Suggestions for laser sight for AR15

[Glockgunner]

Can anybody recommend a laser sight for an AR15 style rifle? I have a flat top with a quad rail. I'm planning on getting the Viking Tactics light mount and probably a Surefire G2 LED to go with. I'm not intending to use this rifle in combat, but for fun at the range and home protection... particularly in a SHTF scenario. Remember the news images of the Katrina aftermath? The people on the rooftops with rifles were the only ones on the block whose business was not looted or on fire.

Anyway, I want a reasonably priced red laser for the quad rail. I really am looking to have the intimidation factor for an intruder, rather than trying to shoot something at long range. A burglar blinded by a LED with a red dot on their chest would probably be compliant. Any thoughts on this from the more experienced?

Thanks!

[FightToTheEnd]

Thank you for making this post. I'm also curious about what others are using. I have a couple of things to add.

Laser Color: Generally green seems to be the current trend because it is much more visible. What do others think?

Laser Housing: Water resistance? Many of the less expensive (and even some of the expensive) units don't list much about how they perform in severe environments. Cold is a major problem for lasers BTW.

Power: Most lasers are 5mw or less due to some regulation I guess. This is NOT a lot of power. I noticed that some military grade lasers are more powerful, but they cost like a Pentagon toilet seat.

The actual cost of a more powerful laser diode is not that great, and I was wodering if anyone had done a "user" upgrade on the laser diode. At laser pointer forums they do all kinds of laser builds, but I saw nothing on weapons lasers.

Two of the lasers that looked promising to me were the Viridian C5 universal mount and the Laser Genetics ND3 which is a different animal, but maybe more useful because it can be used as an illuminator as well.

I was also thinking of buying a cheap Barska GLX they have green for something less than 100 right now. This might be a good way to try out a laser before putting out some big bucks.

[Glockgunner]

I'm not so much interested in super accurate functionality or watertightness really. The fear factor placed into the heart of an intruder is all that I'm after. I've even thought of putting a laser pointer on it when at home just for effect. I'm confident that I can hit a target at short range with a rifle without the laser site...especially with a tactical light on the suspect. That's not really my point. I choose red simply because it is familiar to most. I actually don't even want to shoot someone unless my life or my family's lives are in immediate jeopardy. However, if that were to be the case, I would have no problem emptying the mag in someones chest.

I really hope to hear some constructive thoughts on the matter. Maybe my idea is dumb, but I thought it would be a good effect at night while being blinded and having an intimidating voice call out of the dark "you move-you die".

[brando]

I only have direct experience with military grade lasers, but there are civilian options for ARs. One of the easiest to deal with is one integrated onto a light, such as the Surefire X400 or the Streamlight laser combo. These are really only powerful enough for use up close in low light situations. Don't expect to use any visible laser in the day time, by the way - you're better off with standard optics at that point anyway. The main uses of lasers is to assist in aiming in low light where optics are difficult to use, when running NODs at night time and for marking targets in those scenarios.

There are more costly, larger and more powerful visible lasers available to civilians somewhat on par with their IR counterparts. Drop a line to Victor at TNVC and he'll square you away with your options.

[FightToTheEnd]

That's a good idea if you want a light as well as a laser.

BTW - I don't know much about it and I have no axe to grind but the Barska GLX comes in a $50 red laser as well. I am sure there are many others others.

I noticed that AR15.com forum has a deal with LaserMax, has anybody tried them?

[Bongos]

I was going to suggest a green laser as you can see it pretty well at 100 yards to 400 yards

[gatesbox]

I have a barska laser on my glock. My personal experience is that it is a bit inconsistent with on/off. It does come withe the extension pressure switch for ar use. It is very difficult to zero and loses zero after one shot. The "windage" and "elevation" set screws are close cousins of the set screws in a ceiling light fixture. I have used much better lasers that are more responsive to adjustment.

Now if you really mean that you just want fear factor. The green laser is nice and bright, I am embarrassed to use it at my club indoor range without sunglasses. A bit of distortion (or whatever you call the lost definition) at distance. I would also consider it a fair out of ammo solution to throw it at the BG...might be the best use, or paper weight....I have not given up on it yet and zero it every time I go to the range....but not happy yet.

[rero360]

Unless you are an infantry soldier conducting night ops with an infrared laser or a Forward Observer/TacP/CCT using a laser designator for air strikes, there really is no need for a laser, especially a visible one. Visible lasers give away your position, and really just scream mall ninja to most.

But.....if you really really want one, then look at Insight, they make top quality gear, and if you are wanting it for a defensive reason, then you should get the best. However I would rather spend the money on ammo and profressional training.

[Spaceghost]

Rero is right, lasers and long arms don't mix so well. If you want to scare someone get an airsoft laser for 20 bucks. Don't spend serious cash on something with little use. Ammo or optics is a much better use of cash.