Before I get into talking about this, I will go ahead and point out that it also comes in tan too (that’s “flat dark earth” for you tactical types).
Anywho… I have mentioned this product a couple of times in the past on my blog. I had actually only gotten to handle one of these one other time in person, and this would be the first example that I actually got the chance to put through its paces.
When I first encountered their K-15 laser I saw one strapped to a Ruger SR556 at a local gun shop. I was immediately blown away at how bright that green dot really is…. or atleast how well the human eye picks up on green lasers. I dont know the actual scientific metrics of it all as compared to a red laser beam, but if you haven’t messed around with the K-15 Carbine Green Laser then you are really missing out on an experience. I actually tried to photograph the green dot of the laser next to a competitor’s red dot laser, but my terrible photo skills did not do it justice… This is something you literally have to see in person with your own eyes to see how big of a difference it really is. This laser is a huge step up from the traditional red dot lasers that are on the market and I can not wait until they are the norm for all laser sights. At night, you can literally see this thing further out than you are gonna want to take a shot with your rifle. Daylight usability is solid out to about 40 or 50 yards depending on what the laser beam is reflecting off of, but LaserLyte claims that in the right situations it can be seen up to 100 yards away.
The K-15 laser is a quality piece. It is constructed of aircraft grade 6061 aluminum with T3 hardness. The entire aluminum body is black anodized to a level 2 hardness. It takes up three inches of picatinny or weaver rail, and runs on one CR-123 battery. It is secured to the rail by means of a clamp on the bottom of the unit that is secured with two hex screws – Its a very secure design. The laser is fully adjustable for windage and elevation with hex drive screws protected by sealed turret caps. Operation can be done by means of either the supplied pressure switch or the dedicated on/off/momentary switch located on the rear of the unit.
If you have never used a laser on your rifle, I have to tell you that they are just as useful on a long gun as they are on a pistol. My opinion is that they are best when used for CQB situations… but with a short range zero on an AR, you can still get combat accurate hits out at extended ranges if you feel the need. Like with a pistol, a laser on your rifle contributes greatly to the speed at which you can pick up your target as well as your ability make follow up shots more quickly. Its a huge confidence booster, and a way to ensure shots on target when shooting from non-traditional holds that you might experience in CQB type situations. Just like with a handgun, it makes point shooting a much more effective tactic when a full sight picture can not be established.
At The Range
So, after strapping this thing to my rifle and doing the obligatory photo shoot, I was off to the range to see what the K-15 was really worth. My test criteria was going to be just a typical range session with a 200 round shoot on my 5.56 caliber AR. I also was able to squeeze in a second 100 rounds range test before finalizing this review. Nothing fancy… and not a down and dirty torture testing, but I felt like it would be enough to decide where I stand on this laser unit.
I have reviewed several of LaserLyte’s products in the past on my blog, and have been thoroughly impressed with the quality of each of them. The K-15 was certainly not an exception to those past experiences. Its definitely a quality piece and is a true showcase as to why LaserLyte is one of the top tier laser manufactures in the industry today. The K-15 that I tested was flawless. It had no malfunctions of any kind and experienced no loss of zero over the course of the 300 rounds of testing. As stated earlier, the mounting hardware is solid as a rock and the laser seems to hold zero just fine within the aluminum housing…. And yeah, its been tested to hold up to a .50 BMG.
One thing that stands out is that the pressure switch which is supplied with the unit has a more difficult squeeze to it than some others that are on the market. I am not saying that this is bad… its just different. It seemed odd at first and it made me feel like I had to “think about it” more when I wanted to activate the unit, but after a few rounds down range it was much more intuitive. I also really like the fact that this unit has a constant on switch as an option. I can see how many people would not want to deal with a remote activation method at all and might rather just keep the laser in the on position for any CQB work that they may have to do. Also, depending on where you position this on your rail, you can easily thumb the switch on and off as you please without the pressure switch. Just that little feature alone really opens up the options for this laser unit.
So if you are thinking about a laser for your long gun you should really give this unit a close look. It only weighs in at 5.4 oz and its a rock solid performer. I am now a firm believer in lasers for long guns… believe me, they are just as invaluable on rifles as they are on handguns.
Specifications:
• L x W x H • 3in x 2.43in x 1.37in
• Weight: 5.4 oz
• Battery: 1 x CR-123
• Run Time: approximately 6 hours
• Switching: 3 position, off, constant on, momentary on.
• Switch: 10-inch length, 2-inch tape switch area, copper braided cord.
*I uploaded several more photos that you can view over on Facebook
