The Viridian X-Series pistol laser light combines a bright Cree LED light, with the aiming advantage of a Viridian green laser sight. Green lasers have a distinct advantage over more common red lasers because the brightness level of the laser allows a clear targeting point even during daylight, where most red lasers tend to suffer. Though not as popular in law enforcement use, laser sighting systems have become very popular for U.S. military ground units in the recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Laser Aiming Systems Corporation (owner of Viridian Green Laser Sights) has been a pioneer company in the arena of handgun lasers and lights, particularly green lasers. Viridian green lasers are specifically designed for particular handguns, ensuring that the fit is as secure and stable as possible, even under heavy use.
In addition, Viridian is offering newer models of laser/light sighting options with their Enhanced Combat Readiness (ECR). Using Viridian’s own TACLOC Level II Kydex holsters, when the officer presses the locking mechanism release the Viridian laser is automatically turned on making the sighting system ready for use immediately upon withdrawing the handgun. In addition to the TACLOC holster, Viridian even offers an ECR holster upgrade for your current Viridian-fitting holster to allow ECR on your current holster.
The X-Series laser/light combinations attach to the Picatinny accessory rail, and mount directly underneath the frame to keep the firearm balanced and as sleek as possible. The direct in-line mounting also allows the officer to select from a much larger selection of holsters, than those accessories that are mounted in an off-set fashion.
Viridian X-Series Features:
Models – X5L, X5L-FDE, X5L-RS, X5L-RS-FDE
- Material – 6061 Aircraft grade aluminum
- Weight – 3.3 oz.
- Laser Range – 100 yards in daylight; 2 miles at night
- Laser – 5mW / 532nm
- Pistol Light – CREE LED; 178 lumens constant and 224 lumens on strobe
- Battery – (1) CR123 (Viridian Tactical Energy+ included)
- Battery Life – (6+) hours constant laser; 10+ hours pulsing laser; 1 hour laser & light
- Adjustments – Elevation and windage
- Activation – Thumb button scroll through operating modes
- Option – Enhanced Combat Readiness (ECR) instant-on using Viridian TACLOC holster
- MSRP – $409.00.
The X5L-RS models are designed for rifles, particularly the AR-15. These Viridian laser/light combinations are designed to attach to common Picatinny rails, and come with a pressure switch activation that can mount to vertical forward grips or to the rail itself. There are (2) activation buttons on the pressure switch that allow the operator to choose lighting selections for both the laser and the LED flashlight. In addition, Viridian offers the X5L-R, which is the same pistol mounted set up using a red laser sighting system.
Green lasers do tend to use more energy than a red laser, but the significant aiming point advantage is worth the added expense from energy drain. In addition, Viridian Tactical Energy+ CR2 and CR123 batteries use advanced lithium technology to produce up to 30% more power. This should help off-set some of the power drain from using a green laser over a red laser.
The BlueSheepDog Crew are big fans of weapon mounted lights, as they are typically the best method for illuminating a target in low-light conditions. Particularly with handgun use, a weapon mounted light can allow an officer to have a solid 2-handed grip for the most stable shooting platform. Having to rely on a hand-held flashlight creates a burdensome choice of hand positioning, and only a moderate level of steadiness when both hands are placed on the firearm for shooting.
Some agencies do not permit officers to carry a weapon-mounted light or laser, and if that is your case than I would recommend you consider training on low-light tactics from reputable providers like Surefire Institute, or Strategos International. There are ways to use hand-held flashlights to their maximum benefit in illuminating dark spaces, covering officer movement, and also providing some protection to the officer from a shooter.
In force-on-force scenarios it is not uncommon for a shooter who are illuminated from a flashlight will fire at the light, presuming the officer to be directly behind the light. We offer a method of keeping the light away from the body, while still accomplishing all the benefits that light or “lights out” can offer.