LaserMax

11 Sept 07

LaserMax Rifle System

Last weekend, I also had the opportunity to use and evaluate LaserMax's compact rifle-mounted system. Within minutes, it goes right on any rifle that has rails, and it can be at least coarsely adjusted by coordinating it with existing iron sights or optics.

LaserMax employs a pulsating, rather than a constant-on, laser. Pulsations are designed to catch the user's attention, and it really works. I think it is significantly superior to a constant-on laser. Even in daylight, one can, without much difficulty, find the laser dot out to twenty meters, even when wearing sunglasses!

However, when the target starts moving, it is difficult to keep the dot on him. Even the pulsating dot typically gets lost, except in low light. Indeed, in low light the whole laser concept comes into its own, but one must drill until he can move the rifle smoothly. The temptation is to constantly overcorrect.

The great advantage of having this laser available is that you can keep track of target movement, keeping both eyes open, and using a chin-weld. With iron sights and optics, moving targets have an annoying habit of moving out of the shooter's field of view. The shooter than must depress the muzzle, open both eyes, relocate the target, remount the rifle, and reacquire the target, only to have to repeat the entire process more-or-less continuously so long at the target remains in motion.

Aimpoints and EOTechs have the advantage of having a wide field of view, so the shooter can spend more time in his sights than is possible with iron sights, but even they have limits. Conversely, with the LaserMax System, the target really can't get away from you!

There are disadvantages:

A laser has a distinct and conspicuous launch signature, made all the more conspicuous by gunsmoke, dust, and fog. Thus, it can't be "on" continually. As with a flashlight, one must use it only intermittently, changing position when it is off.

Lasers are most useful in low light. In bright sunlight, even pulsating lasers are only marginally useful. And, in total darkness, that dancing red dot downrange provides one with scant useful information. In total darkness, one must use the laser on concert with a flashlight.

Accuracy is limited. My laser is mounted under and left of the muzzle. I have it set dead-on at forty meters. At less than forty meters, the dot will be slightly low and left of actual bullet impact. At greater than forty meters, impact will be high and right.

Overall, LaserMax deserves credit for making this unit so rugged, convenient, and compact. On balance, advantages outweigh disadvantages.

It has a place!

/John