Night Vision Advice on Class 1 Laser IR for rifle

[Douglas-001]

As my 50th birthday approaches, (I know....half way down the drain...) I would like to ask for some real world testimony from members if possible. I can only get so much from youtube videos and articles which I have been digesting for a few months now. It would seem that it is down to the MAWL and DBAL D2. The illumination downrange on these seem to be the best as I would like to have capability to 200 yds (max). I understand the DBAL has a signature that would be visible, I imagine there are people out there who are trained to find such a signature, but if I was on the same field as them, I guess things have gone terribly wrong for many, many people. I wanted to avoid a separate illuminator. I've been trying to find some points to put forth so not to cast a wide net.

Range 200 yds max - could be a little less- like the stand off capability while suppressed

Hunting would be possibility

Durability- ain't jumping fences or rappelling from rotary wing platforms but don't know just how "delicate" these
lasers might be built

Customer service- who doesn't want that?

Something that won't become outdated in 8 months.

I do have a PVS 14 Gen3 rig which I could post the specs from if that would help. I know some members have used these lasers or others under exceptional circumstances, and others may still use them presently in the same manner, while some are using them for steel, hogs, critter control, maybe even winning tailgate arguments.
I reckon my long winded question is which of these is the go to laser for targets from steel, to piggy piggy, rocky racoon, and 42 long? I have until the end of November. The great thing about buying your own birthday gift is that you get exactly what you want! Thanks as always.

Doug

 

[aslrookie]

I don’t have any experience with the D2, but once I used the MAWL I understand that it’s priced that way for a reason. If you’re only going to buy 1 laser, I’d say go with the MAWL. If you’re planning on multiple rifles each having their own dedicated laser...maybe go D2 unless you have the cash for over $5k in MAWLs.

 

[newguy2k3v2]

The signature people talk about is visible to people or animals without night vision. I haven't had any situations where I'm certain my d2 has spooked anything. I'd expect it from coyotes or deer but hogs I wouldn't worry about. If you're pointing ir lasers and lights around anyone else with NV is going to see you.

The d2 works great if you can deal with the ergos and bulk of it. You'll not be wanting for more illumination. I'd get the green laser if I had to do it again.

I have not seen a mawl in person but most agree that it's the top dog but not worth two d2s for everyone. Depends on your uses.

 

[whoreable]

Perst 3, better than a mawl and any dbal

 

[TheGerman]

Perst 3, better than a mawl and any dbal

Do you have one/have experience with one?

I've been curious about these since I saw some people on ARF trying to buy them, but never really got much of an actual report about if/how they worked.

I can't bring myself to put one of a KAC gun, but I have a Krinkov that this would work for.

 

[dustingaunder]

I like my CQBL-1. I use a white/IR x300v on that rifle but it’s setup for indoor use more so than hunting. My LW coyote rig has a peq-15 and I like it.

 

[crossgun]

So I am contemplating my third MAWL so that might be a clue. If you seek having a true functional working illuminator that performs like white light then the answer is the MAWL. NO other illiminator comes close especially for close or CQB work while having the distance as well. No other product out there has the switchology that the MAWL offers either. Simple mounting, simple thumb activation that allow easy use of white light as well.

Im so tired of fighting to have decent IR illumination with the others and all the cords and pressure pads.

 

[Douglas-001]

Nyet comrade Whoreable on Perst. Is from behind iron curtain. Wishing to not send back to mother Russia for repairings. Nyet on owner books for operations. Is written in very difficult languages.

I found a few reviews on the cosmonaut kit, but quickly ruled it out. I get that if another person is using NODS, they will certainly see my antics. I didn't know how obvious the illuminator visible signature would be to the naked eye. Maybe if they can see it, it's too late...? I spent good pesos on my kit from Pete at I2 a few years back - he was very helpful and took the time to answer my lame questions-so I'm leaning towards spending a little more for top shelf. Would still appreciate any feedback others may have to offer.

 

[BridgerWSS]

Crossgun,
I’m with ya on the MAWL as hands down the king but how do you view the DBAL-D2’s illuminator comparatively? I mean we ARE talking well over a grand in difference here. I could have 2 D2s for the price of a C1+

 

[Hollywood 6mm]

I'll be making a purchase on a couple of IR setups in the near future, as well. Has anyone looked at the new Surefire XVL2 that was announced at SHOT? It looks like they're actually available now. They look great on paper (and it's Surefire, so it's not gonna suck), but I wasn't sure if there was something I was missing.

 

[Crang]

Nyet comrade Whoreable on Perst. Is from behind iron curtain. Wishing to not send back to mother Russia for repairings. Nyet on owner books for operations. Is written in very difficult languages.

I found a few reviews on the cosmonaut kit, but quickly ruled it out. I get that if another person is using NODS, they will certainly see my antics. I didn't know how obvious the illuminator visible signature would be to the naked eye. Maybe if they can see it, it's too late...? I spent good pesos on my kit from Pete at I2 a few years back - he was very helpful and took the time to answer my lame questions-so I'm leaning towards spending a little more for top shelf. Would still appreciate any feedback others may have to offer.

Too bad. I have an expensive PEQ and a Perst-4. The PEQ almost always stays home and I take the Perst. Being able to dial the intensity of the laser up and down to avoid bloom is valuable to me for shooting accuracy. I consider it a requirement for any future units I buy actually. A lot of my shots in the dark are fairly close and having a big light ball instead of an actual dot for a point of aim is annoying. Since I like to put them in the ear of the pigs its like having a 100 MOA dot lol and trying to be accurate with it. If I ever have the chance to get an old Atilla-200 I probably will. There was one for sale here just a month ago-

Edit- I just looked up the MAWL (I've benn out of the market a few years using what Ive got). While not infinitely adjustable, at least it has 3 intensity settings for the lasers. Definitely an improvement.

 

[Hollywood 6mm]

I’ll be honest, nothing night vision I have used yet from surefire blew my whistle.

The tail cap that goes on the x300 for tape switches especially sucked, and looks likely to be the same one on this new unit.

Maybe this unit will rock. Or just get a MAWL.

If you need a pistol setup, the TLr-VIR-II is very good and fits holsters for the TLR-1

I'm looking at a VIR-II as well for my 9mm SBR, since it will likely see some use for pigs, and I don't want to sink $1k+ into a white/IR unit for that. The Surefire or a DBAL is likely going on my 5.56 SBR, though.

 

[RaymondPembrose]

If money isn't an option, the MAWL is far and away the superior option for a civ laser. DBAL's work but in my experience the form factor is less than desirable - overly boxy and bulky. ATPIAL-C's are increasingly common and if you are limited to a civ laser, I wouldn't consider anything other than an ATPIAL or MAWL. Form factor is a big deal, and the DBAL lasers i've used (PEQ15A, I2, and A3) were all less than ideal, especially if you prefer to key the laser using the button on the housing vs switches...