Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight Review

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My first impression of Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight

The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight promises to be a budget-friendly aiming solution for AR platforms, offering quick target acquisition in various lighting conditions. As someone with over a decade of experience in tactical gear, I’m always on the lookout for practical and reliable accessories that don’t break the bank. My initial thought is, can this inexpensive laser sight really hold its own against more expensive competitors?

I’ve been struggling with target acquisition speed during low-light training scenarios, and a reliable laser sight seemed like the solution. I needed something easily mountable, simple to use, and visible enough for both daytime and nighttime use. I considered options from Crimson Trace and Streamlight, but their higher price points steered me towards exploring more affordable alternatives like the Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight.

Upon unboxing, the laser felt surprisingly solid, thanks to its aluminum construction. The matte black finish gives it a tactical look. The weight at 2.4 oz. felt negligible, and the push-button and pressure pad operation seemed straightforward. I was picking this laser sight over other competitors such as the Sightmark LoPro Green Laser because of its small form factor and mounting versatility on both Weaver and Picatinny rails.

My first impression? Cautiously optimistic. I’m excited to see how it performs in real-world conditions, but the build quality seems decent, and the design is functional. Only live testing will tell if it lives up to its claims.

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

First Use Experience

I first took the Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight to an outdoor shooting range to test its daytime visibility. The range offered both covered and open-air lanes, providing different lighting conditions. Mounting was quick and easy on my AR’s Picatinny rail.

The green laser was surprisingly visible in the shaded lanes, but less so in direct sunlight. The push-button and pressure pad both worked reliably. I did find myself adjusting the windage and elevation to zero it in, but the adjustments were simple.

No major issues arose during the first use, although I did notice that the battery life seemed shorter than the advertised 3.5 hours. The laser dot also seemed to diffuse at longer ranges under bright sunlight.

Extended Use & Reliability

After using the Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight for several weeks during various training sessions and even a nighttime hog hunt, I have a better understanding of its reliability. The aluminum housing has held up well. It has withstood some bumps and scrapes without any noticeable damage.

Maintenance is minimal. I simply wipe it down with a clean cloth after each use. The laser has continued to function without any issues, though the battery life remains a concern, requiring me to carry spare CR2 batteries.

Compared to other laser sights I’ve used, the Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight offers a good balance of affordability and functionality. While it doesn’t outperform high-end models in terms of visibility and battery life, it’s a solid performer for the price.

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

Specifications

The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight is designed specifically for AR-platform rifles. It boasts a 5mW green laser operating at 532nM. The stated daytime range is 50 yards, extending to 600 yards at night.

The laser weighs only 2.40 oz. and is powered by a single CR2 battery. The dot size is specified as 1.5″ @ 50 yards. Its compatibility with both Weaver and Picatinny mounts makes it versatile. These specifications provide a lightweight, easily-mountable aiming solution suitable for close to medium-range engagements.

Performance & Functionality

The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight performs adequately for its intended purpose, providing rapid target acquisition in close-quarters scenarios and low-light conditions. Accuracy is satisfactory once properly zeroed. The laser holds zero well during normal use.

However, the daytime visibility is its primary weakness. The 5mW output struggles in bright sunlight, limiting its effectiveness. The battery life is also a significant drawback, requiring frequent battery changes.

Overall, it meets expectations for a budget-friendly laser sight, though improvements in daytime visibility and battery life would significantly enhance its performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight features a compact and lightweight design. The aluminum construction feels durable and adds minimal weight to the rifle. The matte black finish provides a non-reflective surface.

The push-button and pressure pad are easy to operate, even with gloves. There is no complicated user interface. The windage and elevation adjustments are easily accessible and allow for precise zeroing. The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight is user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

The aluminum housing of the Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight suggests reasonable durability. So far it has held up well to regular use and minor impacts. The laser is easy to maintain. Simply wipe it clean after each use.

Replacement of the CR2 battery is straightforward. I believe it will last for a reasonable period with proper care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight comes with both a push-button and a pressure pad for activation. The pressure pad allows for remote activation while maintaining a firm grip on the rifle. No other accessories are included.

The laser sight is compatible with any standard Weaver or Picatinny rail system, making it easy to integrate with various AR platforms and accessories. There aren’t really any other customization options for it. The mounting system is versatile enough to accommodate different placement preferences.

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

Pros

Affordable price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious shooters.
Easy to mount and operate with push-button and pressure pad options.
Lightweight design adds minimal weight to the rifle.
Compatible with Weaver and Picatinny rails for versatile mounting options.
Green laser is highly visible in low-light conditions.

Cons

Limited daytime visibility due to the 5mW laser output.
Short battery life requires frequent battery changes.
Durability under extreme conditions remains unproven.

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

The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight is perfect for budget-conscious AR owners seeking a simple, effective aiming solution for home defense, close-quarters training, and nighttime hunting. It’s a good option for casual shooters and those new to using laser sights.

This product isn’t suitable for individuals requiring high-performance visibility in bright daylight or those needing extended battery life for prolonged operations. It is a simple and rugged laser sight without any advanced features or customization.

Conclusion on Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight

The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight offers a decent value proposition for its price. It provides a functional aiming solution with acceptable performance in low-light conditions. However, its limited daytime visibility and short battery life are significant drawbacks.

I would recommend it to those on a tight budget who primarily need a laser sight for indoor or nighttime use. Just be aware of its limitations. For $49.97, you’re getting a serviceable laser. If you’re looking for the best performance and long-lasting battery life then you might want to consider other options in a higher price bracket.