FOG HORN2014Twobirds Flying PublicationBurris AR-DBAL visible and IR pointers for you AR2014

Copyright 2014, Towbirds Flying Publication. All Rights Reserved.Copyright 2014, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved

Burris AR-DBAL Visible and IR pointers for you ARBy: Sal Palma

Its exhilarating to see a company like Burris get behind the AR platform with a comprehensive line of magnified and red dot optics. Making matters even more interesting, late in 2013, the company added Laser Systems to its long list of AR accessories, and it was interesting to note the similarities that existed between the Burris Laser Systems and those offered by Laser Devices, Inc., of Monterey, CA more commonly known as LDI. Soon after, the internet powered grape vine was buzzing with speculation and anticipation. I remember saying to myself wow, did they knock off LDI or what, but that was inconsistent with the Burris that I know and appreciate as a highly reputable company with a stand-up reputation for innovative quality products and superb customer service. All seriousness aside, I have to laugh a little as I remember thinking surely there must be a logical explanation; well, there is. Burris, Steiner and LDI are sister companies; all owned by Beretta. So, given Burris tactical focus, it makes perfectly good sense that Burris partner with a sister company to deliver Burris branded AR accessories to millions of AR owners. The Burris AR-DBAL is a reincarnation of the LDI DBAL-I2. . I scooped this tidbit of information while I was in Las Vegas for SHOT SHOW 2014; however, due to time constraints, I didnt get the exact details of the business arrangement. Regardless of the sister company relationship, it is unquestionably a win-win for Burris, LDI and the consumer. LDI will now have direct access to Burris distribution channels and a large mass market. So, this may be one of those magical business decisions that merit a fat bonus check. Its all good from this writers perspective, and Im glad to see it happen.

The Burris AR-DBAL consists of visible and infra-red (IR) pointing/aiming lasers in a single MILSPEC housing with mounting provisions for a Burris FastFire III red dot sight. For me, it was love at first sight for some very practical reasons; not the least of which is its very clean and cool look. What you get with this accessory is the potential for integration of fire control systems in one module without creating the dreaded single point of failure. Of course, the end result is a complete fire control package good in any lighting condition, and that makes a great deal of sense as well. Using the AR-DBAL, an operator can easily access either laser to meet desired operational requirements; while, eliminating the need to swap devices around, which leads to endless re-zeroing, exercises. Theres a lot to like about the AR-DBAL but for me, speaking solely from a practical standpoint, the independent mechanical alignment or zeroing of the two lasers rules the roost. I like that a great deal because independent alignment of the Vis and IR lasers allows me to establish two zeros, one for a day optic and another for an image intensified or thermal weapon sight.Secondly, the ability to easily add a mini reflex sight, like Burris FastFire III to the DBAL package provides a turnkey solution that is both functional and elegant. So there is tremendous utility with this arrangement.

Zeroing of the AR-DBAL is pure vanilla and accomplished with two sets of controls elevation and windage for each laser. Up and Down is precisely that, as is Right and Left, and unlike other systems Ive seen where the elevation and windage adjustment produce angular movement of the laser dot.

Looking at a top view of the AR-DBAL, the smaller exit port is assigned to the visible laser; correspondingly, both windage and elevation controls, for the visible laser, are on the same side as its exit port. Burris ships the AR-DBAL mechanically centered, and when mounted on the 12 oclock rail of your weapon system, very little adjustment was needed for a 25 meter zero. When zeroing, I always adjust elevation followed by wind; I stayed with that protocol when zeroing the DBAL. The detents and overall tactile were consistent with what youd expect from a professional grade product. When making wind or elevation adjustments requiring a counterclockwise rotation of the adjusters you have to apply downward pressure on the adjuster to overcome spring pressure. This is only the case when making CCW adjustments. I was also quite surprised with the resolution of the adjustments; each click moves the laser approximately 1 centimeter at 25 meters. So, once zeroed, adjusting the lasers for range is a simple matter of knowing your ammunitions flight path and range to your target.

Looking at the left side of the housing, youll find the IR emitters exit port; it is both longer and larger than the VIS exit port and marked with a symbol. The IR adjusters are located on the same side as the IR exit port and directly behind it. Zeroing procedure is the same as with the VIS laser but the adjusters are knurled and extend above the housing. The theory being that under Night Vision conditions the operator must be able to adjust windage and elevation without tools to correct fire. Both IR adjusters can be readily manipulated with the gloved hand.

The AR-DBAL uses a mode selector switch located on the back side of the housing. This is a 5 position switch as follows; HV (High Vis