Laser sights are not meant to replace standard sights\u2014they are an emergency redundant system. If you can see your front sight clearly, that is your Go Code. If a laser red dot appears on the target and that\u2019s the first thing you see then that becomes your Go Code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, it must be understood that lasers are not a replacement for good training nor are they some type of mystical bullet guidance system. The bottom line is this, get the best equipment you can afford, train with it and know your limitations. If Lasergrips on a compact gun gives you an added level of confidence and comfort I can\u2019t see that as anything other than a big plus when your life is on the line.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Add a Pocket Pistol & Laser Combo to Your Gun Collection","post_excerpt":"Ruger\u2019s pocket pistols and Crimson Trace\u2019s lasers \u2014 the perfect pairing of function and technology!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"pocket-pistol-and-laser","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-17 15:56:09","post_modified_gmt":"2023-10-17 19:56:09","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2022\/03\/18\/pocket-pistol-and-laser\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":129212,"post_author":"705","post_date":"2019-02-13 06:02:35","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-13 11:02:35","post_content":"\r\n\r\nWhile the use of laser sights<\/a> for hunting is still relatively uncommon, there is ample reason to expect their use to expand. At present, most states don\u2019t permit the use of lasers or lights on firearms when hunting protected big game such as deer, but most states allow their use for hunting wild hogs (and other pest animals) and about half the states allow them for small game. Laser sight purchases have easily doubled in the last decade. Though most laser sights are ending up on personal defense handguns and tactical rifles, the same things that make the lasers useful on these firearms apply to hunting guns.\r\n\r\n[in_content post=\"201515\" alignment=\"align-left\" \/]\r\nLaser Sights for Hunting: Pros & Cons<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nAmong the benefits are more confident target acquisition (particularly in low light); the ability to focus the eyes entirely on the target area, which is beneficial for following the movement of your target animal as well as a great help to aging eyes. The ability to aim the firearm accurately in a \u201cheads-up\u201d manner, rather than with the traditional marksmanship holds we use to shoot with iron sights and scopes. The laser can also be used to point out game to other hunters, and the visual indication of the bullet\u2019s impact point is a constant reminder of the need for safe gun handling and muzzle control.\r\n\r\nThe downside is that the laser\u2019s maximum range is limited by both its power and (more likely) your eyesight. Laser light is diffused somewhat by humidity in the air (rain or fog). The point of impact is less precise the farther you get from your target, and it can be difficult to spot the laser dot in bright light. Laser sights require batteries and most are not waterproof. Lasers aren\u2019t yet universally legal for hunting in all states, either. Hunters need to check their own state\u2019s specific laws before using them.\r\n\r\nLasers have a definite place on hunting rifles, handguns, shotguns and bows for use on terrestrial animals large and small, as well as fish. Duck hunting, or any other wingshooting, is out though. There\u2019s no way to see the laser dot against the sky to track a bird in flight, and aiming your laser skyward is a threat to civil aviation. In addition, if you are good enough to put a laser on a flying bird, you don\u2019t need a laser sight.\r\n
Where They Shine<\/h3>\r\nLaser sights can be a significant advantage in the woods, in dimmer light and heavy cover, but lasers also have night hunting applications (for example, for raccoons, foxes and wild pigs) where conventional scopes and sights would be difficult to use. The laser excels on the hunt for terrestrial animals at ranges you would normally shoot with open sights, 100 yards or less.\r\n\r\nThere\u2019s no magnification or optical enhancement of any kind with a laser sight, only your natural visual acuity and the laser dot. If you can\u2019t see the game with your eyes, a laser isn\u2019t going to help you at all. However, most older hunters don\u2019t have trouble seeing the game. They have trouble seeing the iron sights, and this is where a laser sight shines. Because it puts target and aiming point in the same distant focal plane, it compensates for the loss of close focus that typically affects human eyes as they age.\r\n\r\nPeople under 40, have you ever wondered who\u2019s buying all those reading glasses on display in every pharmacy and big box store? You get farsighted as you get older, and this can make it very hard, if not impossible, to see your rear sight clearly enough to get a good sight picture with open sights. (Aperture sights can still be more or less usable, since the rear sight is supposed to be out of focus anyway.)\r\n
Growing Dot<\/h3>\r\nIf you wanted to have a magnified view of your target, there\u2019s no reason you couldn\u2019t use a telescopic sight in conjunction with a side- or bottom-mounted laser sight. This would partially negate the situational awareness the laser allows, in return for some greater precision. I say some, because the front of the laser beam fans out more the farther away it goes. The beam is typically 0.5-inch diameter spot at 50 feet. I measured it at 50 yards and found it grew into a fat ellipse over 2 inches at its widest point. The green laser will project over 100 yards in sunlight, but that dot is going to get even bigger.\r\n\r\nThe growing dot phenomenon begs the question: Do the animals notice the laser? I suspect they do, but not in the spectacular way we see it. They get shafts of light penetrating the forest canopy and shining on their bodies, so a laser dot doesn\u2019t seem like it should be so unique. I would not make a point to shine it in their eyes. That might get their attention, annoy them and cause them leave before you can shoot.\r\n
Pistol Hunting<\/h3>\r\nLaser sights seem particularly good for pistol hunting, where the ranges are closer. Further, I find that not having to get down on the iron sights or scope in a traditional marksmanship pose allows me to shoot from more comfortable and stable heads-up positions. When you elevate your head over the iron sights, the laser dot appears to rise over them too, and this is one of the advantages of the laser in the field.\r\n\r\nUnlike traditional marksmanship, which concentrates on maintaining perfect sight alignment while taking aim at the target, shooting with a laser sight is all about watching the dot. I\u2019ve hunted squirrels from a seated position resting the barrel on a little Polecat shooting stick with my arms steadied on my knees. Initially, I had a little trouble spotting my laser dot because the trees were bare and a lot of sky was showing. The solution was to aim at the ground in front of me and \u201cwalk\u201d the laser right up to the target. It actually takes more time to describe than it does to do it.\r\n
Red Or Green?<\/h3>\r\nThe color of your laser is important. Red lasers are the least expensive, have the longest battery life and are excellent for close-range defensive shooting. In daylight on the range, I find them hard to spot at 25 yards. The newer green lasers are the best choice for hunters. They really pop out to the eye downrange, even in sunlight. That\u2019s because our eyes see green light wavelengths much better than red ones. The green lasers are more complex to make and retail for about 25 percent more than red. Going green will also use up your battery power about twice as fast, but this is really a non-issue while hunting because there\u2019s no reason to turn the laser sight on until you are preparing to aim your gun. Whether you have two hours or four hours of battery is not going to matter during the course of a season.\r\n\r\nMost laser sights are designed to attach to Picatinny or Weaver rails, which is great if you have a tactical rifle, shotgun or pistol. Most traditional (bolt-action) hunting rifles and shotguns will need a rail attached before they can mount a laser. If it\u2019s a newer gun, it\u2019s possible the scope mounts are already attached to small sections of rail screwed onto the receiver. That makes mounting the laser a snap. Take off the scope and rings, mount the laser to the same base, tighten it up and sight in.\r\n
Crimson Trace<\/h3>\r\nBy far the largest laser sight manufacturer, and the market leader, is Oregon-based Crimson Trace Corporation (crimsontrace.com). They have the broadest range of green laser options for hunters. Their compact, lightweight plastic housing Rail Master green laser (CMR-206) was designed to fit in front of a pistol\u2019s triggerguard on a rail. It is turned on by tapping a small paddle on either side of the case. MSRP on this sight is $199, but I\u2019ve seen it at major retailers for as low as $159.99. This is an excellent sight at an entry-level price.\r\n\r\nMounting it on top of your gun requires it to be upside down. This doesn\u2019t affect its function, but it might make it more susceptible to rain since the battery cover will be facing up. As a precaution, just cover it with a piece of clear packing tape to keep it dry. Just don\u2019t obstruct the beam. They also make a J-frame green laser grip (LG-350G, MSRP $399) ideal for the .22 Kit Gun (the laser mounted in the right-side grip panel), but none yet for the popular larger-frame hunting revolvers.\r\n\r\n[in_content post=\"201977\" alignment=\"align-right\" \/]\r\n
Light & Laser<\/h3>\r\nIf you want to get a little more sophisticated, Crimson Trace makes the Rail Master Pro (CMR-204) which is boxy, slightly larger and heavier (its case is made of aluminum) because it includes a 100-lumen white LED light, which can be operated alone or in conjunction with the laser. The light and laser combo would be great for raccoon hunting at night with a pistol or rifle, but some might find this unit a little too big for mounting on the top rail of a traditional sporting long gun or pistol. It would be perfectly at home attached to the tactical rail near the muzzle of a modern sporting rifle. The CMR-204 has an MSRP of $379, but I have seen it advertised for $350.\r\n
Going Green<\/h3>\r\nCrimson Trace has three great rail-mounted combination green laser and light products specifically for railed-up modern sporting rifle platforms that are out-of-the-box perfect for hunters who prefer these rifles. The new CMR-300 is like the CMR-204, with a brighter 300-lumen light and an on-off button on the back. MSRP is $249. This would be commonly mounted on the bottom rail near the muzzle, which means you\u2019ll have to reach forward to activate it.\r\n\r\nTo address this minor inconvenience, Crimson Trace created a new wireless radio signal-operated unit called the LiNQ system. The LNQ-100G requires substitution of your normal pistol grip with the LiNQ grip, which houses all the light and laser controls so there\u2019s no need to move your hands from firing position. Otherwise it uses the same green laser and 300-lumen white LED light as the CMR-300. MSRP is $429, but I have found it as low as $384 on sale. There\u2019s also a LiNQ system for the AK platform.\r\n\r\nThe final laser\/light combo from Crimson Trace looks more at home on a tactical rifle than a hunting gun, but consider that your AR carbines, especially in 300 Blackout, are popular for tough wild hogs. The Crimson Trace MVT-515G is an extremely rugged aluminum and polymer vertical foregrip that houses the laser and a 200-lumen white light. Also, the controls are ambidextrous, and the light operates in momentary and constant-on mode, with or without the laser. MSRP is $649, but I have seen it as low as $575. By the way, all these lasers\/lights have a strobe setting if you needed to use them in conjunction with the laser in a defensive situation.\r\n
Other Green Lasers<\/h3>\r\nCrimson Trace is the biggest game in town, but they aren\u2019t the only one. Four other rail-mounted green laser sights worth a look are made by Viridian (viridianweapontech.com) and LaserMax (lasermax.com). Viridian\u2019s rugged C5 Universal Subcompact Green Laser has an MSRP of $279. Additionally, the C5L adds a white light in the same size unit (MSRP $349). Viridian has a seven-year warranty too, the longest in the industry. LaserMax\u2019s Green Uni-Max Laser (MSRP $309) has the lowest profile, operated by direct-wired remote trigger, and has a rail of its own so you can stack something else on top of it. Finally, LaserMax\u2019s Green Micro II is the shortest rail-mounted laser, with an MSRP of $169.\r\n\r\nTrigger control and a steady hand are still critical to successfully hitting the target, but the visual challenges of iron sights and low light, and even some physical limitations, can be partly overcome with the use of laser sights. Also, for younger hunters with first-person-shooter video game experience, lasers will seem perfectly natural, and new or occasional hunters will find a laser increases their confidence and success within the laser\u2019s effective range. Above all, hogs, little varmints and some deer, beware.\r\n\r\nThis article is from the 2019 Modern Guns issue of Tactical-Life magazine. Grab your copy at\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>OutdoorGroupStore.com<\/a><\/em><\/strong>. For digital editions, visit\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Amazon<\/a><\/em><\/strong>.<\/em><\/strong>","post_title":"How Laser Sights for Hunting Can Improve Your Odds in the Field","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"laser-sights-hunting-improve-odds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 12:27:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:27:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2019\/02\/13\/laser-sights-hunting-improve-odds\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":94982,"post_author":"351","post_date":"2019-01-08 06:18:36","post_date_gmt":"2019-01-08 11:18:36","post_content":"People took notice when Mossberg introduced the MC1sc<\/a>, especially since this is the company's first handgun in 100 years. However, subcompact pistols can be difficult to aim. So, it makes sense that Mossberg talked to Viridian about bringing out a laser sight for shooters.\u00a0In fact, the Viridian E Series Laser Sight is even available as a MC1sc model.\n\n[in_content post=\"110342\" alignment=\"align-left\" \/]\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve been working closely with the team at Mossberg to develop a proper sighting solution for the new MC1sc sub compact,\u201d said Viridian President and CEO Brian Hedeen. \u201cThe new E Series red laser is customized to fit the MC1sc perfectly, ensuring that the addition of this accessory does not interfere with concealability. Instead, adding our E Series laser to the MC1sc allows users to optimize rapid target acquisition in personal defense scenarios.\u201d\n\nViridian designed the E Series for the needs of concealed carriers, who rely on their pistols to themselves safe. In addition to being light and compact, this unit provides fast target\u00a0acquisition in all self-defense situations.\n\nThe Viridian E Series Laser Sight is easy to install. Additionally, the unit features an ambidextrous on\/off button, and easy windage and elevation adjustment. It also features six hours of battery life, but the unit automatically turns off after five minutes to save battery life. And, of course, the unit kicks out a powerful red laser than can be seen up to 25 yards in daylight and 1 mile at night.\n\nThe E Series is also available as an accessory for a variety of other pistols. All of them also feature Viridian's quality and seven-year warranty.\n
Viridian E Series Laser Sight for Mossberg MC1sc<\/h3>\n
\n \t
Viridian E-Series Red Laser Sight for SIG Sauer P365<\/h3>\n
\n \t
Viridian Reactor R5 Green Laser<\/h3>\n
\n \t
Laser sights are not meant to replace standard sights\u2014they are an emergency redundant system. If you can see your front sight clearly, that is your Go Code. If a laser red dot appears on the target and that\u2019s the first thing you see then that becomes your Go Code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, it must be understood that lasers are not a replacement for good training nor are they some type of mystical bullet guidance system. The bottom line is this, get the best equipment you can afford, train with it and know your limitations. If Lasergrips on a compact gun gives you an added level of confidence and comfort I can\u2019t see that as anything other than a big plus when your life is on the line.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Add a Pocket Pistol & Laser Combo to Your Gun Collection","post_excerpt":"Ruger\u2019s pocket pistols and Crimson Trace\u2019s lasers \u2014 the perfect pairing of function and technology!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"pocket-pistol-and-laser","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-17 15:56:09","post_modified_gmt":"2023-10-17 19:56:09","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2022\/03\/18\/pocket-pistol-and-laser\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":129212,"post_author":"705","post_date":"2019-02-13 06:02:35","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-13 11:02:35","post_content":"\r\n\r\nWhile the use of laser sights<\/a> for hunting is still relatively uncommon, there is ample reason to expect their use to expand. At present, most states don\u2019t permit the use of lasers or lights on firearms when hunting protected big game such as deer, but most states allow their use for hunting wild hogs (and other pest animals) and about half the states allow them for small game. Laser sight purchases have easily doubled in the last decade. Though most laser sights are ending up on personal defense handguns and tactical rifles, the same things that make the lasers useful on these firearms apply to hunting guns.\r\n\r\n[in_content post=\"201515\" alignment=\"align-left\" \/]\r\n The most important tool in a fight is the brain. Once your brain has given you permission to fire your weapon, you need one other indicator or \u201cGo Code\u201d that tells you the weapon is properly aligned with the target. That Go Code can be a clear front sight, indexed on the threat. Should you be unable to discern a clear front sight, this is where the laser shines (forgive the pun).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Laser sights are not meant to replace standard sights\u2014they are an emergency redundant system. If you can see your front sight clearly, that is your Go Code. If a laser red dot appears on the target and that\u2019s the first thing you see then that becomes your Go Code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, it must be understood that lasers are not a replacement for good training nor are they some type of mystical bullet guidance system. The bottom line is this, get the best equipment you can afford, train with it and know your limitations. If Lasergrips on a compact gun gives you an added level of confidence and comfort I can\u2019t see that as anything other than a big plus when your life is on the line.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Add a Pocket Pistol & Laser Combo to Your Gun Collection","post_excerpt":"Ruger\u2019s pocket pistols and Crimson Trace\u2019s lasers \u2014 the perfect pairing of function and technology!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"pocket-pistol-and-laser","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-17 15:56:09","post_modified_gmt":"2023-10-17 19:56:09","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2022\/03\/18\/pocket-pistol-and-laser\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":129212,"post_author":"705","post_date":"2019-02-13 06:02:35","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-13 11:02:35","post_content":"\r\n\r\nWhile the use of laser sights<\/a> for hunting is still relatively uncommon, there is ample reason to expect their use to expand. At present, most states don\u2019t permit the use of lasers or lights on firearms when hunting protected big game such as deer, but most states allow their use for hunting wild hogs (and other pest animals) and about half the states allow them for small game. Laser sight purchases have easily doubled in the last decade. Though most laser sights are ending up on personal defense handguns and tactical rifles, the same things that make the lasers useful on these firearms apply to hunting guns.\r\n\r\n[in_content post=\"201515\" alignment=\"align-left\" \/]\r\n Pressing the trigger during a deadly force encounter is not a simple task. We, the good guys, play by a set of moral and legal rules. As such, we must be absolutely sure of our target and what is around it. We must have as much mental clarity as we can muster and be sure that we are doing what is absolutely necessary. Morality or legality does not handicap the bad guys\u2014that\u2019s what makes them the bad guys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most important tool in a fight is the brain. Once your brain has given you permission to fire your weapon, you need one other indicator or \u201cGo Code\u201d that tells you the weapon is properly aligned with the target. That Go Code can be a clear front sight, indexed on the threat. Should you be unable to discern a clear front sight, this is where the laser shines (forgive the pun).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Laser sights are not meant to replace standard sights\u2014they are an emergency redundant system. If you can see your front sight clearly, that is your Go Code. If a laser red dot appears on the target and that\u2019s the first thing you see then that becomes your Go Code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, it must be understood that lasers are not a replacement for good training nor are they some type of mystical bullet guidance system. The bottom line is this, get the best equipment you can afford, train with it and know your limitations. If Lasergrips on a compact gun gives you an added level of confidence and comfort I can\u2019t see that as anything other than a big plus when your life is on the line.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Add a Pocket Pistol & Laser Combo to Your Gun Collection","post_excerpt":"Ruger\u2019s pocket pistols and Crimson Trace\u2019s lasers \u2014 the perfect pairing of function and technology!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"pocket-pistol-and-laser","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-17 15:56:09","post_modified_gmt":"2023-10-17 19:56:09","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2022\/03\/18\/pocket-pistol-and-laser\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":129212,"post_author":"705","post_date":"2019-02-13 06:02:35","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-13 11:02:35","post_content":"\r\n\r\nWhile the use of laser sights<\/a> for hunting is still relatively uncommon, there is ample reason to expect their use to expand. At present, most states don\u2019t permit the use of lasers or lights on firearms when hunting protected big game such as deer, but most states allow their use for hunting wild hogs (and other pest animals) and about half the states allow them for small game. Laser sight purchases have easily doubled in the last decade. Though most laser sights are ending up on personal defense handguns and tactical rifles, the same things that make the lasers useful on these firearms apply to hunting guns.\r\n\r\n[in_content post=\"201515\" alignment=\"align-left\" \/]\r\n Does this mean every attack occurs in poor light and up close? No, of course, it does not. However, if you find yourself in ample light with distance between you and your attacker, that is a rare case, and you are ahead of the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pressing the trigger during a deadly force encounter is not a simple task. We, the good guys, play by a set of moral and legal rules. As such, we must be absolutely sure of our target and what is around it. We must have as much mental clarity as we can muster and be sure that we are doing what is absolutely necessary. Morality or legality does not handicap the bad guys\u2014that\u2019s what makes them the bad guys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most important tool in a fight is the brain. Once your brain has given you permission to fire your weapon, you need one other indicator or \u201cGo Code\u201d that tells you the weapon is properly aligned with the target. That Go Code can be a clear front sight, indexed on the threat. Should you be unable to discern a clear front sight, this is where the laser shines (forgive the pun).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Laser sights are not meant to replace standard sights\u2014they are an emergency redundant system. If you can see your front sight clearly, that is your Go Code. If a laser red dot appears on the target and that\u2019s the first thing you see then that becomes your Go Code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, it must be understood that lasers are not a replacement for good training nor are they some type of mystical bullet guidance system. The bottom line is this, get the best equipment you can afford, train with it and know your limitations. If Lasergrips on a compact gun gives you an added level of confidence and comfort I can\u2019t see that as anything other than a big plus when your life is on the line.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Add a Pocket Pistol & Laser Combo to Your Gun Collection","post_excerpt":"Ruger\u2019s pocket pistols and Crimson Trace\u2019s lasers \u2014 the perfect pairing of function and technology!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"pocket-pistol-and-laser","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-17 15:56:09","post_modified_gmt":"2023-10-17 19:56:09","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2022\/03\/18\/pocket-pistol-and-laser\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":129212,"post_author":"705","post_date":"2019-02-13 06:02:35","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-13 11:02:35","post_content":"\r\n\r\nWhile the use of laser sights<\/a> for hunting is still relatively uncommon, there is ample reason to expect their use to expand. At present, most states don\u2019t permit the use of lasers or lights on firearms when hunting protected big game such as deer, but most states allow their use for hunting wild hogs (and other pest animals) and about half the states allow them for small game. Laser sight purchases have easily doubled in the last decade. Though most laser sights are ending up on personal defense handguns and tactical rifles, the same things that make the lasers useful on these firearms apply to hunting guns.\r\n\r\n[in_content post=\"201515\" alignment=\"align-left\" \/]\r\n If all of your practice is on the square range in daylight, it is difficult to truly understand a laser-aiming device's benefits. Read the FBI statistics on Law Enforcement Officers Killed in the Line of Duty. You will see that the majority of felonious assaults on cops take place during hours of darkness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Does this mean every attack occurs in poor light and up close? No, of course, it does not. However, if you find yourself in ample light with distance between you and your attacker, that is a rare case, and you are ahead of the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pressing the trigger during a deadly force encounter is not a simple task. We, the good guys, play by a set of moral and legal rules. As such, we must be absolutely sure of our target and what is around it. We must have as much mental clarity as we can muster and be sure that we are doing what is absolutely necessary. Morality or legality does not handicap the bad guys\u2014that\u2019s what makes them the bad guys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most important tool in a fight is the brain. Once your brain has given you permission to fire your weapon, you need one other indicator or \u201cGo Code\u201d that tells you the weapon is properly aligned with the target. That Go Code can be a clear front sight, indexed on the threat. Should you be unable to discern a clear front sight, this is where the laser shines (forgive the pun).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Laser sights are not meant to replace standard sights\u2014they are an emergency redundant system. If you can see your front sight clearly, that is your Go Code. If a laser red dot appears on the target and that\u2019s the first thing you see then that becomes your Go Code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, it must be understood that lasers are not a replacement for good training nor are they some type of mystical bullet guidance system. The bottom line is this, get the best equipment you can afford, train with it and know your limitations. If Lasergrips on a compact gun gives you an added level of confidence and comfort I can\u2019t see that as anything other than a big plus when your life is on the line.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Add a Pocket Pistol & Laser Combo to Your Gun Collection","post_excerpt":"Ruger\u2019s pocket pistols and Crimson Trace\u2019s lasers \u2014 the perfect pairing of function and technology!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"pocket-pistol-and-laser","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-17 15:56:09","post_modified_gmt":"2023-10-17 19:56:09","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2022\/03\/18\/pocket-pistol-and-laser\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":129212,"post_author":"705","post_date":"2019-02-13 06:02:35","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-13 11:02:35","post_content":"\r\n\r\nWhile the use of laser sights<\/a> for hunting is still relatively uncommon, there is ample reason to expect their use to expand. At present, most states don\u2019t permit the use of lasers or lights on firearms when hunting protected big game such as deer, but most states allow their use for hunting wild hogs (and other pest animals) and about half the states allow them for small game. Laser sight purchases have easily doubled in the last decade. Though most laser sights are ending up on personal defense handguns and tactical rifles, the same things that make the lasers useful on these firearms apply to hunting guns.\r\n\r\n[in_content post=\"201515\" alignment=\"align-left\" \/]\r\n If all of your practice is on the square range in daylight, it is difficult to truly understand a laser-aiming device's benefits. Read the FBI statistics on Law Enforcement Officers Killed in the Line of Duty. You will see that the majority of felonious assaults on cops take place during hours of darkness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Does this mean every attack occurs in poor light and up close? No, of course, it does not. However, if you find yourself in ample light with distance between you and your attacker, that is a rare case, and you are ahead of the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pressing the trigger during a deadly force encounter is not a simple task. We, the good guys, play by a set of moral and legal rules. As such, we must be absolutely sure of our target and what is around it. We must have as much mental clarity as we can muster and be sure that we are doing what is absolutely necessary. Morality or legality does not handicap the bad guys\u2014that\u2019s what makes them the bad guys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most important tool in a fight is the brain. Once your brain has given you permission to fire your weapon, you need one other indicator or \u201cGo Code\u201d that tells you the weapon is properly aligned with the target. That Go Code can be a clear front sight, indexed on the threat. Should you be unable to discern a clear front sight, this is where the laser shines (forgive the pun).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Laser sights are not meant to replace standard sights\u2014they are an emergency redundant system. If you can see your front sight clearly, that is your Go Code. If a laser red dot appears on the target and that\u2019s the first thing you see then that becomes your Go Code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, it must be understood that lasers are not a replacement for good training nor are they some type of mystical bullet guidance system. The bottom line is this, get the best equipment you can afford, train with it and know your limitations. If Lasergrips on a compact gun gives you an added level of confidence and comfort I can\u2019t see that as anything other than a big plus when your life is on the line.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Add a Pocket Pistol & Laser Combo to Your Gun Collection","post_excerpt":"Ruger\u2019s pocket pistols and Crimson Trace\u2019s lasers \u2014 the perfect pairing of function and technology!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"pocket-pistol-and-laser","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-17 15:56:09","post_modified_gmt":"2023-10-17 19:56:09","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2022\/03\/18\/pocket-pistol-and-laser\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":129212,"post_author":"705","post_date":"2019-02-13 06:02:35","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-13 11:02:35","post_content":"\r\n\r\nWhile the use of laser sights<\/a> for hunting is still relatively uncommon, there is ample reason to expect their use to expand. At present, most states don\u2019t permit the use of lasers or lights on firearms when hunting protected big game such as deer, but most states allow their use for hunting wild hogs (and other pest animals) and about half the states allow them for small game. Laser sight purchases have easily doubled in the last decade. Though most laser sights are ending up on personal defense handguns and tactical rifles, the same things that make the lasers useful on these firearms apply to hunting guns.\r\n\r\n[in_content post=\"201515\" alignment=\"align-left\" \/]\r\n If all of your practice is on the square range in daylight, it is difficult to truly understand a laser-aiming device's benefits. Read the FBI statistics on Law Enforcement Officers Killed in the Line of Duty. You will see that the majority of felonious assaults on cops take place during hours of darkness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Does this mean every attack occurs in poor light and up close? No, of course, it does not. However, if you find yourself in ample light with distance between you and your attacker, that is a rare case, and you are ahead of the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pressing the trigger during a deadly force encounter is not a simple task. We, the good guys, play by a set of moral and legal rules. As such, we must be absolutely sure of our target and what is around it. We must have as much mental clarity as we can muster and be sure that we are doing what is absolutely necessary. Morality or legality does not handicap the bad guys\u2014that\u2019s what makes them the bad guys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most important tool in a fight is the brain. Once your brain has given you permission to fire your weapon, you need one other indicator or \u201cGo Code\u201d that tells you the weapon is properly aligned with the target. That Go Code can be a clear front sight, indexed on the threat. Should you be unable to discern a clear front sight, this is where the laser shines (forgive the pun).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Laser sights are not meant to replace standard sights\u2014they are an emergency redundant system. If you can see your front sight clearly, that is your Go Code. If a laser red dot appears on the target and that\u2019s the first thing you see then that becomes your Go Code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, it must be understood that lasers are not a replacement for good training nor are they some type of mystical bullet guidance system. The bottom line is this, get the best equipment you can afford, train with it and know your limitations. If Lasergrips on a compact gun gives you an added level of confidence and comfort I can\u2019t see that as anything other than a big plus when your life is on the line.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Add a Pocket Pistol & Laser Combo to Your Gun Collection","post_excerpt":"Ruger\u2019s pocket pistols and Crimson Trace\u2019s lasers \u2014 the perfect pairing of function and technology!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"pocket-pistol-and-laser","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-10-17 15:56:09","post_modified_gmt":"2023-10-17 19:56:09","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2022\/03\/18\/pocket-pistol-and-laser\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":129212,"post_author":"705","post_date":"2019-02-13 06:02:35","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-13 11:02:35","post_content":"\r\n\r\nWhile the use of laser sights<\/a> for hunting is still relatively uncommon, there is ample reason to expect their use to expand. At present, most states don\u2019t permit the use of lasers or lights on firearms when hunting protected big game such as deer, but most states allow their use for hunting wild hogs (and other pest animals) and about half the states allow them for small game. Laser sight purchases have easily doubled in the last decade. Though most laser sights are ending up on personal defense handguns and tactical rifles, the same things that make the lasers useful on these firearms apply to hunting guns.\r\n\r\n[in_content post=\"201515\" alignment=\"align-left\" \/]\r\nLaser Sights for Hunting: Pros & Cons<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nAmong the benefits are more confident target acquisition (particularly in low light); the ability to focus the eyes entirely on the target area, which is beneficial for following the movement of your target animal as well as a great help to aging eyes. The ability to aim the firearm accurately in a \u201cheads-up\u201d manner, rather than with the traditional marksmanship holds we use to shoot with iron sights and scopes. The laser can also be used to point out game to other hunters, and the visual indication of the bullet\u2019s impact point is a constant reminder of the need for safe gun handling and muzzle control.\r\n\r\nThe downside is that the laser\u2019s maximum range is limited by both its power and (more likely) your eyesight. Laser light is diffused somewhat by humidity in the air (rain or fog). The point of impact is less precise the farther you get from your target, and it can be difficult to spot the laser dot in bright light. Laser sights require batteries and most are not waterproof. Lasers aren\u2019t yet universally legal for hunting in all states, either. Hunters need to check their own state\u2019s specific laws before using them.\r\n\r\nLasers have a definite place on hunting rifles, handguns, shotguns and bows for use on terrestrial animals large and small, as well as fish. Duck hunting, or any other wingshooting, is out though. There\u2019s no way to see the laser dot against the sky to track a bird in flight, and aiming your laser skyward is a threat to civil aviation. In addition, if you are good enough to put a laser on a flying bird, you don\u2019t need a laser sight.\r\n
Where They Shine<\/h3>\r\nLaser sights can be a significant advantage in the woods, in dimmer light and heavy cover, but lasers also have night hunting applications (for example, for raccoons, foxes and wild pigs) where conventional scopes and sights would be difficult to use. The laser excels on the hunt for terrestrial animals at ranges you would normally shoot with open sights, 100 yards or less.\r\n\r\nThere\u2019s no magnification or optical enhancement of any kind with a laser sight, only your natural visual acuity and the laser dot. If you can\u2019t see the game with your eyes, a laser isn\u2019t going to help you at all. However, most older hunters don\u2019t have trouble seeing the game. They have trouble seeing the iron sights, and this is where a laser sight shines. Because it puts target and aiming point in the same distant focal plane, it compensates for the loss of close focus that typically affects human eyes as they age.\r\n\r\nPeople under 40, have you ever wondered who\u2019s buying all those reading glasses on display in every pharmacy and big box store? You get farsighted as you get older, and this can make it very hard, if not impossible, to see your rear sight clearly enough to get a good sight picture with open sights. (Aperture sights can still be more or less usable, since the rear sight is supposed to be out of focus anyway.)\r\n
Growing Dot<\/h3>\r\nIf you wanted to have a magnified view of your target, there\u2019s no reason you couldn\u2019t use a telescopic sight in conjunction with a side- or bottom-mounted laser sight. This would partially negate the situational awareness the laser allows, in return for some greater precision. I say some, because the front of the laser beam fans out more the farther away it goes. The beam is typically 0.5-inch diameter spot at 50 feet. I measured it at 50 yards and found it grew into a fat ellipse over 2 inches at its widest point. The green laser will project over 100 yards in sunlight, but that dot is going to get even bigger.\r\n\r\nThe growing dot phenomenon begs the question: Do the animals notice the laser? I suspect they do, but not in the spectacular way we see it. They get shafts of light penetrating the forest canopy and shining on their bodies, so a laser dot doesn\u2019t seem like it should be so unique. I would not make a point to shine it in their eyes. That might get their attention, annoy them and cause them leave before you can shoot.\r\n
Pistol Hunting<\/h3>\r\nLaser sights seem particularly good for pistol hunting, where the ranges are closer. Further, I find that not having to get down on the iron sights or scope in a traditional marksmanship pose allows me to shoot from more comfortable and stable heads-up positions. When you elevate your head over the iron sights, the laser dot appears to rise over them too, and this is one of the advantages of the laser in the field.\r\n\r\nUnlike traditional marksmanship, which concentrates on maintaining perfect sight alignment while taking aim at the target, shooting with a laser sight is all about watching the dot. I\u2019ve hunted squirrels from a seated position resting the barrel on a little Polecat shooting stick with my arms steadied on my knees. Initially, I had a little trouble spotting my laser dot because the trees were bare and a lot of sky was showing. The solution was to aim at the ground in front of me and \u201cwalk\u201d the laser right up to the target. It actually takes more time to describe than it does to do it.\r\n
Red Or Green?<\/h3>\r\nThe color of your laser is important. Red lasers are the least expensive, have the longest battery life and are excellent for close-range defensive shooting. In daylight on the range, I find them hard to spot at 25 yards. The newer green lasers are the best choice for hunters. They really pop out to the eye downrange, even in sunlight. That\u2019s because our eyes see green light wavelengths much better than red ones. The green lasers are more complex to make and retail for about 25 percent more than red. Going green will also use up your battery power about twice as fast, but this is really a non-issue while hunting because there\u2019s no reason to turn the laser sight on until you are preparing to aim your gun. Whether you have two hours or four hours of battery is not going to matter during the course of a season.\r\n\r\nMost laser sights are designed to attach to Picatinny or Weaver rails, which is great if you have a tactical rifle, shotgun or pistol. Most traditional (bolt-action) hunting rifles and shotguns will need a rail attached before they can mount a laser. If it\u2019s a newer gun, it\u2019s possible the scope mounts are already attached to small sections of rail screwed onto the receiver. That makes mounting the laser a snap. Take off the scope and rings, mount the laser to the same base, tighten it up and sight in.\r\n
Crimson Trace<\/h3>\r\nBy far the largest laser sight manufacturer, and the market leader, is Oregon-based Crimson Trace Corporation (crimsontrace.com). They have the broadest range of green laser options for hunters. Their compact, lightweight plastic housing Rail Master green laser (CMR-206) was designed to fit in front of a pistol\u2019s triggerguard on a rail. It is turned on by tapping a small paddle on either side of the case. MSRP on this sight is $199, but I\u2019ve seen it at major retailers for as low as $159.99. This is an excellent sight at an entry-level price.\r\n\r\nMounting it on top of your gun requires it to be upside down. This doesn\u2019t affect its function, but it might make it more susceptible to rain since the battery cover will be facing up. As a precaution, just cover it with a piece of clear packing tape to keep it dry. Just don\u2019t obstruct the beam. They also make a J-frame green laser grip (LG-350G, MSRP $399) ideal for the .22 Kit Gun (the laser mounted in the right-side grip panel), but none yet for the popular larger-frame hunting revolvers.\r\n\r\n[in_content post=\"201977\" alignment=\"align-right\" \/]\r\n
Light & Laser<\/h3>\r\nIf you want to get a little more sophisticated, Crimson Trace makes the Rail Master Pro (CMR-204) which is boxy, slightly larger and heavier (its case is made of aluminum) because it includes a 100-lumen white LED light, which can be operated alone or in conjunction with the laser. The light and laser combo would be great for raccoon hunting at night with a pistol or rifle, but some might find this unit a little too big for mounting on the top rail of a traditional sporting long gun or pistol. It would be perfectly at home attached to the tactical rail near the muzzle of a modern sporting rifle. The CMR-204 has an MSRP of $379, but I have seen it advertised for $350.\r\n
Going Green<\/h3>\r\nCrimson Trace has three great rail-mounted combination green laser and light products specifically for railed-up modern sporting rifle platforms that are out-of-the-box perfect for hunters who prefer these rifles. The new CMR-300 is like the CMR-204, with a brighter 300-lumen light and an on-off button on the back. MSRP is $249. This would be commonly mounted on the bottom rail near the muzzle, which means you\u2019ll have to reach forward to activate it.\r\n\r\nTo address this minor inconvenience, Crimson Trace created a new wireless radio signal-operated unit called the LiNQ system. The LNQ-100G requires substitution of your normal pistol grip with the LiNQ grip, which houses all the light and laser controls so there\u2019s no need to move your hands from firing position. Otherwise it uses the same green laser and 300-lumen white LED light as the CMR-300. MSRP is $429, but I have found it as low as $384 on sale. There\u2019s also a LiNQ system for the AK platform.\r\n\r\nThe final laser\/light combo from Crimson Trace looks more at home on a tactical rifle than a hunting gun, but consider that your AR carbines, especially in 300 Blackout, are popular for tough wild hogs. The Crimson Trace MVT-515G is an extremely rugged aluminum and polymer vertical foregrip that houses the laser and a 200-lumen white light. Also, the controls are ambidextrous, and the light operates in momentary and constant-on mode, with or without the laser. MSRP is $649, but I have seen it as low as $575. By the way, all these lasers\/lights have a strobe setting if you needed to use them in conjunction with the laser in a defensive situation.\r\n
Other Green Lasers<\/h3>\r\nCrimson Trace is the biggest game in town, but they aren\u2019t the only one. Four other rail-mounted green laser sights worth a look are made by Viridian (viridianweapontech.com) and LaserMax (lasermax.com). Viridian\u2019s rugged C5 Universal Subcompact Green Laser has an MSRP of $279. Additionally, the C5L adds a white light in the same size unit (MSRP $349). Viridian has a seven-year warranty too, the longest in the industry. LaserMax\u2019s Green Uni-Max Laser (MSRP $309) has the lowest profile, operated by direct-wired remote trigger, and has a rail of its own so you can stack something else on top of it. Finally, LaserMax\u2019s Green Micro II is the shortest rail-mounted laser, with an MSRP of $169.\r\n\r\nTrigger control and a steady hand are still critical to successfully hitting the target, but the visual challenges of iron sights and low light, and even some physical limitations, can be partly overcome with the use of laser sights. Also, for younger hunters with first-person-shooter video game experience, lasers will seem perfectly natural, and new or occasional hunters will find a laser increases their confidence and success within the laser\u2019s effective range. Above all, hogs, little varmints and some deer, beware.\r\n\r\nThis article is from the 2019 Modern Guns issue of Tactical-Life magazine. Grab your copy at\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>OutdoorGroupStore.com<\/a><\/em><\/strong>. For digital editions, visit\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Amazon<\/a><\/em><\/strong>.<\/em><\/strong>","post_title":"How Laser Sights for Hunting Can Improve Your Odds in the Field","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"laser-sights-hunting-improve-odds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 12:27:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:27:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2019\/02\/13\/laser-sights-hunting-improve-odds\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":94982,"post_author":"351","post_date":"2019-01-08 06:18:36","post_date_gmt":"2019-01-08 11:18:36","post_content":"People took notice when Mossberg introduced the MC1sc<\/a>, especially since this is the company's first handgun in 100 years. However, subcompact pistols can be difficult to aim. So, it makes sense that Mossberg talked to Viridian about bringing out a laser sight for shooters.\u00a0In fact, the Viridian E Series Laser Sight is even available as a MC1sc model.\n\n[in_content post=\"110342\" alignment=\"align-left\" \/]\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve been working closely with the team at Mossberg to develop a proper sighting solution for the new MC1sc sub compact,\u201d said Viridian President and CEO Brian Hedeen. \u201cThe new E Series red laser is customized to fit the MC1sc perfectly, ensuring that the addition of this accessory does not interfere with concealability. Instead, adding our E Series laser to the MC1sc allows users to optimize rapid target acquisition in personal defense scenarios.\u201d\n\nViridian designed the E Series for the needs of concealed carriers, who rely on their pistols to themselves safe. In addition to being light and compact, this unit provides fast target\u00a0acquisition in all self-defense situations.\n\nThe Viridian E Series Laser Sight is easy to install. Additionally, the unit features an ambidextrous on\/off button, and easy windage and elevation adjustment. It also features six hours of battery life, but the unit automatically turns off after five minutes to save battery life. And, of course, the unit kicks out a powerful red laser than can be seen up to 25 yards in daylight and 1 mile at night.\n\nThe E Series is also available as an accessory for a variety of other pistols. All of them also feature Viridian's quality and seven-year warranty.\n
Viridian E Series Laser Sight for Mossberg MC1sc<\/h3>\n
\n \t
Viridian E-Series Red Laser Sight for SIG Sauer P365<\/h3>\n
\n \t
Viridian Reactor R5 Green Laser<\/h3>\n
\n \t
The Laser Redundancy<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Laser Sights for Hunting: Pros & Cons<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nAmong the benefits are more confident target acquisition (particularly in low light); the ability to focus the eyes entirely on the target area, which is beneficial for following the movement of your target animal as well as a great help to aging eyes. The ability to aim the firearm accurately in a \u201cheads-up\u201d manner, rather than with the traditional marksmanship holds we use to shoot with iron sights and scopes. The laser can also be used to point out game to other hunters, and the visual indication of the bullet\u2019s impact point is a constant reminder of the need for safe gun handling and muzzle control.\r\n\r\nThe downside is that the laser\u2019s maximum range is limited by both its power and (more likely) your eyesight. Laser light is diffused somewhat by humidity in the air (rain or fog). The point of impact is less precise the farther you get from your target, and it can be difficult to spot the laser dot in bright light. Laser sights require batteries and most are not waterproof. Lasers aren\u2019t yet universally legal for hunting in all states, either. Hunters need to check their own state\u2019s specific laws before using them.\r\n\r\nLasers have a definite place on hunting rifles, handguns, shotguns and bows for use on terrestrial animals large and small, as well as fish. Duck hunting, or any other wingshooting, is out though. There\u2019s no way to see the laser dot against the sky to track a bird in flight, and aiming your laser skyward is a threat to civil aviation. In addition, if you are good enough to put a laser on a flying bird, you don\u2019t need a laser sight.\r\n
Where They Shine<\/h3>\r\nLaser sights can be a significant advantage in the woods, in dimmer light and heavy cover, but lasers also have night hunting applications (for example, for raccoons, foxes and wild pigs) where conventional scopes and sights would be difficult to use. The laser excels on the hunt for terrestrial animals at ranges you would normally shoot with open sights, 100 yards or less.\r\n\r\nThere\u2019s no magnification or optical enhancement of any kind with a laser sight, only your natural visual acuity and the laser dot. If you can\u2019t see the game with your eyes, a laser isn\u2019t going to help you at all. However, most older hunters don\u2019t have trouble seeing the game. They have trouble seeing the iron sights, and this is where a laser sight shines. Because it puts target and aiming point in the same distant focal plane, it compensates for the loss of close focus that typically affects human eyes as they age.\r\n\r\nPeople under 40, have you ever wondered who\u2019s buying all those reading glasses on display in every pharmacy and big box store? You get farsighted as you get older, and this can make it very hard, if not impossible, to see your rear sight clearly enough to get a good sight picture with open sights. (Aperture sights can still be more or less usable, since the rear sight is supposed to be out of focus anyway.)\r\n
Growing Dot<\/h3>\r\nIf you wanted to have a magnified view of your target, there\u2019s no reason you couldn\u2019t use a telescopic sight in conjunction with a side- or bottom-mounted laser sight. This would partially negate the situational awareness the laser allows, in return for some greater precision. I say some, because the front of the laser beam fans out more the farther away it goes. The beam is typically 0.5-inch diameter spot at 50 feet. I measured it at 50 yards and found it grew into a fat ellipse over 2 inches at its widest point. The green laser will project over 100 yards in sunlight, but that dot is going to get even bigger.\r\n\r\nThe growing dot phenomenon begs the question: Do the animals notice the laser? I suspect they do, but not in the spectacular way we see it. They get shafts of light penetrating the forest canopy and shining on their bodies, so a laser dot doesn\u2019t seem like it should be so unique. I would not make a point to shine it in their eyes. That might get their attention, annoy them and cause them leave before you can shoot.\r\n
Pistol Hunting<\/h3>\r\nLaser sights seem particularly good for pistol hunting, where the ranges are closer. Further, I find that not having to get down on the iron sights or scope in a traditional marksmanship pose allows me to shoot from more comfortable and stable heads-up positions. When you elevate your head over the iron sights, the laser dot appears to rise over them too, and this is one of the advantages of the laser in the field.\r\n\r\nUnlike traditional marksmanship, which concentrates on maintaining perfect sight alignment while taking aim at the target, shooting with a laser sight is all about watching the dot. I\u2019ve hunted squirrels from a seated position resting the barrel on a little Polecat shooting stick with my arms steadied on my knees. Initially, I had a little trouble spotting my laser dot because the trees were bare and a lot of sky was showing. The solution was to aim at the ground in front of me and \u201cwalk\u201d the laser right up to the target. It actually takes more time to describe than it does to do it.\r\n
Red Or Green?<\/h3>\r\nThe color of your laser is important. Red lasers are the least expensive, have the longest battery life and are excellent for close-range defensive shooting. In daylight on the range, I find them hard to spot at 25 yards. The newer green lasers are the best choice for hunters. They really pop out to the eye downrange, even in sunlight. That\u2019s because our eyes see green light wavelengths much better than red ones. The green lasers are more complex to make and retail for about 25 percent more than red. Going green will also use up your battery power about twice as fast, but this is really a non-issue while hunting because there\u2019s no reason to turn the laser sight on until you are preparing to aim your gun. Whether you have two hours or four hours of battery is not going to matter during the course of a season.\r\n\r\nMost laser sights are designed to attach to Picatinny or Weaver rails, which is great if you have a tactical rifle, shotgun or pistol. Most traditional (bolt-action) hunting rifles and shotguns will need a rail attached before they can mount a laser. If it\u2019s a newer gun, it\u2019s possible the scope mounts are already attached to small sections of rail screwed onto the receiver. That makes mounting the laser a snap. Take off the scope and rings, mount the laser to the same base, tighten it up and sight in.\r\n
Crimson Trace<\/h3>\r\nBy far the largest laser sight manufacturer, and the market leader, is Oregon-based Crimson Trace Corporation (crimsontrace.com). They have the broadest range of green laser options for hunters. Their compact, lightweight plastic housing Rail Master green laser (CMR-206) was designed to fit in front of a pistol\u2019s triggerguard on a rail. It is turned on by tapping a small paddle on either side of the case. MSRP on this sight is $199, but I\u2019ve seen it at major retailers for as low as $159.99. This is an excellent sight at an entry-level price.\r\n\r\nMounting it on top of your gun requires it to be upside down. This doesn\u2019t affect its function, but it might make it more susceptible to rain since the battery cover will be facing up. As a precaution, just cover it with a piece of clear packing tape to keep it dry. Just don\u2019t obstruct the beam. They also make a J-frame green laser grip (LG-350G, MSRP $399) ideal for the .22 Kit Gun (the laser mounted in the right-side grip panel), but none yet for the popular larger-frame hunting revolvers.\r\n\r\n[in_content post=\"201977\" alignment=\"align-right\" \/]\r\n
Light & Laser<\/h3>\r\nIf you want to get a little more sophisticated, Crimson Trace makes the Rail Master Pro (CMR-204) which is boxy, slightly larger and heavier (its case is made of aluminum) because it includes a 100-lumen white LED light, which can be operated alone or in conjunction with the laser. The light and laser combo would be great for raccoon hunting at night with a pistol or rifle, but some might find this unit a little too big for mounting on the top rail of a traditional sporting long gun or pistol. It would be perfectly at home attached to the tactical rail near the muzzle of a modern sporting rifle. The CMR-204 has an MSRP of $379, but I have seen it advertised for $350.\r\n
Going Green<\/h3>\r\nCrimson Trace has three great rail-mounted combination green laser and light products specifically for railed-up modern sporting rifle platforms that are out-of-the-box perfect for hunters who prefer these rifles. The new CMR-300 is like the CMR-204, with a brighter 300-lumen light and an on-off button on the back. MSRP is $249. This would be commonly mounted on the bottom rail near the muzzle, which means you\u2019ll have to reach forward to activate it.\r\n\r\nTo address this minor inconvenience, Crimson Trace created a new wireless radio signal-operated unit called the LiNQ system. The LNQ-100G requires substitution of your normal pistol grip with the LiNQ grip, which houses all the light and laser controls so there\u2019s no need to move your hands from firing position. Otherwise it uses the same green laser and 300-lumen white LED light as the CMR-300. MSRP is $429, but I have found it as low as $384 on sale. There\u2019s also a LiNQ system for the AK platform.\r\n\r\nThe final laser\/light combo from Crimson Trace looks more at home on a tactical rifle than a hunting gun, but consider that your AR carbines, especially in 300 Blackout, are popular for tough wild hogs. The Crimson Trace MVT-515G is an extremely rugged aluminum and polymer vertical foregrip that houses the laser and a 200-lumen white light. Also, the controls are ambidextrous, and the light operates in momentary and constant-on mode, with or without the laser. MSRP is $649, but I have seen it as low as $575. By the way, all these lasers\/lights have a strobe setting if you needed to use them in conjunction with the laser in a defensive situation.\r\n
Other Green Lasers<\/h3>\r\nCrimson Trace is the biggest game in town, but they aren\u2019t the only one. Four other rail-mounted green laser sights worth a look are made by Viridian (viridianweapontech.com) and LaserMax (lasermax.com). Viridian\u2019s rugged C5 Universal Subcompact Green Laser has an MSRP of $279. Additionally, the C5L adds a white light in the same size unit (MSRP $349). Viridian has a seven-year warranty too, the longest in the industry. LaserMax\u2019s Green Uni-Max Laser (MSRP $309) has the lowest profile, operated by direct-wired remote trigger, and has a rail of its own so you can stack something else on top of it. Finally, LaserMax\u2019s Green Micro II is the shortest rail-mounted laser, with an MSRP of $169.\r\n\r\nTrigger control and a steady hand are still critical to successfully hitting the target, but the visual challenges of iron sights and low light, and even some physical limitations, can be partly overcome with the use of laser sights. Also, for younger hunters with first-person-shooter video game experience, lasers will seem perfectly natural, and new or occasional hunters will find a laser increases their confidence and success within the laser\u2019s effective range. Above all, hogs, little varmints and some deer, beware.\r\n\r\nThis article is from the 2019 Modern Guns issue of Tactical-Life magazine. Grab your copy at\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>OutdoorGroupStore.com<\/a><\/em><\/strong>. For digital editions, visit\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Amazon<\/a><\/em><\/strong>.<\/em><\/strong>","post_title":"How Laser Sights for Hunting Can Improve Your Odds in the Field","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"laser-sights-hunting-improve-odds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 12:27:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:27:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2019\/02\/13\/laser-sights-hunting-improve-odds\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":94982,"post_author":"351","post_date":"2019-01-08 06:18:36","post_date_gmt":"2019-01-08 11:18:36","post_content":"People took notice when Mossberg introduced the MC1sc<\/a>, especially since this is the company's first handgun in 100 years. However, subcompact pistols can be difficult to aim. So, it makes sense that Mossberg talked to Viridian about bringing out a laser sight for shooters.\u00a0In fact, the Viridian E Series Laser Sight is even available as a MC1sc model.\n\n[in_content post=\"110342\" alignment=\"align-left\" \/]\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve been working closely with the team at Mossberg to develop a proper sighting solution for the new MC1sc sub compact,\u201d said Viridian President and CEO Brian Hedeen. \u201cThe new E Series red laser is customized to fit the MC1sc perfectly, ensuring that the addition of this accessory does not interfere with concealability. Instead, adding our E Series laser to the MC1sc allows users to optimize rapid target acquisition in personal defense scenarios.\u201d\n\nViridian designed the E Series for the needs of concealed carriers, who rely on their pistols to themselves safe. In addition to being light and compact, this unit provides fast target\u00a0acquisition in all self-defense situations.\n\nThe Viridian E Series Laser Sight is easy to install. Additionally, the unit features an ambidextrous on\/off button, and easy windage and elevation adjustment. It also features six hours of battery life, but the unit automatically turns off after five minutes to save battery life. And, of course, the unit kicks out a powerful red laser than can be seen up to 25 yards in daylight and 1 mile at night.\n\nThe E Series is also available as an accessory for a variety of other pistols. All of them also feature Viridian's quality and seven-year warranty.\n
Viridian E Series Laser Sight for Mossberg MC1sc<\/h3>\n
\n \t
Viridian E-Series Red Laser Sight for SIG Sauer P365<\/h3>\n
\n \t
Viridian Reactor R5 Green Laser<\/h3>\n
\n \t
The Laser Redundancy<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Laser Sights for Hunting: Pros & Cons<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nAmong the benefits are more confident target acquisition (particularly in low light); the ability to focus the eyes entirely on the target area, which is beneficial for following the movement of your target animal as well as a great help to aging eyes. The ability to aim the firearm accurately in a \u201cheads-up\u201d manner, rather than with the traditional marksmanship holds we use to shoot with iron sights and scopes. The laser can also be used to point out game to other hunters, and the visual indication of the bullet\u2019s impact point is a constant reminder of the need for safe gun handling and muzzle control.\r\n\r\nThe downside is that the laser\u2019s maximum range is limited by both its power and (more likely) your eyesight. Laser light is diffused somewhat by humidity in the air (rain or fog). The point of impact is less precise the farther you get from your target, and it can be difficult to spot the laser dot in bright light. Laser sights require batteries and most are not waterproof. Lasers aren\u2019t yet universally legal for hunting in all states, either. Hunters need to check their own state\u2019s specific laws before using them.\r\n\r\nLasers have a definite place on hunting rifles, handguns, shotguns and bows for use on terrestrial animals large and small, as well as fish. Duck hunting, or any other wingshooting, is out though. There\u2019s no way to see the laser dot against the sky to track a bird in flight, and aiming your laser skyward is a threat to civil aviation. In addition, if you are good enough to put a laser on a flying bird, you don\u2019t need a laser sight.\r\n
Where They Shine<\/h3>\r\nLaser sights can be a significant advantage in the woods, in dimmer light and heavy cover, but lasers also have night hunting applications (for example, for raccoons, foxes and wild pigs) where conventional scopes and sights would be difficult to use. The laser excels on the hunt for terrestrial animals at ranges you would normally shoot with open sights, 100 yards or less.\r\n\r\nThere\u2019s no magnification or optical enhancement of any kind with a laser sight, only your natural visual acuity and the laser dot. If you can\u2019t see the game with your eyes, a laser isn\u2019t going to help you at all. However, most older hunters don\u2019t have trouble seeing the game. They have trouble seeing the iron sights, and this is where a laser sight shines. Because it puts target and aiming point in the same distant focal plane, it compensates for the loss of close focus that typically affects human eyes as they age.\r\n\r\nPeople under 40, have you ever wondered who\u2019s buying all those reading glasses on display in every pharmacy and big box store? You get farsighted as you get older, and this can make it very hard, if not impossible, to see your rear sight clearly enough to get a good sight picture with open sights. (Aperture sights can still be more or less usable, since the rear sight is supposed to be out of focus anyway.)\r\n
Growing Dot<\/h3>\r\nIf you wanted to have a magnified view of your target, there\u2019s no reason you couldn\u2019t use a telescopic sight in conjunction with a side- or bottom-mounted laser sight. This would partially negate the situational awareness the laser allows, in return for some greater precision. I say some, because the front of the laser beam fans out more the farther away it goes. The beam is typically 0.5-inch diameter spot at 50 feet. I measured it at 50 yards and found it grew into a fat ellipse over 2 inches at its widest point. The green laser will project over 100 yards in sunlight, but that dot is going to get even bigger.\r\n\r\nThe growing dot phenomenon begs the question: Do the animals notice the laser? I suspect they do, but not in the spectacular way we see it. They get shafts of light penetrating the forest canopy and shining on their bodies, so a laser dot doesn\u2019t seem like it should be so unique. I would not make a point to shine it in their eyes. That might get their attention, annoy them and cause them leave before you can shoot.\r\n
Pistol Hunting<\/h3>\r\nLaser sights seem particularly good for pistol hunting, where the ranges are closer. Further, I find that not having to get down on the iron sights or scope in a traditional marksmanship pose allows me to shoot from more comfortable and stable heads-up positions. When you elevate your head over the iron sights, the laser dot appears to rise over them too, and this is one of the advantages of the laser in the field.\r\n\r\nUnlike traditional marksmanship, which concentrates on maintaining perfect sight alignment while taking aim at the target, shooting with a laser sight is all about watching the dot. I\u2019ve hunted squirrels from a seated position resting the barrel on a little Polecat shooting stick with my arms steadied on my knees. Initially, I had a little trouble spotting my laser dot because the trees were bare and a lot of sky was showing. The solution was to aim at the ground in front of me and \u201cwalk\u201d the laser right up to the target. It actually takes more time to describe than it does to do it.\r\n
Red Or Green?<\/h3>\r\nThe color of your laser is important. Red lasers are the least expensive, have the longest battery life and are excellent for close-range defensive shooting. In daylight on the range, I find them hard to spot at 25 yards. The newer green lasers are the best choice for hunters. They really pop out to the eye downrange, even in sunlight. That\u2019s because our eyes see green light wavelengths much better than red ones. The green lasers are more complex to make and retail for about 25 percent more than red. Going green will also use up your battery power about twice as fast, but this is really a non-issue while hunting because there\u2019s no reason to turn the laser sight on until you are preparing to aim your gun. Whether you have two hours or four hours of battery is not going to matter during the course of a season.\r\n\r\nMost laser sights are designed to attach to Picatinny or Weaver rails, which is great if you have a tactical rifle, shotgun or pistol. Most traditional (bolt-action) hunting rifles and shotguns will need a rail attached before they can mount a laser. If it\u2019s a newer gun, it\u2019s possible the scope mounts are already attached to small sections of rail screwed onto the receiver. That makes mounting the laser a snap. Take off the scope and rings, mount the laser to the same base, tighten it up and sight in.\r\n
Crimson Trace<\/h3>\r\nBy far the largest laser sight manufacturer, and the market leader, is Oregon-based Crimson Trace Corporation (crimsontrace.com). They have the broadest range of green laser options for hunters. Their compact, lightweight plastic housing Rail Master green laser (CMR-206) was designed to fit in front of a pistol\u2019s triggerguard on a rail. It is turned on by tapping a small paddle on either side of the case. MSRP on this sight is $199, but I\u2019ve seen it at major retailers for as low as $159.99. This is an excellent sight at an entry-level price.\r\n\r\nMounting it on top of your gun requires it to be upside down. This doesn\u2019t affect its function, but it might make it more susceptible to rain since the battery cover will be facing up. As a precaution, just cover it with a piece of clear packing tape to keep it dry. Just don\u2019t obstruct the beam. They also make a J-frame green laser grip (LG-350G, MSRP $399) ideal for the .22 Kit Gun (the laser mounted in the right-side grip panel), but none yet for the popular larger-frame hunting revolvers.\r\n\r\n[in_content post=\"201977\" alignment=\"align-right\" \/]\r\n
Light & Laser<\/h3>\r\nIf you want to get a little more sophisticated, Crimson Trace makes the Rail Master Pro (CMR-204) which is boxy, slightly larger and heavier (its case is made of aluminum) because it includes a 100-lumen white LED light, which can be operated alone or in conjunction with the laser. The light and laser combo would be great for raccoon hunting at night with a pistol or rifle, but some might find this unit a little too big for mounting on the top rail of a traditional sporting long gun or pistol. It would be perfectly at home attached to the tactical rail near the muzzle of a modern sporting rifle. The CMR-204 has an MSRP of $379, but I have seen it advertised for $350.\r\n
Going Green<\/h3>\r\nCrimson Trace has three great rail-mounted combination green laser and light products specifically for railed-up modern sporting rifle platforms that are out-of-the-box perfect for hunters who prefer these rifles. The new CMR-300 is like the CMR-204, with a brighter 300-lumen light and an on-off button on the back. MSRP is $249. This would be commonly mounted on the bottom rail near the muzzle, which means you\u2019ll have to reach forward to activate it.\r\n\r\nTo address this minor inconvenience, Crimson Trace created a new wireless radio signal-operated unit called the LiNQ system. The LNQ-100G requires substitution of your normal pistol grip with the LiNQ grip, which houses all the light and laser controls so there\u2019s no need to move your hands from firing position. Otherwise it uses the same green laser and 300-lumen white LED light as the CMR-300. MSRP is $429, but I have found it as low as $384 on sale. There\u2019s also a LiNQ system for the AK platform.\r\n\r\nThe final laser\/light combo from Crimson Trace looks more at home on a tactical rifle than a hunting gun, but consider that your AR carbines, especially in 300 Blackout, are popular for tough wild hogs. The Crimson Trace MVT-515G is an extremely rugged aluminum and polymer vertical foregrip that houses the laser and a 200-lumen white light. Also, the controls are ambidextrous, and the light operates in momentary and constant-on mode, with or without the laser. MSRP is $649, but I have seen it as low as $575. By the way, all these lasers\/lights have a strobe setting if you needed to use them in conjunction with the laser in a defensive situation.\r\n
Other Green Lasers<\/h3>\r\nCrimson Trace is the biggest game in town, but they aren\u2019t the only one. Four other rail-mounted green laser sights worth a look are made by Viridian (viridianweapontech.com) and LaserMax (lasermax.com). Viridian\u2019s rugged C5 Universal Subcompact Green Laser has an MSRP of $279. Additionally, the C5L adds a white light in the same size unit (MSRP $349). Viridian has a seven-year warranty too, the longest in the industry. LaserMax\u2019s Green Uni-Max Laser (MSRP $309) has the lowest profile, operated by direct-wired remote trigger, and has a rail of its own so you can stack something else on top of it. Finally, LaserMax\u2019s Green Micro II is the shortest rail-mounted laser, with an MSRP of $169.\r\n\r\nTrigger control and a steady hand are still critical to successfully hitting the target, but the visual challenges of iron sights and low light, and even some physical limitations, can be partly overcome with the use of laser sights. Also, for younger hunters with first-person-shooter video game experience, lasers will seem perfectly natural, and new or occasional hunters will find a laser increases their confidence and success within the laser\u2019s effective range. Above all, hogs, little varmints and some deer, beware.\r\n\r\nThis article is from the 2019 Modern Guns issue of Tactical-Life magazine. Grab your copy at\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>OutdoorGroupStore.com<\/a><\/em><\/strong>. For digital editions, visit\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Amazon<\/a><\/em><\/strong>.<\/em><\/strong>","post_title":"How Laser Sights for Hunting Can Improve Your Odds in the Field","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"laser-sights-hunting-improve-odds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 12:27:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:27:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2019\/02\/13\/laser-sights-hunting-improve-odds\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":94982,"post_author":"351","post_date":"2019-01-08 06:18:36","post_date_gmt":"2019-01-08 11:18:36","post_content":"People took notice when Mossberg introduced the MC1sc<\/a>, especially since this is the company's first handgun in 100 years. However, subcompact pistols can be difficult to aim. So, it makes sense that Mossberg talked to Viridian about bringing out a laser sight for shooters.\u00a0In fact, the Viridian E Series Laser Sight is even available as a MC1sc model.\n\n[in_content post=\"110342\" alignment=\"align-left\" \/]\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve been working closely with the team at Mossberg to develop a proper sighting solution for the new MC1sc sub compact,\u201d said Viridian President and CEO Brian Hedeen. \u201cThe new E Series red laser is customized to fit the MC1sc perfectly, ensuring that the addition of this accessory does not interfere with concealability. Instead, adding our E Series laser to the MC1sc allows users to optimize rapid target acquisition in personal defense scenarios.\u201d\n\nViridian designed the E Series for the needs of concealed carriers, who rely on their pistols to themselves safe. In addition to being light and compact, this unit provides fast target\u00a0acquisition in all self-defense situations.\n\nThe Viridian E Series Laser Sight is easy to install. Additionally, the unit features an ambidextrous on\/off button, and easy windage and elevation adjustment. It also features six hours of battery life, but the unit automatically turns off after five minutes to save battery life. And, of course, the unit kicks out a powerful red laser than can be seen up to 25 yards in daylight and 1 mile at night.\n\nThe E Series is also available as an accessory for a variety of other pistols. All of them also feature Viridian's quality and seven-year warranty.\n
Viridian E Series Laser Sight for Mossberg MC1sc<\/h3>\n
\n \t
Viridian E-Series Red Laser Sight for SIG Sauer P365<\/h3>\n
\n \t
Viridian Reactor R5 Green Laser<\/h3>\n
\n \t
The Laser Redundancy<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Laser Sights for Hunting: Pros & Cons<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nAmong the benefits are more confident target acquisition (particularly in low light); the ability to focus the eyes entirely on the target area, which is beneficial for following the movement of your target animal as well as a great help to aging eyes. The ability to aim the firearm accurately in a \u201cheads-up\u201d manner, rather than with the traditional marksmanship holds we use to shoot with iron sights and scopes. The laser can also be used to point out game to other hunters, and the visual indication of the bullet\u2019s impact point is a constant reminder of the need for safe gun handling and muzzle control.\r\n\r\nThe downside is that the laser\u2019s maximum range is limited by both its power and (more likely) your eyesight. Laser light is diffused somewhat by humidity in the air (rain or fog). The point of impact is less precise the farther you get from your target, and it can be difficult to spot the laser dot in bright light. Laser sights require batteries and most are not waterproof. Lasers aren\u2019t yet universally legal for hunting in all states, either. Hunters need to check their own state\u2019s specific laws before using them.\r\n\r\nLasers have a definite place on hunting rifles, handguns, shotguns and bows for use on terrestrial animals large and small, as well as fish. Duck hunting, or any other wingshooting, is out though. There\u2019s no way to see the laser dot against the sky to track a bird in flight, and aiming your laser skyward is a threat to civil aviation. In addition, if you are good enough to put a laser on a flying bird, you don\u2019t need a laser sight.\r\n
Where They Shine<\/h3>\r\nLaser sights can be a significant advantage in the woods, in dimmer light and heavy cover, but lasers also have night hunting applications (for example, for raccoons, foxes and wild pigs) where conventional scopes and sights would be difficult to use. The laser excels on the hunt for terrestrial animals at ranges you would normally shoot with open sights, 100 yards or less.\r\n\r\nThere\u2019s no magnification or optical enhancement of any kind with a laser sight, only your natural visual acuity and the laser dot. If you can\u2019t see the game with your eyes, a laser isn\u2019t going to help you at all. However, most older hunters don\u2019t have trouble seeing the game. They have trouble seeing the iron sights, and this is where a laser sight shines. Because it puts target and aiming point in the same distant focal plane, it compensates for the loss of close focus that typically affects human eyes as they age.\r\n\r\nPeople under 40, have you ever wondered who\u2019s buying all those reading glasses on display in every pharmacy and big box store? You get farsighted as you get older, and this can make it very hard, if not impossible, to see your rear sight clearly enough to get a good sight picture with open sights. (Aperture sights can still be more or less usable, since the rear sight is supposed to be out of focus anyway.)\r\n
Growing Dot<\/h3>\r\nIf you wanted to have a magnified view of your target, there\u2019s no reason you couldn\u2019t use a telescopic sight in conjunction with a side- or bottom-mounted laser sight. This would partially negate the situational awareness the laser allows, in return for some greater precision. I say some, because the front of the laser beam fans out more the farther away it goes. The beam is typically 0.5-inch diameter spot at 50 feet. I measured it at 50 yards and found it grew into a fat ellipse over 2 inches at its widest point. The green laser will project over 100 yards in sunlight, but that dot is going to get even bigger.\r\n\r\nThe growing dot phenomenon begs the question: Do the animals notice the laser? I suspect they do, but not in the spectacular way we see it. They get shafts of light penetrating the forest canopy and shining on their bodies, so a laser dot doesn\u2019t seem like it should be so unique. I would not make a point to shine it in their eyes. That might get their attention, annoy them and cause them leave before you can shoot.\r\n
Pistol Hunting<\/h3>\r\nLaser sights seem particularly good for pistol hunting, where the ranges are closer. Further, I find that not having to get down on the iron sights or scope in a traditional marksmanship pose allows me to shoot from more comfortable and stable heads-up positions. When you elevate your head over the iron sights, the laser dot appears to rise over them too, and this is one of the advantages of the laser in the field.\r\n\r\nUnlike traditional marksmanship, which concentrates on maintaining perfect sight alignment while taking aim at the target, shooting with a laser sight is all about watching the dot. I\u2019ve hunted squirrels from a seated position resting the barrel on a little Polecat shooting stick with my arms steadied on my knees. Initially, I had a little trouble spotting my laser dot because the trees were bare and a lot of sky was showing. The solution was to aim at the ground in front of me and \u201cwalk\u201d the laser right up to the target. It actually takes more time to describe than it does to do it.\r\n
Red Or Green?<\/h3>\r\nThe color of your laser is important. Red lasers are the least expensive, have the longest battery life and are excellent for close-range defensive shooting. In daylight on the range, I find them hard to spot at 25 yards. The newer green lasers are the best choice for hunters. They really pop out to the eye downrange, even in sunlight. That\u2019s because our eyes see green light wavelengths much better than red ones. The green lasers are more complex to make and retail for about 25 percent more than red. Going green will also use up your battery power about twice as fast, but this is really a non-issue while hunting because there\u2019s no reason to turn the laser sight on until you are preparing to aim your gun. Whether you have two hours or four hours of battery is not going to matter during the course of a season.\r\n\r\nMost laser sights are designed to attach to Picatinny or Weaver rails, which is great if you have a tactical rifle, shotgun or pistol. Most traditional (bolt-action) hunting rifles and shotguns will need a rail attached before they can mount a laser. If it\u2019s a newer gun, it\u2019s possible the scope mounts are already attached to small sections of rail screwed onto the receiver. That makes mounting the laser a snap. Take off the scope and rings, mount the laser to the same base, tighten it up and sight in.\r\n
Crimson Trace<\/h3>\r\nBy far the largest laser sight manufacturer, and the market leader, is Oregon-based Crimson Trace Corporation (crimsontrace.com). They have the broadest range of green laser options for hunters. Their compact, lightweight plastic housing Rail Master green laser (CMR-206) was designed to fit in front of a pistol\u2019s triggerguard on a rail. It is turned on by tapping a small paddle on either side of the case. MSRP on this sight is $199, but I\u2019ve seen it at major retailers for as low as $159.99. This is an excellent sight at an entry-level price.\r\n\r\nMounting it on top of your gun requires it to be upside down. This doesn\u2019t affect its function, but it might make it more susceptible to rain since the battery cover will be facing up. As a precaution, just cover it with a piece of clear packing tape to keep it dry. Just don\u2019t obstruct the beam. They also make a J-frame green laser grip (LG-350G, MSRP $399) ideal for the .22 Kit Gun (the laser mounted in the right-side grip panel), but none yet for the popular larger-frame hunting revolvers.\r\n\r\n[in_content post=\"201977\" alignment=\"align-right\" \/]\r\n
Light & Laser<\/h3>\r\nIf you want to get a little more sophisticated, Crimson Trace makes the Rail Master Pro (CMR-204) which is boxy, slightly larger and heavier (its case is made of aluminum) because it includes a 100-lumen white LED light, which can be operated alone or in conjunction with the laser. The light and laser combo would be great for raccoon hunting at night with a pistol or rifle, but some might find this unit a little too big for mounting on the top rail of a traditional sporting long gun or pistol. It would be perfectly at home attached to the tactical rail near the muzzle of a modern sporting rifle. The CMR-204 has an MSRP of $379, but I have seen it advertised for $350.\r\n
Going Green<\/h3>\r\nCrimson Trace has three great rail-mounted combination green laser and light products specifically for railed-up modern sporting rifle platforms that are out-of-the-box perfect for hunters who prefer these rifles. The new CMR-300 is like the CMR-204, with a brighter 300-lumen light and an on-off button on the back. MSRP is $249. This would be commonly mounted on the bottom rail near the muzzle, which means you\u2019ll have to reach forward to activate it.\r\n\r\nTo address this minor inconvenience, Crimson Trace created a new wireless radio signal-operated unit called the LiNQ system. The LNQ-100G requires substitution of your normal pistol grip with the LiNQ grip, which houses all the light and laser controls so there\u2019s no need to move your hands from firing position. Otherwise it uses the same green laser and 300-lumen white LED light as the CMR-300. MSRP is $429, but I have found it as low as $384 on sale. There\u2019s also a LiNQ system for the AK platform.\r\n\r\nThe final laser\/light combo from Crimson Trace looks more at home on a tactical rifle than a hunting gun, but consider that your AR carbines, especially in 300 Blackout, are popular for tough wild hogs. The Crimson Trace MVT-515G is an extremely rugged aluminum and polymer vertical foregrip that houses the laser and a 200-lumen white light. Also, the controls are ambidextrous, and the light operates in momentary and constant-on mode, with or without the laser. MSRP is $649, but I have seen it as low as $575. By the way, all these lasers\/lights have a strobe setting if you needed to use them in conjunction with the laser in a defensive situation.\r\n
Other Green Lasers<\/h3>\r\nCrimson Trace is the biggest game in town, but they aren\u2019t the only one. Four other rail-mounted green laser sights worth a look are made by Viridian (viridianweapontech.com) and LaserMax (lasermax.com). Viridian\u2019s rugged C5 Universal Subcompact Green Laser has an MSRP of $279. Additionally, the C5L adds a white light in the same size unit (MSRP $349). Viridian has a seven-year warranty too, the longest in the industry. LaserMax\u2019s Green Uni-Max Laser (MSRP $309) has the lowest profile, operated by direct-wired remote trigger, and has a rail of its own so you can stack something else on top of it. Finally, LaserMax\u2019s Green Micro II is the shortest rail-mounted laser, with an MSRP of $169.\r\n\r\nTrigger control and a steady hand are still critical to successfully hitting the target, but the visual challenges of iron sights and low light, and even some physical limitations, can be partly overcome with the use of laser sights. Also, for younger hunters with first-person-shooter video game experience, lasers will seem perfectly natural, and new or occasional hunters will find a laser increases their confidence and success within the laser\u2019s effective range. Above all, hogs, little varmints and some deer, beware.\r\n\r\nThis article is from the 2019 Modern Guns issue of Tactical-Life magazine. Grab your copy at\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>OutdoorGroupStore.com<\/a><\/em><\/strong>. For digital editions, visit\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Amazon<\/a><\/em><\/strong>.<\/em><\/strong>","post_title":"How Laser Sights for Hunting Can Improve Your Odds in the Field","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"laser-sights-hunting-improve-odds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 12:27:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:27:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2019\/02\/13\/laser-sights-hunting-improve-odds\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":94982,"post_author":"351","post_date":"2019-01-08 06:18:36","post_date_gmt":"2019-01-08 11:18:36","post_content":"People took notice when Mossberg introduced the MC1sc<\/a>, especially since this is the company's first handgun in 100 years. However, subcompact pistols can be difficult to aim. So, it makes sense that Mossberg talked to Viridian about bringing out a laser sight for shooters.\u00a0In fact, the Viridian E Series Laser Sight is even available as a MC1sc model.\n\n[in_content post=\"110342\" alignment=\"align-left\" \/]\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve been working closely with the team at Mossberg to develop a proper sighting solution for the new MC1sc sub compact,\u201d said Viridian President and CEO Brian Hedeen. \u201cThe new E Series red laser is customized to fit the MC1sc perfectly, ensuring that the addition of this accessory does not interfere with concealability. Instead, adding our E Series laser to the MC1sc allows users to optimize rapid target acquisition in personal defense scenarios.\u201d\n\nViridian designed the E Series for the needs of concealed carriers, who rely on their pistols to themselves safe. In addition to being light and compact, this unit provides fast target\u00a0acquisition in all self-defense situations.\n\nThe Viridian E Series Laser Sight is easy to install. Additionally, the unit features an ambidextrous on\/off button, and easy windage and elevation adjustment. It also features six hours of battery life, but the unit automatically turns off after five minutes to save battery life. And, of course, the unit kicks out a powerful red laser than can be seen up to 25 yards in daylight and 1 mile at night.\n\nThe E Series is also available as an accessory for a variety of other pistols. All of them also feature Viridian's quality and seven-year warranty.\n
Viridian E Series Laser Sight for Mossberg MC1sc<\/h3>\n
\n \t
Viridian E-Series Red Laser Sight for SIG Sauer P365<\/h3>\n
\n \t
Viridian Reactor R5 Green Laser<\/h3>\n
\n \t
The Laser Redundancy<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Laser Sights for Hunting: Pros & Cons<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nAmong the benefits are more confident target acquisition (particularly in low light); the ability to focus the eyes entirely on the target area, which is beneficial for following the movement of your target animal as well as a great help to aging eyes. The ability to aim the firearm accurately in a \u201cheads-up\u201d manner, rather than with the traditional marksmanship holds we use to shoot with iron sights and scopes. The laser can also be used to point out game to other hunters, and the visual indication of the bullet\u2019s impact point is a constant reminder of the need for safe gun handling and muzzle control.\r\n\r\nThe downside is that the laser\u2019s maximum range is limited by both its power and (more likely) your eyesight. Laser light is diffused somewhat by humidity in the air (rain or fog). The point of impact is less precise the farther you get from your target, and it can be difficult to spot the laser dot in bright light. Laser sights require batteries and most are not waterproof. Lasers aren\u2019t yet universally legal for hunting in all states, either. Hunters need to check their own state\u2019s specific laws before using them.\r\n\r\nLasers have a definite place on hunting rifles, handguns, shotguns and bows for use on terrestrial animals large and small, as well as fish. Duck hunting, or any other wingshooting, is out though. There\u2019s no way to see the laser dot against the sky to track a bird in flight, and aiming your laser skyward is a threat to civil aviation. In addition, if you are good enough to put a laser on a flying bird, you don\u2019t need a laser sight.\r\n
Where They Shine<\/h3>\r\nLaser sights can be a significant advantage in the woods, in dimmer light and heavy cover, but lasers also have night hunting applications (for example, for raccoons, foxes and wild pigs) where conventional scopes and sights would be difficult to use. The laser excels on the hunt for terrestrial animals at ranges you would normally shoot with open sights, 100 yards or less.\r\n\r\nThere\u2019s no magnification or optical enhancement of any kind with a laser sight, only your natural visual acuity and the laser dot. If you can\u2019t see the game with your eyes, a laser isn\u2019t going to help you at all. However, most older hunters don\u2019t have trouble seeing the game. They have trouble seeing the iron sights, and this is where a laser sight shines. Because it puts target and aiming point in the same distant focal plane, it compensates for the loss of close focus that typically affects human eyes as they age.\r\n\r\nPeople under 40, have you ever wondered who\u2019s buying all those reading glasses on display in every pharmacy and big box store? You get farsighted as you get older, and this can make it very hard, if not impossible, to see your rear sight clearly enough to get a good sight picture with open sights. (Aperture sights can still be more or less usable, since the rear sight is supposed to be out of focus anyway.)\r\n
Growing Dot<\/h3>\r\nIf you wanted to have a magnified view of your target, there\u2019s no reason you couldn\u2019t use a telescopic sight in conjunction with a side- or bottom-mounted laser sight. This would partially negate the situational awareness the laser allows, in return for some greater precision. I say some, because the front of the laser beam fans out more the farther away it goes. The beam is typically 0.5-inch diameter spot at 50 feet. I measured it at 50 yards and found it grew into a fat ellipse over 2 inches at its widest point. The green laser will project over 100 yards in sunlight, but that dot is going to get even bigger.\r\n\r\nThe growing dot phenomenon begs the question: Do the animals notice the laser? I suspect they do, but not in the spectacular way we see it. They get shafts of light penetrating the forest canopy and shining on their bodies, so a laser dot doesn\u2019t seem like it should be so unique. I would not make a point to shine it in their eyes. That might get their attention, annoy them and cause them leave before you can shoot.\r\n
Pistol Hunting<\/h3>\r\nLaser sights seem particularly good for pistol hunting, where the ranges are closer. Further, I find that not having to get down on the iron sights or scope in a traditional marksmanship pose allows me to shoot from more comfortable and stable heads-up positions. When you elevate your head over the iron sights, the laser dot appears to rise over them too, and this is one of the advantages of the laser in the field.\r\n\r\nUnlike traditional marksmanship, which concentrates on maintaining perfect sight alignment while taking aim at the target, shooting with a laser sight is all about watching the dot. I\u2019ve hunted squirrels from a seated position resting the barrel on a little Polecat shooting stick with my arms steadied on my knees. Initially, I had a little trouble spotting my laser dot because the trees were bare and a lot of sky was showing. The solution was to aim at the ground in front of me and \u201cwalk\u201d the laser right up to the target. It actually takes more time to describe than it does to do it.\r\n
Red Or Green?<\/h3>\r\nThe color of your laser is important. Red lasers are the least expensive, have the longest battery life and are excellent for close-range defensive shooting. In daylight on the range, I find them hard to spot at 25 yards. The newer green lasers are the best choice for hunters. They really pop out to the eye downrange, even in sunlight. That\u2019s because our eyes see green light wavelengths much better than red ones. The green lasers are more complex to make and retail for about 25 percent more than red. Going green will also use up your battery power about twice as fast, but this is really a non-issue while hunting because there\u2019s no reason to turn the laser sight on until you are preparing to aim your gun. Whether you have two hours or four hours of battery is not going to matter during the course of a season.\r\n\r\nMost laser sights are designed to attach to Picatinny or Weaver rails, which is great if you have a tactical rifle, shotgun or pistol. Most traditional (bolt-action) hunting rifles and shotguns will need a rail attached before they can mount a laser. If it\u2019s a newer gun, it\u2019s possible the scope mounts are already attached to small sections of rail screwed onto the receiver. That makes mounting the laser a snap. Take off the scope and rings, mount the laser to the same base, tighten it up and sight in.\r\n
Crimson Trace<\/h3>\r\nBy far the largest laser sight manufacturer, and the market leader, is Oregon-based Crimson Trace Corporation (crimsontrace.com). They have the broadest range of green laser options for hunters. Their compact, lightweight plastic housing Rail Master green laser (CMR-206) was designed to fit in front of a pistol\u2019s triggerguard on a rail. It is turned on by tapping a small paddle on either side of the case. MSRP on this sight is $199, but I\u2019ve seen it at major retailers for as low as $159.99. This is an excellent sight at an entry-level price.\r\n\r\nMounting it on top of your gun requires it to be upside down. This doesn\u2019t affect its function, but it might make it more susceptible to rain since the battery cover will be facing up. As a precaution, just cover it with a piece of clear packing tape to keep it dry. Just don\u2019t obstruct the beam. They also make a J-frame green laser grip (LG-350G, MSRP $399) ideal for the .22 Kit Gun (the laser mounted in the right-side grip panel), but none yet for the popular larger-frame hunting revolvers.\r\n\r\n[in_content post=\"201977\" alignment=\"align-right\" \/]\r\n
Light & Laser<\/h3>\r\nIf you want to get a little more sophisticated, Crimson Trace makes the Rail Master Pro (CMR-204) which is boxy, slightly larger and heavier (its case is made of aluminum) because it includes a 100-lumen white LED light, which can be operated alone or in conjunction with the laser. The light and laser combo would be great for raccoon hunting at night with a pistol or rifle, but some might find this unit a little too big for mounting on the top rail of a traditional sporting long gun or pistol. It would be perfectly at home attached to the tactical rail near the muzzle of a modern sporting rifle. The CMR-204 has an MSRP of $379, but I have seen it advertised for $350.\r\n
Going Green<\/h3>\r\nCrimson Trace has three great rail-mounted combination green laser and light products specifically for railed-up modern sporting rifle platforms that are out-of-the-box perfect for hunters who prefer these rifles. The new CMR-300 is like the CMR-204, with a brighter 300-lumen light and an on-off button on the back. MSRP is $249. This would be commonly mounted on the bottom rail near the muzzle, which means you\u2019ll have to reach forward to activate it.\r\n\r\nTo address this minor inconvenience, Crimson Trace created a new wireless radio signal-operated unit called the LiNQ system. The LNQ-100G requires substitution of your normal pistol grip with the LiNQ grip, which houses all the light and laser controls so there\u2019s no need to move your hands from firing position. Otherwise it uses the same green laser and 300-lumen white LED light as the CMR-300. MSRP is $429, but I have found it as low as $384 on sale. There\u2019s also a LiNQ system for the AK platform.\r\n\r\nThe final laser\/light combo from Crimson Trace looks more at home on a tactical rifle than a hunting gun, but consider that your AR carbines, especially in 300 Blackout, are popular for tough wild hogs. The Crimson Trace MVT-515G is an extremely rugged aluminum and polymer vertical foregrip that houses the laser and a 200-lumen white light. Also, the controls are ambidextrous, and the light operates in momentary and constant-on mode, with or without the laser. MSRP is $649, but I have seen it as low as $575. By the way, all these lasers\/lights have a strobe setting if you needed to use them in conjunction with the laser in a defensive situation.\r\n
Other Green Lasers<\/h3>\r\nCrimson Trace is the biggest game in town, but they aren\u2019t the only one. Four other rail-mounted green laser sights worth a look are made by Viridian (viridianweapontech.com) and LaserMax (lasermax.com). Viridian\u2019s rugged C5 Universal Subcompact Green Laser has an MSRP of $279. Additionally, the C5L adds a white light in the same size unit (MSRP $349). Viridian has a seven-year warranty too, the longest in the industry. LaserMax\u2019s Green Uni-Max Laser (MSRP $309) has the lowest profile, operated by direct-wired remote trigger, and has a rail of its own so you can stack something else on top of it. Finally, LaserMax\u2019s Green Micro II is the shortest rail-mounted laser, with an MSRP of $169.\r\n\r\nTrigger control and a steady hand are still critical to successfully hitting the target, but the visual challenges of iron sights and low light, and even some physical limitations, can be partly overcome with the use of laser sights. Also, for younger hunters with first-person-shooter video game experience, lasers will seem perfectly natural, and new or occasional hunters will find a laser increases their confidence and success within the laser\u2019s effective range. Above all, hogs, little varmints and some deer, beware.\r\n\r\nThis article is from the 2019 Modern Guns issue of Tactical-Life magazine. Grab your copy at\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>OutdoorGroupStore.com<\/a><\/em><\/strong>. For digital editions, visit\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Amazon<\/a><\/em><\/strong>.<\/em><\/strong>","post_title":"How Laser Sights for Hunting Can Improve Your Odds in the Field","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"laser-sights-hunting-improve-odds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 12:27:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:27:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2019\/02\/13\/laser-sights-hunting-improve-odds\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":94982,"post_author":"351","post_date":"2019-01-08 06:18:36","post_date_gmt":"2019-01-08 11:18:36","post_content":"People took notice when Mossberg introduced the MC1sc<\/a>, especially since this is the company's first handgun in 100 years. However, subcompact pistols can be difficult to aim. So, it makes sense that Mossberg talked to Viridian about bringing out a laser sight for shooters.\u00a0In fact, the Viridian E Series Laser Sight is even available as a MC1sc model.\n\n[in_content post=\"110342\" alignment=\"align-left\" \/]\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve been working closely with the team at Mossberg to develop a proper sighting solution for the new MC1sc sub compact,\u201d said Viridian President and CEO Brian Hedeen. \u201cThe new E Series red laser is customized to fit the MC1sc perfectly, ensuring that the addition of this accessory does not interfere with concealability. Instead, adding our E Series laser to the MC1sc allows users to optimize rapid target acquisition in personal defense scenarios.\u201d\n\nViridian designed the E Series for the needs of concealed carriers, who rely on their pistols to themselves safe. In addition to being light and compact, this unit provides fast target\u00a0acquisition in all self-defense situations.\n\nThe Viridian E Series Laser Sight is easy to install. Additionally, the unit features an ambidextrous on\/off button, and easy windage and elevation adjustment. It also features six hours of battery life, but the unit automatically turns off after five minutes to save battery life. And, of course, the unit kicks out a powerful red laser than can be seen up to 25 yards in daylight and 1 mile at night.\n\nThe E Series is also available as an accessory for a variety of other pistols. All of them also feature Viridian's quality and seven-year warranty.\n
Viridian E Series Laser Sight for Mossberg MC1sc<\/h3>\n
\n \t
Viridian E-Series Red Laser Sight for SIG Sauer P365<\/h3>\n
\n \t
Viridian Reactor R5 Green Laser<\/h3>\n
\n \t
Reality-Based Training<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The Laser Redundancy<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Laser Sights for Hunting: Pros & Cons<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nAmong the benefits are more confident target acquisition (particularly in low light); the ability to focus the eyes entirely on the target area, which is beneficial for following the movement of your target animal as well as a great help to aging eyes. The ability to aim the firearm accurately in a \u201cheads-up\u201d manner, rather than with the traditional marksmanship holds we use to shoot with iron sights and scopes. The laser can also be used to point out game to other hunters, and the visual indication of the bullet\u2019s impact point is a constant reminder of the need for safe gun handling and muzzle control.\r\n\r\nThe downside is that the laser\u2019s maximum range is limited by both its power and (more likely) your eyesight. Laser light is diffused somewhat by humidity in the air (rain or fog). The point of impact is less precise the farther you get from your target, and it can be difficult to spot the laser dot in bright light. Laser sights require batteries and most are not waterproof. Lasers aren\u2019t yet universally legal for hunting in all states, either. Hunters need to check their own state\u2019s specific laws before using them.\r\n\r\nLasers have a definite place on hunting rifles, handguns, shotguns and bows for use on terrestrial animals large and small, as well as fish. Duck hunting, or any other wingshooting, is out though. There\u2019s no way to see the laser dot against the sky to track a bird in flight, and aiming your laser skyward is a threat to civil aviation. In addition, if you are good enough to put a laser on a flying bird, you don\u2019t need a laser sight.\r\n
Where They Shine<\/h3>\r\nLaser sights can be a significant advantage in the woods, in dimmer light and heavy cover, but lasers also have night hunting applications (for example, for raccoons, foxes and wild pigs) where conventional scopes and sights would be difficult to use. The laser excels on the hunt for terrestrial animals at ranges you would normally shoot with open sights, 100 yards or less.\r\n\r\nThere\u2019s no magnification or optical enhancement of any kind with a laser sight, only your natural visual acuity and the laser dot. If you can\u2019t see the game with your eyes, a laser isn\u2019t going to help you at all. However, most older hunters don\u2019t have trouble seeing the game. They have trouble seeing the iron sights, and this is where a laser sight shines. Because it puts target and aiming point in the same distant focal plane, it compensates for the loss of close focus that typically affects human eyes as they age.\r\n\r\nPeople under 40, have you ever wondered who\u2019s buying all those reading glasses on display in every pharmacy and big box store? You get farsighted as you get older, and this can make it very hard, if not impossible, to see your rear sight clearly enough to get a good sight picture with open sights. (Aperture sights can still be more or less usable, since the rear sight is supposed to be out of focus anyway.)\r\n
Growing Dot<\/h3>\r\nIf you wanted to have a magnified view of your target, there\u2019s no reason you couldn\u2019t use a telescopic sight in conjunction with a side- or bottom-mounted laser sight. This would partially negate the situational awareness the laser allows, in return for some greater precision. I say some, because the front of the laser beam fans out more the farther away it goes. The beam is typically 0.5-inch diameter spot at 50 feet. I measured it at 50 yards and found it grew into a fat ellipse over 2 inches at its widest point. The green laser will project over 100 yards in sunlight, but that dot is going to get even bigger.\r\n\r\nThe growing dot phenomenon begs the question: Do the animals notice the laser? I suspect they do, but not in the spectacular way we see it. They get shafts of light penetrating the forest canopy and shining on their bodies, so a laser dot doesn\u2019t seem like it should be so unique. I would not make a point to shine it in their eyes. That might get their attention, annoy them and cause them leave before you can shoot.\r\n
Pistol Hunting<\/h3>\r\nLaser sights seem particularly good for pistol hunting, where the ranges are closer. Further, I find that not having to get down on the iron sights or scope in a traditional marksmanship pose allows me to shoot from more comfortable and stable heads-up positions. When you elevate your head over the iron sights, the laser dot appears to rise over them too, and this is one of the advantages of the laser in the field.\r\n\r\nUnlike traditional marksmanship, which concentrates on maintaining perfect sight alignment while taking aim at the target, shooting with a laser sight is all about watching the dot. I\u2019ve hunted squirrels from a seated position resting the barrel on a little Polecat shooting stick with my arms steadied on my knees. Initially, I had a little trouble spotting my laser dot because the trees were bare and a lot of sky was showing. The solution was to aim at the ground in front of me and \u201cwalk\u201d the laser right up to the target. It actually takes more time to describe than it does to do it.\r\n
Red Or Green?<\/h3>\r\nThe color of your laser is important. Red lasers are the least expensive, have the longest battery life and are excellent for close-range defensive shooting. In daylight on the range, I find them hard to spot at 25 yards. The newer green lasers are the best choice for hunters. They really pop out to the eye downrange, even in sunlight. That\u2019s because our eyes see green light wavelengths much better than red ones. The green lasers are more complex to make and retail for about 25 percent more than red. Going green will also use up your battery power about twice as fast, but this is really a non-issue while hunting because there\u2019s no reason to turn the laser sight on until you are preparing to aim your gun. Whether you have two hours or four hours of battery is not going to matter during the course of a season.\r\n\r\nMost laser sights are designed to attach to Picatinny or Weaver rails, which is great if you have a tactical rifle, shotgun or pistol. Most traditional (bolt-action) hunting rifles and shotguns will need a rail attached before they can mount a laser. If it\u2019s a newer gun, it\u2019s possible the scope mounts are already attached to small sections of rail screwed onto the receiver. That makes mounting the laser a snap. Take off the scope and rings, mount the laser to the same base, tighten it up and sight in.\r\n
Crimson Trace<\/h3>\r\nBy far the largest laser sight manufacturer, and the market leader, is Oregon-based Crimson Trace Corporation (crimsontrace.com). They have the broadest range of green laser options for hunters. Their compact, lightweight plastic housing Rail Master green laser (CMR-206) was designed to fit in front of a pistol\u2019s triggerguard on a rail. It is turned on by tapping a small paddle on either side of the case. MSRP on this sight is $199, but I\u2019ve seen it at major retailers for as low as $159.99. This is an excellent sight at an entry-level price.\r\n\r\nMounting it on top of your gun requires it to be upside down. This doesn\u2019t affect its function, but it might make it more susceptible to rain since the battery cover will be facing up. As a precaution, just cover it with a piece of clear packing tape to keep it dry. Just don\u2019t obstruct the beam. They also make a J-frame green laser grip (LG-350G, MSRP $399) ideal for the .22 Kit Gun (the laser mounted in the right-side grip panel), but none yet for the popular larger-frame hunting revolvers.\r\n\r\n[in_content post=\"201977\" alignment=\"align-right\" \/]\r\n
Light & Laser<\/h3>\r\nIf you want to get a little more sophisticated, Crimson Trace makes the Rail Master Pro (CMR-204) which is boxy, slightly larger and heavier (its case is made of aluminum) because it includes a 100-lumen white LED light, which can be operated alone or in conjunction with the laser. The light and laser combo would be great for raccoon hunting at night with a pistol or rifle, but some might find this unit a little too big for mounting on the top rail of a traditional sporting long gun or pistol. It would be perfectly at home attached to the tactical rail near the muzzle of a modern sporting rifle. The CMR-204 has an MSRP of $379, but I have seen it advertised for $350.\r\n
Going Green<\/h3>\r\nCrimson Trace has three great rail-mounted combination green laser and light products specifically for railed-up modern sporting rifle platforms that are out-of-the-box perfect for hunters who prefer these rifles. The new CMR-300 is like the CMR-204, with a brighter 300-lumen light and an on-off button on the back. MSRP is $249. This would be commonly mounted on the bottom rail near the muzzle, which means you\u2019ll have to reach forward to activate it.\r\n\r\nTo address this minor inconvenience, Crimson Trace created a new wireless radio signal-operated unit called the LiNQ system. The LNQ-100G requires substitution of your normal pistol grip with the LiNQ grip, which houses all the light and laser controls so there\u2019s no need to move your hands from firing position. Otherwise it uses the same green laser and 300-lumen white LED light as the CMR-300. MSRP is $429, but I have found it as low as $384 on sale. There\u2019s also a LiNQ system for the AK platform.\r\n\r\nThe final laser\/light combo from Crimson Trace looks more at home on a tactical rifle than a hunting gun, but consider that your AR carbines, especially in 300 Blackout, are popular for tough wild hogs. The Crimson Trace MVT-515G is an extremely rugged aluminum and polymer vertical foregrip that houses the laser and a 200-lumen white light. Also, the controls are ambidextrous, and the light operates in momentary and constant-on mode, with or without the laser. MSRP is $649, but I have seen it as low as $575. By the way, all these lasers\/lights have a strobe setting if you needed to use them in conjunction with the laser in a defensive situation.\r\n
Other Green Lasers<\/h3>\r\nCrimson Trace is the biggest game in town, but they aren\u2019t the only one. Four other rail-mounted green laser sights worth a look are made by Viridian (viridianweapontech.com) and LaserMax (lasermax.com). Viridian\u2019s rugged C5 Universal Subcompact Green Laser has an MSRP of $279. Additionally, the C5L adds a white light in the same size unit (MSRP $349). Viridian has a seven-year warranty too, the longest in the industry. LaserMax\u2019s Green Uni-Max Laser (MSRP $309) has the lowest profile, operated by direct-wired remote trigger, and has a rail of its own so you can stack something else on top of it. Finally, LaserMax\u2019s Green Micro II is the shortest rail-mounted laser, with an MSRP of $169.\r\n\r\nTrigger control and a steady hand are still critical to successfully hitting the target, but the visual challenges of iron sights and low light, and even some physical limitations, can be partly overcome with the use of laser sights. Also, for younger hunters with first-person-shooter video game experience, lasers will seem perfectly natural, and new or occasional hunters will find a laser increases their confidence and success within the laser\u2019s effective range. Above all, hogs, little varmints and some deer, beware.\r\n\r\nThis article is from the 2019 Modern Guns issue of Tactical-Life magazine. Grab your copy at\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>OutdoorGroupStore.com<\/a><\/em><\/strong>. For digital editions, visit\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Amazon<\/a><\/em><\/strong>.<\/em><\/strong>","post_title":"How Laser Sights for Hunting Can Improve Your Odds in the Field","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"laser-sights-hunting-improve-odds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 12:27:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:27:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2019\/02\/13\/laser-sights-hunting-improve-odds\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":94982,"post_author":"351","post_date":"2019-01-08 06:18:36","post_date_gmt":"2019-01-08 11:18:36","post_content":"People took notice when Mossberg introduced the MC1sc<\/a>, especially since this is the company's first handgun in 100 years. However, subcompact pistols can be difficult to aim. So, it makes sense that Mossberg talked to Viridian about bringing out a laser sight for shooters.\u00a0In fact, the Viridian E Series Laser Sight is even available as a MC1sc model.\n\n[in_content post=\"110342\" alignment=\"align-left\" \/]\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve been working closely with the team at Mossberg to develop a proper sighting solution for the new MC1sc sub compact,\u201d said Viridian President and CEO Brian Hedeen. \u201cThe new E Series red laser is customized to fit the MC1sc perfectly, ensuring that the addition of this accessory does not interfere with concealability. Instead, adding our E Series laser to the MC1sc allows users to optimize rapid target acquisition in personal defense scenarios.\u201d\n\nViridian designed the E Series for the needs of concealed carriers, who rely on their pistols to themselves safe. In addition to being light and compact, this unit provides fast target\u00a0acquisition in all self-defense situations.\n\nThe Viridian E Series Laser Sight is easy to install. Additionally, the unit features an ambidextrous on\/off button, and easy windage and elevation adjustment. It also features six hours of battery life, but the unit automatically turns off after five minutes to save battery life. And, of course, the unit kicks out a powerful red laser than can be seen up to 25 yards in daylight and 1 mile at night.\n\nThe E Series is also available as an accessory for a variety of other pistols. All of them also feature Viridian's quality and seven-year warranty.\n
Viridian E Series Laser Sight for Mossberg MC1sc<\/h3>\n
\n \t
Viridian E-Series Red Laser Sight for SIG Sauer P365<\/h3>\n
\n \t
Viridian Reactor R5 Green Laser<\/h3>\n
\n \t
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Reality-Based Training<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The Laser Redundancy<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Laser Sights for Hunting: Pros & Cons<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nAmong the benefits are more confident target acquisition (particularly in low light); the ability to focus the eyes entirely on the target area, which is beneficial for following the movement of your target animal as well as a great help to aging eyes. The ability to aim the firearm accurately in a \u201cheads-up\u201d manner, rather than with the traditional marksmanship holds we use to shoot with iron sights and scopes. The laser can also be used to point out game to other hunters, and the visual indication of the bullet\u2019s impact point is a constant reminder of the need for safe gun handling and muzzle control.\r\n\r\nThe downside is that the laser\u2019s maximum range is limited by both its power and (more likely) your eyesight. Laser light is diffused somewhat by humidity in the air (rain or fog). The point of impact is less precise the farther you get from your target, and it can be difficult to spot the laser dot in bright light. Laser sights require batteries and most are not waterproof. Lasers aren\u2019t yet universally legal for hunting in all states, either. Hunters need to check their own state\u2019s specific laws before using them.\r\n\r\nLasers have a definite place on hunting rifles, handguns, shotguns and bows for use on terrestrial animals large and small, as well as fish. Duck hunting, or any other wingshooting, is out though. There\u2019s no way to see the laser dot against the sky to track a bird in flight, and aiming your laser skyward is a threat to civil aviation. In addition, if you are good enough to put a laser on a flying bird, you don\u2019t need a laser sight.\r\n
Where They Shine<\/h3>\r\nLaser sights can be a significant advantage in the woods, in dimmer light and heavy cover, but lasers also have night hunting applications (for example, for raccoons, foxes and wild pigs) where conventional scopes and sights would be difficult to use. The laser excels on the hunt for terrestrial animals at ranges you would normally shoot with open sights, 100 yards or less.\r\n\r\nThere\u2019s no magnification or optical enhancement of any kind with a laser sight, only your natural visual acuity and the laser dot. If you can\u2019t see the game with your eyes, a laser isn\u2019t going to help you at all. However, most older hunters don\u2019t have trouble seeing the game. They have trouble seeing the iron sights, and this is where a laser sight shines. Because it puts target and aiming point in the same distant focal plane, it compensates for the loss of close focus that typically affects human eyes as they age.\r\n\r\nPeople under 40, have you ever wondered who\u2019s buying all those reading glasses on display in every pharmacy and big box store? You get farsighted as you get older, and this can make it very hard, if not impossible, to see your rear sight clearly enough to get a good sight picture with open sights. (Aperture sights can still be more or less usable, since the rear sight is supposed to be out of focus anyway.)\r\n
Growing Dot<\/h3>\r\nIf you wanted to have a magnified view of your target, there\u2019s no reason you couldn\u2019t use a telescopic sight in conjunction with a side- or bottom-mounted laser sight. This would partially negate the situational awareness the laser allows, in return for some greater precision. I say some, because the front of the laser beam fans out more the farther away it goes. The beam is typically 0.5-inch diameter spot at 50 feet. I measured it at 50 yards and found it grew into a fat ellipse over 2 inches at its widest point. The green laser will project over 100 yards in sunlight, but that dot is going to get even bigger.\r\n\r\nThe growing dot phenomenon begs the question: Do the animals notice the laser? I suspect they do, but not in the spectacular way we see it. They get shafts of light penetrating the forest canopy and shining on their bodies, so a laser dot doesn\u2019t seem like it should be so unique. I would not make a point to shine it in their eyes. That might get their attention, annoy them and cause them leave before you can shoot.\r\n
Pistol Hunting<\/h3>\r\nLaser sights seem particularly good for pistol hunting, where the ranges are closer. Further, I find that not having to get down on the iron sights or scope in a traditional marksmanship pose allows me to shoot from more comfortable and stable heads-up positions. When you elevate your head over the iron sights, the laser dot appears to rise over them too, and this is one of the advantages of the laser in the field.\r\n\r\nUnlike traditional marksmanship, which concentrates on maintaining perfect sight alignment while taking aim at the target, shooting with a laser sight is all about watching the dot. I\u2019ve hunted squirrels from a seated position resting the barrel on a little Polecat shooting stick with my arms steadied on my knees. Initially, I had a little trouble spotting my laser dot because the trees were bare and a lot of sky was showing. The solution was to aim at the ground in front of me and \u201cwalk\u201d the laser right up to the target. It actually takes more time to describe than it does to do it.\r\n
Red Or Green?<\/h3>\r\nThe color of your laser is important. Red lasers are the least expensive, have the longest battery life and are excellent for close-range defensive shooting. In daylight on the range, I find them hard to spot at 25 yards. The newer green lasers are the best choice for hunters. They really pop out to the eye downrange, even in sunlight. That\u2019s because our eyes see green light wavelengths much better than red ones. The green lasers are more complex to make and retail for about 25 percent more than red. Going green will also use up your battery power about twice as fast, but this is really a non-issue while hunting because there\u2019s no reason to turn the laser sight on until you are preparing to aim your gun. Whether you have two hours or four hours of battery is not going to matter during the course of a season.\r\n\r\nMost laser sights are designed to attach to Picatinny or Weaver rails, which is great if you have a tactical rifle, shotgun or pistol. Most traditional (bolt-action) hunting rifles and shotguns will need a rail attached before they can mount a laser. If it\u2019s a newer gun, it\u2019s possible the scope mounts are already attached to small sections of rail screwed onto the receiver. That makes mounting the laser a snap. Take off the scope and rings, mount the laser to the same base, tighten it up and sight in.\r\n
Crimson Trace<\/h3>\r\nBy far the largest laser sight manufacturer, and the market leader, is Oregon-based Crimson Trace Corporation (crimsontrace.com). They have the broadest range of green laser options for hunters. Their compact, lightweight plastic housing Rail Master green laser (CMR-206) was designed to fit in front of a pistol\u2019s triggerguard on a rail. It is turned on by tapping a small paddle on either side of the case. MSRP on this sight is $199, but I\u2019ve seen it at major retailers for as low as $159.99. This is an excellent sight at an entry-level price.\r\n\r\nMounting it on top of your gun requires it to be upside down. This doesn\u2019t affect its function, but it might make it more susceptible to rain since the battery cover will be facing up. As a precaution, just cover it with a piece of clear packing tape to keep it dry. Just don\u2019t obstruct the beam. They also make a J-frame green laser grip (LG-350G, MSRP $399) ideal for the .22 Kit Gun (the laser mounted in the right-side grip panel), but none yet for the popular larger-frame hunting revolvers.\r\n\r\n[in_content post=\"201977\" alignment=\"align-right\" \/]\r\n
Light & Laser<\/h3>\r\nIf you want to get a little more sophisticated, Crimson Trace makes the Rail Master Pro (CMR-204) which is boxy, slightly larger and heavier (its case is made of aluminum) because it includes a 100-lumen white LED light, which can be operated alone or in conjunction with the laser. The light and laser combo would be great for raccoon hunting at night with a pistol or rifle, but some might find this unit a little too big for mounting on the top rail of a traditional sporting long gun or pistol. It would be perfectly at home attached to the tactical rail near the muzzle of a modern sporting rifle. The CMR-204 has an MSRP of $379, but I have seen it advertised for $350.\r\n
Going Green<\/h3>\r\nCrimson Trace has three great rail-mounted combination green laser and light products specifically for railed-up modern sporting rifle platforms that are out-of-the-box perfect for hunters who prefer these rifles. The new CMR-300 is like the CMR-204, with a brighter 300-lumen light and an on-off button on the back. MSRP is $249. This would be commonly mounted on the bottom rail near the muzzle, which means you\u2019ll have to reach forward to activate it.\r\n\r\nTo address this minor inconvenience, Crimson Trace created a new wireless radio signal-operated unit called the LiNQ system. The LNQ-100G requires substitution of your normal pistol grip with the LiNQ grip, which houses all the light and laser controls so there\u2019s no need to move your hands from firing position. Otherwise it uses the same green laser and 300-lumen white LED light as the CMR-300. MSRP is $429, but I have found it as low as $384 on sale. There\u2019s also a LiNQ system for the AK platform.\r\n\r\nThe final laser\/light combo from Crimson Trace looks more at home on a tactical rifle than a hunting gun, but consider that your AR carbines, especially in 300 Blackout, are popular for tough wild hogs. The Crimson Trace MVT-515G is an extremely rugged aluminum and polymer vertical foregrip that houses the laser and a 200-lumen white light. Also, the controls are ambidextrous, and the light operates in momentary and constant-on mode, with or without the laser. MSRP is $649, but I have seen it as low as $575. By the way, all these lasers\/lights have a strobe setting if you needed to use them in conjunction with the laser in a defensive situation.\r\n
Other Green Lasers<\/h3>\r\nCrimson Trace is the biggest game in town, but they aren\u2019t the only one. Four other rail-mounted green laser sights worth a look are made by Viridian (viridianweapontech.com) and LaserMax (lasermax.com). Viridian\u2019s rugged C5 Universal Subcompact Green Laser has an MSRP of $279. Additionally, the C5L adds a white light in the same size unit (MSRP $349). Viridian has a seven-year warranty too, the longest in the industry. LaserMax\u2019s Green Uni-Max Laser (MSRP $309) has the lowest profile, operated by direct-wired remote trigger, and has a rail of its own so you can stack something else on top of it. Finally, LaserMax\u2019s Green Micro II is the shortest rail-mounted laser, with an MSRP of $169.\r\n\r\nTrigger control and a steady hand are still critical to successfully hitting the target, but the visual challenges of iron sights and low light, and even some physical limitations, can be partly overcome with the use of laser sights. Also, for younger hunters with first-person-shooter video game experience, lasers will seem perfectly natural, and new or occasional hunters will find a laser increases their confidence and success within the laser\u2019s effective range. Above all, hogs, little varmints and some deer, beware.\r\n\r\nThis article is from the 2019 Modern Guns issue of Tactical-Life magazine. Grab your copy at\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>OutdoorGroupStore.com<\/a><\/em><\/strong>. For digital editions, visit\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Amazon<\/a><\/em><\/strong>.<\/em><\/strong>","post_title":"How Laser Sights for Hunting Can Improve Your Odds in the Field","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"laser-sights-hunting-improve-odds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 12:27:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:27:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2019\/02\/13\/laser-sights-hunting-improve-odds\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":94982,"post_author":"351","post_date":"2019-01-08 06:18:36","post_date_gmt":"2019-01-08 11:18:36","post_content":"People took notice when Mossberg introduced the MC1sc<\/a>, especially since this is the company's first handgun in 100 years. However, subcompact pistols can be difficult to aim. So, it makes sense that Mossberg talked to Viridian about bringing out a laser sight for shooters.\u00a0In fact, the Viridian E Series Laser Sight is even available as a MC1sc model.\n\n[in_content post=\"110342\" alignment=\"align-left\" \/]\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve been working closely with the team at Mossberg to develop a proper sighting solution for the new MC1sc sub compact,\u201d said Viridian President and CEO Brian Hedeen. \u201cThe new E Series red laser is customized to fit the MC1sc perfectly, ensuring that the addition of this accessory does not interfere with concealability. Instead, adding our E Series laser to the MC1sc allows users to optimize rapid target acquisition in personal defense scenarios.\u201d\n\nViridian designed the E Series for the needs of concealed carriers, who rely on their pistols to themselves safe. In addition to being light and compact, this unit provides fast target\u00a0acquisition in all self-defense situations.\n\nThe Viridian E Series Laser Sight is easy to install. Additionally, the unit features an ambidextrous on\/off button, and easy windage and elevation adjustment. It also features six hours of battery life, but the unit automatically turns off after five minutes to save battery life. And, of course, the unit kicks out a powerful red laser than can be seen up to 25 yards in daylight and 1 mile at night.\n\nThe E Series is also available as an accessory for a variety of other pistols. All of them also feature Viridian's quality and seven-year warranty.\n