positioning becomes critical.
I run mine in American Defense QD mount. Rock solid, returns to zero after removal. The universal mounting compatibility means more options.
Mounting Winner: AR-536 for flexibility
Real-World Applications
Where the AR-332 Excels
- Truck/ranch rifles needing quick target acquisition
- Home defense carbines
- 3-gun competition inside 300 yards
- Both-eyes-open shooting
- Users wanting lighter weight
My 332 lives on a 16″ carbine that rides behind the truck seat. It’s been used for:
- Dispatching injured deer (vehicle strikes)
- Coyote control around the chicken coop
- Local 3-gun matches
- Teaching new shooters (simple operation)
Where the AR-536 Shines
- Precision shooting beyond 200 yards
- Varmint hunting requiring exact shot placement
- DMR-style rifles
- Shooters with good both-eyes-open technique
- Night vision use
Sarah’s 536 has proven invaluable for:
- Identifying targets before engagement
- Precise shots on coyotes at 300+ yards
- Prairie dog shoots requiring precision
- Documenting wildlife (better magnification for observation)
The Price Reality
AR-332 Value
The 332 delivers honest capability. It’s not an ACOG, but it’s also not ACOG money. For a general-purpose carbine optic, it hits the sweet spot of features versus cost.
Factor in mount replacement ($75-100), and you’re into it for about $400 total. Still reasonable for what you get.
AR-536 Cost
At $350-400, plus mount ($75-100), you’re approaching $500 total investment. At that point, you’re competing with entry-level LPVOs that offer variable magnification.
The question becomes: is fixed 5x worth it versus a 1-6x variable? Depends on your specific needs.
The Bottom Line: Which One?
After two years running both, the AR-332 wins for most shooters. Here’s why:
- Better all-around versatility
- More comfortable eye relief
- Lighter weight doesn’t unbalance rifles
- Lower cost with similar durability
- Adequate magnification for typical engagement distances
The AR-536 makes sense if you:
- Primarily shoot beyond 200 yards
- Need target identification at distance
- Run night vision
- Don’t mind the weight penalty
- Value precision over speed
For my uses – predator control, ranch work, competition – the 332 does everything needed without the weight and bulk of the 536. Sarah keeps the 536 because she values positive target ID at distance for her coyote hunting.
Practice makes permanent, so practice it right. Either optic will serve you well if you understand its limitations and train accordingly. The wilderness doesn’t care which model you bought – it cares whether you can hit what you’re aiming at when it matters.
Recommended Accessories
For the AR-332:
- Midwest Industries QD Mount: Proper height and return-to-zero
- Scopecoat Protection: Prevent lens damage during transport
- Anti-reflection device: Reduces scope signature
For the AR-536:
- American Defense Recon Mount: Bombproof QD system
- Vortex bubble level: Maximize precision potential
- Throw lever: Not applicable, but consider flip-up BUIS
Final Thoughts
Both optics represent solid value in the prism sight market. Neither will embarrass you at the range or let you down in the field. The 332’s combination of features, weight, and price makes it the winner for most applications, but the 536 has its place for specialized needs.
Remember: equipment is only as good as the shooter using it. A skilled marksman with either optic will outshoot a novice with premium glass every time. Invest in training alongside your equipment.
Want to optimize your carbine setup? Check out my guides on zeroing distances, both-eyes-open shooting techniques, and choosing between prism sights and LPVOs.
About Flint: After 8 years as an Army Ranger and 15+ years guiding hunters in Montana, I’ve learned what gear works when it matters. When not teaching courses or protecting livestock, you’ll find me testing optics with Scout and River, always searching for equipment that delivers honest capability at working-man prices.