Laser dot sights function by projecting a visible laser dot onto the target you are aiming at.
Understanding Laser Dot Sights
A laser sight is a compact electronic device designed to assist a shooter in aiming a firearm, such as a handgun. Unlike traditional iron sights or magnified optics, a laser sight provides a distinct visual cue directly on the intended impact point.
Projecting the Aiming Point
The fundamental way a laser sight works is through the emission of a focused beam of light from a small laser diode. This beam travels from the sight and projects a glowing dot on your target. This visible dot represents the point of aim, allowing the shooter to quickly see where the firearm is directed without needing to align front and rear sights or look through a scope.
Installation and Types
Laser sights can be integrated into a firearm in a couple of common ways:
- Mounted Device: A small device can be attached to the firearm, often onto a rail system or the trigger guard.
- Laser Grip: As an alternative, you can replace the manufacturer's standard grip with a specialized laser grip that has the laser sight built directly into it.
Distinguishing From Other Sight Types
It's important to note that the term "dot sight" can sometimes refer to other technologies, like red dot sights, which use an illuminated reticle within the sight optic itself, or even sights that magnify. However, a laser sight specifically works by projecting the dot externally onto the target. While some dot sights might magnify like telescopic sights, laser sights are primarily defined by their function of projecting a visible dot onto the target.
