Choosing a laser sight can be confusing, especially since there are so many options available on the market today. Laser sights are becoming more popular among gun owners because they allow them to improve their accuracy with greater ease.
Whether you’re shooting for fun or trying to hit targets at long distances, a laser sight will increase your level of accuracy. However, not all lasers are created equal which is why it’s important to do your research before choosing one.
To help you make an informed decision about what type of laser sight best suits your needs, we’ve compiled this list of 10 questions that every gun owner should consider before making a purchase:
1) How far will I be shooting?
The first question you need to ask yourself is how far you will be shooting. This determines what type of laser sight you should get because the further away your target is, the more expensive your laser will need to be to project a sharp beam at that distance. You also want to consider whether or not your eyesight can handle aiming at targets that are 50 yards away and beyond.
2) How often do I intend on using my firearm?
As with any product, it’s important to determine how much use you’ll get out of your laser sight before buying one. It would make no sense for someone who never plans on using their gun outside of the home to invest in an expensive model when there are other less costly options available. The best option for most people is to invest in something that costs $100 or less. On the other hand, if you go with a high-quality model, you can use it for years without having to buy another one.
3) How much should I spend on accuracy upgrades?
Keep in mind that each time you upgrade your weapon, whether it’s with better sights or grips, accuracy will improve. You don’t need to invest all of your money into one laser sight when there are many other options available (i.e., new grips). Your best bet is to get several different upgrades and see how they affect your level of accuracy before deciding which ones deserve credit for improving your scores.
4) Which type of battery does my firearm take?
Laser sights run on batteries, which are usually included with the purchase of the product. However, if you need to replace them at any time, you want to make sure that whatever type your gun needs is easily accessible. This factor will be especially important if you find yourself in a survival situation where stores or markets are closed.
5) How much do replacement batteries cost?
Just as it’s not wise to invest all of your money into one laser sight that requires batteries that cost $30 each, it doesn’t make sense to buy an expensive model that uses batteries that go for $50 per unit. One thing all gun owners should be aware of is how often they’ll have to change their laser’s batteries and what the costs will amount to over time.
6) What type of battery life do I want?
Since most laser sights have batteries that last from several hours to a couple days, it’s important for gun owners to decide how much time they’d be comfortable with. If you only go shooting once a month, it makes sense to choose a laser that lasts one or two days because you can always replace the batteries right before your next outing.
7) Will my situation require me to switch between night and day modes often?
Even if your sight includes night vision capabilities, you might not want to invest in one that requires you to constantly switch back and forth depending on whether or not you’re outside. In these situations, it’s best if your has both options built-in. Make sure to determine what you’ll be using it for most often before choosing a model.
8) What kind of safety features does my firearm need?
Just like with night and day modes, some laser sights will automatically shut off when exposed to bright light while others require the user to click a button every time they want the sight activated which can be cumbersome in emergency situations. Protect your safety and invest in either an automatic or manual option depending on what suits your needs best.
9) Where do I plan on mounting my new laser sight?
Whether you choose to get a mount that attaches underneath the barrel of your gun or one that goes over the slide, it’s important to remember that certain areas are easier than others to reach depending on the size and weight of your firearm.
10) How difficult is my laser sight to install?
It’s important to remember that replacing your gun’s sights isn’t hard if you know what you’re doing, but it can be time-consuming depending on where they attach. If you don’t have much experience working with mechanical equipment, consider finding a friend or family member who does before choosing a model that requires installation.
Gun owners should keep these factors in mind when determining which laser sight will work best for their personal needs. Taking all of them into consideration before making a purchase will help ensure that people end up with a product that enhances their accuracy and stays within their budget.
Interested in some of our favorite laser sights on the market? Feel free to read the following articles compiled by Optics Advisors:
8 Best Red Dot Sights for Shotguns in 2021
4 Best Handgun Laser Sights for 2021
8 Best Red Dot Sights for AR-15 in 2021
Frequently Asked Questions
Which color laser is the optimal choice for a firearm?
When it comes to the choice between a red or green laser sight for a gun, there are a few different factors to consider. If you’re working within a tight budget and don’t require the laser to be highly visible during the daytime, a red laser sight would serve your needs well. However, if your usage includes diverse lighting conditions and you wish for your laser sight to be clearly visible under all circumstances, I would personally recommend a green laser sight. As a significant portion of my career has been spent training individuals in the use of firearms under various settings, I can attest to the fact that a green laser sight holds a definite advantage in all lighting conditions.
Between green and red lasers, which one is preferred for bore sighting?
In the world of boresighting, you have the choice between a red dot and a green dot laser. From my many years of outdoor shooting and hunting expeditions, I can say with certainty that the green laser is, in general, a wiser choice. Its visibility and intensity greatly outshine that of the red laser under outdoor circumstances. Just be prepared for a slightly higher price tag with a green laser bore sighter – exceptional quality often comes at a higher cost.
Can a laser sight be fitted onto any firearm?
Thanks to impressive advancements in firearm technology, you will find a multitude of companies offering a broad range of laser sights. These are capable of fitting almost any defensive firearm out there, particularly handguns. The utilization of a laser sight extends beyond merely being a novelty – with the correct training, a laser sight can significantly enhance the versatility and precision of your firearm. Having spent considerable time training both military and civilian personnel, I can assure you that a properly fitted laser sight can be a substantial asset.
What is the effective range of a laser sight?
Operating a laser sight in daylight can prove to be a touch tricky depending on the type of laser you use. Red lasers, for instance, generally maintain visibility up to 25 to 30 yards during daylight. On the other hand, a green laser is strikingly more observable in day light, extending up to a considerable 100 yards. The reason being that they are closer to the midpoint of the visible light spectrum as compared to red lasers. Over the years, in multiple combat and training scenarios, I’ve observed that greater visibility often equates to superior target acquisition, making the green laser a valuable tactical advantage.
