Although lasers in the visible part of the spectrum are most common, invisible infrared (IR) lasers may be used in conjunction with a night vision device.[1][2] As they are offset from the barrel, laser sights need to be zeroed in, much like a conventional sight, so that the beam intercepts the point of impact at a chosen distance.[3] Devices may include one or both types of laser, with some models also incorporating a rangefinder, flashlight, or IR illuminator.[4] Laser sights may be attached to the existing sighting mechanism, the trigger guard, via a rail system, or can be integrated into replacement components such as the guide rod or grip plates.[5][6][7] Some variants are also incorporated into other attachments such as foregrips.[8]
Laser sights are primarily used by military and law enforcement, although have some civilian use for hunting and self defense. They are also found on some less-lethal weapons, such as Taser electroshock weapons.[9]
History[edit]
The laser sight was first brought to market by Laser Products Corporation (today known as SureFire) in 1979.[10] The ruggedized helium-neon gas laser was custom built into the extended Pachmayr grip of a .357 Magnum Colt Trooper and fed by a rechargeable 12-volt battery.[11] The design was patented in 1978 by Surefire founder Dr. John Matthews, a pioneer in the field of Photonics, and his business partner Ed Reynolds. The popularity of the first laser sight among SWAT and special forces led Laser Products Corp. to design and produce similar sights for other firearms employed by military and law enforcement such as the Colt M16, Remington 870, H&K MP5, and Ruger Mini-14.[12]
Laser sights were popularized outside of military and law enforcement when Laser Products fitted The Terminator's iconic weapon, a .45 Longslide pistol, with a custom He-Ne laser.[10] Today, most modern laser sights are solid-state lasers, as opposed to the original gas design.[11] Modern weapon-mounted lasers and combat lights produced by SureFire continue to be widely used by the U.S. Military, its allies, and law enforcement.[12]