When you start talking about lasers, it’s only natural to imagine either the destructive lasers of sci-fi movies or the shark Doctor Evil hoped to outfit with a laser beam. In the world of handguns, lasers are used for aiming assistance and rapid target acquisition. It might be less thrilling than the movies, but it’s a lot more likely to save your life. You might notice they’re designated by handgun model, but don’t let that worry you. All of these models are offered for a wide range of handguns, we’re simply showcasing a specific version. Check out our list of five handgun lasers well worth considering adding to your daily carry gun.
1. Crimson Trace LG-Ruger MAX9
Crimson Trace is known for producing well-made, solid-performing products. Whatever type of laser you’re after, they probably make one. Their Laserguard line is fantastic for handguns without accessory rails, and it’s designed to be slim enough not to make the gun excessively bulky. Although this particular example is for the Ruger MAX9, Crimson Trace produces Laserguard lasers for everything from Glocks to Heckler and Kochs. No accessory rail? No problem.
This is a red laser that’s easy to install, with no gunsmith or crazy skills necessary for installation. It’s slim and won’t add width to the pistol, but you will need a laser-compatible holster for carry purposes. The Crimson Trace Laserguard features the company’s Instinctive Activation for ease of use and a master on/off switch for backup. This laser is easily zeroed using the included tools and is adjustable for windage and elevation. It’s a great, basic laser for smaller pistols that otherwise have no way to have 1 mounted to them. And because it’s Crimson Trace, you can be confident in its quality.
2. Streamlight TLR-8 G Sub
Streamlight has been manufacturing great lights and lasers for years, and the TLR-8 G Sub is just one example of their work. As with many, if not most, lasers on the market today, this one is a combination of light and laser. It’s a smart use of real estate to have a good weapon-mounted light for target identification along with the laser that facilitates more precise shot placement in low light/no light situations. The TLR-8 G Sub has a white LED light, green laser, and max candela of 5,000. Streamlight lists the effective range of the light as 141 meters. It’s designed for subcompacts like the Glock 43X MOS/48 MOS and Glock 43X RAIL/48 RAIL, Sig Sauer P365 and SIig Sauer P365 XL, and the Springfield Armory Hellcat (among others).
If you’re used to the concept of the ever-popular red laser, you might be wondering why this one is green. There are two general reasons green lasers might be preferable for you. First, they’re easier to visualize during daylight or other less-than-dark times. Second, depending on your eyes, green might be faster for your eyes to focus on. It’s powered by one CR123A lithium battery and has a laser run time of 11 hours. As mentioned before, the TLR-8 G Sub is for subcompacts with accessory rails.
3. NightStick TSM-14G
The Nightstick TSM-14G is slim and streamlined like the Crimson Trace Laserguard, but it has both a laser and a light. This particular model is for the Glock 43X and 48, but Nightstick also makes it for other guns like the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus, Sig Sauer P365, and Springfield Armory Hellcat. The lumens for the white light are listed at 150 on high with max candela being 2700. The high beam distance is listed at 104 meters. This is a nice little combo accessory for carry guns.
Perhaps the coolest thing about the Nightstick TSM-14G is the way it charges. The light/laser combo has an integrated Li-ion battery and the associated charger is a magnetic USB-compatible device. Individual units are also serialized for identification purposes. Features include ambidextrous toggle switches, a daylight-visible Class IIIa 532nm green laser, and the use of features simultaneously or individually. Constant runtime on this light/laser combo is shorter than some, which is something to keep in mind when considering its various potential applications.
4. SureFire X400U
Looking for a seriously bright light-and-laser combo? Surefire has you covered. The X400U features a bright white LED and green laser that can be used at the same time or independently. The laser is a <5mW / 515nm green laser sight that’s highly visible to the human eye and rarely needs re-zeroing, according to the manufacturer. This is the “fricking laser beam” of Austin Powers’ dreams. As for the light, it produces 1000 lumens on high with a max candela of 11,300. The X400U is a great choice for your home defense gun or your carry gun. It’s rugged, built to last, and delivers as promised, and then some.
This laser/light combo is powered by two CR123A batteries. Surefire lists it as having a 1.25-hour run time on high an effective range of 213 meters. Laser runtime is 24 hours, so you can use this for some rather extensive training time. It also works with optional pressure-activated DG and XT remote switches for precision control without altering your grip on your firearm. The X400U is compatible with universal and Picatinny accessory rails. And although we’re mentioning the green laser here, it’s also offered in red.
5. Lasermax Spartan
The Spartan from Lasermax is another streamlined laser-only accessory. It’s a rail-mounted laser offered in red or green that’s made to cover your laser-related bases lightly and simply. According to Lasermax, it has a five-hour run time using a 1/3N battery, which is good for carry guns and if you want to run it in a class. It’s designed to be set to either pulse or a steady laser, each of which has a use, and turns off after 10 minutes of not being used. This is a nice option for shooters looking for minimally-sized accessories that still perform well.
What makes this truly versatile is the fact that Lasermax designed it with its own accessory rail at the base. That means you can mount a weapon light beneath the laser if you so choose (or perhaps 2 lasers?). Oversized, textured touchpads make activating the laser simpler. Installation of the Spartan is straightforward and Lasermax states the precise installation point can be adjusted according to the shooter’s hand size. Whether you want red or green, this is a nice little laser-only package.
