Laser on Rifles and Shotguns

[LSUTiger]

Any recommendations on the Streamlight TLR1S (light only) or 2S (with laser) for use with a shotgun?

Also, what about lasers on an AR-15? I already have an Eotech 512 with the TLR1S (light only).

I am going to purchase a second light for my shotgun and am wondering if I should get the TLR2s (with laser) for my AR or shotgun or just get another TLR1S for the shotgun.

Since I can get two TLR1S for the price of one TLR2S I was wondering if the laser was worth the price. Any practicle advice ?

[Greybeard]

I tried TLR-2 on my 12 gauge 870, then went back to TLR-1 after it being virtually impossible to keep laser zeroed after the recoil. It might could be done with a sturdier mount, but I was not successful using a little Mickey Mouse $15 rail offset from a ring that fits under the magazine cap.

[Excaliber]

Any recommendations on the Streamlight TLR1S (light only) or 2S (with laser) for use with a shotgun?

Also, what about lasers on an AR-15? I already have an Eotech 512 with the TLR1S (light only).

I am going to purchase a second light for my shotgun and am wondering if I should get the TLR2s (with laser) for my AR or shotgun or just get another TLR1S for the shotgun.

Since I can get two TLR1S for the price of one TLR2S I was wondering if the laser was worth the price. Any practicle advice ?

I have a small green laser in an underbarrel mount on an AR-15. The purpose is to give me a sighting option when the light is too low to use the iron sights until the budget allows me to add a quality red dot sight.

It keeps its zero well, and serves its function. At any distance it's only visible on the target in diminished light as I expected (unless the target happens to be reflective - in full sun it shows up on reflective material like that used in street signs just great.)

[Scott in Houston]

I've considered a laser for short range with my AR as in 10-15 yards. Since my Aimpoint and BUIS are for 200/50, I'd like to have something to aid for ultra short distance and SD situations in the house etc.

[Excaliber]

I've considered a laser for short range with my AR as in 10-15 yards. Since my Aimpoint and BUIS are for 200/50, I'd like to have something to aid for ultra short distance and SD situations in the house etc.

On the plus side, there is anecdotal evidence of an intimidating effect on some suspects when a laser dot is projected on their COM. Some reportedly respond much more rationally to that than they do to seeing the muzzle of an officer's or defender's firearm pointed at them. Go figure. It may be the Hollywood influence from all the action movies they watch where the laser dot is followed by bullet impact.

You should be aware that an activated laser will also give away your position if there is dust, smoke, fog, haze or anything similar in the air. The beam will be seen by others from many angles as a straight line leading right back to you.

This may or may not matter, depending on the circumstances, but it's something to consider when deciding whether or not to use it.

[Scott in Houston]

I've considered a laser for short range with my AR as in 10-15 yards. Since my Aimpoint and BUIS are for 200/50, I'd like to have something to aid for ultra short distance and SD situations in the house etc.

On the plus side, there is anecdotal evidence of an intimidating effect on some suspects when a laser dot is projected on their COM. Some reportedly respond much more rationally to that than they do to seeing the muzzle of an officer's or defender's firearm pointed at them. Go figure. It may be the Hollywood influence from all the action movies they watch where the laser dot is followed by bullet impact.

You should be aware that an activated laser will also give away your position if there is dust, smoke, fog, haze or anything similar in the air. The beam will be seen by others from many angles as a straight line leading right back to you.

This may or may not matter, depending on the circumstances, but it's something to consider when deciding whether or not to use it.

Good points. It's a similar issue with a tac light too, right?
I imagine, on the EXTREMELY remote chance I'd ever be in a SD scenario with my AR, giving away my position won't be an issue. The most likely, of the unlikely chance, is that it's a home invasion. In that case, I'll either be:
1) buckled down with my family in a room with my muzzle and laser pointed at the door or
2) headed to my daughter's room with my wife in tow and having to engage along the way if we encounter any BG's. In that scenario, it's just chaos and who ever is faster and more accurate. I give myself the edge if I'm carrying my AR15 with a light and/or laser.

The last unlikely scenario, but a consideration, is a Katrina/Rita/Ike type breakdown. During Rita, I experienced what I felt was a 'close call' in terms of having to defend my property against looters, etc. I was less prepared with a lever action 30-30. Next time, if that happens at all (God please let it not), I'll be a little better prepared.
And a laser may just give me an accuracy edge for closer range shooting.