The Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight Made a Bold First Impression
The Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight promises to be a budget-friendly aiming solution for handgun owners. This laser sight, manufactured by Shooting Made Easy, aims to enhance target acquisition and accuracy in various lighting conditions.
My aging eyes have been struggling with iron sights lately, especially in low light. I was hoping the Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight would offer a more intuitive aiming solution without breaking the bank. Upon unboxing, the unit felt surprisingly solid, given its price point. The aircraft-grade aluminum construction felt robust, and the black finish gave it a tactical aesthetic. Compared to other budget laser sights I’ve seen, this one appeared to have a cleaner, more refined design.
I had considered a Crimson Trace laser grip, but the cost was prohibitive. I also looked at a similar laser from Sightmark, but user reviews steered me towards the Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight due to its reported brightness. Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. It seemed like a decent piece of gear for the money, but I was eager to see how it performed in real-world conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight involved a variety of handguns, including a Glock 19 and a Sig Sauer P320. I tested it under both bright sunlight and indoor lighting conditions. Mounting was straightforward, thanks to the spring clamp lock, although I did need to apply considerable force to secure it tightly on the picatinny rail.
The green laser was easily visible indoors, offering a clear aiming point. However, in bright sunlight, the laser’s visibility diminished significantly, making it less effective for daytime use. After about 50 rounds, I noticed the laser sight had shifted slightly on the rail, requiring readjustment.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight showed some signs of wear. The finish started to scratch slightly around the edges, and the mounting screw required frequent tightening. The IPx4 water resistance held up during a light rain shower, but I wouldn’t trust it in heavy downpours.
Compared to a more expensive Viridian laser I once owned, the Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight felt less robust and required more maintenance. However, considering the price difference, it still provided a serviceable aiming solution for occasional use. The biggest concern was the recurring issue of the laser sight sliding down the rail after repeated firing, impacting accuracy.
Breaking Down the Features of Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight
Specifications
The Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight boasts several notable specifications. It features a 5mW green laser for enhanced visibility. The body is precision CNC machined from aircraft-grade aluminum, aiming for durability. It utilizes a spring clamp lock for easy attachment to picatinny/weaver rails. Power is supplied by a single CR123 battery, readily available and offering reasonable battery life. The unit is IPx4 water-resistant, providing protection against splashes.
These specifications combine to offer a lightweight and relatively durable aiming device. The choice of a green laser is particularly important, as it provides superior visibility compared to red lasers in many lighting conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight performs adequately for its intended purpose, providing an aiming point for handguns. Accuracy is acceptable when the unit is properly secured and aligned, but the tendency to shift during firing impacts consistency. The on/off latch switch is easy to operate, even with gloved hands.
A significant weakness is its performance in bright sunlight, where the laser becomes difficult to see. Despite this, it meets expectations for a budget-friendly laser sight, offering a noticeable improvement in target acquisition in low-light scenarios.
Design & Ergonomics
The Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight features a compact and lightweight design. The aircraft-grade aluminum construction feels solid in hand, despite its budget price point. Mounting is relatively simple, although achieving a secure fit can be challenging on some polymer frames.
The on/off switch is easily accessible, and the overall design integrates well with most handguns equipped with a picatinny rail. While not as refined as higher-end models, it is generally user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight is a mixed bag. The aluminum body is reasonably robust, but the mounting mechanism is a potential weak point. The need to frequently tighten the mounting screw suggests it might not withstand heavy use or recoil over the long term.
Maintenance is straightforward; occasional cleaning of the laser lens is necessary to maintain optimal performance. However, the overall longevity of the unit remains a concern.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight does not come with many included accessories. It ships with a CR123 battery. Customization options are limited due to its simple design.
The laser is compatible with any handgun featuring a picatinny/weaver rail. Aftermarket rail adapters could potentially extend compatibility to firearms lacking a standard rail system. No specific brand accessories work better as the rail is universal.
Pros and Cons of Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight
Pros
- Affordable Price Point: The Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight offers a budget-friendly aiming solution compared to higher-end options.
- Enhanced Low-Light Visibility: The green laser provides a clear aiming point in low-light conditions, improving target acquisition.
- Easy to Operate: The on/off latch switch is simple to use, even with gloved hands.
- Durable Construction: The aircraft-grade aluminum body feels solid and should withstand moderate use.
- Universal Compatibility: Designed to fit any handgun with a picatinny/weaver rail.
Cons
- Visibility Issues in Sunlight: The green laser is difficult to see in bright sunlight, limiting its effectiveness during the day.
- Mounting Instability: The laser sight tends to shift on the rail after repeated firing, requiring frequent readjustment.
Who Should Buy Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight?
The Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight is perfect for budget-conscious shooters. It is also ideal for those seeking an entry-level laser sight for home defense or low-light target practice. Individuals with aging eyes who struggle with traditional iron sights might also find it beneficial.
This product should be skipped by anyone who requires a highly reliable and accurate laser sight for professional use. It is also not recommended for individuals who primarily shoot outdoors in bright sunlight. A higher-quality, more robust laser sight would be a better investment for those shooters.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality rail mount for greater retention and zero retention after prolonged use.
Conclusion on Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight
The Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight offers a decent value proposition for its price. It provides a noticeable improvement in target acquisition in low-light scenarios, making it a viable option for budget-minded shooters. However, its limitations in bright sunlight and mounting instability are significant drawbacks.
I would cautiously recommend it to someone looking for an affordable laser sight for occasional use. The price is justified for what it offers, but buyers should be aware of its limitations. For a reliable, professional-grade laser sight, expect to spend significantly more. If you’re on a budget and need a low-light aiming solution, the Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight is worth considering. Just be prepared to make occasional adjustments and perhaps invest in a better rail mount.