by Dr. Jim and Mary Clary
Laser Genetics NS-300 SZ ~ Test & Review [Part of AmmoLand’s Every Day Carry Series]
United States -(AmmoLand.com)- We have been waiting for the NS-300 subzero since we got word that Laser Genetics was working on it back in 2014. And, we have to tell you, it was worth the wait.
This night vision laser does what no other product of its kind does.
The Laser Genetics NS-300 features what is called the Advanced Laser Module Technology (ALM). This new ALM unit is easier for the human eye to see than with most other lasers. The 520 mm solid-state green laser allows one to paint a target out to 300 yards, or open it up to illuminate the surrounding area. (It is actually visible for up to 3 miles… so be careful).
For varmint and feral hog hunters, this is “just what the doctor ordered.” No more spooking the predators with spotlights, scan the area with the NS-300, paint the target and they are done.
We have used it extensively around the farm and it does not spook or alert any of the critters that they are being “watched”…. and that includes coyotes.
The original Laser Genetics products were designed and developed to provide high quality illumination that existing night vision products couldn’t meet. The new NS-300 Subzero unit takes the technology and design one step further. This unit is lighter, ultra-compact and provides a substantially more stable platform than previous models.
This new unit comes with a scope mount that has separate vertical and horizontal adjustments which make it easy to align the laser with your riflescope. That, by itself is a major benefit of the NS 300 SZ.
With an MSRP of $309.99, the NS 300 isn’t cheap, but given its quality and capability of operating under all temperature conditions without attenuation, it is a reasonable price.
And, after a bit of searching, we found it available online for $229.95 which is a huge value.
Laser Genetics NS-300 Laser Designator Specifications & Highlights:
- 520nm Class II Visible Green Laser
- This class of laser will not cause skin burns or start fires. The only potential hazard is to the eyes…. so, do not look into it or point it at another person.
- If by some accident the laser flashes across your eyes, blink and look away, The normal blink reflex is quick enough to prevent damage…. but, also, make note…. DO Not look at the beam’s reflection — this becomes even more important IF YOU ARE VIEWING THE LASER THROUGH A SET OF BINOCULARS OR RIFLESCOPE WHICH GATHER MORE LIGHT THAN THE BARE EYE.
- Power for Classification: < 1mW
- Total Power Emitted: < 18mW
- Divergence: Adjustable, < 1mRad worst case
- Range in darkness: > 1 mile
- Long distance beam : 300 yards very good/ visible up to 3 miles
- Adjustable beam from 1 to 5.5″
- Fully Multicoated Glass Lenses
- Pushbutton Tailcap Switch
- Constant-On Mode Only
- Anodized Aluminum Housing
- Water and Fogproof
- Subzero Low Operating Temperature System
- Runs on One CR123 battery
- Battery Life: up to 7 hours @ 0oF (40% more than older model)
- Dimensions: 75″ long x 1.25″ diameter
- Weight: 95 oz (141 grams)
- Includes Scope Mount and Remote Switch
Jim has experience with lasers while working as a research scientist for the US Air Force. As such, we believe it is appropriate to reprint the warnings here that are included with the NS-300 SZ:
Laser Genetics NS-300 Laser Designator Warnings
- NEVER aim the laser at people or vehicles
- NEVER look into the output of the laser designator
- DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN to play with the laser designator
- EYE INJURY is possible if the laser is aimed at people using telescopes, rifle scopes, spotting scopes, binoculars, cameras or other optical light gathering instruments
- NEVER use the laser designator around individuals who may interpret your actions as an emergency distress call, unless it is an actual emergency/
- DO NOT remove the safety labels on the laser designator
- DO NOT attempt to repair or disassemble the laser designator as it could lead to hazardous exposure
- DO NOT use the laser designator if the lens is cracked or broken
- NO MAINTENANCE or SERVICE is allowed by the owner
REMEMBER: Aiming a laser at aircraft, watercraft, vehicles, law enforcement officials or other situations where vision and situational awareness are critical can cause disruptions of safe operations causing dangerous situations AND COULD BE A CRIMINAL OFFENSE (it usually is).
About Jim and Mary Clary:
Jim and Mary Clary have co-authored over three hundred and fifty articles, (and counting) on shooting and hunting. You can read many of them on AmmoLand News.