What's the practical use of a laser on a rifle?

[mutt]

I bought one of those cheap green lasers and mounted it on my rifle just to play with. While it's cool and all to see the green beam at night, I'm not seeing what practical purpose a laser serves. During the day I don't see it offering anything above my aimpoint as a sighting system and at night it seems to act as a 'shoot here' indicator since the beam can be clearly seen and traced back to the source. And it adds weight to the rifle.

Am I missing the practical use for this?

[BigBear]

Practical purpose for a laser on long rifle is non-existant, unless it's an IR used for combat firemission pointing for LG missles, etc. Which, btw, is not visual unless one if wearing NVG's.

Practical purpose on sub/mg is for visual help in "point and click" CQB scenarios.

Practical purpose on pistol is intimidation and de-escalation of situation.

[mutt]

Practical purpose for a laser on long rifle is non-existant, unless it's an IR used for combat firemission pointing for LG missles, etc. Which, btw, is not visual unless one if wearing NVG's.

Kinda what I thought then, pointless unless I'm guiding in missiles. Thanks for the info BigBear. Another accessory I can cross off the list =)

[BigBear]

Rgr Sir, a lot of products out there are just "tacticool" items. Long rifle, all you really need is good rifle, good scope, good ammo, and good bipod (even the bipod can be argued against if you have a rucksack, sand bags, etc.)

Disclaimer however: I'm not some family name national shooter, not in the military or LE, etc. Just your average Joe who takes a fancy to tactics, firearms, and music.

[mutt]

Yeah, I'm noticing a lot of gear is just 'tacticool'. But I am on a mission to try them all!

[BigBear]

Lol, yes Sir. If I had the money, I'm sure I would be too. Have fun!

And if you have an AR15 and are looking for light/laser/VFG etc... check out the Crimson Trace MVF... good stuff.

No, I'm not an endorser, just got to play with a friends and it's nice. Get's rid of a lot of the weight.

[Irving]

A laser on a rifle seems like a waste because of the bullet drop. You could zero the laser at one close distance and one far distance, then after that it is a waste. Unless, like already stated, you are guiding a missile some where. Where as on a pistol, if you zero at 20 yards, you still have a reasonable amount of accuracy at anything between point blank and 25 yards.

[GreenScoutII]

I think most of us who are not LEO or active military probably don't have a "need" for a lot of the tacti-cool stuff. If a guy has the budget for it though, why not?

When I was a young guy, I didn't "need" a Paxton super charger on my Camaro, but I didn't let that stop me!

I don't "need" an assault rifle or High cap mags, but I make it a point to buy them if for no other reason than to piss off Liberals! Also, because the Constitution clearly states I have a right to. I like to exercise my rights and encourage everyone else to do the same...

[BigBear]

I think most of us who are not LEO or active military probably don't have a "need" for a lot of the tacti-cool stuff. If a guy has the budget for it though, why not?

When I was a young guy, I didn't "need" a Paxton super charger on my Camaro, but I didn't let that stop me!

I don't "need" an assault rifle or High cap mags, but I make it a point to buy them if for no other reason than to piss off Liberals! Also, because the Constitution clearly states I have a right to. I like to exercise my rights and encourage everyone else to do the same...

+1, well said.

[Irving]

That's not really the point though. In my opinion, it is more about buying things you'll use. I don't need a 600 hp vehicle, but I sure as hell would use one. A laser on a high powered rifle, not so much. Unless I use it to guide a cat missile across the room and up the wall to the light switch.