Sometimes, a small accessory like a laser sight is all it takes to change how you efficiently you can use your pistol. This small and nifty tool can ensure that regardless of your posture and condition, you will always hit your mark. Well, as long as you acquire the target on your sights.
In a practical scenario, you might not get enough time to slowly get into a position to fire your shot. You need to think about your fit and look for an opening to even peek out of cover. A laser sight can save you a lot of time to make good use of that window by giving you an easier time to aim and hit your mark.
Nowadays, more and more people are investing in laser sights because of the massive utility they bring to the table. If you want to improve your accuracy and take away all the guesswork and luck out of aiming, then you need the best pistol laser sight for yourself.
In this article, we will give you a thorough breakdown of everything you need to know about this tool, along with a complete review of some of the finest products that you can buy today.
Image | Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crimson Trace CMR-206 Laser | 5 out of 5 | |
| Streamlight 69241 Tlr-4 Rail Mounted Light | 5 out of 5 | |
| Viridian C5L Green Laser Sight | 4.5 out of 5 | |
 | Sightmark Triple Duty Universal Boresight | 4 out of 5 | |
| Streamlight 69270 TLR-6 Pistol Flashlight | 4.5 out of 5 |
Top 7 Best Pistol Laser Sight Reviews
Finding the best pistol laser sight is not as simple as just heading up to the store and handing over your money. You need to carefully assess and evaluate your options if you hope to end up with a product that satisfies your requirements. For that, you need to understand which products are worth your time and considerations.
In the following section of the article, we will give you a complete review of the seven high-quality pistol laser sights that you can buy from the market without any regrets.
1. Crimson Trace CMR-206 Rail Master Universal Laser
Let us kick things off with a fantastic product by an excellent brand Crimson Trace. The name of this company comes up all the time whenever you are looking for any gun accessories. This high-performance laser sight ensures you get the quickest target acquisition even in broad daylight.
The unit features a 5mW brightness peak, which should give you an idea of its power. Its bright green beam of light helps you see where the barrel of your gun is pointing with minimal hassle. This class 3r laser is compatible with a wide range of weapons as it comes in universal design. The battery life is also quite impressive.
With a factory range of 50 feet, the laser sight feels perfect right out of the box. However, if you like tinkering with your investment, you can easily set up the windage and elevation with the tools included with your purchase. With this option, you can set up the laser to your exact liking with minimal hassle.
The best thing about the product is how easy it is to use. Its on/off-button is accessible regardless of your hand preference. Because of its ambidextrous design and hassle-free installation process, you do not need to take your gun to the gunsmith. With your purchase, you get four fit inserts that allow you to quickly install this device.Pros:
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2. Streamlight 69241 Tlr-4 Rail Mounted Tactical Light with USP COMPACT Clamp
Next up, we are looking at a slightly larger mounted laser sight that ensures peak performance. The brand responsible for the unit is Streamlight, which, as you might know, has gathered a lot of attention in the field over the years. The only gripe with the product we have is its steep price; however, the value does somewhat justify it.
The laser uses C4 LED technology and outputs radiation in the range of 640-650nm with a brightness of 125 lumens. Despite being a red laser, its brightness is quite high, allowing you to use it even in the daylight with some success. However, for the best performance, you should ideally use it indoors or during the night.
With the dual-mode enabled, this laser can run for a period of around 1.5 hours, but with only the laser mode, you can expect 11 hours runtime. The rail-mounted design of the unit enables you to easily set it up without taking your gun apart. However, since it is a model-specific unit, you need to ensure that you are buying the right product for your firearm.
This unit features an ambidextrous design allowing people of both left and right-hand preference to operate it without any hassle. Thanks to the Borofloat high-temperature glass lens, you can expect the device to last a lifetime. Furthermore, the parabolic reflector in the unit ensures you get a perfect beam with some illumination to the surroundings.Pros:
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3. Viridian C5L Universal Green Laser Sight and Tac Light for Sub-Compact Handgun Pistols
For all the pistol lovers out there, the good folks at Viridian Weapon Technologies came up with the perfect laser sight. Its slim, compact, and lightweight nature make it the perfect companion for any compact or sub-compact handguns. This unit has all the potential to be your go-to gun sight.
The laser outputs a total of 5mW power at 532nm wavelength. This combo allows it to be extremely bright, serving perfectly in low light conditions. It also works well for people who want to use it outdoors in high brightness because of the green color of the laser. The emission limit of the laser is limited to Class 3R.
With this laser, you have the ability to switch between three modes. You can go with a constant green beam, a strobe mode with a pulsating beam, or a combo of laser and light. The batter time of the three modes is different from the pulsating mode giving you the highest runtime of 7 hours and the light-laser combo the shortest runtime of only 60 minutes.
It uses the innovative ECR Instant-On technology that ensures your target acquisition speed. The laser can be turned on instantly the moment you put your hands on the grip. This ensures that in high-stress situations, where every second is precious, you will never fall behind.Pros:
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4. Sightmark Triple Duty Universal Boresight
If you want to calibrate the scope of your rifle or handgun to better zero-in on your target, then a boresight is one of the quickest and most efficient methods of doing so. With the Triple Duty, Universal Boresight by the brand Sightmark, this tedious job can become quick and easy.
The laser in the unit has a power output of 5mW in the wavelength range of 632-650nm. Due to its lightweight nature, it will enable you to zero-in on the target quicker as it will not sway the barrel of the gun with its weight. Its compact nature is also great as it means that you can simply put it in your pocket when not in use.
To enable a better experience while moving, the unit comes with its own compact carrying case. The case ensures you will not damage the component even when you are traveling in a rough condition. This unit takes out the many nuances one has to face when sighting the weapon.
Its magnetic attachment method ensures you have a tool-free experience when attaching or removing the device. Apart from the constant beam of light, you can switch to a strobe mode if you want to extend the battery life. The unit uses three AG3 batteries to run and has an excellent runtime giving you hours of use.Pros:
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5. Streamlight 69270 TLR-6 Tactical Pistol Mount Flashlight
For the next product, we will be looking at another option from the brand Streamlight. The Tactical Pistol Mount Flashlight by the brand offers you a fantastic performance when you are using it with your handgun without breaking your bank. Its attractive price tag makes the unit highly desirable.
The unit has a brightness of 100 lumens and can reach a distance of up to 89 meters. For a Glock pistol, this distance is more than what you would ever need from the laser sight. It stays in the wavelength of 640-660 lumens and uses C4 LED illumination technology.
The battery runtime with the flashlight enabled with the unit is 1 hour. However, without the flashlight, the laser can be used for a much longer period. To further conserve battery, the unit comes with an automatic shut-off feature if you do not touch it for 10 minutes. It uses two CR-1/3N Lithium-ion batteries for power.
To ensure both left and right-handed individuals can reliably use this tool, it comes in an ambidextrous design. It also has some adjustability options allowing you to set the windage and elevation so that you can use it to your exact specifications. The unit is quite easy to install and comes with three operating modes.Pros:
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6. TACTICON Laser Sight
The next product on our list is not only a good sight for a handgun, but also works wonders when you want to use it with a rifle. This compact model by the brand Tacticon Armament is a perfect investment for people who want to use their sight with a lot of different weapons with no trouble.
This Class 3A laser operates on a wavelength of 625- 650nm ensuring bright illumination with a power output of 5mW. It has one of the longest range that we have seen covering a distance of 100 meters. However, since it is a red dot sight, using it in broad daylight not give you the best visibility.
The product is extremely versatile and allows you to use it with any pistol, rifle, or shotgun that you can think of. As long as the weapon comes with a Picatinny or Weaver rail, you can be sure that it is compatible with the laser. It comes with amazing accuracy right out of the box, and also gives you some adjustment options to fine-tune it according to your preference.
You need three batteries to power the device. However, with your purchase, you get a total of six batteries covering your first replacement cost. Thanks to its impressive battery utilization, you do not have to worry about running to the stores any time soon. Its high-quality aluminum alloy further ensures the durability of the device.Pros:
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7. Viridian X5L Green Laser Sight and Tac Light
For the last product on our list of reviews, we are looking at another unit by the brand Viridian Weapon Technologies. This laser and tactical light combo is an excellent investment, whether you are military personnel or a casual gun owner who does not compromise when it comes to your accuracy.
Its green laser beam is highly accurate and bright, ensuring perfect vision even in bright environments. The 5mW peak output of this unit is excellent for any casual or professional user. When it comes to the tactical light, you can expect a brightness of 178 lumens. It can further be increased in strobe mode, which is perfect for confusing and disorienting enemies.
The device features a universal mounting mechanism that makes it suitable for almost any weapon on the market. Regardless of the rail type, you can quickly install it with little to no knowledge of tools. You also get a lot of adjustment options with the unit allowing you to fine-tune the sight to your specifications.
It features aircraft-grade 6061 aluminum construction. Not only does it make the unit lightweight, but the durability of the product increases tenfold. The unit comes with three modes, constant laser, pulsing laser, and a laser-light combo. Depending on the modes you are using, the battery life is different.
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Why Do You Need the Best Pistol Laser Sight?
A good pistol laser sight does add a lot of versatility to your shooting experience. But do you really need one? Well, the short answer is yes. Though a bit expensive, the utility it brings to the table is too good to pass up without considering it, especially if you have any chance of getting into an actual firefight situation.
Shooting at paper bodies in the firing range is one thing. You can take your time and stabilize your aim while standing in a good posture to maximize your shot. But when in a high-stress situation, you have only a moment to take aim. A laser sight will ensure that you will not miss your shot regardless of your position.
However, keep in mind that laser sights only work in specific conditions. For one thing, you need to think about its maximum distance. After a certain range, the laser beam will fall off. Another thing you need to worry about is visibility. Typically, it is more appropriate for darker environments.
However, the visibility issue can be somewhat disregarded if you are using green lasers. This color is suitable for bright conditions as it is easier to see. But if you are using a red dot laser, it gets much harder to see it in a bright area. And generally, the further you are aiming, the harder it is to see the laser dot.
The major benefits of using a laser sight are:
- It improves your aiming
- It ensures that you spend minimal time acquiring your target.
- You can aim even in a dark room as it is easy to see the laser dot in darkness.
There are also some disadvantages to using a laser light with your pistol.
- A laser sight tends to be expensive.
- Not very practical in bright light conditions
- Can add to the weight of the firearm.
- Needs batteries that require replacement eventually.
Whether you go with a laser sight ultimately depends on you. Some people find the laser distracting, while some cannot shoot without it.
Things to Consider when Buying the Best Pistol Laser Sight
When it comes to pistol laser sights, you want to make sure you are getting the most out of your budget. For such a small tool, there are a surprising amount of features that you should consider with a laser sight. These features will help you narrow down on the perfect tool for your requirements.
When making the list of reviews, we combed through each of the aspects of the unit, focusing on the essential elements to ensure you can make an informed decision. To make the right choice, you need to understand these aspects before investing your hard-earned money.
So without further ado, here are the things that you should consider when you are on the market for the best pistol laser sight.
Installation process
With any laser sight, you need to think about the installation process. The complexity of its installation can make or break your entire experience with a specific laser sight. Some people simply avoid a sight just because it is difficult to install even if the features and the price are good.
However, these days because of the increasing number of products hitting the market, the installation difficulty of most products has seen a severe decline. For most people, this is excellent news. That is why, before buying your laser sight, it is worth checking what you need to get it up and running.
Price and Value for the money
Obviously, you need to check the price of the unit before buying it. But the overall value of the device is a far more important thing to consider compared to its price. You need to learn to differentiate between the price and the value of a product if you want to get the best bang for your buck performance from your investment.
Just because a product is cheaper does not automatically make it an inferior unit. There are many low-cost, affordable models out there that will give you premium levels of performance. They might not be able to match the performance of a high-end sight in every aspect, but might be suitable for your specific purposes.
Durability and Construction Quality
You want your pistol laser sight to be durable, right? For that, you need to check out the overall build quality of the unit. The durability and construction quality of this device goes hand in hand. If it uses premium quality materials in its construction, the lifespan of the unit will improve significantly.
Remember, a pistol sight has to constantly deal with the abuse from a weapon’s recoil when you fire it. Apart from that, the basic damages that come from daily usage are always something to worry about. So make sure you buy a strong, tough, and durable device that can survive anything you throw at it effortlessly.
Holster Type
You also need to worry about your gun holster when you are buying your laser sight. Since you would be carrying your gun in the holster, it plays a vital role in dictating what type of sights you can effectively use with it. If the holster has an open-end design, you can be quite safe as it will not interfere with the laser sight.
However, for closed holsters, the size of the sight needs to be super compact. In most cases, you will not be able to use units that come with built-in tactical lights since those are generally a bit bulkier. You could even consider going for holsters that allow for quick installing and removing to take it out when holstering the weapon.
Brightness
If the laser beam is not bright, you will not be able to get much use out of it in a practical scenario. So make sure you check the overall brightness of the beam. It is a good idea to test out the laser yourself if your situation allows it, as that would give you a perfect idea of how bright the light is.
Take this aspect with a grain of salt however, as laser sights are better suited to indoor conditions in general. If you are using it in a low-darkness environment, you do not need to worry about this factor too much. In low-light areas, the laser beam always shines through clearly, giving you a perfect aim.
Laser Color
You also need to check the color of the laser that the sight is giving out. Usually, for pistol sights, you have the option to go for either red lasers or green ones. Red lasers are more common in the bunch and also cheaper. The downside of this color is it is not very good for outdoor shooting in a bright environment.
Green lasers are typically more expensive and offer a better vision in bright environments. So if you are planning on doing a lot of outdoor shooting in the daytime, consider getting green lasers even though it costs a bit extra. It will give you a much better shooting experience.
Wavelength Range
Another factor that affects the visibility of the laser is its wavelength. Each laser sight outputs its beam at a specific range of wavelengths that is represented with the unit nm (nanometer). The closer the beam is to 550 nm, the better the visibility when it comes to laser from the laser sight.
However, finding a unit at that exact wavelength is near impossible. You just need to go as close as you can get to the value to get the good vision out of it. Green lasers are typically closer to this value for which they offer a better vision. The wavelength range of red lasers is around 625 to 825 nm.
Distance
When we were kids, we used to point pen lasers at the moon, thinking we can reach it. However, as we grew up, we learn that it is nothing but a myth. Every laser from every source has a limit, after which the light cannot reach. The same logic applies to a pistol laser sight.
However, you need to understand the maximum distance of laser if you want to get the most value out of your purchase. Most lasers drop off after traveling 50 meters. But if you look carefully, you can even find units that can travel up to 100 meters. It is better to take some time to think about your requirement before buying your pistol laser sight.
Battery Utilization and Type
The final factor you need to worry about when buying your pistol laser sight is its battery life. Without proper battery utilization, your unit will not be able to give you a good runtime. And without a decent runtime, you would have to spend a lot of money replacing the battery every few days.
You should also think about the type of battery that it uses. If it uses an uncommon battery, then you would have a difficult time finding its replacement. For the best result, you want a unit that uses a commonly found battery and gives you a good runtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can using a laser sight negatively impact my accuracy?
No. Despite the popular belief that using a pistol laser sight can ruin your shooting skills without assistance, it is only a myth. Your accuracy depends on the time spent on the range honing your skills, not on what accessory you use with your choice of firearm.
A laser sight makes acquiring a target when you have only a small window of time easier. It acts as a guide to show you where your muzzle is pointing when you are drawing your weapon. If you are already a skilled shooter, a laser sight will give assistance, but will not affect your hands-on accuracy.
Can I use a laser sight when hunting?
It depends on the region where you are hunting. In the United States, some states allow hunting with a laser sight while others are quite strict about the use of lasers. Before going hunting, it would be best if you look up the law of your particular region regarding the use of laser sights with your weapon.
How frequently do I need to change the battery of my pistol laser sight?
The battery runtime varies from one model to another, so you need to refer to the product specification to get a definitive answer to this question.
Final Thoughts
A pistol laser sight can help you achieve a higher level of accuracy that might be difficult to get with the naked eye. It might be the deciding factor of whether you can walk away from a high-stress gunfight or not. So for your own safety, it is always a good idea to invest a high-quality pistol laser sight.
With our extensive discussion on the best pistol laser sight, you should now have a complete idea of which products to choose. We hope our breakdown of its key features could give you all the information you need to make the right choice.