Infrared Laser Pointer

Laser diodes try to pull more current as they heat up which can kill the diode. I would presume low power diodes will be less forgiving then some of the burners on youtube that live (for awhile) without a driver. Unless you have an extra diode I wouldn't try it.
A simple driver is easy to build LM317 DDL constant current driver

82 ohm should be okay, as 45mA is the typical current, and the max is 70mA, but definitely the driver is the way as told by HaloBlu above.

I along with a friend connected the laser to the voltage source using the 82ohm resistor in series with a variable resistor, adjusting it from very low voltage across the diode to the typical 1.9 volts. We managed to get it to light without blowing it. However, as I suspected it doesn't give much in the way of a beam. After only a few centimeters the dot was already too large and unfocused.

With that, it presents problem number two. How to get a focused beam at about 3-4 meters. I hope to get a standard laser pointer and replace that diode with the IR laser, hoping that the lens will focus it as needed, however, I thought I'd ask for your opinions to how I should continue as well.

use a simple AIXIZ module, it wont cost you more than 5$ (you can find for less!)
if i find again the link of the one i bought i post it here
E: http://hightechdealz.com/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=40 that's it