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Laser Sights: A Comprehensive Buyers Guide for AR 15 Laser Sights

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best ar 15 laser sight

Before you buy an AR 15 laser sight you need to understand some basic facts so you’ll make a more informed decision. Laser sights and scopes are very similar as they both use straight lines of light for targeting objects. There are different kinds available but basically all you’re required to do is aim a green or red dot on your target and start shooting.

Top 5 Best Laser Sights for AR 15

 Brand & ModelOur RatingPrice & Reviews

Streamlight 69261 TLR-2 High Lumen Rail-Mounted Tactical Light with Red Laser		Streamlight 69261 TLR-2 Rail-Mounted
Tactical Light with Red Laser		4.9 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on Amazon.com

Ozark Armament - 5mw 532nm High Powered Tactical Green Laser		Ozark Armament - 5mw 532nm High Powered Tactical Green Laser4.6 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on Amazon.com

Streamlight TLR-4 Tac Light with Laser		Streamlight TLR-4
Tac Light with Laser		4.8 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on Amazon.com

Vector Optics Viper Wolf IR <br /> Laser Combo Sight for Night Vision		Vector Optics Viper Wolf IR
Laser Combo Sight for Night Vision		4.4 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on Amazon.com

Truglo Micro-Tac Tactical Micro Laser		Truglo Micro-Tac
Tactical Micro Laser		4 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on Amazon.com

→ Types of Laser Sights

As mentioned there are many kinds of laser scopes but the following are the most widely used and the most practical for the AR-15:

 

Real Laser Sight

This replaces your rifle’s rear sight with a laser that goes along the barrel’s topmost part. With real lasers you have the option of using assisted or manual scopes.

Laser Grip

The laser grip is the most advanced scope today and comes with a pressure sensor integrated in the gun’s grip, activating the laser when touched. One of the reasons why this has became so popular is that it reduces the risk of being detected at night.

Rail Mount Laser

This is by far the most affordable option and not a bad one either. With a rail mount laser, the scope is clipped to the rail using your firearm’s frame, allowing the sight to keep its pinpoint precision even if there is recoil. While effective, the biggest drawback with rail mount lasers is that it doesn’t work very well in a low light environment.

Guide Rod Laser

A guide rod laser is built into the gun, so there’s no risk of the scope accidentally coming off or getting out of alignment. Because the laser is placed very near the barrel, the guide rod is considered by many to be the most accurate scope available.

→ Consistency

You also need to consider the consistency of the laser beams, and they generally take two forms: pulsating and constant. Constant beams are the most ideal if you are going to use a real laser light scope because with a constant consistency the laser will always be on.

A pulsating laser on the other hand, is sometimes harder to spot for animals but easier for people, and it is a lot like a strobe light. For this type of AR 15 laser lights to work properly, the light needs to remain twice as long compared to the time it is off.

Related Article: The Best Iron Sights for AR 15: What are Your Options?

→ Red or Green Laser Beams

The difference here is more than just the color because each one has a different set of wavelengths, strengths and weaknesses that need to be considered.

Red lasers are the most widely used, the most popular and is considered the traditional choice. Even though they are cheap to produce, they are very durable and can work in hot and cold conditions. Usually the range is between 20 to 50 yards, although this can vary depending on the product. To this day red lasers are used by law enforcement officers in the US, a testament to their quality.

Green lasers represent the latest technology and they are easier to use in the daytime compared to red. Also, green lasers have a visibility range of more than 100 yards so it is perfect for use with a rifle. However, green lasers are expensive so they’re not as practical as red lasers.

 

→ IR Laser Sights

IR laser sights represent the highest quality of lasers and are most suited to use with night vision devices. IR laser sights are also distinguished by many features other scopes just don’t have. Among the many advantages they offer are: clear targeting even in low light environments, it allows you to shoot without being seen, infrared light is also very hard to detect unless you are using one as well. (when used indoors a supplemental light is needed for it to work though)

 

—>Click Here to See Laser Sights Deals on Amazon<—

 

What You Need to Know About Scope Mounts for AR 15

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IntegralScopeMount_Silver_Black

Now that you have your AR 15, the next step would be to improve your accuracy by getting a rifle scope. But, even with a great AR 15 and a superb scope, you also have to choose among the many scope mounts for AR-15 available on the market. Without the proper mounting, even the perfect scope for your well-cared for AR-15 won’t let you shoot successfully.

mounting a scope

—>Check Price on Amazon:Scope Mounts for AR 15

The point of the mount is to make the scope remains in place, no matter what happens. The mount should be suitable for your AR-15, and it should also be right for the scope you want to get. And, since scope mounts for AR-15 are the “weak link” in your shooting system, you may want to get a qualified gunsmith to make sure that it’s properly installed.

So let’s take a look at what kind of scope mount you need to get:

 

Do you plan to use the scope mount on just a single weapon?

If you answer yes here, then a fixed mount is your best option. It will help keep your scope stable and sturdy. With a scope that’s permanently affixed. You also won’t risk damaging your scope when you move the scope from one rifle to next.

With fixed mounts, you have two options:

• Dovetail scope mount. The mounting system of rings and base has a wedge (called the dovetail) on the bottom half of each ring. It inserts into the base and enables the scope to turn 90 degrees. This mount may be a bit too heavy for the AR 15, but there’s a new version called a dual dovetail, which can really stand up to hard recoil.

—>Check Price on Amazon for Dovetail scope mount

• Universal scope mount. This system isn’t as sturdy as the dual dovetail, but you can use it for many different types of firearms.

—>Check Price on Amazon for Universal scope mount

 

Do you have lots of guns, but don’t want to buy a separate mount for each one?

Then what you need is a detachable mount, and you have three options:

• Weaver style scope mount. The most popular option in this category. It allows the scope to be removed while the mount is still attached to the gun. That means you can always remove the scope anytime you want. You can remove the scope when you’re travelling, when you want to clean it, when you want to use the scope on another gun, or you want to use another scope on your AR 15.

—>Check Price on Amazon for Weaver style scope mount

• Picatinny style scope mount. It’s similar to the Weaver system, but the Picatinny system has wider base slots. You can’t use Picatinny rings on a Weaver base, but you can use Weaver rings on a Picatinny base.

—>Check Price on Amazon for Picatinny style scope mount

• Clamp-on mounts. These are very easy to use. They can even work on a gun that has been pre-drilled for scope mounts. They are also easy to remove without damaging the gun or the scope.

—>Check Price on Amazon for Clamp-on mounts

How high is the scope mount?

Here you want to make sure that it clears the iron sights so you get a clear view of your target. A lot of AR 15s come with fixed A2 front sights despite the fact that most of us put scopes or reflex sights on them. But if the mount is high enough, then the line of sight of the scope won’t be impeded by the front sights.

 

Does it have enough slots for scope ring adjustments?

A very important feature that you should check before getting your mount.

 

Does the design allow you to use AR 15’s front sight?

Some scope mounts are designed with a peep sight that allows you to use the front sight as well.

How much does it cost?

While sticking to a budget is important, what’s more important is to remember that with scope mounts, price and quality tend to match. You truly get what you paid for. So it doesn’t make sense to get an expensive scope and then try to get a cheap mount to go with it.

Choosing a Reflex Sight for your AR-15

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reflex sights

What are reflex sights anyway? “Reflex” refers to the fact that the objective lens of the system acts like a mirror. It reflects the targeting reticle (the dot) back towards your eye. Therefore, even though you see a red dot, there is no laser being projected.

Best Reflex Sight for your AR-15

 Brand & ModelOur RatingPrice & Reviews

Dagger Defense DDHB Red Dot Reflex Sight		Dagger Defense DDHB
Red Dot Reflex Sight		4.6 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on
Amazon.com

Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight		Sightmark Ultra Shot
M-Spec Reflex Sight		4.5 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on
Amazon.com

Lirisy Red Dot Sight, Tactical Holographic Red and Green Reflex Sight with 4 Reticles		Lirisy Tactical Holographic
Red and Green
Reflex Sight with 4 Reticles		4.5 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on
Amazon.com

Field Sport Red and Green Reflex Sight with 4 Reticles		Field Sport Red and Green
Reflex Sight with 4 Reticles		4.2 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on
Amazon.com

Ohuhu Red and Green Reflex Sight with 4 Reticles		Ohuhu Red and Green
Reflex Sight with 4 Reticles		4.3 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on
Amazon.com

An AR-15 reflex sight is also often called as “red dot” targeting system, because most red dot systems do fall in this category. However, the term “red dot” may not be entirely accurate since it’s not always a dot. It can be a chevron or a triangle, for example. It’s not always even red, either.

reflex sights

—> Check Price on Amazon: Reflex Sight for AR-15

Advantages of the Reflex Sights

The advantages of the reflex sight become obvious when you keep in mind how you should use your iron sights. With the iron sights, you have to make sure that your aiming eye is exactly aligned with the sight axis. The relevant factors must, in fact, fall in line perfectly: the target to the front sight to the rear sight to your eye. When you’re shooting, your non-aiming eye is usually shut, while your aiming eye is focused not on the target but on the front sight.

This method has proved quite effective through the years, and it’s one of the reasons why iron sights won’t probably disappear as backup for your reflect sight. But the fact remains that you have to practice a lot to master this technique. And even when you think you’ve mastered it in practice runs, the entire procedure can go out the window when you really need to do some shooting (and people are shooting back at you). It’s also unsettling to keep focusing on the front sight when you know that the target—and perhaps other enemies as well—are all trying to kill you. You instinctively just want to keep your eyes open and look for possible dangers.

Using a telescopic sight can make things better, but some problems remain. Alignment is still an issue, and you also need to make sure that you get the right separation distance (the “eye relief”) from the sight tube. With scopes that use magnification, you also tend to keep an eye closed, which again is a problem in real world shootouts.

Now with the reflex sight, all those considerations can be forgotten, and your bullet still goes where you want it to go. Aligning your eye with the sight axis is no longer crucial. You also don’t have to bother with “eye relief” to get a sight picture. You can look through a reflex sight in a position you can’t use for iron sights or telescopic sights. The reticle and the target field appear on the same focal plane, like in a telescope. But with the reflex sight, you don’t have to close an eye.

You can sum up the advantages of the reflex sight this way: One, it allows you to be faster on target. Two, with both eyes open you increase your situational awareness.

There’s also an additional advantage, by the way, with how iron sights (which are usually black) can be difficult to see when in low light, or you’re aiming at a dark target or a dark area. That’s not a problem with a reflex sight. If you can see a target, you can see the red dot to target it.

 

Shooting with a Reflex Sight

The principle behind using the reflex sight is quite simple. Can you see the red dot on the target? If the answer is yes, then your bullet will hit what you are aiming at. That’s it.

Here are the steps you need to take to make that happen:

  1. Identify and focus on your target, while you keep your AR 15 on safe at the ready.
  2. Keep both of your eyes open.
  3. Set your weapon to the firing position.
  4. When the reflex sight is in front of your eyes, you’ll see a red dot.
  5. When the red dot is in the point where you want to send your bullet, switch to fire and engage the enemy.
  6. You keep your eyes open and you keep your focus on the target.

With that kind of simplicity, it’s no wonder that reflex sights have become truly popular among military personnel all over the world.

 

Scopes for AR-15 Rifles: Looking for AR-15 Optics Recommendations?

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ar15 rifle scope

Scopes for AR-15 Rifles: What should I do?

There are hundreds of different options when looking for the right AR-15 optics. Being confused about what to choose is common, and is completely normal. There really isn’t one best option, despite the existence of many AR-15 optics recommendations. Choosing the right optics is about deciding which is best for your specific uses.

Best AR 15 Optics Options

 Brand & ModelOur RatingPrice & Reviews

Aimpoint PRO Patrol Rifle Optic		Aimpoint PRO
Patrol Rifle Optic		4.9 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on
Amazon.com

Nikon P-223 3x32 Matte BDC Carbine		Nikon P-223 3x32
Matte BDC Carbine		4.8 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on
Amazon.com

Vortex Optics StrikeFire 2<br /> Red/Green Dot Sight		Vortex Optics StrikeFire 2
Red/Green Dot Sight
4.7 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on
Amazon.com

These options are based on many different criteria, offering different optimum ranges and clarity of visibility. Scopes are used to improve the ability to see a distant target, one that is too far away to be easily seen by the naked eye. By adding a scope an individual can see the distance more easily, making it far easier to see the target, and consequently to reach the target. It is important when looking for a scope for an AR-15 rifle to consider every aspect of the scope, and consider what it will be used for.

>> Shooting Range

Different scopes excel in different ranges, offering better visibility up to certain ranges. Some models are only effective up to a few yards while others are effective up to a few hundred yards. The choice of which model to purchase depends highly on the type of shooting that will be done, and the range that needs to be seen. Different kinds of shooting, and different targeting distances, require different tools. Different scopes are simply different tools. Finding the correct tool is a matter of knowing what tool is necessary. Being aware of the range in which shooting will occur is a large part of choosing the best scope to use.

ar15 rifle scope

Close Range Shooting

When looking to do close-range shooting, the most common type of optics are close-range, non-magnified red dot sights. With a red dot sight the purpose is for shooting at 100 yards or less, and allow for both eyes open while shooting by being reduced-parallax or parallax-free. Usually these sights are used to quickly acquire a target, making it easier to line up the shot. They are, obviously, most effect with close-range shots, but can be extended by the addition of a magnifier as well as the red dot sight. Red dot sights are most appropriate for any shooting within 100 yards, close range shots that don’t require magnification.

Mid-Range Shooting

Mid-range optics are usually cheaper models that are used for low-power magnification. They feature aiming points for distant targets and are optimized for up to about 400 yards. They are typically fixed power magnification in the 1x-4x range. They are not designed for close-range use, or for long-range use, but work very well for areas in between. They are mainly used for increasing target acquisition speed, such as a red dot sight. However, they offer more distance capabilities.

Long Range

Long range optics allow the ability to magnify at a much higher level, with a maximum magnification of anywhere from 9x to 16x. Due to this they allow the capability to engage a small target at a large, extended range. They are designed for long-range use, extreme accuracy at long distances. However, with the help of a long-range scope, they can still be useful for mid-range distances by turning the magnification down to the minimum power, usually 3x or 4x.

>> Price Range

Another factor of choosing the right optics can be the price. When looking at AR-15 optics recommendations it is important to have a price range in mind, as optics vary greatly in price. Some models are available for around $100, while others can be as expensive as several thousand dollars. Knowing what you can afford is an important part of choosing the right optics to meet your needs.

>>The Target

Yet another factor in deciding the best scope is what target will be hit. There is a difference when looking to shoot deer or other moving objects, or looking to shoot at an immobile target. When deciding which scope is the best, it is important to factor in what the target will be. Different scopes offer different benefits to targeting, making it important to know exactly what the scope will be used for when making the decision of what scope to buy.

ar15 rifle scope1

Scopes for AR-15 rifles vary widely in their optimum ranges, price ranges, and ideal targets. It’s important to look into many different models in order to find the best scope for an individual’s needs. Many companies produce excellent rifle scopes, offering an excellent opportunity to find the exact product you need, for the shooting you want to get done.

Using an AR-15 becomes far easier with the assistance of the right optics equipment. Choosing that equipment is a matter of knowing what your needs are and choosing the best optics equipment for those needs. There are hundreds of different models produced by different companies, from close-range optics to long-range optics, with many different magnifications, options, and features.

It is important to know what you want when you go looking for optics equipment, so you can make the choice that will fit your needs.  There is a scope for every level of shooting, whether that be shooting at a stationary target a few yards away, or shooting a deer a few hundred yards away.

—>Check prices on Amazon for AR-15 Optics

 

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