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Laser sights have grown in popularity in recent years because improved technology allows for smaller, lighter, and more powerful lasers. The increase in your accuracy and target acquisition speed helps you make a shot when it's most important. While a laser sight is no substitute for practice and experience with firearms, it will help you stay on target even in tense situations. If you're looking to purchase one, the first step is deciding between a green laser and red laser, and the decision comes down to more than personal preference. The word “laser” is actually an acronym that stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. While this sounds complicated, it essentially means a laser both produces and amplifies light. Green lasers and red lasers each have strengths and weaknesses, which I discuss below.
Red Lasers
The traditional choice, red lasers are durable and cheaper to produce. Since they need to stand up to the recoil from your firearm, the strength of a red laser is often ideal. Red lasers also have a wider operational temperature range than green lasers, so if you're in particularly cold or warm conditions, a red laser will work when a green laser will not. While this range varies between models, a red laser sight is generally operational between 15 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit, while a green laser is operational between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. So if you're a police officer in a Northern State in the winter, you'll want to go with a red laser. Also note that the simpler technology of a red laser consumes less power than green, so the battery often lasts longer.
Green Lasers
The most significant advantage of a green laser is daytime visibility. You will have a much easier time seeing a green laser in broad daylight than red because the color green is closer to the center of the visible light spectrum at about 532 Nanometers, while red is higher at 635 Nanometers. This means other light sources are more likely to obscure red lasers, whereas a green laser is brighter and doesn’t experience as much interference.
While a red laser may only be visible up to 25 or 30 yards during the day, a green laser can be visible at 100 yards or more. This is huge for target shooters, as target shooting generally happens during the day. Green lasers are also extremely useful for laser bore sights, as the color is easier to see on a piece of paper at 50 yards. For more information about using laser bore sights, check out our How-To Guide on Boresighting.
The drawbacks of a green laser are price and durability. A green laser of comparable quality to a red laser often costs more. This is because of the advanced technology required to make them and how challenging it is to make a green laser that can withstand the shock from recoil. The tech in a green laser is more delicate, so they aren’t as durable.
What About IR Lasers?
While shopping for the right laser sight, you will also encounter infrared lasers. While invisible to the naked eye, an IR laser is the perfect complement for night vision goggles and rifle scopes. Night vision requires ambient light, which it intensifies to provide a clearer image in low-light situations. While starlight or moonlight is generally enough to give you a great view, areas of absolute darkness require you to supplement the ambient light. IR flashlights, like those offered by ATN, are an excellent way to improve your visibility without giving away your position, as the light is invisible to the naked eye.
IR Lasers allow you to easily aim through night vision. While a common misconception is that they are illegal for civilians to own, this is not true. Instead, IR lasers are restricted based on power. Class 1 IR lasers are legal for civilians to own, and they are reduced power versions of Class 3 lasers. Class 3 lasers are full-power versions that can permanently damage a person’s eye, and only law enforcement and military personnel can purchase them.
Summary
All in all, a tactical laser sight is an excellent investment for most shooters. Whether you prefer handguns, shotguns, or rifles, both green and red laser sights give you an advantage when aiming as they increase your target acquisition speed. And if you're having trouble attaching your new laser, check out our How-To Guide about the Top 3 Laser Mounting Systems. Check out some of our top laser sight brands, including Streamlight, Viridian, and SIG SAUER. We also have a ton of in-stock ammo to help you get used to your new laser sight, as well as plenty of red dot sights and rifle scopes if you’re looking for a matching optic.
