My first impression of Burris AR-1X 1x 20mm Dual Illuminated Ballistic CQ Prism Sight
The world of tactical optics can be a dizzying place. Red dots, holographic sights, LPVOs – each promising a faster, clearer sight picture, and each with its own set of compromises. When I first heard about the Burris AR-1X 1x 20mm Dual Illuminated Ballistic CQ Prism Sight, I was intrigued. Could a 1x prism sight truly deliver the speed of a red dot with the precision of a magnified optic, all while offering etched reticle reliability?
For years, I’ve been a red dot devotee on my AR platform rifles, appreciating their lightning-fast target acquisition in close quarters. However, my aging eyes have started to struggle with the “starburst” effect common with many red dots, especially under bright light conditions. I needed a solution that offered similar speed but with a crisper, more defined reticle. The promise of an etched reticle that remained visible even without battery power was a huge draw.
The unboxing experience was…unassuming. The sight itself felt solid, with a reassuring weight that hinted at quality construction. Its compact size was a welcome surprise, and the matte black finish looked durable. Compared to some bulkier prism sights on the market, the Burris AR-1X 1x 20mm Dual Illuminated Ballistic CQ Prism Sight felt sleek and streamlined. I had considered the Primary Arms SLx 1x Cyclops and the Vortex Spitfire AR, but the Burris offered a cleaner aesthetic and the reputation of Burris glass tipped the scales. My initial feeling was cautiously optimistic. Could this be the optic to bridge the gap between red dot speed and etched reticle clarity? I was eager to find out.
Real-World Testing: Putting Burris AR-1X 1x 20mm Dual Illuminated Ballistic CQ Prism Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Burris AR-1X 1x 20mm Dual Illuminated Ballistic CQ Prism Sight was at my local outdoor range. I mounted it on my AR-15 pistol, zeroed it at 50 yards, and started running drills. The immediate difference compared to my red dot was striking: the reticle was incredibly sharp and clear, even in bright sunlight. There was no starburst, no fuzziness, just a crisp aiming point.
The Ballistic CQ reticle, with its horseshoe and center dot, proved surprisingly intuitive for rapid target acquisition. I ran through various drills involving transitions between multiple targets at different distances. The 1x magnification allowed me to keep both eyes open, maintaining excellent situational awareness. I even tested the sight in simulated low-light conditions by shooting under a covered area, and the illuminated reticle, selectable in both red and green, worked flawlessly. The only slight niggle was adjusting to the eye relief, which is more critical than with a red dot.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Burris AR-1X 1x 20mm Dual Illuminated Ballistic CQ Prism Sight has proven to be remarkably robust. It’s been subjected to a few hundred rounds of .223, and it has held zero perfectly. I’ve also taken it on a couple of weekend camping trips where it experienced its fair share of bumps and scrapes. The matte black finish shows some minor wear, but the glass remains pristine.
Cleaning the sight is simple; a quick wipe with a lens cloth is usually all it takes. I appreciate the fact that even if the battery dies, the etched reticle is still perfectly functional, offering a reliable aiming point. Comparing it to my older red dot, the Burris AR-1X 1x 20mm Dual Illuminated Ballistic CQ Prism Sight has definitely outperformed it in terms of reticle clarity and overall durability. It has become my go-to optic for close-quarters and mid-range shooting with my AR platform.
Breaking Down the Features of Burris AR-1X 1x 20mm Dual Illuminated Ballistic CQ Prism Sight
Specifications
The Burris AR-1X 1x 20mm Dual Illuminated Ballistic CQ Prism Sight boasts a number of impressive specifications. Here are the key details:
- Magnification: 1x – This allows for both-eyes-open shooting, crucial for maintaining situational awareness in dynamic environments.
- Objective Lens Diameter: 20mm – A smaller objective lens helps to keep the sight compact and lightweight.
- Reticle: Ballistic CQ – This is an etched reticle, meaning it’s visible even without battery power, and is dual-illuminated in red and green.
- Eye Relief: 2.5 inches – A fairly generous eye relief for a prism sight, making it more forgiving to use.
- Field of View: 75 feet at 100 yards – A wide field of view enhances target acquisition and tracking.
- Adjustment Value: 1 MOA per click – Precise adjustments for accurate zeroing.
- Total Elevation Adjustment: 80 MOA – A substantial amount of adjustment for various distances.
- Total Windage Adjustment: 80 MOA – Same as elevation, providing ample windage correction.
- Length: 4.1 inches – A compact footprint that won’t add unnecessary bulk to your rifle.
- Weight: 14.2 ounces – Relatively lightweight for a prism sight, reducing fatigue during extended use.
- Illumination Settings: 5 red / 5 green – Multiple brightness levels for optimal visibility in different lighting conditions.
- Battery Type: CR2032 – Common and readily available battery type.
- Housing Material: Aluminum – Provides excellent durability and weather resistance.
- Finish: Matte Black – Non-reflective finish minimizes glare.
- Waterproof: Yes – Can withstand exposure to rain and other wet conditions.
- Fogproof: Yes – Nitrogen purged to prevent internal fogging.
These specifications highlight the Burris AR-1X 1x 20mm Dual Illuminated Ballistic CQ Prism Sight’s focus on speed, clarity, and durability. The 1x magnification and etched reticle make it ideal for close-quarters engagements, while the robust construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of tactical use.
Performance & Functionality
The Burris AR-1X 1x 20mm Dual Illuminated Ballistic CQ Prism Sight excels in its primary function: providing a fast and accurate aiming solution for close-to-medium-range shooting. The etched reticle remains crisp and clear in all lighting conditions, and the dual illumination settings allow for easy adjustments based on the ambient light. Accuracy is excellent, with consistent groupings achievable at various distances.
The sight’s strengths lie in its simplicity and reliability. There are no complicated features to learn or adjust, and the rugged construction inspires confidence. The main weakness is the fixed 1x magnification; while ideal for close quarters, it lacks the versatility of a variable-power optic. Overall, the sight meets and exceeds expectations for its intended purpose.
Design & Ergonomics
The Burris AR-1X 1x 20mm Dual Illuminated Ballistic CQ Prism Sight features a well-thought-out design that prioritizes both functionality and ergonomics. The aluminum housing feels solid and durable, and the matte black finish minimizes glare. The sight is relatively lightweight, which helps to maintain the balance of the rifle. The adjustments for windage and elevation are easy to access and provide tactile feedback. The sight is incredibly user-friendly, with minimal learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Burris AR-1X 1x 20mm Dual Illuminated Ballistic CQ Prism Sight is built to last. The aluminum housing can withstand significant abuse, and the glass is scratch-resistant. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a lens cloth. The nitrogen-purged design prevents internal fogging, ensuring clear visibility in all weather conditions.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Burris AR-1X 1x 20mm Dual Illuminated Ballistic CQ Prism Sight comes with a Burris multi-height mount, providing options for different rifle platforms and cheek weld preferences. While the sight itself doesn’t offer a vast array of customization options, it is compatible with standard AR-15 mounting systems, allowing users to swap out the mount for aftermarket options if desired. It works well with magnifiers if more range is needed.
Pros and Cons of Burris AR-1X 1x 20mm Dual Illuminated Ballistic CQ Prism Sight
Pros
- Crisp, clear etched reticle, even without illumination.
- Fast target acquisition with both eyes open.
- Durable construction and weather resistance.
- Dual illumination (red and green) with multiple brightness settings.
- Relatively lightweight and compact.
Cons
- Fixed 1x magnification limits its versatility at longer ranges.
- Eye relief is more critical compared to red dot sights.
Who Should Buy Burris AR-1X 1x 20mm Dual Illuminated Ballistic CQ Prism Sight?
The Burris AR-1X 1x 20mm Dual Illuminated Ballistic CQ Prism Sight is perfect for:
- Those who want a fast and reliable aiming solution for close-quarters engagements.
- Shooters who struggle with the “starburst” effect of red dot sights.
- Law enforcement officers and military personnel.
- Hunters who need a durable and weather-resistant optic for thick cover.
This sight might not be ideal for:
- Shooters who primarily engage targets at long ranges.
- Those who require variable magnification for different scenarios.
A must-have accessory would be a lens cleaning kit.
Conclusion on Burris AR-1X 1x 20mm Dual Illuminated Ballistic CQ Prism Sight
The Burris AR-1X 1x 20mm Dual Illuminated Ballistic CQ Prism Sight is a fantastic optic that delivers on its promise of speed, clarity, and durability. The crisp etched reticle, dual illumination, and robust construction make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable aiming solution for close-to-medium-range shooting. At a price of $279.00, the value proposition is outstanding.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Burris AR-1X 1x 20mm Dual Illuminated Ballistic CQ Prism Sight to anyone looking for a high-quality 1x prism sight. It has become an essential part of my AR-15 setup, and I’m confident that it will serve you well too. Go ahead and upgrade your rifle with this optic – you won’t regret it!