Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight Review

The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight Made a Bold First Impression

As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless accessories come and go, each promising to enhance the shooting experience. When I first laid eyes on the Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight, I was intrigued by its simplicity and affordability, especially coming from Firefield. Could a laser sight at this price point actually deliver reliable performance on an AR platform?

My interest in the Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight stemmed from a need for a cost-effective aiming solution for a budget AR build I was putting together as a training rifle for new shooters. I wanted something that would provide quick target acquisition without breaking the bank, and the reviews, while limited, suggested this laser might fit the bill.

Unboxing the Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight, my initial impression was that it felt surprisingly solid for its price. The aluminum construction gave it a reassuring heft, and the matte black finish looked clean and professional. It felt more substantial than some similarly priced lasers I’ve handled in the past.

I had been considering a Crimson Trace Rail Master and a UTG Subcompact Red Laser, but the Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight won out due to its significantly lower price and the included pressure pad, which seemed like a convenient feature. Others were either far too expensive or lacked the features I needed.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The build quality seemed decent, and the included accessories were a pleasant surprise. I was eager to see how it would perform on the range. This was more excitement than disappointment, as this could fulfill the budget AR build nicely!

Real-World Testing: Putting Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight at an indoor shooting range, mounting it on my AR-15 chambered in 5.56 NATO. The range provided a controlled environment with consistent lighting, allowing me to evaluate the laser’s visibility and accuracy. The range varied from 25 yards to 50 yards.

The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight performed reasonably well, even though the indoor shooting range was well lit. The laser was clearly visible at 25 yards, allowing for rapid target acquisition. Although I did not test this outside during the daytime, I would imagine the 20-yard daytime visibility range to be pretty accurate.

The push-button and pressure pad activation were both easy to use, though the pressure pad required a firm press to activate. It took only a few adjustments to zero the laser using the windage and elevation screws, and I was soon consistently hitting center mass at 25 yards. The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight was easy to use and the adjustment knobs are easy to access and manipulate.

My initial concern was battery life, but I was pleasantly surprised that the CR2 battery held up well for the duration of my two-hour range session. I will add that I brought extra batteries. The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight performed very well during the first use, and the simplicity was something I appreciated.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight has held up reasonably well, although some minor issues have surfaced. I have used it during multiple training sessions. These were during both daytime and dusk hours.

The laser housing shows minimal signs of wear, but the pressure pad is beginning to exhibit some fraying around the edges. This is a common point of failure with pressure pads, especially on budget models. I will continue to monitor this, and replace if needed.

Maintenance is simple: just wipe down the housing with a clean cloth to remove any dust or debris. I have not encountered any significant issues that required repair. I have yet to replace the original battery.

Compared to higher-end laser sights I’ve used in the past, the Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight doesn’t quite match their precision or durability. However, for its price point, it offers a solid level of performance that exceeds expectations. I still feel this Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight is a great addition to my budget AR build.

Breaking Down the Features of Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight

Specifications

The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight boasts the following specifications:

• Laser Wavelength: 632-650nm: This determines the color and visibility of the laser.
• Laser Power: 5mW: This is the maximum legal power output for a visible laser in the United States.
• Visible Range (Day): 20 yards: This is the effective range of the laser in daylight conditions.
• Visible Range (Night): 300 yards: The effective range of the laser in nighttime conditions.
• Battery Type: CR2: This common battery type provides a good balance of power and size.
• Battery Life: 40 hours: This is the approximate runtime on a single battery.
• Mount Type: Weaver/Picatinny: Compatible with most standard AR-15 rail systems.
• Material: Aluminum: Provides durability and a lightweight design.
• Finish: Matte Black: Reduces glare and provides a tactical appearance.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the laser’s performance and usability. The 5mW laser power provides adequate visibility without being overpowering, while the aluminum construction ensures the unit can withstand the rigors of regular use. Understanding these specifications gives the user confidence in knowing they are purchasing the correct product for their given situation.

Performance & Functionality

The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight performs its primary function – providing a visible aiming point – adequately. It is especially useful for quick target acquisition in close-quarters situations.

The laser is easy to zero and holds its zero reasonably well, although it may require occasional adjustments after extended firing sessions. The push-button and pressure pad activation offer flexibility in how the laser is activated, catering to different shooting styles. The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight does its job and it does it well for the price.

The main weakness is the limited daytime visibility, which is typical for red lasers in this price range. While it is visible at 20 yards in daylight, it can be difficult to see in bright sunlight. With that said, during dusk conditions, the visibility of the Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight really shines through.

Design & Ergonomics

The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight features a compact and lightweight design that doesn’t add significant bulk to the rifle. The aluminum housing feels solid and durable, and the matte black finish provides a non-reflective surface.

The push-button and pressure pad are ergonomically placed and easy to access, even with gloves. There is a slight learning curve to getting used to the pressure pad sensitivity, but it becomes intuitive after a few practice sessions. This Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight is comfortable and easy to use.

Durability & Maintenance

The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight is constructed from aluminum, which provides decent durability for its price point. I expect it to last for several years with regular use, provided the pressure pad is handled with care.

Maintenance is straightforward: simply wipe down the housing and lens with a clean cloth. It is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents, as these could damage the finish or the laser itself. The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight is simple to take care of.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight comes with the following accessories:

• Pressure Pad: Allows for remote activation of the laser.
• CR2 Battery: Powers the laser.
• Adjustment Tools: For zeroing the laser.

There are limited customization options for the Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight itself. However, it is compatible with any AR-15 that utilizes a Weaver or Picatinny rail system, allowing for a wide range of mounting positions. The pressure pad can be replaced with aftermarket options if desired. The weaver and picatinny mounting options are a fantastic addition.

Pros and Cons of Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight

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Who Should Buy Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight?

The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight is perfect for:

• Budget-conscious shooters looking for an affordable aiming solution.
• Home defense enthusiasts who want a quick target acquisition tool for close-quarters situations.
• New shooters who are learning the fundamentals of aiming and target acquisition.

Who should skip this product?

• Professional shooters who require maximum precision and reliability in all lighting conditions.
• Users who primarily shoot outdoors in bright sunlight.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• Extra CR2 batteries
• Aftermarket pressure pad (as a replacement for the original)

Conclusion on Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight

The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight is a solid entry-level laser sight that offers good value for its price. It provides a visible aiming point in low-light conditions, is easy to install and use, and comes with a convenient pressure pad.

The price is definitely justified. It costs less than $30.00. You will be hard pressed to find a better product for less. I definitely recommend this Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight.

Overall, the Firefield Charge AR 5mW Red Laser Sight is a worthwhile addition to any budget-conscious shooter’s AR-15, especially for home defense or close-quarters training in low-light environments. So, if you are looking for a laser sight for your budget AR build, give this product a try!

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