Laser Pointer vs. Weapons Laser

[OFX]

I am a member of a church security team and we had a situation where a laser was pointed at a staff member. This got me to thinking, is there a way to tell the difference between a pointer and a weapons laser?

Besides color; as most weapons lasers are red or green, is there a size or pattern difference. Anything at all that is visibly different, and easy to spot?

I am also looking for information that gives the sizes (diameter) for various beams based on color, power and distance. I am talking about distances less than 300 feet.

Thanks

 

[T_Warne]

There really isn't any definitive way to know for sure by just observing the dot. My feeling is "better safe than sorry", assume it is a threat until confirmed to be otherwise. Depending on your state there may also be laws against someone pointing a laser at a person or a vehicle.

You are correct that most sights use red or green, but there are also violet sights available.

The newest hobby laser is a high powered 445 blue diode, but these will produce a very noticeable line shape ( --- ) if projected more than maybe 50 feet, as opposed the round dot ( O ) from green or red.

You might try looking at the different manufacturers websites for find info about beam diameter at a given distance.
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[JLSE]

I would report any instance where a laser is pointed at you. Regardless if it is weapon
mounted or a handheld, the beam is of unknown power and can be very dangerous to
the eyes.

If a laser is shone into your eyes, as long as you or the person hit feels physical
pain, an assault charge may be warranted, depending on local laws..

File a complaint, and or call the cops regardless, and dont take any chances.
My advice would be, better safe than sorry.

:beer:

 

[T_Warne]

Actually, JSLE hit the nail on the head. Even a "toy" green laser bought on ebay can easily cause damage to vision.

 

[Dogs Best Friend]

Yeah, pretty much any laser could be mounted to a weapon. Weapon lasers are "usually" cheap red or green lasers, but they can come in any color or shape. I have never heard of a multimode weapons laser, but that doesn't mean they don't exist.

Probably >99/100 times, if a laser is pointed at you, its a pointer. It's always a good idea to get out of there though, because you never know. Better safe than sorry.

I agree with JLSE; treat is as a serious situation. Inform the police, and treat it as if it were a weapons laser.

On a side note... If someone does use a visible laser on their weapon, you should be thankful to them for giving away their own position instead of using real sights and shooting you