Silly question difference between a laser and a red dot

[johncedarhill]

This is dumb but what is the difference between a laser and a red dot. There seem to be many more red dots out there online than lasers. The red dots have optics but not much magnification--correct? It also seems that scopes which have illuminated reticles would be red dot like. I would like to add a laser to one of the scopes I have and a light. Any recommendations on a laser sight? Reasonably priced say 50 to 75, Even less if possible.

[leftcoast1]

Only dumb question is one unasked. To answer your question is a laser is just that. It emits an invisible beam of light and projects a red dot on the target at whatever distance. A red dot is an scope like device usually with no magnification that displays a red dot inside of it. It is adjusted like a scope with elevation and wind age but is more designed to be used inside 50 yards. You can get a red dot that will display different reticules 5 moa dot 10 moa dot half cross hairs circle with 5 moa dot and so on. There a several different types of red dot style optics. Cheap as 29.00 as much 1000.00. Magnification from 0-4 x. I hope I explained it well enough if not shoot me an email or a PM.  

I bought a BSA laser with no experience , and found it to be fine.  But the adjustment screws were poorly designed and took loctite to keep them from wandering.  Alot of fun to use, especially towards dusk.  It is fairly easy to see even in broad daylight.  One of the other guys graciously pointed out this setup.

http://www.pyramydair.com/cgi-bin/accessory.pl?accessory_id=1046

http://www.airgunwarehouseinc.com/bsavahuprlas.html

http://www.swfa.com/p-7480-bsa-precision-laser-sight-light.aspx

Tony

Correction..
only some military laser/scopes project INVISIBLE light, which need special scopes to view.
The lasers that we get to buy emit visible light.

[shadow]

John, here's a pic of my ShadowSport with the laser/ lamp combo on the scope. Work's fantastic since I do alot of night hunting. I left out the squirrel with a hole in his head since this is not the Hunting Gate hehe. Ed

[leftcoast1]

Correct but also not. You can see the dot yes but you can't see the beam.

can't see the beam unless there is dust/mist/fog/dirt/smoke in the air.

sweet looking setup...

what type of a mount do you have?
what's the scope?
what is the gizmo you used to mount the flashlight, laser

does that little flashlight actually project enough light to see anything at night?

[leftcoast1]

very good

[shadow]

That's the mount and the 3-9 x32 BSA scope that came with the Shadow, it's got a Golden Antler on her now and the laser/lamp combo came from CheaperThenDirt and mount's onto the scope. I can get good nightlight out to about 25yrd's, look for those shiny eye's looking back at you hehe. Ed

[leftcoast1]

Hey Ed is the laser and the light both on pressure pads?

[johncedarhill]

That's what I like but need a more powerful light. I need the sights and light to go to at least 50 yards.

thanks

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&partNumber=40746&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults
Bright enough ??

[shadow]

You can set them up for that but I put the pad on the laser and the off/on button on the lamp. Ed

[NMCA_Ron]

These guys have SEVERAL tips on how to hop up your Mag Lite or any other battery operated lamp your heart so desires.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/

I have personally seen the difference between a standard issue Mag Lite and one that has been modified. I might add, quite inexpensively. All I can say is it was an incredible difference.

Hope this helps.

Ron