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