Air Gun Home :: View topic

John S · Member

Are these laser scopes work good and do they work in the day time. What can you tell me about them?? Thanks

Alstone · Moderator & Site Supporter

By laser scopes I assume you mean an ordinary laser for target marking, they are all right for short range such as pistols etc and they can be used on rifles in conjunction with a scope but really are a waste of time.

They come in two types of laser red and green, the green type are more powerful and ideal for daylight use, you do need to sight them in for the range you are shooting at and as long as the dot is on the target, then that’s where the pellet will go, the only problem is if you want to shoot something at a different range, you will need to guess the amount of offset needed to hit the target.

BTW welcome to AirGunHome John

Al

Rogerflat · Silver Status Member

The major issue is seeing the laser dot in the daytime. I have succesfully hunted with lasers, but only at close range. However, even at close range I've found it difficult to locate the laser dot on objects light is shining on. If the side of the animal facing you is in the shade then you stand a better chance of seeing it. But that laser dot can be small and jump around and is easy to lose track of while aiming.

They have green lasers now which are more expensive and supposed to be easier to see in the day. I just think it would be very difficult to see the laser at 20-30 yards during the day if you are not aiming into a shaded area. Also, animals have distinct reactions to lasers. Fortunately, I think they are confused and troubled by the laser rather than being fearful of it. So they probably won't take off when shined, but they will dance a bit and look really confused.

John S · Member

Well thanks I'll not be getting that kind of scope because I am going to hunt with my rifle. Thanks

TONBON · Veteran Member

Yea, a laser is only "on" at 1 distance.
i have 1 on a 22 mounted on the left of the scope.
zeroed at 40. looking thru the scope, i could range find w/ it as it crossed the hairs. from lower left to upper right.
Mr. Green

fritz · Silver Status Member

Umm... Ton, if it's in-line with the bore then it will have a zero at two distances.

Lasers would probably be nice at night for things like opossums and raccoons. I would still use a green one.

I can say that on my CenterPoint scope it has the red/green illuminated reticule, and during the day with even minimal sunlight it is useless. At night the red is overpowered and blocks out the image. Green does OK on the lowest setting out to maybe 30 yards. That should be enough to get a shot off on a not-so-well lit critter.

Rogerflat · Silver Status Member

A laser AND a scope can be a nice one two punch. You could have the laser sighted at close range so that you don't have to use your scope close up. Then have your scope sighted at further ranges.

fritz · Silver Status Member

I have read that a red filter or otherwise red light is enough to illuminate an environment, but not activate the cone cells in your eyes. Thus not "flashing" you or killing your night vision. However due to that low visibility of the light, you might have problems seeing that small dot. Especially on dark colored game animals. A low power green laser would be more visible and with the very short wavelength there should be very little of that light actually making it to your eye. Just enough would be painted on the target.

Roger's one-two punch would be quite deadly if used properly. I would be concerned with improper hold if using a springer though. It would likely be tempting to fire from a weak hold.

Alstone · Moderator & Site Supporter

Just a point on buying a laser sight is get a good one, cheap ones don’t hold their poi, especially on a springer.

Al

Rogerflat · Silver Status Member

I had a cheap walmart laser on my springer pistol. After just a few shots the laser began coming loose from the housing. It literally would fall out and only be attached by the wires. So many things could've been done by the manufacturer to prevent this, so clearly they never even tested the laser on springers. Eventhough it says its an airgun laser, I think that it was meant for pneumatic pumps only, not springers.

TONBON · Veteran Member

yes Fritz, you are correct.
if the laser is in line, verticly w/ the bore it would be "on" at 2 distances.
i thought about it when i posted, but figured i'd let it ride.
shoulda known better on here.
i got lasers on 3 guns. but i have homemade mounts.
nuthin' is coming loose.
as long as you understand,"line of sight" vs trajectory. lasers can be much fun.
if you can't grasp the concept, you will always be frustrated when using them.
Mr. Green

donwalk · Veteran Member

the farther the distance, the larger the red dot will be.

the laser i have on a sidearm will cast a laser dot approimately 3" in diameter at 100 yds. "up close and personal"...very different story.