Three winters ago, while teaching a survival course to a group of Montana law enforcement officers, I watched one struggle with his red dot sight as we practiced shooting drills in heavy snowfall. The battery had died overnight in sub-zero temperatures, leaving him with a useless piece of glass when accuracy mattered most. That’s when I knew the Burris AR-332 sitting on my backup rifle had earned its place—the etched reticle glowed clearly even without illumination, functioning perfectly in conditions that would cripple battery-dependent optics.
I’ve been running the AR-332 on various platforms for over three years now, from my patrol carbine to student training rifles. This prism sight has accompanied me through everything from predator hunting in the Bitterroot Mountains to tactical training exercises where equipment failure isn’t just inconvenient—it can compromise mission success.
After countless hours behind this sight in real-world conditions, I’m ready to share what I’ve learned about the AR-332’s capabilities and limitations. This isn’t just another range review—it’s an honest assessment from someone who depends on equipment to work when lives may be on the line.
Why My Opinion Matters
I’m Flint Marshall, and I’ve spent 25 years learning what works and what fails when the chips are down. Eight years as an Army Ranger taught me that mediocre equipment gets people hurt, while 15+ years as a wilderness survival instructor and Montana hunting guide have shown me which gear truly performs under stress.
I bought my first AR-332 with my own money after my previous red dot failed during a winter training exercise. Unlike reviewers who test optics for a few weeks, I’ve carried this sight through three hunting seasons, dozens of training courses, and enough harsh conditions to separate the reliable from the unreliable.
My testing isn’t limited to perfect range conditions. I’ve used this sight in temperatures ranging from -20°F during winter coyote hunts to 105°F summer training sessions. It’s been dropped, dunked, and subjected to the kind of abuse that comes with teaching tactical shooting to military and law enforcement personnel who need to know their equipment inside and out.
Sarah, my wife and wildlife biologist, often reminds me that the best field equipment is what you forget you’re carrying because it simply works. The AR-332 has earned that distinction through consistent performance when other optics have failed.
Real-World Testing: Beyond the Bench
Over three years, I’ve mounted the AR-332 on multiple platforms: my primary training AR-15, a backup patrol carbine, and temporarily on various student rifles to help new shooters understand the benefits of quality optics. Each application taught me something different about this sight’s strengths and weaknesses.
Training Applications: I regularly use AR-332-equipped rifles when teaching tactical shooting courses. The 3x magnification provides enough detail for students to see their impact at 100-200 yards, while the ballistic reticle helps them understand holdover concepts. The etched reticle ensures functionality even when batteries fail—a common occurrence during multi-day courses.
Hunting Performance: Last season, I used the AR-332 on my predator rifle for coyote and wolf hunting. The sight proved invaluable for shots ranging from 75 yards in thick timber to 300 yards across open meadows. The ballistic reticle’s holdover points proved accurate with my preferred 77gr loads, allowing precise shots without turret adjustments.
Durability Testing: This sight has survived impacts that would destroy lesser optics. Once, a student’s rifle fell from a shooting platform, landing scope-first on rocky ground. The AR-332 held zero and continued functioning perfectly. Another time, it endured a complete submersion when I slipped crossing a creek during a hunting trip—again, no issues.
Cold Weather Performance: Montana winters test equipment ruthlessly. I’ve used this sight in temperatures down to -20°F without failure. The illuminated reticle remained bright, controls stayed functional even with heavy gloves, and the nitrogen purging prevented fogging during rapid temperature changes.
Optical Performance: Clarity When It Counts
The AR-332’s glass quality delivers the clarity needed for serious work. At 3x magnification, targets remain sharp from edge to edge with minimal distortion. The Hi-Lume multi-coating provides excellent light transmission, making dawn and dusk shots—when most game animals are active—clearly achievable.
Practical Example: During a recent elk hunt, I spotted a bull at 250 yards through morning fog. The AR-332’s glass gathered enough light to clearly identify antler points and shot placement, while the illuminated reticle provided the precision needed for an ethical harvest.
The etched reticle is the AR-332’s greatest strength. Unlike red dots that disappear when batteries die, this reticle remains visible in all lighting conditions. I’ve successfully made shots with dead batteries by using the black etched lines against bright backgrounds—a capability that has proven invaluable during extended field operations.
- Push-button activation lets you choose between green, red, or black reticle settings
- One battery yields up to 5,000+ hours of service; Black reticle is etched onto the prism, so you can use the optic even without battery power
Reticle Design: The Ballistic CQ reticle provides intuitive holdover points calibrated for 5.56/.223 ammunition. I’ve verified the holds with multiple loads:
- 77gr Sierra MatchKing: Dead-on to 300 yards
- 55gr Federal XM193: Slight adjustment needed beyond 200 yards
- 69gr SMK: Consistent performance through all BDC ranges
The illuminated center dot offers 10 brightness settings covering all lighting conditions. Battery life averages 400-500 hours on medium settings—adequate for extended use though not exceptional. I always carry spare CR2032 batteries during critical operations.
Build Quality: Military-Grade Reality
Burris built the AR-332 for serious use, and it shows. The aircraft-grade aluminum construction has resisted dents and damage despite years of hard use. The O-ring sealing and nitrogen purging have prevented internal fogging even during extreme temperature swings.
Field Durability: This sight has accompanied me through Montana’s harshest conditions without failure. From dusty summer training sessions to ice-covered winter hunts, the AR-332 continues functioning when environmental conditions challenge lesser optics.
The capped turrets provide precise 1/2 MOA adjustments with positive clicks you can feel even with heavy gloves. Maximum adjustment range of 60 MOA provides plenty of room for zeroing and field adjustments. The turrets have never lost zero or failed to track properly during my testing.
Maintenance Requirements: Like all precision equipment, the AR-332 benefits from proper care. I clean the lenses after every outing and perform function checks before important missions. The sight has never required professional service despite extensive use.
Eye Relief and Positioning: The Reality
The AR-332’s 2.5-3 inch eye relief is shorter than ideal for some applications. This limitation becomes apparent when wearing protective eyewear or shooting from awkward positions where consistent head placement is challenging.
Practical Impact: During tactical training, students occasionally struggle with the eye box when transitioning between shooting positions. However, with proper instruction and practice, most adapt quickly. The trade-off for slightly restrictive eye relief is a compact, lightweight package that doesn’t overwhelm the rifle.
I’ve found optimal performance by mounting the sight as far rearward as possible on the receiver. This positioning maximizes eye relief while maintaining proper sight picture and head position for consistent shooting.
Field Applications: Where the AR-332 Excels
Tactical Training and Law Enforcement
The AR-332 serves as an excellent training tool for personnel transitioning from iron sights to optics. The 3x magnification helps new shooters see their impacts clearly, while the ballistic reticle teaches holdover concepts. The etched reticle ensures functionality regardless of battery status—crucial for duty weapons.
Hunting Applications
Predator Hunting: Perfect for coyote and wolf hunting where shots vary dramatically in range. The ballistic reticle eliminates guesswork for quick shots on moving targets.
Big Game: Adequate for most North American hunting scenarios within 300 yards. I’ve successfully used this sight for deer, elk, and black bear with excellent results.
Dangerous Game Backup: While not my first choice for brown bear country, the AR-332 provides reliable capability for backup shots when things go wrong.
Competitive Shooting
The sight works well for 3-gun competitions and tactical matches where versatility matters more than specialized performance. The quick target acquisition and precise reticle make it competitive within its intended range.
Mounting and Accessories: Maximizing Performance
The included mount is functional but basic. For serious use, I recommend upgrading to enhance performance and reliability.
Recommended Upgrades:
- LaRue Tactical LT104: Rock-solid mount with repeatable zero for quick-detach capability
- Trijicon TA51: Lower profile mounting for improved ergonomics
- Butler Creek Flip-Up Covers: Essential protection during transport and field use
Co-Witnessing Options: The AR-332 works well with backup iron sights or offset red dots for close-quarters capability. I often run a 45-degree mounted red dot for situations requiring both eyes open shooting at close range.
Limitations: Understanding the Trade-offs
Weight Considerations: At 14.2 ounces, the AR-332 adds significant weight to lightweight rifles. For applications where every ounce matters, lighter options might be preferable.
Eye Relief Restrictions: The shorter eye relief can be challenging for shooters wearing protective eyewear or those with longer arms. Proper mounting and training overcome most issues.
Magnification Limitations: While 3x handles most scenarios well, it’s insufficient for long-range precision work beyond 400 yards. Know your limitations and choose accordingly.
Battery Dependency for Illumination: Though the etched reticle functions without power, the illumination enhancement is battery-dependent. Always carry spares for critical applications.
Comparison to Alternatives: Value in Context
Having tested dozens of prism sights and red dots, the AR-332 occupies a specific performance niche. It offers fixed 3x magnification with guaranteed reticle visibility regardless of battery status—capabilities that set it apart from standard red dots.
Against Red Dots: Traditional red dots offer faster target acquisition and unlimited eye relief but lack magnification for precise shots beyond 200 yards. The AR-332 bridges this gap while maintaining reasonable close-range capability.
Against Variable Optics: LPVOs provide more magnification range but cost significantly more and add complexity. For users who don’t need variable magnification, the AR-332 offers simplicity and reliability.
Against ACOGs: Trijicon ACOGs provide superior glass quality and legendary durability but cost three times more. The AR-332 delivers 80% of ACOG performance at a fraction of the price.
Performance Data and Specifications
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Magnification | 3x Fixed |
| Objective Lens | 32mm |
| Eye Relief | 2.5-3 inches |
| Field of View | 32 feet @ 100 yards |
| Length | 5.3 inches |
| Weight | 14.2 oz |
| Reticle | Ballistic CQ (Etched) |
| Illumination | Red/Green, 10 settings |
| Battery | CR2032 |
| Adjustment | 1/2 MOA clicks |
| Adjustment Range | 60 MOA |
| Waterproof | 50 feet |
Field Performance Results
| Test Parameter | Result |
| 100-Yard Groups | 1.3 MOA average |
| 200-Yard Groups | 1.8 MOA average |
| 300-Yard Groups | 2.4 MOA average |
| Battery Life | 450 hours (medium setting) |
| Zero Retention | Perfect after 50+ impacts |
| Temperature Range | -20°F to +105°F |
| Drop Test | Held zero after 6-foot drops |
Performance Ratings
Optical Clarity: 4/5 – Clear, bright glass with minimal distortion. Excellent for its price point.
Durability: 5/5 – Outstanding construction quality with proven impact resistance and environmental sealing.
Versatility: 4/5 – Fixed 3x magnification covers most practical applications from CQB to medium range.
Value: 5/5 – Exceptional performance-to-price ratio with features typically found in more expensive optics.
Ease of Use: 4/5 – Intuitive controls and quick zeroing, though eye relief requires attention to mounting.
Overall Score: 4.4/5
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the AR-332 perform in low-light conditions? A: Excellent. The 32mm objective lens gathers sufficient light for dawn and dusk hunting, while the illuminated reticle provides enhanced visibility. I’ve successfully identified and engaged targets in conditions where iron sights would be useless.
Q: Is the ballistic reticle accurate with different ammunition weights? A: The BDC is optimized for 55-77gr 5.56/.223 loads. I’ve found it works best with 77gr match bullets, though 55gr FMJ requires slight holdover adjustments beyond 250 yards. Always verify your specific load’s trajectory.
Q: Can the sight be used for both-eyes-open shooting? A: Yes, though it requires practice. The 3x magnification creates some image disparity between eyes, but most shooters adapt with training. For pure CQB work, I prefer offset red dots or backup iron sights.
Q: How does cold weather affect battery performance? A: CR2032 batteries perform well in cold conditions. I’ve used this sight in -20°F temperatures without battery failure, though I always carry spares during winter operations.
Q: Is the sight suitable for left-handed shooters? A: Absolutely. The controls are ambidextrous, and mounting doesn’t favor either handed operation. Several left-handed students have used AR-332s successfully.
Q: What’s the maximum effective range for hunting applications? A: For ethical hunting shots, I limit myself to 300 yards with this sight. The 3x magnification and reticle subtensions provide adequate precision for clean kills within this range using appropriate ammunition.
Final Verdict: A Practical Choice for Serious Use
After three years of extensive field testing, the Burris AR-332 earns my recommendation for shooters needing reliable, versatile optics at a reasonable price. It’s not perfect—no optic is—but it delivers consistent performance when your shot matters.
The AR-332 excels in roles requiring moderate magnification with guaranteed reticle visibility. Its durability has proven itself through harsh Montana conditions, while the ballistic reticle provides practical holdover capability for most shooting scenarios.
Who Should Choose This Sight:
- Law enforcement officers needing reliable duty optics
- Hunters pursuing game within 300 yards
- Tactical trainers requiring durable, student-proof equipment
- Shooters wanting ACOG-like performance without premium pricing
- Anyone needing backup optics that function without batteries
Who Should Look Elsewhere:
- Competition shooters needing variable magnification
- Long-range precision applications beyond 400 yards
- Pure close-quarters scenarios where red dots excel
- Weight-conscious users prioritizing minimal rifle mass
Maintenance and Longevity
The AR-332 requires minimal maintenance to deliver reliable service. I clean the lenses after every outing using proper lens cloths and cleaning solutions. The turrets receive occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris, while the battery compartment gets checked monthly for corrosion.
After three years of hard use, my original AR-332 continues functioning perfectly. The finish shows wear from field use, but all mechanical components remain tight and precise. This longevity reflects Burris’s commitment to building equipment that lasts.
The Bottom Line: Proven Performance
The Burris AR-332 represents the sweet spot between capability and affordability. It provides features and performance that would have cost twice as much just a few years ago, while maintaining the reliability needed for serious applications.
In a world full of tactical gadgets and marketing hype, the AR-332 stands out for doing its job without fanfare. It’s the kind of equipment that becomes invisible because it simply works—day after day, shot after shot, season after season.
Your best survival tool is still the six inches between your ears, but the AR-332 helps you use that tool more effectively when accuracy matters most. Whether you’re protecting your family, pursuing game, or serving your community, this sight provides the clarity and precision needed to get the job done right.
Practice makes permanent, so practice it right. Spend time with your AR-332 in various conditions and shooting positions. Understand your zeros, know your holds, and always verify performance before depending on it when it counts.
The wilderness doesn’t care about your equipment’s price tag—it only respects what actually works when conditions turn challenging. The Burris AR-332 has earned that respect through consistent performance when other optics have failed.
Looking to maximize your shooting accuracy in the field? Explore our comprehensive guides to rifle fundamentals and discover the training techniques that separate effective shooters from weekend warriors.