Laser Devices

[Duranimal]

I know all the hoopla with the "laser scopes" and "sniper scopes" in California is a little muddled so I was just trying to find out what laser devices are legal to use on a carbine. Ive seen the eotechs with the attached laser device in stores with the green laser and cover for nv. So what about all the other laser devices everyone loves to put on their carbines???

[Merc1138]

There is no hoopla about "laser scopes"(wth is a laser scope?). The "sniper scope" issue is very defined.

[Duranimal]

ok so if anyone actually wants to be of any help. what are certain makes or models that people here in ca have. pics with that set up would be appreciated.

[Merc1138]

Well it might help if you were clear about what it is you were talking about. I'm still trying to understand what you mean by "laser scope".

If all you want is a laser mounted to your rifle, yeah you can do that. If you're talking about the lasers that mount directly to an eotech, do you mean these? http://www.laserdevices.com/index.cfm/p-EOLAD_133.htm Yes, you can use one of those in CA.

What you can't do is use an IR emitter attached to the rifle with a NV scope(that would be a "sniper scope" according to the penal code).

[Duranimal]

searching around I found a lot of older post and links that referred to "laser scopes". I was being facetious by using the quotes because all of california laws are full of misnomers that mean jack diddly. Im sorry the sarcasm didn't come through. Ive read the penal code and as with all the great california laws theres always the fear mongering and then the actual limitations the law puts into effect. Essentially all im asking is are we able to run laser devices like this

[Merc1138]

Yes.

If you run an IR laser(and some green lasers could be considered an IR emitter, since doubl pumping an IR diode makes it green, typically an IR filter is used after the diode, but that's not really what we're discussing here), you can't have NV attached because that would make it a "sniper scope".

Rifle + laser = ok
Rifle + IR emitter/laser + NV = NO

It's that simple.

[Duranimal]

awesome thanks a bunch.

[Duranimal]

just to clarify a device that emits a visible laser is a no go??

[Merc1138]

just to clarify a device that emits a visible laser is a no go??

Where are you reading this stuff? There's nothing in the penal code anywhere about lasers and guns. The only legal issues are for CCW if your issuing agency prohibits lasers, or stuff like FDA regulations for laser pointers. It's not like you'd be doing something dumb like pointing the thing at aircraft.

edit: DFG might have some reg about lasers as well, but those don't always apply.

[Duranimal]

im just trying to clarify the differences in the different classes of laser why a class 1 is ok for civilians and a class-III is le/mil restricted.

[Merc1138]

im just trying to clarify the differences in the different classes of laser why a class 1 is ok for civilians and a class-III is le/mil restricted.

Do some reading about classes of lasers: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_safety#Class_3R

It's not that a class 3r or 3b is illegal for you to have, they just don't want to sell it to you. Then of course there is a matter of what you're allowed to build for personal use when going over certain power ratings and emission types, as well as safety devices that need to be included for sale to the general public. I'm guessing the >5mw lasers you're looking at don't have a safety interlock.

[Duranimal]

thanks for educating me.