The Burris AR-332 is a popular choice among AR-15 owners and tactical shooters, known for its robust build, clear optics, and competitive price point. This review delves deep into its features, performance, and overall value, helping you decide if it's the right scope for your needs.
What Makes the Burris AR-332 Stand Out?
The Burris AR-332 excels in several key areas:
Durable Construction:
- One-piece tube: Constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope boasts exceptional strength and rigidity, vital for withstanding recoil and harsh conditions. This design enhances its resistance to damage from drops or impacts.
- Weatherproof design: The AR-332 is fully nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, rendering it waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof – essential for reliable performance in various environments.
Exceptional Optics:
- Fully multi-coated lenses: These lenses minimize light loss and maximize light transmission, resulting in crisp, clear images, even in low-light conditions. This is crucial for accurate target identification and engagement.
- Fast focus eyepiece: The quick and easy adjustment of the eyepiece ensures rapid target acquisition, a critical feature in dynamic shooting scenarios.
User-Friendly Features:
- Ballistic compensating reticle: The AR-332 typically features a ballistic compensating reticle (BCR) designed to aid in accurate long-range shooting. While specific reticles vary, these aim to compensate for bullet drop at different ranges. You’ll need to understand your ammunition’s ballistic characteristics to use it effectively.
- Low profile turrets: The low-profile, capped turrets prevent accidental adjustments during use. This is a significant benefit for tactical applications and prevents zero shifts.
- Positive click adjustments: The tactile clicks provide confirmation of adjustments, ensuring precise zeroing and holdover/hold-under.
Performance in the Field: Real-World Impressions
Many users praise the Burris AR-332's ruggedness and its ability to hold zero. Its clear optics provide excellent target acquisition even at longer ranges, within the scope's capabilities. The BCR reticle is a major advantage for those engaging in longer-range shooting. However, the reticle's effectiveness will depend on proper ammunition selection and zeroing for your specific rifle and load.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider:
While the Burris AR-332 offers many advantages, it’s important to acknowledge potential downsides:
- Eye relief: While generally adequate, the eye relief might be slightly less forgiving compared to some other scopes in its class. Improper eye placement can result in a reduced field of view or even a blacked-out view.
- Reticle choice: While the BCR is helpful, it's not universally suitable. Shooters accustomed to simpler reticles might find the BCR overly complex or unnecessary. Consider your shooting style and range preferences when choosing a reticle variant.
Who is the Burris AR-332 Ideal For?
The Burris AR-332 is an excellent choice for:
- AR-15 owners: Its durability and features align perfectly with the platform's common applications.
- Tactical shooters: The robust construction, weatherproofing, and precise adjustments are advantageous in various operational environments.
- Budget-conscious shooters: It offers great performance at a price that's more affordable than many higher-end scopes.
Conclusion: A Solid Performer with Notable Strengths
The Burris AR-332 rifle scope presents a compelling blend of durability, optical clarity, and user-friendly features at a competitive price. While not perfect, its strengths significantly outweigh its weaknesses, making it a solid and reliable choice for a wide range of shooters. Remember to research specific reticle options to ensure it aligns with your needs and shooting style. Ultimately, the best scope is the one that suits your individual shooting preferences and requirements.
