optics question

[JulietTango]

Could a low power variable scope, such as a 1x4 be used with a laser? Literally the dot and the crosshairs close to the same zero.

 

[briansmithwins]

The simple answer is yes, you can do that.

The practical answer is that eye safe, visible light lasers are close to useless in sunlight or rain, have a short battery life, and let everyone know where you are.

BSW

 

[R H Clark]

I suppose so but why? The only reason I could see would be for inside self defence and in that case you don't need a scope. For anything else you wouldn't need the laser.

 

[TonyAngel]

Juliet, as mentioned, the practical uses for a laser are very limited. In fact, many find it very disconcerting when they see how much the laser actually jumps around when you're trying to acquire your target. It ain't like it is in the movies.

 

[adelbridge]

i use them in combination with a scope for night hog hunting. It all depends on how you mount it, if it sits on top of the scope the laser's zero under 50 yards is going to be close but slightly high. If you mount a laser on a AR-15 hand guard it wont hold an exact zero because they move but you can always fine tune it with the cross hairs without shooting. Best mount I have seen is on an AR-15 railed gas block because it is so close to the bore and fixed solid.