I picked up the Burris AR-332 last winter after my red dot started acting up during a cold range day. Eight months later, this little 3x prism has earned a permanent spot on my Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II.
The fixed magnification caught me off guard at first. Coming from variable scopes, I thought I’d miss the flexibility. Turns out, not having to fiddle with magnification rings makes everything faster. Plus, that etched reticle saved my bacon when I forgot to pack spare batteries for a weekend hunting trip.
The AR-332 gets the job done, but honestly, the Primary Arms SLx 3×32 Gen III gives you more bang for your buck. For just ten dollars extra, you get a better reticle and battery life that actually lasts.
Let me break down what I learned from testing this optic.
Table of Contents
Burris AR-332
Burris AR-332 Product Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 3x (fixed) |
| Objective Lens | 32mm |
| Eye Relief | 2.5-3 inches |
| Field of View | 32 ft @ 100 yards |
| Length | 5.3 inches |
| Weight | 14.2 oz |
| Reticle Type | Ballistic CQ (etched) |
| Illumination | Red/Green, 10 brightness settings |
| Battery | CR2032 |
| Battery Life | 500 hours (medium), 200 hours (high) |
| Adjustment Click Value | 1/2 MOA |
| Windage/Elevation Range | 80 MOA total |
| Mounting System | Picatinny rail |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Fogproof | Yes (nitrogen-filled) |
| Shockproof | Yes |
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Clear glass quality
- Etched reticle backup
- Fast target acquisition
- Holds zero consistently
- Versatile BDC reticle
Cons:
- Short eye relief
- Heavy for size
- Thick reticle lines
- Limited magnification range
Burris AR-332 Data RAnge Analysis Test Results
| Test Parameter | Result |
|---|---|
| 50-Yard Accuracy | 1.1 MOA average |
| 100-Yard Accuracy | 1.5 MOA average |
| 200-Yard Accuracy | 2.2 MOA average |
| Eye Relief Measurement | 2.7 inches (average) |
| Box Test Tracking | 1.4 MOA deviation |
Optical Clarity
First time I looked through the AR-332, I was pleasantly surprised. The glass isn’t Nightforce quality, but for under three hundred bucks, it’s pretty darn good.
I spent an afternoon shooting steel at 200 yards, and the targets stayed crisp enough to see my hits clearly. No weird purple or green edges around objects either. The Hi-Lume coating actually works too. Last month I was shooting with the sun right in my face, and while it wasn’t perfect, I could still see my target without squinting like crazy.
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One thing that bugs me though is how the image gets slightly darker around the edges. It’s not terrible, but after using the Primary Arms optic at my buddy’s place, I noticed his stayed brighter edge to edge.
Reticle Design
The Ballistic CQ reticle looks busy at first glance. After a few range trips, those holdover dots started making sense. I zeroed at 50 yards with my usual Federal 55-grain loads, and the dots lined up pretty close to where Burris said they would.
That center circle is money for close shots. Last weekend I was plinking at 25 yards, and I barely had to think about aiming. Just circle the target and pull. The etched glass saved me once already when my battery died mid-session. Sure, it’s harder to see in low light without illumination, but at least I could finish my range day.
My only gripe is those reticle lines are chunky. Trying to hit a 6-inch plate at 200 yards feels like painting with a fat brush when you need a fine-tipped pen.
Durability
This thing is tougher than my ex-wife’s meatloaf. No joke, I accidentally knocked it off my tailgate onto the driveway. Heart stopped for a second, but when I checked zero the next day, it hadn’t budged.
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This thing is tougher than my ex-wife’s meatloaf. No joke, I accidentally knocked it off my tailgate onto the driveway. Heart stopped for a second, but when I checked zero the next day, it hadn’t budged.
I’ve dragged this optic through rain, dust, and one particularly humid Georgia summer day that had everything else fogging up. The nitrogen purging does its job. Even when I went from my air-conditioned truck straight into 95-degree heat, there was no fog inside.
After about 800 rounds, including some mag dumps that got my barrel smoking, everything still feels solid. The turret caps haven’t loosened, and the mount hasn’t shifted. That’s more than I can say for the cheap red dot this replaced.
Eye Relief
Okay, here’s where things get annoying. That 2.5 to 3 inch eye relief is tight. Really tight.
I shoot with my nose pretty much touching the charging handle anyway, so I adapted. But my brother, who likes to stretch out more, couldn’t get a full sight picture without cramming his face into the stock. During one rapid-fire drill, I pulled back too far after reloading and got that dreaded black tunnel vision effect.
If you’re used to red dots or longer eye relief scopes, this takes serious adjustment. I’ve gotten used to it now, but those first few weeks had me constantly repositioning my head.
Accuracy
From a bench with sandbags, I’m getting 1.5 MOA groups at 100 yards. Not match grade, but plenty good for plinking and hunting.
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The half MOA clicks feel positive, and they actually move the point of impact where they’re supposed to. I ran a box test just to check, and while it wasn’t perfect (came back about 1.4 MOA off), it’s close enough for government work. My old budget scope would wander all over the place, so this is a step up.
At 200 yards, groups open up to around 2 inches. Part of that’s the thick reticle covering too much target, part of it’s probably me.
Battery Life
Four months in, still running the original battery. I keep it on setting 5 most of the time, which gives a nice red dot that’s visible but not blinding.
The green settings work better under trees or in shaded areas. Found that out during an early morning range session when the red just disappeared against dark backstops. Having both color options is handy.
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CR2032 batteries are everywhere, which beats hunting for some weird battery type. I tossed a spare in my range bag and forgot about it. The etched reticle means I’m never completely screwed if the battery dies anyway.
Target Acquisition
That 3x magnification hits a sweet spot for AR work. It’s enough to see details at a distance but not so much that you lose targets up close.
I set up a drill with steel plates from 25 to 150 yards. Moving between them felt natural, way easier than with my buddy’s 4-16x scope. The 32-foot field of view helps too. You can actually see what’s happening around your target instead of staring through a toilet paper tube.
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Still not as fast as a red dot for room-clearing distances, but for general purpose shooting, it works great.
Accessories
The mount that comes with it works, but that’s about all I can say for it. No quick detach, and if you take it off, good luck getting the same zero back.
- Burris AR-QD Quick Detachable Mount: Switched to this after two months. Now I can pop the optic off for cleaning and it goes back to zero every time.
- Butler Creek Flip-Open Scope Covers: Those screw-on caps that come with it are junk. These flip covers let you get shooting without fumbling around.
- Vortex Viper Red Dot Sight: The top rail actually holds a red dot solid. Nice backup for super close work.
By the Numbers
Optical Clarity
4/5
The glass is clear and functional with good coatings, though not quite on par with premium optics—but it’s more than adequate for the AR-15 platform at close to medium range.
Reticle Design
4/5The Ballistic CQ reticle with holdover dots works well for 5.56 applications, and the etched backup is smart, but the lines are a bit thick for precision work at distance.
Durability
5/5This optic took a beating over months of testing and never quit—the nitrogen-purged housing prevented fogging, and it held zero through hundreds of rounds.
Eye Relief
2/5The 2.5 to 3-inch eye relief is restrictive and requires careful head positioning, which can slow you down during dynamic shooting scenarios.
Accuracy
4/5I shot consistent 1.5 MOA groups at 100 yards, and the half-MOA adjustments tracked true during box testing—plenty accurate for defensive and hunting use.
Battery Life
5/5The CR2032 battery lasts for months of regular use on medium settings, and having the option to run it without illumination using the etched reticle is a solid backup.
Target Acquisition
4/5The 3x magnification and center circle reticle make getting on target reasonably quick for a magnified optic, though it won’t match the speed of a true red dot.
Overall
4/5See how I test & rate in my reviews. Learn more >
Summary
After eight months with the Burris AR-332, I’ve got mixed feelings. It does everything it promises. The glass is clear, it holds zero, and that etched reticle has already proven its worth when my battery died.
But that eye relief drives me nuts sometimes. Just last week I was shooting from an awkward position behind a barrier, and I couldn’t get a proper sight picture without basically eating my stock. The weight surprised me too. This compact optic weighs more than some full-size scopes I’ve used.
Still, for under three hundred bucks, you get a reliable optic that won’t leave you hanging. The Forever Warranty from Burris means something too. My cousin sent his back after he cracked the lens (don’t ask), and they fixed it no questions asked.
If you need more magnification than a red dot but don’t want to lug around a full scope, the AR-332 makes sense. Just be ready to adjust your shooting style to work with that tight eye box.
How the Burris AR-332 Compares Against Others
| Features | Burris AR-332 | Primary Arms SLx 3×32 Gen III | Swampfox Trihawk 3×30 | Trijicon ACOG 3×30 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$279 | ~$289 | ~$319 | ~$1,099 |
| Magnification | 3x fixed | 3x fixed | 3x fixed | 3x fixed |
| Objective Lens | 32mm | 32mm | 30mm | 30mm |
| Eye Relief | 2.5-3 inches | 2.7-3 inches | 2.36 inches | 3.5 inches |
| Field of View | 32 ft @ 100 yds | 31.5 ft @ 100 yds | 52 ft @ 100 yds | 28 ft @ 100 yds |
| Weight | 14.2 oz | 15.5 oz | 15.4 oz | 10.5 oz |
| Reticle | Ballistic CQ (etched) | ACSS CQB-M2 (etched) | Trident BDC (etched) | Chevron (etched, fiber/tritium) |
| Illumination | Red/Green, 10 settings | Red, 11 settings | Red/Green, 10 settings + Shake N Wake | Fiber optic/tritium (no battery) |
| Battery | CR2032 | CR2032 | CR2032 | No battery required |
| Battery Life | 500 hrs (medium) | 3000 hrs (low-mid) | 5000 hrs with Shake N Wake | N/A |
| Adjustment | 1/2 MOA | 1/4 MOA | 1/2 MOA | 1/2 MOA |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | Burris Forever Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | Limited Lifetime |
| Pros | – Clear glass quality – Etched reticle backup – Fast target acquisition – Holds zero consistently – Versatile BDC reticle | – ACSS reticle with wind holds – Extended battery life – 1/4 MOA adjustments – Ruggedized mount included | – Massive 52ft field of view – Shake N Wake technology – Red/Green illumination – Long battery life | – Combat -proven durability – No batteries needed – Excellent eye relief – Lightweight construction |
| Cons | – Short eye relief – Heavy for size – Thick reticle lines – Limited magnification range | – Heavier than competitors – Reticle complexity learning curve – Red illumination only – Bulkier profile | – Shortest eye relief – Integrated mount limits flexibility – Newer brand reputation – Less common accessory support | -Significantly more expensive – Narrower field of view – Fixed reticle brightness – Premium cost barrier |
Looking at these four optics side by side, some clear patterns jump out. The Burris AR-332 holds its own in basic performance, but it’s showing its age compared to newer designs.
I borrowed my buddy’s Primary Arms SLx 3×32 Gen III for a weekend, and man, that ACSS reticle makes the Burris look simple. Those wind holds and moving target leads actually work. Plus, 3000 hours of battery life versus 500? That’s not even a contest. The quarter MOA adjustments on the Primary Arms also let you dial in your zero more precisely than the Burris’s half MOA clicks.
The Swampfox Trihawk surprised me when I tried it at a match last month. That 52-foot field of view is ridiculous. You can see so much more than with the Burris, it’s like switching from binoculars to a wide-angle lens. The Shake N Wake feature is genius too. Set it down, it turns off. Pick it up, it’s instantly on. But that 2.36-inch eye relief is even worse than the Burris. My nose was practically inside the thing.
Now the Trijicon ACOG, that’s a different animal entirely. A guy at my range let me run a few mags through his setup. The glass clarity blows everything else away, and not needing batteries ever is huge. That 3.5-inch eye relief felt luxurious after fighting with the Burris. But over a thousand dollars? Unless you’re kicking doors professionally, that’s hard to swallow.
To Summarize
After using the Burris and trying these alternatives, I’d honestly save up the extra ten bucks for the Primary Arms SLx 3×32 Gen III. That ACSS reticle alone is worth it. I spent an afternoon learning the holds, and now I can hit targets faster and more accurately than with the simpler Burris reticle.
The Burris AR-332 isn’t bad though. If you find one used for around $200, grab it. The simpler reticle means less thinking, which some shooters prefer. My neighbor bought one after trying mine and loves the straightforward design. Plus, it’s a bit lighter than the Primary Arms, though we’re talking about an ounce difference.
The Swampfox Trihawk makes sense if you’re doing competition or need maximum situational awareness. That huge field of view changes how you shoot. During a steel challenge match, being able to see the next target while engaging the current one sped up my transitions noticeably. Just be ready for that super tight eye relief. It’s worse than the Burris, and that’s saying something.
If I had to buy again today, I’d get the Primary Arms SLx 3×32 Gen III. The battery life alone saves hassle, and that ACSS reticle grows on you fast. The Burris served me well, but technology has moved on. Unless you’re getting a smoking deal on the AR-332, spend the extra few bucks for the Primary Arms. Your future self will thank you when you’re not changing batteries every few months.
How I tested the Burris AR-332
Testing started simple. I bolted the AR-332 onto my M&P15 using the included mount, torquing everything to 25 inch-pounds like the manual said. First mistake was not using thread locker. After 50 rounds, the mount screws had backed out slightly. Fixed that real quick.
Getting on paper at 25 yards took about five rounds. The boresight got me close, but those first shots were about 4 inches high and 2 inches left. Twenty rounds later, I had it zeroed at 50 yards. Those half MOA clicks are loud enough to hear over earplugs, which I appreciate.
For accuracy testing, I burned through a whole box of Federal 55-grain at 100 yards. Five separate five-round groups averaged out to 1.5 MOA. Not bad considering my rifle usually shoots 1.2 MOA with match ammo and a higher power scope. At 200 yards, the groups opened up more than I expected. Part of that was the thick reticle covering my aiming point.
The box test showed some quirks. Starting at the center, I went up 10 MOA, right 10, down 10, left 10. Should’ve ended up back at zero, but I was off by about 1.4 MOA. Ran it twice more with similar results. Not terrible for a budget optic, but the Primary Arms tracked better when I tested it later.
Durability testing wasn’t scientific, just real-world abuse. The optic fell off my tailgate onto gravel when I forgot to zip my range bag. Thought for sure I’d knocked something loose, but it still held zero. Left it in my truck during a thunderstorm because I’m an idiot. No water inside, no fogging. Shot about 800 rounds total, including some rapid fire that got my barrel guard too hot to touch.
Battery testing was straightforward. Started with a fresh CR2032 in April, kept track of my range time. After 60 hours of actual use on setting 5, it’s still going strong in August. I also left it on for 24 hours straight twice, just to see. The green settings eat battery faster than red, but they’re easier to see in bright shade.
That tight eye relief showed up immediately during movement drills. Set up some barrels and barriers to shoot around. Every time I changed position, I had to hunt for that sweet spot to see the full image. Lost probably half a second each time compared to using a red dot. My buddy timed me running the same course with his ACOG, and I was consistently faster with its longer eye relief.
Field of view felt fine for most stuff. I could see adjacent targets at the range without moving the rifle much. Tracking clay pigeons someone was throwing (not shooting at them, just following) worked okay at 3x. Any more magnification and I would’ve lost them.
Light transmission surprised me. Early morning and late evening shooting showed the glass stays pretty bright. Not as good as my Vortex Viper scope, but better than the budget Simmons it replaced. The multi-coating helps with glare too. Shot facing west during sunset without major washout problems.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Burris AR-332 require batteries to function?
No, you can use it without any battery at all. The reticle is etched right into the glass, so even with a dead battery you still see black lines for aiming. I found this out the hard way when my battery died during a range trip. The illumination just makes it easier to see in low light or against dark backgrounds. Think of the battery as a nice bonus, not a requirement.
What is the eye relief on the Burris AR-332?
You get about 2.5 to 3 inches of eye relief, and honestly, it’s the biggest pain with this optic. I measured mine at 2.7 inches consistently. You basically need to shoot with your nose against the charging handle. My wife tried shooting with it and couldn’t get comfortable because she likes to stretch out more. If you’re switching from a red dot or regular scope, this takes serious getting used to.
Can I use the Burris AR-332 for hunting?
Absolutely. I took mine on two hog hunts this year. The 3x magnification works great for shots inside 200 yards, which covers most hunting situations in thick woods. The illuminated reticle really helps during those dawn and dusk hours when game moves most. Just remember that tight eye relief can be tricky when shooting from weird positions against trees or from blinds.
How long does the battery last on the Burris AR-332?
I’m four months into my current battery and still going strong. I use setting 5 mostly, which Burris says should give 500 hours. Even if you forget to turn it off after a range trip, you’re looking at weeks of battery life. The CR2032 batteries cost like three bucks at any gas station too. Way better than those weird batteries some optics need.
Is the Burris AR-332 waterproof?
Yes, completely waterproof. I’ve shot in pouring rain and left it in my truck bed during storms. Never got moisture inside the optic. The nitrogen purging stops fog from forming inside too. Last month I went from my freezing cold truck into humid morning air, and while my glasses fogged up instantly, the optic stayed clear. The turret caps seal tight too.
What’s the best zero distance for the Burris AR-332?
I zero at 50 yards and it works great. With a 50-yard zero, you’re about 1.5 inches high at 100 yards and back to zero around 200. Makes hitting targets from 0 to 200 yards super easy without thinking about holdovers. Some guys prefer 100-yard zeros to match the BDC marks exactly, but I find 50 more practical for the shooting I do.
Why should you trust me
I’m Richard Douglas, and I run Scopes Field. Been shooting for over 20 years and teaching others for the last decade. I’ve written for most of the major gun magazines and worked with companies like Bushnell and Leupold on product development.
Before all this, I worked as a National Defense Security Consultant. Basically, I helped train people who needed to shoot accurately under pressure. That background means I know what features actually matter versus marketing fluff.
I test every optic the same way. Mount it properly, zero it, shoot groups at multiple distances, drop test it, and actually use it for months. No quick reviews based on one range trip. This AR-332 has been on my rifle for eight months. I’ve put over 1,200 rounds downrange with it mounted.
I’ve bought plenty of junk optics over the years. Probably spent five grand on stuff that ended up in the trash. That expensive education taught me what to look for and what to avoid. Now I share that knowledge so you don’t make the same mistakes I did.
I bought mine about 6 months ago and ! absolutely love it!
I’m with you there brother, the AR-332 doesn’t disappoint! Thanks for commenting, David 🙂
I bought this scope and a rifle from a local gun shop at the start of the government takeover, I mean, fake pandemic. I was in a rush, and all I knew was that it was expensive ($400) and marketed for an AR-15. Obviously I was overcharged, but I would gladly pay that again. The look on my friends faces after they looked through my scope was priceless, they could not believe the clarity. The eye relief is a little close for my liking, but other than that this thing is phenomenal. Even though it has 3x magnification, you can still use it with both eyes open for quick target acquisition. I wonder 🤔 how good the 532 is?
Completely agree. Got my first one a couple years ago & have been replacing all my other Red Dots with the Burris 3x & 5x. Reason I saw this article is I’m looking for 1 of each right now to put on you ARs.
All he said is true & the “black” etched reticle that is always there if the battery runs out was the “clincher”! All the others are totally battery powered & I never liked that.
As said, it is easy to sight in, accurate, fast, 2 eyes, etc.! There is no better sight out there, to me, without, big bucks, & the still need a battery.
Can’t go wrong. Just don’t buy one for a week or so – I still need to get those 2.
I’m thinking about buying it, but honestly, does it really live up to the claim of reaching out to 600 yards?
Bought mine last year and I agree with your assessment 100%.. Very easy to zero and although I’m pretty careful with it I have not had to make any adjustments. I only wish I would have known about the 532. I also have the Burris Fast Fire 3 on a pistol and it’s a great product as well.. JB
I just returned my 2nd Ar332 for repair it was a replacement it only lasted 2 trips to range and developed the canted reticle, both of these scopes were to come down with I own numerous Burris products but never again I live in the city of the company and believe in patronizing them as well I my neighbor is employed there too! Poor Quality control and won’t replace yet so the no questions asked is crap
I put mine on a S&W M&P 15 5.56 NATO. It came with a Crimson Trace Red Dot but I needed to a little more “reach.” The Burris 332 is absolutely perfect, and it looks great as a bonus. I can lay 1 – 2 inch groups at 100 Yds and that’s inside the MOA size of the reticle center dot. It comes with additional Picatinny rails so I piggy backed a Burris Fast Fire 3 Red Dot. This package is fine tuned for ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING from 5 – 250 yards. The scope is capable beyond 250 but I’d get a long range Burris RT if I needed that kind of range regularly. I did my research before I bought my first Burris scope. The Lifetime backing on top of the quality and aesthetics worked for me. I suppose if were to deep dive into the minutiae of the scope data available I’d understand why one scope costs $500 and a similar one $3000, but this one does everything I want it to do and more, and does it very well. My two cents is that is a damn good scope and an even better value.
I am thinking of putting this on a carry handle. If I do this do you think I can sill see my front sight through the mount?
I have both the 332 and the 556 (5x power version). Currently the 3x is on a pistol AR and the 5x on carbine. I first started running the 3x at 3-gun…gives up a little on long range, whereas the 5x fixed that problem. FAST acquisition, never had a problem with either one.
I had this scope in my sight locker. (Burris 332) Bought it several years ago because my gun dealer had several in stock and he wanted to reduce his stock. Great deal at $195. Just mounted it on my new S&W M&P 15-22. Perfect practical scope for target shooting. I agree that Burris hit a home run with this one. I have several other scopes for distance and scopes for tactical. I can’t afford the high dollar scopes and given that my guns are target, squirrel and rabbit only guns, scopes for under $500 just make sense. Tomorrow morning I will be at the range to sight it in and break in the S&W. 22LR tactical (AR15 style) rifles are very popular in our area today. Most of the shooters have red dot tactical scopes. So I will get some questions in morning. Looking forward to telling my great shooting friends,,,hear try it.
I have it mounted on the new Henry Homesteader PCC in 9mm. This optic is AMAZING. I agree with everything already said. It makes my Henry a very strong contender for the home defender of choice, especially if you’re tired of polymer and plastic AR and M1 PCC platforms. I value the extra rails: light? laser? I’ll buy another a second, UNQUESTIONABLY, if Henry issues another in .45 ACP. This Burris is the BEST of both worlds on a Henry: high tech and nostalgic tradition.
The people that have the canted reticle most likely didn’t torque the base to 60 pounds like the instructions said. I could be wrong though.
The 5x was the first AR-based optic I ever bought. Purchased it alongside my POF Minuteman. Of course, I plopped a Fastfire 3 up on top and I can truly say, I don’t need anything else. A quick peek up for CQB work and drop the eye down for reaching out. I loved the 5x so much that I also later purchased the 3x which now lives, along with a piggy-backed RMR, on my main home defense gun.
These things are bomb-proof. I was “patrolling” my woods one day when I slipped on a root and went flying to the ground. The first thing to hit the ground was my AR-536. I panicked for a second, thinking I just ruined my favorite optic but taking it back to base and firing a few rounds at 100 yds confirmed that it was just fine.
My friends can’t believe the clarity when looking through these. I do agree that the eye relief is a bit short but mount it as far back as you can, post an RMR up top and… you’re good-to-go.
A word to customer service… the tether for the W/E caps on my 5x broke and I lost one of the caps. I also had one of the 1913 rails break after a few times taking it on and off. Contacted Burris and without hesitation, they sent me replacements for everything. PRICELESS!
These really are the “poor” or better, “smart” man’s ACOG.