My first impression of Firefield Charge AR with LED Flashlight 5mW Green Laser Sight
The Firefield Charge AR with LED Flashlight 5mW Green Laser Sight promises a lot: a laser sight for daytime and nighttime use combined with a tactical flashlight, all in one compact package. As someone who’s spent years tinkering with AR platforms and setting them up for various roles from home defense to predator control, the idea of a streamlined sighting solution is incredibly appealing. I was eager to see if this offering from Firefield could deliver on its promises, or if it would fall victim to the compromises often found in budget-friendly multi-tools.
I was looking for a compact, all-in-one sighting solution for my AR-15 pistol, something that would allow for quick target acquisition in low-light conditions. I wanted to avoid the bulk of separate laser and flashlight setups. When I received the Firefield Charge AR with LED Flashlight 5mW Green Laser Sight, the initial impression was…underwhelming. The lightweight feel raised concerns about the durability of the materials. Compared to the Sightmark LoPro combo unit I’ve used in the past (and others), the Firefield felt noticeably less robust.
First impressions matter, and my initial assessment of the Firefield Charge AR with LED Flashlight 5mW Green Laser Sight was one of cautious skepticism. While the concept is sound, the execution seemed to prioritize cost over quality. The allure of a budget-friendly, all-in-one solution is strong, but only time and testing would reveal if this Firefield offering could truly hold its own in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Firefield Charge AR with LED Flashlight 5mW Green Laser Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Firefield Charge AR with LED Flashlight 5mW Green Laser Sight out to my local range, an outdoor facility that allows for both daytime and low-light shooting scenarios. The conditions were relatively dry, but the temperature was hovering around 45 degrees Fahrenheit, a typical late fall day in the Northeast. Mounting the unit on my AR pistol was straightforward, thanks to its Weaver/Picatinny compatibility. However, zeroing the laser proved to be a bit of a challenge.
The adjustments felt mushy, and it took more than a few frustrating minutes to get the green laser aligned even close to where I wanted it at 25 yards. In terms of ease of use, the pressure pad activation was initially responsive, but I quickly noticed an issue. The connection felt flimsy, like it would break easily. After only about 30 rounds, the pressure switch connection did indeed fail rendering the unit largely useless.
Extended Use & Reliability
“Extended use” is a generous term, as the aforementioned pressure switch failure occurred within the first hour of use, effectively curtailing any meaningful long-term assessment. I could still activate the laser and flashlight using the on-board push button. But this defeated the purpose of having a pressure switch for tactical applications. The construction, particularly the pressure switch and its connection point, proved to be the Firefield Charge AR with LED Flashlight 5mW Green Laser Sight’s Achilles heel.
As for maintenance and care, there wasn’t much opportunity for that, given the premature failure. Compared to previous experiences with more robust units, the Firefield was a significant disappointment. The Sightmark LoPro, while more expensive, has consistently performed reliably. This confirms the saying “you get what you pay for”.
Breaking Down the Features of Firefield Charge AR with LED Flashlight 5mW Green Laser Sight
Specifications
The Firefield Charge AR with LED Flashlight 5mW Green Laser Sight features a 5mW green laser with a claimed daytime range of 50 yards and a nighttime range of 600 yards. While the daytime range is severely optimistic, the nighttime range is probably accurate in perfect conditions.
The flashlight boasts a 180 Lumen LED bulb. While 180 Lumens isn’t much, it’s probably enough to light up nearby targets.
The unit is powered by a single CR2 battery. CR2 batteries aren’t common, so be prepared to stock up.
The weight is listed at 3.40 oz. This is incredibly light and largely the reason why I question the unit’s durability.
The unit is constructed from aluminum with a matte black finish and is compatible with Weaver and Picatinny mounts. While the finish is nice, the aluminum is questionable.
The specifications, while seemingly adequate on paper, fall short in real-world application due to questionable build quality and unreliable components. A bright laser and a decent flashlight are useless if the activation switch breaks after minimal use.
Performance & Functionality
The Firefield Charge AR with LED Flashlight 5mW Green Laser Sight’s performance is hindered by its poor durability and the unreliable pressure switch. While the laser is visible at night, the flashlight’s 180 Lumens are underwhelming compared to dedicated weapon lights. The unit fails to meet expectations due to its fragility and lack of reliability.
The strength is the concept: an all-in-one aiming solution. The weaknesses are numerous: poor build quality, unreliable pressure switch, and mediocre performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is compact and lightweight. However, the materials feel cheap, and the overall build quality inspires little confidence. The pressure switch placement is awkward, and the push button feels stiff and unresponsive.
Durability & Maintenance
The unit’s lifespan is questionable, as evidenced by the immediate failure of the pressure switch. Maintenance is likely limited to battery replacement and occasional cleaning. The overall durability is so suspect that any attempt at repair is probably futile.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Firefield Charge AR with LED Flashlight 5mW Green Laser Sight comes with a pressure switch and mounting hardware. There are no readily apparent customization options. It is compatible with any Weaver or Picatinny rail, so mounting is not a problem.
Pros and Cons of Firefield Charge AR with LED Flashlight 5mW Green Laser Sight
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Theoretically provides both laser and flashlight functionality in one unit.
- Weaver/Picatinny compatible.
Cons
- Flimsy pressure switch that is prone to immediate failure.
- Very cheap construction and materials.
- Underwhelming flashlight output.
- Questionable laser adjustability.
Who Should Buy Firefield Charge AR with LED Flashlight 5mW Green Laser Sight?
The Firefield Charge AR with LED Flashlight 5mW Green Laser Sight is perfect for someone on an extremely tight budget who needs a temporary laser/flashlight solution for airsoft or recreational shooting. However, this product is NOT RECOMMENDED for any serious tactical application, home defense, or use on a real firearm where reliability is paramount. Anyone relying on this for self-defense is taking a serious risk.
A must-have modification would be replacing the pressure switch with a more robust unit. But it’s likely not worth the effort or investment.
Conclusion on Firefield Charge AR with LED Flashlight 5mW Green Laser Sight
The Firefield Charge AR with LED Flashlight 5mW Green Laser Sight promises a budget-friendly, all-in-one aiming solution. However, the reality is a cheaply made, unreliable product that is unfit for serious use. The price is low, but the value is even lower.
I would not personally recommend this product to anyone who values reliability or durability. There are better options available, even at a slightly higher price point. The Firefield Charge AR with LED Flashlight 5mW Green Laser Sight is a classic example of getting what you pay for – and in this case, that’s not much.