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Although not exactly new, laser sights are the underdog compared to the widely beloved red dot sights. Yet, oftentimes, they are much better suited for the job of improving your accuracy.
Check out the laser sights below to determine which can take your shooting to the next level like a red dot never could.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best AR-15 Rifle Laser Sights
- OUR TOP PICK: Crimson Trace Rail Master Universal Fit Green
- RUNNER-UP: Streamlight TLR-8
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Barska 4x30 IR Electro Sight with Green Laser & LED Flashlight
Comparison of the Best AR-15 Rifle Laser Sights
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Are AR-15 Laser Sights Universal?
Not all AR-15 laser sights are universal. Your sight's compatibility is highly dependent on the type of attachment it is equipped with. For example, out of the reviewed laser sights listed below, there are three primary mount types:
- Picatinny
- Weaver
- QD
There is often a significant overlap between these three, but in general, sights that may be considered "universal" are characterized by rail systems compatible with Picatinny and Weaver rails. These rails are featured on a wide variety of guns, primarily pistols, rifles, and shotguns, which to some, equates to "universal."
What to Look for When Buying an AR-15 Laser Sight
There are a few factors to prioritize when shopping for your brand-new AR-15 laser sight. Some of the primary elements to review before buying are discussed below.
Laser Brightness
Many of the lasers below are available at the highest legal limit of 5 mW. Whether red or green, this is an important element to keep an eye on, as it directly influences your sight's functionality during the night and day.
Getting a sight with a brightness level not suitable to your shooting style can hurt your experience at the range, even with high-quality manufacturing.
Longevity
Sights vary quite widely in how long their batteries will last. Some will last less than one day, while others can last for years. The additions to your sight, such as a 500-lumen tactical flashlight, may drive down the battery faster, so keep that in mind when considering multifunctional models.
Dimensions and Weight
No one wants a bulky sight on their gun. This can get in the way of compatibility with holsters, scopes, and more. Plus, it'll add to how much weight you have to carry when shooting.
Though it is best to go for compact, lightweight sights, longer, heavier ones can be justified, depending on their available functions. Consider your uses for the sight and determine how significant the weight and size are to you.
Review of the Best AR-15 Rifle Laser Sights
There are so many sights available that it can be tough to know which is best for your vision, precision, shooting style, and weapon choice. Here are some summaries of the best rifle laser sights on the market with all these elements considered.
Best Overall:
Crimson Trace Rail Master Universal Fit Green
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Even when comparing this light directly to red dot alternatives, gun owners are consistently pleased with their AR-15 green sights. Shooters celebrate its modest weight (only about 4 oz), which hardly makes a difference on the gun, and the laser's ability to retain its zero over time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a great laser sight for those who may struggle with seeing the red dot, especially in the daytime. It is a highly versatile sight, compatible with several types of firearms, including pistols, shotguns, and rifles, given its ability to attach to either Picatinny or Weaver rails. This is the brightest green laser on the market at 5 mW (highest legal level).
Bottom Line
This green laser is one of the best sights on the market. Suitable for both night and daytime shooting, thanks to its 5 mW brightness level, it has continued to wow the owners of pistols, shotguns, and rifles with either a Picatinny or Weaver rail.
Runner-up:
Streamlight TLR-8
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Customers are happy with this laser's brightness and its incredibly long life (up to 50,000 hours). The strobe feature of the 500 lumen light has been widely appreciated as well, especially for gun owners looking to defend their property from animal intruders.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a remarkably long-lived sight, boasting a 50,000 lifespan. This laser sight is suitable for shooters with all sorts of vision capabilities since it's available as either a green (510-520 nm) or red (640-660 nm) beam. To ensure your sight lasts as long as possible, it's made with an anodized finish, 6000 Series aircraft aluminum.
Bottom Line
This laser sight is enclosed by 6000 series aircraft-grade aluminum and an anodized finish. For added durability, the lens is composed of borofloat high-temperature glass. Despite its formidability, this piece is incredibly lightweight at only 2.64 oz. Whether you have a full-size or compact pistol, this Streamlight laser sight is a great choice for you.
Best for the Money:
Barska 4x30 IR Electro Sight with Green Laser & LED Flashlight
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Shooters appreciate this sight for short-distance shooting, both for target practice and self-defense shooting. The three distinct brightness levels and strobe functions are also a fan favorite.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a multifaceted laser sight, equipped with a tactical, pressure-sensitive 500-lumen flashlight. It can be used with a variety of rifles, thanks to the Picatinny and Weaver rail compatibility. Though it's relatively large at 7 in and nearly 6 oz, it maintains a compact build and is great for shooters that need an easier time seeing their dot.
Bottom Line
Great for both low-light and daytime use, this medium-range sight comes with a tactical flashlight and maximum-brightness (5 mW) green laser to enhance visibility as much as possible. The combination of the Mil-Dot reticle, windage, and elevation adjustments make this a highly reliable sight for increased accuracy for many types of shooting.
Best Green Laser Sight For AR-15:
Holosun Compact Laser Sight
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Shooters are happy with this sight's range, as well as the lack of splash with the beams, including the IR option. It's remarkably sturdy and can withstand a variety of pressures and outdoor conditions. Many have rated it similarly to higher-end laser sights.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This sight can be used in a wide range of environmental conditions, operable at temperatures as low as -40° to 149°F, even retaining its functionality at depths as low as 5 meters. The windage adjustment ensures that you can customize the sight precisely to your needs and is available with either green, red, and infrared (IR) beams.
Bottom Line
If you're dedicated to shooting no matter the weather, the Holosun compact laser sight is the perfect choice for you. Available in all three beam options (green, red, and IR), this is the ultimate gear attachment and can hold its own in the most with the utmost precision and brightness, despite the surrounding environment.
Best Laser Bore Sight For AR-15:
SightMark Laser Bore Sights
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Many users experienced improved accuracy at 25 and 50 yards primarily, with a few positively attesting to its capabilities at 100 yards. The ease of use was widely appreciated, and many found it immediately usable right out of the box.
Why it Stands Out to Us
For shooters who are not satisfied with their mounted sights on top or beneath the handguard, this bore sight offers greater accuracy with significantly less hassle. It has a brass finish and can be installed in the chamber for speedier zeroing and more precise sighting. Plus, Sightmark provides a limited lifetime warranty for guaranteed satisfaction.
Bottom Line
Tired of wasting rounds at the range, trying to verify precisely where your gun is aimed? This sight is perfect for you. To reduce the time and brass wasted while shooting, this bore sight is perfectly designed for the 6.5 Creedmoor with a strong brass casing that ensures the greatest possible longevity.
Best Red Dot Laser Sight For AR-15:
AT3 LEOS Red Dot Sight
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most shooters are very happy with the functionality of this laser sight, and it has served many well up to ranges of 100, and even 200 yards. The sight has been great for rapid target acquisition, and it can consistently hold its zero.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a fantastic red dot sight, distinguished by a long lifespan of 50,000 hours and unmatched durability, thanks to its 6061 aluminum housing. It's compatible with Picatinny and Weaver rails, making it a go-to for an array of firearms and shooting, from sporting with rifles to hunting with shotguns.
Bottom Line
Given this sight's functional flexibility, this sight is the ideal choice for all types of shooting, from home defense to competition. Further, the durable, impervious housing will ensure that this sight endures a wide range of shooting conditions, so you can get out there and hit some steel, rain or shine.
Comparison Overview
As demonstrated above, there are several different types of lasers and dots you can expect to see when buying a sight for an AR-15. Laser sights are some of the best solutions available for accuracy and quick target acquisition, but how do they hold up against the alternatives?
Red vs Green Laser Sight
You can use red laser sights for indoor and outdoor shooting; green laser sights are a significantly better choice for the latter. People generally have a much easier time picking up the green and experience greater accuracy with these sights.
Laser Sight vs Red Dot
Laser sights tend to have shorter battery lives than the red dots, but they can be easier for target acquisition, as they do not require you to get a sightline first, like red dots. However, red dots may perform much better in daylight.
Reflex Sight vs Laser
Reflex sights are more reliable at close range, but they do rely on daylight for optimal performance. Lasers are better during low-light conditions.
How to Sight in a Laser Sight on a Rifle
In order for your laser sight to achieve its top performance, you'll need to ensure you sight it in properly. Improper sighting is one of the central reasons many shooters have a negative experience, even with the highest quality sights.
Follow the instructions below to get your sight set up correctly:
- Check the laser's location relative to your front sight by pointing your rifle at the target and attaining a sight picture.
- Using an allen wrench, adjust the sights windage and elevation to your needs.
- The adjustment holes are located near the diode housing. - If you need to move the laser to the right, turn the allen wrench clockwise. The opposite is true for leftward adjustments. You shouldn't need more than a ¼ turn.
-Check with your owner's manual, as the directions may change according to your specific model. - When aimed, the laser dot should appear to rest directly on top of the front sight post once it is correctly adjusted.
Conclusion
The laser sight you choose for your AR-15 can prove to be a make-or-break component of your shooting experience. With the wrong type, you'll end up wasting valuable ammo and will constantly be fighting the sight to gain precision.
The sights listed above have been repeatedly shown to prove many gun owners' shooting experience and will surely do the same for you. Pick up your laser sight ASAP and enjoy hitting your targets back-to-back, right away.
People Also Ask
To ensure you are fully prepared to use your new brand-new laser sight, round out your knowledge of these gear attachments by reviewing the following FAQs.
Where Do You Put the Laser on an AR-15?
Shooters most commonly position their laser sights at 12 o'clock on their rifles, on the top rail, and forward, toward the muzzle.
Why is a Green Laser More Expensive Than a Red?
Green lasers are much more costly to manufacture than their red counterparts. They often include extra hardware that is critical to their enhanced performance for outdoor shooting and ease on the human eye.
Can You See a Green Laser in Daylight?
Green lasers are much more suited to outdoor, daytime use than red lasers. Many people report that they have a much better time seeing the former.