No more red lasers for me! - Viridian OpticsPlanet Exclusive HS1 Laser Hand Stops

Does exactly what I bought it to do: Find targets from the hip, quickly, in the daylight and night, and fit my round handguard (which ISN'T an M-Lok!).

I have a 'thing' with Nordic Component handguards and use them on every weapon built to-date. I like smooth surfaces and don't mount a lot of pieces/parts. My latest (and first) pistol build was no exception. I wanted day/night aiming in one unit. I wanted something intuitive without switches or pads. Viridian has a terrific answer, but everyone said 'It's designed for M-Lok only. Well, that isn't totally true.

Yes, I used 1/8" longer bolts; yes, I bent two washers to hug the ID and 'lock' the mounting nuts in. Yes, I did (gently) grind off the center locating bump to allow the fore and aft locators to drop in to the corresponding slots. Done in less an hour (including thinking time).

Florida sun is bright! Green is easy to see (on tree trunks) under direct light to about 20 yards. In shade that stretches out to about 30-35 plus. Dark-colored target boards add a little more yardage because they're flat and reflect more beam. Light targets reflect too much sunlight and start washing out after 15 yards or so (unless shaded).

Night-time distance is very good. The laser does spread as you go out though. It's an unavoidable but progressive enlargement. The 'spot' is between 5" to 8" getting out to 80-110 yards so knowing your (approximate) ballistic curve will be needed. Depending upon how you zero, the 'spot' will be POA/POI for most rounds. I use an infinite zero (parallel to bore axis) for the laser which places my .300 subsonic (180/200/220 gr.)at or slightly above the laser day/night to around 40 yards and dropping night to just below the 'spot' circle at 100 yards (nominal 5.5-7.5" drop). More than good enough for a variety of defense/hunting uses at the ranges I expect.

Target acquisition is quick, unlike finding a red dot. Long-term zero? Excellent so far. Not being an M-Lok, I had to improvise mounting, but the laser has held it's internal adjustment perfectly without shift.