Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight Review

My first impression of Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight

As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience, I’ve seen countless accessories promising to enhance firearm performance. The Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight caught my eye as a budget-friendly option in a market often dominated by high-priced alternatives. I was intrigued to see if it could deliver on its promises and provide a practical aiming solution for handgun users.

My interest was piqued by the need for a reliable and easily visible aiming aid for low-light shooting scenarios. Many of my clients and students often struggle with traditional iron sights in dimly lit environments, and a laser sight seemed like a logical solution. Having tested several high-end laser sights in the past, I wanted to explore if a more affordable option could provide similar benefits without compromising on quality or reliability.

Unboxing the Shooting Made Easy laser sight revealed a compact and lightweight unit constructed from what appears to be aircraft-grade aluminum. The black finish gave it a tactical aesthetic, and the spring clamp lock for Picatinny/Weaver rail attachment seemed promising. However, the initial impression was somewhat tempered by the noticeable lightness of the unit, which raised concerns about its overall durability. Compared to higher-end laser sights from Streamlight or Crimson Trace, the Shooting Made Easy model felt less substantial in hand. I picked it over other budget options due to the advertised CNC machining and IPx4 water resistance, hoping for a reasonable level of build quality.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The green laser was bright and easily visible indoors, which was a good start. However, I reserved judgment until I could put it through rigorous testing in real-world conditions. It’s easy to be impressed by a laser in a controlled environment, but the true test lies in its performance, durability, and reliability under stress.

Real-World Testing: Putting Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to test the Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight was at my local shooting range, both indoors and in their dimly lit outdoor area. I mounted it on my Glock 19, a common handgun platform, using the spring clamp lock mechanism. The initial setup was straightforward, but I noticed that the clamp required significant tightening to ensure a secure fit.

The indoor range provided a good environment to evaluate the laser’s visibility and accuracy. The green beam was indeed bright and easily visible, even under fluorescent lighting. However, I quickly encountered an issue: the laser needed frequent adjustments. After just a few rounds, the recoil caused the laser to shift slightly, requiring me to re-zero the dot. This was frustrating, as it disrupted my shooting rhythm and raised concerns about the reliability of the mounting system. Outside, in the low-light environment, the 5mW green laser was effective at target acquisition, offering a clear aiming point. The windage and elevation adjustments were responsive, allowing me to align the laser with my iron sights.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the initial issues with the Shooting Made Easy laser sight persisted, and new ones emerged. The mounting system continued to be the biggest weakness. Despite my best efforts to tighten the spring clamp, the laser consistently shifted after multiple shots, making it unreliable for any serious applications.

The durability of the unit also became questionable. After approximately 500 rounds, the housing showed signs of wear, with the finish beginning to chip in several places. Although it is rated IPx4 water resistant, I avoided using the laser in wet conditions due to concerns about its long-term reliability. Compared to my experience with other laser sights, such as those from Surefire or Steiner, the Shooting Made Easy model clearly fell short in terms of durability and reliability. These other lasers had far better mounting systems, and rugged enclosures that held up under repeated recoil, impacts, and use in adverse weather. The Shooting Made Easy laser, unfortunately, did not compare.

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 the following specifications:

• Beam Intensity: 532nM. This refers to the wavelength of the green laser light, which is highly visible to the human eye.
• Power: <5mW. This is the laser’s output power, adhering to safety regulations for consumer laser products.
• Range: 500 Yards. This is the theoretical maximum range of the laser, though visibility depends on ambient light conditions.
• Battery: CR123A. This is a common and readily available battery type used to power the laser.
• Color: Green. The color of the laser beam is green, known for its high visibility.
• Gun Model: Handgun. Designed for use on handguns equipped with a Picatinny/Weaver rail.
• Mount Type: Picatinny / Weaver. The laser is compatible with standard Picatinny and Weaver accessory rails.
• Power Switch: On / Off. A simple on/off switch controls the laser’s operation.
• Finish: Black. The laser unit has a black finish, offering a tactical aesthetic.
• CNC Machined Aircraft-Grade Aluminum. Ensures durability.
• IPx4 Water Resistant. Water resistant for reliability in adverse conditions.
• Spring Clamp Lock. Easy to attach to Picatinny/Weaver rail.

These specifications matter because they directly influence the laser’s performance and usability. The 5mW power output provides adequate visibility for most shooting scenarios, while the CR123A battery ensures a decent runtime. The Picatinny/Weaver rail compatibility makes it easy to mount on a wide range of handguns, and the simple on/off switch provides straightforward operation. However, the quality of the materials and the design of the mounting system are crucial for ensuring long-term reliability.

Performance & Functionality

The Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight performs adequately in controlled environments, such as indoor shooting ranges. The green laser is bright and easily visible, allowing for quick target acquisition. However, the laser’s performance degrades significantly under more demanding conditions.

The biggest weakness is the mounting system. The spring clamp lock, while easy to attach, does not provide a secure enough fit to withstand the recoil of even moderate-caliber handguns. This causes the laser to shift, requiring frequent re-zeroing and making it unreliable for any serious tactical or defensive applications. The adjustment screws for windage and elevation also feel somewhat flimsy, raising concerns about their long-term durability.

It meets basic expectations for a budget-friendly laser sight, but it does not exceed them. The bright green laser is a definite plus, but the unreliable mounting system and questionable durability are significant drawbacks.

Design & Ergonomics

The Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight has a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to handle and install. The aircraft-grade aluminum construction provides a reasonable level of durability, although the finish is prone to chipping. The on/off switch is conveniently located and easy to operate, even with gloved hands.

However, the overall build quality feels somewhat cheap. The plastic components feel flimsy, and the adjustment screws lack precision. While the laser is relatively user-friendly, the unreliable mounting system detracts from its overall usability.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight is questionable. The finish is prone to chipping, and the plastic components feel flimsy. The mounting system is the weakest point, as it does not provide a secure fit and is likely to fail under prolonged use.

Maintenance is relatively straightforward. The laser can be cleaned with a soft cloth, and the battery is easy to replace. However, the unreliable mounting system and questionable durability suggest that this laser is not likely to last for an extended period.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight comes with minimal accessories. It includes a CR123A battery and a small Allen wrench for adjusting the windage and elevation screws. There are no other included accessories or customization options.

The laser is compatible with any handgun equipped with a standard Picatinny or Weaver rail. However, due to the unreliable mounting system, it is not recommended to use this laser with high-recoil firearms or in demanding tactical applications.

Pros and Cons of Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight

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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:

• Casual shooters on a tight budget. Who want to experiment with laser sights without investing a lot of money.
• Individuals seeking a basic aiming aid for indoor target practice. Where the laser’s limitations are less critical.

Who should skip this product?

• Tactical or defensive shooters. Who require a reliable and durable aiming solution.
• Hunters or outdoor enthusiasts. Who need equipment that can withstand harsh conditions.
• Anyone seeking a high-quality, long-lasting laser sight. As this model is likely to disappoint.

Must-have accessories or modifications? Due to the laser’s inherent limitations, there are no accessories or modifications that can significantly improve its performance or reliability. Investing in a higher-quality laser sight is a better option for those seeking a more dependable aiming solution.

Conclusion on Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight

In conclusion, the Shooting Made Easy Tactical Handgun 5mW Green Laser Sight offers a budget-friendly entry point into the world of laser aiming devices. The bright green laser is a definite plus, but the unreliable mounting system and questionable durability are significant drawbacks. While it may be suitable for casual shooters on a tight budget, it is not recommended for tactical, defensive, or outdoor applications.

The value proposition is questionable. While the price is attractive, the laser’s limitations make it a less-than-ideal investment for anyone seeking a reliable and long-lasting aiming solution.

Personally, I would not recommend it for serious use. There are other laser sights on the market that offer far better performance, durability, and reliability, albeit at a higher price.

If you’re serious about improving your aiming accuracy and target acquisition, I recommend investing in a higher-quality laser sight from a reputable brand. Don’t compromise on quality when it comes to your safety and performance.

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