The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight Made a Bold First Impression
The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight promises to be an affordable and effective aiming solution for AR platform rifles. Lasers can significantly improve target acquisition speed, especially in dynamic shooting scenarios or low-light conditions. I was eager to see if this budget-friendly option could deliver on that promise.
I’ve always prioritized rapid target engagement in my tactical training. My aging eyes aren’t what they used to be, and iron sights can sometimes slow me down, especially with quick follow-up shots. I was looking for a laser sight that could provide a clear aiming point without breaking the bank.
Unboxing the Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight, my initial impression was of a compact and lightweight unit. The aluminum construction felt reasonably solid, and the matte black finish was aesthetically pleasing. It certainly looked the part, but I reserved judgment until I could test its performance.
I considered a Crimson Trace Rail Master Pro and a Streamlight TLR-2 HL G before settling on the Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight. The Crimson Trace was significantly more expensive. The Streamlight, while a fantastic weapon light/laser combo, was overkill for my needs, as I already have dedicated weapon lights. The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight seemed like the right balance of features and affordability.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The price point made me a little skeptical, but the initial build quality seemed decent. I was excited to get it mounted and see how it performed at the range, but also prepared for the possibility that it might not live up to my expectations.
Real-World Testing: Putting Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight at my local outdoor range. The range offered a variety of distances, from 25 yards to 100 yards, allowing me to assess the laser’s visibility and accuracy at different ranges. The weather was clear and sunny, which presented a good test for the laser’s daytime visibility.
The laser performed surprisingly well in the clear conditions. At 25 yards, the green dot was easily visible on various target types. Beyond 50 yards, the dot became less distinct in the bright sunlight, but still usable for quick aiming. I had no issues initially with mounting or getting the laser dialed in.
The push-button activation was intuitive. The pressure pad, while functional, felt a little flimsy and I worried about its long-term durability. I did not need much time to become comfortable with using the laser.
The only issue I experienced was the initial battery installation. The battery compartment was a bit tight. It took a few tries to get the CR2 battery seated correctly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight has held up reasonably well. I’ve put approximately 500 rounds through my AR-15 with the laser mounted.
I have noticed some minor wear on the finish. The pressure pad has also become a bit more sensitive. Otherwise, the laser still functions as expected.
Cleaning and maintaining the laser is straightforward. A quick wipe down with a microfiber cloth after each range session is all it takes. I have found the laser to outperform my initial expectations. I had expected it to fail after a few hundred rounds due to the low cost, but it has remained a usable, although imperfect, aiming solution.
Breaking Down the Features of Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight
Specifications
- The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight emits a 5mW green laser. This allows for good visibility in various lighting conditions.
- Its approximate battery life is 3.5 hours using a single CR2 battery. This is fairly standard for lasers in this price range.
- The laser boasts a visible daytime range of 50 yards and a nighttime range of 600 yards. The daytime visibility is significantly impacted by bright sunlight.
- It is constructed from aluminum with a matte black finish. This provides a decent level of durability and corrosion resistance.
- The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight is compatible with Weaver and Picatinny mounts. This makes it versatile for use on a wide variety of firearms.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the laser’s usability and effectiveness. The 5mW output and green color are crucial for visibility. The battery life determines how long the laser can be used before needing a replacement.
Performance & Functionality
The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight performs adequately for its intended purpose. It provides a visible aiming point that can speed up target acquisition, especially in close-quarters situations.
Its biggest strength is its affordability. It provides a functional laser sight at a fraction of the cost of higher-end models. The primary weakness is its limited daytime visibility in bright sunlight, and the somewhat flimsy pressure pad.
The laser largely meets expectations considering the price point. It is not a top-tier performer, but it gets the job done for recreational shooting and training in controlled environments.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is acceptable for the price. The aluminum housing feels reasonably sturdy. The lightweight design doesn’t add significant bulk to the rifle.
It is quite user-friendly. Mounting and zeroing the laser is simple, and the push-button activation is easy to use. There is a slight learning curve in getting the pressure pad positioned correctly for consistent activation, which is also affected by hand size.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability remains a question mark. Given the price and materials, it is unlikely to withstand heavy abuse.
Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning with a dry cloth will help keep it functioning properly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight comes with a pressure pad and mounting hardware. This allows for remote activation.
There are no specific customization options for the laser itself. It can be paired with other standard AR-15 accessories such as foregrips and lights without issue. The compatibility with Weaver and Picatinny mounts allows flexibility in placement on the firearm.
Pros and Cons of Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight
Pros
- Affordable Price: Significantly cheaper than other laser sights on the market.
- Easy to Mount and Zero: Simple installation and adjustment process.
- Compact and Lightweight Design: Doesn’t add significant weight or bulk to the rifle.
- Good Nighttime Visibility: The green laser is easily visible in low-light conditions.
- Intuitive Push-Button Activation: Easy to turn on and off.
Cons
- Limited Daytime Visibility: Difficult to see in bright sunlight, especially at longer ranges.
- Flimsy Pressure Pad: Feels somewhat cheap and may not be durable long-term.
- Short Battery Life: Only about 3.5 hours of continuous use.
Who Should Buy Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight?
The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight is perfect for:
- Casual shooters who want an affordable laser sight for recreational shooting.
- Home defense users who prioritize quick target acquisition in low-light situations.
- Airsoft enthusiasts who want to add a tactical look to their rifles.
Who should skip this product?
- Professional users (law enforcement, military) who require maximum reliability and durability.
- Competitive shooters who need pinpoint accuracy in all lighting conditions.
- Anyone who primarily shoots outdoors in bright sunlight.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- Spare CR2 batteries are essential.
- A higher-quality pressure pad (if one is compatible) would improve the user experience.
Conclusion on Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight
The Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight is a budget-friendly option for those seeking a simple laser aiming solution. While it has limitations, particularly in daytime visibility and pressure pad quality, it delivers decent performance for the price.
The value proposition is strong. At around $50, it provides a functional laser sight experience without breaking the bank.
I would tentatively recommend it to casual shooters and home defense users on a tight budget. Just be aware of its limitations and be prepared to replace the pressure pad if it fails. If you are looking for an affordable entry into laser aiming for your AR, the Firefield Charge AR 5mW Green Laser Sight could be worth considering, but temper your expectations accordingly.