Red Versus Green Laser Sights - XDTalk Forums

Hawaiian Eye · 12-02-2008, 01:40 AM

Red versus green lasers at first seems an easy choice. Green is easier for the human eye to see than red. Percieved difference according to reports seem to indicate that green is 3 to 4 times easer to recognize than red. Slam dunk in favor of green . . . . maybe.

Recently I came across an article stating that the green laser beam is generally visible allowing an adversary to track the beam to it's source. A photograph accompanying it seemed to coroberate the statement. Red laser beams are usually, according to the article, only visible when particulate, such as smoke or water vapor, are present. Perhaps the greater brightness of the green laser makes it more visible with normal ammounts of particulate (dust, pollen, etc.) whereas more concentrated particulate (smoke, fog, steam, etc.) are necessary for red beams to become noticeable.

My question then is does the easier acquisition of a target due to the greater brightness of green lasers outweigh its liability of being able to be tracked to its source? And, under what circumstances are green laser sights superior to red? Conversely, when are red laser sights, if at any time, superior to green laser sights?

WildCat87 · 12-02-2008, 01:50 AM

This is just a personal opinion: Red is more intimidating.

WTFH4XX · 12-02-2008, 02:56 AM

Iunno man, If i saw a solid beam of green scouring a room id GTFO.

**Spawnz** · 12-02-2008, 03:16 AM

I don't know about target acquisition. I would think that having a beam you could see easily (green laser) would get you on target faster if it was a moving target, say if it was a coyote running from left to right in the woods/field in front of you.

I have thought about maybe getting a green laser. I wouldn't need to worry about a BG following the beam back to me because I would use it mostly for varmits at night. Read that as being skunks, raccoons, opossums, etc.

So I will stick with the red laser for home defense (mostly outdoors at night). Inside I don't think it would matter. Other than the intimidation factor.

WildCat87 · 12-02-2008, 04:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WTFH4XX

Iunno man, If i saw a solid beam of green scouring a room id GTFO.

Me too, but still, I just see red as a more intimidating color in general.

njdevil · 12-02-2008, 05:55 AM

I read somewhere the Green will not work in Very cold or hot weather

But with that said i would agree that either will work in a BG situation

JD

**chg211** · 12-02-2008, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njdevil

I read somewhere the Green will not work in Very cold or hot weather

But with that said i would agree that either will work in a BG situation

JD

The Viridian Green Laser will work in all conditions including hi-noon sunlight at least out to 50yds plus. Warm or cold does not affect this unit and if you don't think this laser is intimidating you must be fearless. I use one and they are a very nice unit and my choice after research & shooting others.
Go Green !
://www.viridiangreenlaser.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=41

nuj · 12-02-2008, 07:43 AM

lasers no matter the color will be very intimidating. like all light beams,its easier to trace the source specially at night. i'll settle for the business end of my gun facing the adversary anytime

DeadEye-Want2B · 12-02-2008, 04:26 PM

I agree with chg........I can pick up my Viridian's green laser beam out to 100yds........Texas, mid day, no clouds, 110 degrees............go green. 4 hrs battery life on steady 6hrs if in one of the three strobe modes. I have mine on an XDM 40...........23/25 head shots from 45 feet.

Reno82 · 12-02-2008, 06:13 PM

Having any color laser point on you usually means that a bullet will come to you at that spot. I personal can see green easier but in my house and only for 25 yrds I'll take the red laser. My AR15 has a green laser and my AR15 9mm has a red laser.