Rifle users thoughts on scopes with mounted lasers

[BuckeyeScopeCo]

Hello. I am trying to gather public opinion amongst rifle users (Both experienced and inexperienced) in regards to scopes that have mounted lasers. Do they really help you as far as target acquisition? Would you ever use a scope with a mounted laser? Any and all input would be appreciated.

Thanks
Regards, Phil

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

you'll never find any lasers on any of my rifles

 

[HJ857]

As far as I've known a laser is for target designation, not for sighting a rifle. I suppose you could use a laser for close range targeting, but I doubt you'd be looking through the scope to do that. Could be wrong though.

 

[chaser_2332]

junky gimicks that are selling points for mall ninjas.

 

[jmorris]

They are great for movies and people that don't have enough stuff to fill up all the rails. Never used one at a match or while hunting though. If SD is your plan it seems like a good way to let the bad guy know "I'm right here!". Two thumbs down for me.

 

[Clipper]

Having one built-in on a scope wouldn't fly for hunting here. Check your state regs.

 

[Wildcat_Charlie]

A laser with a scope doesn't make a lot of sense to me. A laser helps mostly in very low light with moving targets. But as for "junky gimmicks" if it helps me hit what I'm aiming at you can bet I'll use one. I do have a .22 with a laser mounted on it. If you like the idea of being able to shoot from the hip at varmints on the dead run then a laser is for you. If you prefer trying to aim in the dark with iron sights then no you don't need a laser. But a laser with a scope? I don't see the point but I could be wrong. Maybe someone can tell me why.

I do know that a lot of people think lasers are useless. My guess is they've never had one setup really well for a particular purpose. If you have coyotes chasing your pets through the yard trust me, you have a reason for a laser. They are exceptionally useful in that situation.

Another good use for a laser is to practice your trigger pull. If you can pull your trigger without making the red dot on the wall move (unloaded PLEASE! then you can shoot accurately. Trigger pull is probably the most important shooting skill there is and a laser can help you learn that skill quickly.

 

[hardluk1]

Lasers as in visible for spotting on a target tend to illigal for hunting in atleast most states. Lasers as in rangefinders in a scope are ok but would rather have a quailty laser range finder stand alone item. Used during scouting and with other firearms or bows. So I will pass on them. Ideal would be a bino with laser range finder but for me cost is to high.

 

[jim243]

You have to understand how lasers (LED's) work. Your bullet path is one line and the laser is at a different angle. So lasers are set a certain distance. They need to be sighted in just as scopes. If you are too far away your shot will be low, too close your shot will be high. For most applications lasers are less than useful.

The exception to that is CQB where distances are less than 50 feet. Lasers for pistols come from the factory set at 21 feet. Now, lights on a rifle or pistol will do you far more good than a laser, but it will also give your position away. A good set of night sights will increase your accuracy.

A battle rifle looks "COOL" with a laser on it, but in my opinion it is just for looks.

Jim


If your are getting a laser, get the green one, the red one is useless during the day in sunlight.

 

[rcmodel]

Unless you plan to do all your shooting at night?

Forget a laser.

You can't see the laser dot past 10-15 yards in bright sun or green foliage.

rc

 

[taliv]

i have lasers on some of my rifles but they are infrared and only for use at night with NV. they have a chained red laser, which is only used for sighting in the IR laser during the day.

 

[jason41987]

a laser wil do absolutely nothing for you... it is actually easier to aquire a target through the sights than to try to find the red dot on a distant target... theyre useless... completely and entirely useless for any purpose besides looking like an idiot

 

[meanmrmustard]

They are great for movies and people that don't have enough stuff to fill up all the rails. Never used one at a match or while hunting though. If SD is your plan it seems like a good way to let the bad guy know "I'm right here!". Two thumbs down for me.

It also let's an intruder know you have a weapon pointed at them. Sounds more like a deterrent.

 

[Sam1911]

i have lasers on some of my rifles but they are infrared and only for use at night with NV.

That's just what I was going to say. IR lasers with NV gear are a great pairing. Otherwise? No.

 

[liqrdrms]

but at the same time a scope would do more harm than good in a home deterrent. lasers for hand guns and cqc i understand but with a scope for long distance is pointless.

 

[Sam1911]

lasers for hand guns and cqc i understand

Ehh...no so much.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=671943

 

[Maverick223]

For long range they are difficult to see/locate, for close range (ie: home defense and the like) a weapon-mounted light performs much better and also aids in target acquisition/recognition. In other words; I've no use for visible lasers, even on a pistol...much less a long-gun.

 

[adelbridge]

A laser on a black hog on a black night with black reticle is a huge plus in my book. I have seen some cheap scopes with integrated lasers and I would avoid them. I have an AR with a railed gas block, the perfect spot for a micro laser. There are also 1" ring mounts that attach a 1" diameter laser to the scope tube which work well. Check out the Laser Genetics ND series and tell me it is a gimick, I have dropped a ton of hogs in pitch black.

 

[Maverick223]

A laser on a black hog on a black night with black reticle is a huge plus in my book.

One of the few uses for an illuminated reticle IMO (I have several, but they rarely ever get switched on).

Check out the Laser Genetics ND series and tell me it is a gimick, I have dropped a ton of hogs in pitch black.

That's not really a laser sight, more of a laser illuminator, therefore I would classify that as a weapon-light (despite casting a primarily linear beam). I can see where it might have some utility, and for this reason I have one on the list of accessories to add.

 

[TIMC]

How about internal lasers? Ireally like the Burris Eliminator on my DPMS LR308.
The laser rangefinder works very well and targeting is very easy.

 

[adelbridge]

That's not really a laser sight, more of a laser illuminator, therefore I would classify that as a weapon-light (despite casting a primarily linear beam). I can see where it might have some utility, and for this reason I have one on the list of accessories to add.

You can collimate the ND Laser Genetics down to a small dot.

 

[JustinJ]

For very close ranges, such as HD, they can allow one to keep the gun trained on a target without having to hold it at the shoulder. There is of course a psychological effect that a laser can provide against an adversary as well.

My HD Steyr AUG wears a laser/light combo.

 

[taliv]

anyone who would name a gun product "ND" obviously isn't very familiar with our jargon

that's like the new 2012 Chevy Six Car Pileup!

 

[blarby]

I think its a great idea.

I don't like the price point, nor the profiles of most of the equipment.

 

[BadWool]

I know someone who adds lasers to EVERYTHING he can (that has a rail or can have a rail attached) and I just shake my head whenever he suggests I add a laser to any of my rigs. The only thing I add normally is a scope, except to my Mossberg 702 Plinkster, which I have expressly forbidden myself from altering to maintain at least one critter rifle for around the house/property use with iron sights.