In this buyer's guide, let's check out the 7best AR15 laser light combo based on control ergonomics, beam performance, durability and tactical applications.
These are some of the top tier products for serious users. For the best results, mount them on free float rail systems with minimum handguard flex to maintain zero.
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MODLITE & Steiner DBAL I2- Best Flashlight Laser Pointer Combo
MODLITE offers 3X the lumen and candela capabilities for rifle applications than a factory Surefire Scout, and the DBAL I2 provides the best value IR and green laser capability.
If you are using the MLOK handguard, this is the best M-LOK laser light combo with various mounting positions.
For medium range applications, this is a good laser light combo to go with.
4X More Beam Throw – Perfect for a tight beam for threat control and for PID further out in the distances. Modlite OKW features a 69,000 candela refector, which is about 400% more than a Surefire M600DF, and about ~27% more than the Cloud Defensive OWL.
Works With Scout Mounts – MODLITE heads fit on any 18650 or 18350 scout footprint bodies. Tons of mounting accessories available anything from M1913, M-LOK & KEYMOD [Including offset mounts]
- IR
- PLHv2 head ( 1350 lumens / 54K candela)
ComparePLHv2 VS PLH 5K VS OKW
Great Mounting Ergonomics - Tuck in both DBAL & light super tight on the handguard & operate them with one hand (Using a good pressure switch system)
Steiner DBAL A3 - US Military Standard Issue
Referenced Unity Tactical
The DBAL A3 is an field grade FULL POWER AR 15 laser sight (US military standard issue). The A3 model is a restricted model (Available for commercial market) offering IR and dual beam IR laser and illuminator.
[Full Power] 50mW IR laser pointer & illuminator, 80mW read visible laser
Cold Weather Proof - Laser diode can hold up as low as -20°C and maintain its reliability
IR Illuminator Beam Adjustment - Widen or narrow the IR beam focus based on desired target PID distance
Tool-less Knob Adjustment - No flat head screw driver or shell casing needed to turn the elevation and windage knobs.
Dual Cable Ports - Fast transition from low light to daylight by using dual switch feature (highly recommend the TNVC TAPS Switch)
CQB & Long Range - IR illuminator can lit up to 200 meters with night vision goggle
Slaved IR & Laser - Zeroing procedure moves align IR and visible green laser pointers at the same time
L3/Insight ATPIAL-C IR Laser- Best Durability
Why pick the ATPIAL C - The L3 brand rifle laser light combo have real combat field track record. The ATPIAL C is the civilian legal model of the PEQ15, and it's one of the most reliable civilian grade laser device you can buy
It’s lightweight, sits low on the rail to clear optics andeasy to zero, has slaved IR/vis lasers making zeroing possible in the day, and has good compatibility with accessories on the market.
Great Range With 0.7mw IR laser - Reaches out to 450 yards under good evening conditions to properly target identify past 100 yards.
Sits Low On Handguard - Mounts directly to M1913 rail with a low profile everything tucked in configuration
Pressure Pad Activation - The user can push the button on the top, or connecting a good pressure switch to the rear of the unit.
Surefire SR09 D IT pressure switch pad is very popular for this piece of gear
Steiner DBAL A4 - Best For Long Range
Referenced Steiner
The Steiner DBAL A4 is a comprehensive solution that encompasses multiple features essential for tactical operations. It includes a 500 lumen light, a 0.5mW laser (available in Green or Red), and an adjustable 0.7mW IR laser and illuminator.
Pressure Switch Activation - Activate the device using either a C clamp grip thumb activation or rear pressure switches located on the back of the unit. Alternatively, you can connect a pressure switch pad for added convenience.
Versatile Compatibility - Combine the DBAL A4 with other Scout-type weapon lights and link them together using a programmable pressure switch pad mounted on the handguard.
Integrated 500 Lumen Light - Benefit from a dual-function unit with a 500 lumen light, providing a backup visible light source in case of primary light failure.
Adjustable Illuminator Field of View - Easily switch between a Narrow Field of View and Flood (Wide Field of View) Illumination, enabling adaptability to various tactical scenarios.
Night Vision Compatibility - Minimize visible signature while utilizing the laser in low-light conditions. The aiming laser and illuminator are visible only to users equipped with night vision goggles, making it particularly advantageous in real-world combat situations.
Adjustable Elevation and Windage - Achieve precise accuracy by zeroing the laser. The DBAL A4 features uncapped elevation and windage adjustments, easily dialed in using a flat head screwdriver or a shell casing.
Olight Odin GL Mini - Best Value
The Olight Odin GL Mini's is one of the best light laser combo for mid range application on budget. This time around, it features a brand new ring style mode selector and an updated magnetic pressure switch pad
Uses Surefire Scout Mount – Uses any Scout light mount available on the market (M1913 is the best for laser accuracy)
Intense Light Beam & Reach - The Olight Odin GL Mini features 1000 lumens and 8100 candela output.
Minimal Laser Offset - The laser is inline with the beam to minimize laser offset
Check out Odin GL Mini review
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Holosun LS321G - Best For The Money
Why we like the Holosun LS321G-This is is made with 7075 T6 durable material to counter recoil and last in any condition.
IR / Visible Lasers Are SlavedTogether - Class 2M IR laser & visible laser are co-axially mounted to ensure both lasers are zeroed at the same position for ease of adjustment.
Included Remote Tape Switch - Quick thumb activation without having to shift your grip
BE Meyer MAWL - Ulimate Laser Device
Why BE Meyer MAWL - The BE Meyer MAWL is currently the industry's top laser device that represents a true paradigm shift in firearm laser system design. It's everything in a laser device serious users have been waiting for.
Super Optimized Control Ergonomics - Optimized ergonomics for short barrel carbine setup to minimize impact on hand position and optic field of view.
This revolutionary design leaves the shooter completely unimpeded by mounting mission essential accessories.
Incredibly Intuitive Control - Rotating the front bezel to switch appropriate emitter modes. The Immediate Action button controls the 90% use case outputs per mode. The Admin button activates the other, less critical tertiary functions per mode.
- OFF = all emitters covered
- VIS = Only Visible Green emitter exposed
- IR = Only IR Laser Pointer and IR Laser Illuminator emitters exposed.
Onboard controls include two “fire” buttons. The forward button is “IMMEDIATE,” while the rear button is “ADMIN.”
Easy Ambi Control- Optimized onboard fire button location allows the operator to keep the same firing grip while actuating the laser.
The user can reverse the control pad orientation
Switch From Left To Right Any Time - The Modular design is a never-before-seen design that allows the head and tail to separate from the body, trade places, and be reassembled on the opposite side.
Everything Tucked In & Compact - The MAWL-C1+ optimizes top rail space and activation switch height. Only 0.37" above the rail, the buttons are lower than any other device. The bulk of the laser is tucked, offset into the rail, and fits perfectly with common weapon lights and micro BUIS.
Common FAQ
What To Look For When Buying An IR Laser
- Modes - For night vision users, look for IR laser and Illuminator modes
- Built In IR Illuminator - In dark areas, the ‘bloom’ of a laser will frequently obscure a large portion of a human torso, including the hands and face (the things we have to see to assess and accurately engage a threat). An illuminator ( basically a flashlight that can be seen under NV only) solves that problem.
- Simple Operation - Most ‘bells and whistles’ are unimportant- and sometimes they even create impediments to normal use
- Cost - Getting into the IR world isn't cheap, be prepared to spend at least $1-2K
Why Use White Light & Laser Combo?
White visible light can PID targets and the visible or IR laser can be used to precisely aim at the target up close.
If you set up everything correctly on your AR15 handguard, you can work the light & laser simultaneously or individually based on how you grip the rifle. For that check out our ModButton VS Hotbutton guide
Aiming with the laser point at CQB distance is faster than aiming down the sight, but the shooter must have a good zero with constant laser to bore offset.
Read more about the pros and cons of laser sights
What Is The Difference Between IR & Visible Laser?
The difference between IR & visible laser is the color wavelength on the electromagnetic spectrum.
The IR laser (Infrared Laser) is invisible to the naked eye, and it can only be seen under a night vision device.
Can Civilians Legally Buy IR Lasers?
All IR Lasersare controlled by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and are classified as Class IIIb or IEC Class 3B Medical/IndustrialLasers. BecauseIR lasers are invisible to naked eyes, there is no reflexive response to look away or shut them