Laser sights have changed the face of low light engagements. Laser technology has shrunk considerably the last few decades and now laser can be fitted on everything from rocket launchers to concealed carry handguns. These lasers are extensively used for military and police operations and have also found their way to the concealed carry market. Lasers are now built in a variety of different ways and in multiple colors. Different users have different considerations, and addressing these consideration is key when it comes to success.
What weapon are you equipping?
Different laser sights are designed for different weapons. A handgun laser is compact and designed to be used at short ranges, a rifle laser should be bright and easy to use at longer ranges. The biggest difference will be weight and size. For example, Surefire X400 works well for close range with either a rifle or pistol, but an L3 Insight works much better long range. The L3 is much bigger than the X400 and would not fit well on a pistol. When equipping a shotgun you should equip the weapon with a strong rail mount to ensure it stays in place when facing the heavy recoil of 12 gauge buckshot or slugs.
What are the Light Parameters?
Are you looking for a tool to allow engagement simply dark areas? Or will you be participating in nighttime operations that involve the use of night vision goggles? Night vision goggles do not make aiming easy, but when paired with an infrared laser, everything changes. An infrared laser can not be seen by the naked eye and allows the user keep the laser turned on and ready, without alerting anyone of the operator’s presence. These infrared lasers come in a variety of variants for rifles and pistols, Crimson trace produces a line of infrared laser grips and they are one of the best home defense optics for pistols, on the other hand the Steiner CQBL-1 is a good choice for a long gun.
What is the End User’s Goal
Laser sights are used both by concealed carriers and police officers. Both of these end users need the same requirement, which includes a bright, easy to use laser for low light situations. However, both have different end objectives.
A police officer will probably pair a laser with a flashlight, and since the officer does have to conceal their weapon size is no issue. Police may also be forced to pursue an offender. A concealed carrier cannot pursue an attacker, so the needs here are different. A police officer would probably be more comfortable with a laser they can turn on and off with ease. If it’s constantly on, the police officer turns into a beacon and loses the element of surprise. Crimson trace laser grips come on as soon as the weapon is drawn and remain on until the grip is changed. The unit can be switched off, but requires the manipulation of a small switch or device, not something conductive to a low light situation.
For example, the Streamlight TLR 4 uses a simple, big lever switch to turn the unit on and off. It’s easy to access in the dark, and can be done by touch.
Is Concealment an Issue?
A concealed carrier has to hide a weapon, which means the less bulky the laser is, the better. A concealed carrier also can only draw their weapon as a reactionary measure, police can act offensively, concealed carriers cannot. If their weapon is drawn, its probably going to be used. For this purpose, the auto on Crimson Trace laser grips are an excellent choice. A concealed carrier can react to an attack without a conscious decision to turn the laser on.
Being Considerate
This may not be a complete list of considerations, but since lasers are so nuanced such a guide could fill a book. These four cover the biggest considerations for those looking to a laser sight. How the sight is used, and what are the operators intentions are extremely important. Remember, many of you are depending on a weapon to save your life, and there is no reason not to be picky. There is no universal answer, but there are individual answers.
Source:Rifle Optics World