Lasers—visible or infrared—can be powerful tools in a fighting rifle setup. But like any tool,
they’re only as good as how you understand and apply them. In this post, we’re gonna break
down the core principles: how to zero a laser, the theory of use for both visible and IR lasers,
and a critical reminder that in the world of night vision, your advantage can quickly become
someone else’s too. Lasers for Fighting Guns: what you need to know dives into zeroring your laser.
Zeroing a Laser: Intersectional vs. Coaxial
There are two main approaches to laser zeroing: intersectional and coaxial with Lasers for Fighting Guns.
● Intersectional Zeroing is when your laser is zeroed to intersect with your point of
impact at a single distance—commonly 50, 100, or 300 meters. This works fine for most
practical use, especially with lasers mounted offset from the bore (like 1.5″ above and
right). The big benefit is that it’s easy to set up and works well at close ranges. Between
0 and your zero distance, the laser is usually just a touch off—often within an inch or two
depending on range and offset.
But beyond your zero, things can start to fall apart. If you zeroed at 50 meters and
suddenly need to hit at 300, your laser could be off by several inches—not just from
ballistic drop, but from the curved trajectory of that offset beam path. Now you’re dealing
with both holdover and lateral correction. That’s two variables instead of one, and under
nods, in the dark, under stress—that’s a lot.
Coaxial Zeroing
Coaxial Zeroing (or as close to it as your setup allows) aligns your laser to run as
parallel to your bore as possible. In a perfect world, it matches the bullet’s path
exactly—but in real life, the best you’ll get is a very close approximation. The laser won’t
ever truly be “zeroed” in the traditional sense, but its relationship to your bullet stays
consistent at all distances. That means you’re always a known, fixed offset away from
POI. You learn one hold. You factor in one consistent correction. And that’s worth gold
when things stretch beyond CQB.
Dual-Laser Options:
If your laser aiming module has two visible lasers, they’re usually
independently zero-able. This gives you the option to have two intersecting zeros at
different ranges (usually a short and a far range), or you could coax one zero and then
have one set to a specific range. If you have one visible laser and one IR laser, these
are typically slaved together meaning when you adjust one zero, it equally adjusts the
other.
TL;DR:
If you plan to use your laser beyond 100 meters—or train to push into mid-range
engagements—a coaxial (or trued parallel) zero saves your brain in a fight. For close work,
intersectional is fine, but it falls apart fast the farther you go. You’re not just fighting
gravity—you’re fighting math.
Visible vs. Infrared: Two Worlds, Two Missions
● Visible Lasers are good for daylight-zeroing and overt deterrence. If your role requires
showing force—like law enforcement or deterrence-based defense—a visible laser can
make someone rethink their life choices when that beam hits their chest.
● Infrared Lasers are where the real power is—when paired with night vision. IR is
invisible to the naked eye but crystal clear through NVGs. You get an aiming solution
without giving away your position to anyone not wearing nods.
But here’s the kicker:
Lasers Work Both Ways.
If you can see that IR beam through your PVS-14s or binoculars… so can anyone else with
comparable equipment. In low-light environments, especially if your opponent is kitted with
night vision (yes, it happens), that IR pointer becomes a literal glowing line back to your face.
Treat IR like a flashlight—it’s tactical, but it’s also traceable.
Why IR is Like a Superpower—Until It Isn’t
Using an IR laser under night vision is like cheating. You can shoot from the hip, behind cover,
or on the move with precision. It massively shortens your engagement time and keeps your
visual attention on the target instead of your reticle.
But every superpower has a weakness.
In a world where night vision is more affordable and widespread than ever—thanks to surplus
units, civilian availability, and global unrest—you cannot assume you’re the only one running in
the IR spectrum. If your beam is on, you’re a lighthouse on the battlefield.
So What’s the Move?
● Keep IR use brief: On to engage, off to move.
● Know your zero: Get your IR laser dialed at your expected engagement distance, or
know your coax offset.
● Use visible only when needed: For deterrence, zeroing, or overt applications.
● Don’t forget offset: A 1.5″ rail-mounted laser will not be point-of-impact at all distances.
Final Thoughts Lasers for Fighting Guns
Lasers are powerful tools, but they require understanding, not just gear envy. Train to use them
with intention, understand their strengths, and always be thinking like the other guy might see
what you see.
Especially when the lights go out.