What Is an IR Laser?

An IR laser—short for infrared laser—is a beam emitter that produces light in the infrared spectrum, which is invisible to the naked eye. On its own, you won’t see it. But pair it with night vision, and it becomes one of the most useful aiming tools on a rifle.

That’s the simple answer. But if you’re running night vision gear—or planning to—there’s more to it. Understanding how IR lasers work, what they’re for, and which models are worth using will save you time, money, and frustration. Our team at Defense Distributors is going to break it down.

What Does an IR Laser Do?

An IR laser gives you a point-of-aim reference under night vision, and only under night vision. While a visible red or green laser shows up to the naked eye, an IR laser only appears through night vision optics (like PVS-14s or digital night vision). This makes it ideal for:

• Shooting under NODs (night observation devices)
• Coordinating with teammates using IR flood or pointer beams
• Maintaining concealment in low-light or no-light conditions

Most IR laser units also include an IR illuminator—basically a flashlight in the IR spectrum. While your laser gives you a precise aiming point, the illuminator gives your NODs enough ambient IR light to see better in the dark.

What Makes a Good IR Laser?

There’s a reason a lot of guys skip the cheap clones. IR lasers need to be zeroable, consistent, and rugged. If your laser shifts point-of-impact every time the rifle gets bumped or heated up, it’s not a tool—it’s a liability.

Good IR lasers will:

• Hold zero under recoil
• Include both a pointer and illuminator
• Be slaved (i.e., zero one and the other moves with it)
• Be easy to activate under stress (dual leads, pressure pads, etc.)

Types of IR Lasers We Sell

We carry several IR laser systems, each built for different use cases and budgets. Here’s a quick rundown:

GL4 Pro

The GL4 Pro is our preferred pick for most civilian and non-government users. It offers a clean, slaved IR and visible laser system in a durable housing, with an IR illuminator and remote pressure pad included. For under $600, it’s one of the only full-featured IR units that actually holds zero. We’ve run it on everything from SBRs to night vision training setups with no issues. If you want an IR laser without jumping into the $1,500+ range, this is the one to beat.

Holosun IRIS

The Holosun IRIS (sometimes listed as the LE321R-IR or DRS-L) is Holosun’s entry into the IR laser world, and it’s generating a lot of attention. It includes a visible green laser, IR pointer, and IR illuminator—all slaved—and comes in a compact housing that works well with most rail setups. If you're already running Holosun optics or are building a lightweight NOD-compatible rifle, this is worth a look.

Steiner DBAL-D2

The DBAL-D2 is the workhorse in the civilian IR world. It’s big, bright, and reliable, but the D2 uses a Class 1 illuminator that’s basically a flashlight for NODs—it’s big, but it performs. Many use this as their go-to for night shooting at 100+ yards, especially if they want stronger illumination than the GL4 or IRIS.

Steiner DBAL-A3

The DBAL-A3 is a step up, offering dual activation controls and a more compact footprint. It’s often preferred by law enforcement or serious NOD shooters who want full control over visible and IR outputs. It’s pricey, but proven.

IR Lasers and Legal Considerations

Most IR lasers sold to civilians fall into the Class 1 power rating (under 0.7mW output), which is within FDA guidelines for eye safety. Military units often use higher-powered Class 3B devices, but those aren’t legal for civilian sale. All the IR lasers on our site are Class 1 unless otherwise noted, and are safe when used responsibly under NODs.

Can You Use an IR Laser Without Night Vision?

Technically, yes—but you won’t see it. An IR laser is invisible to the naked eye. It only becomes visible when viewed through a night vision device. If you're not running NODs, a visible laser is more practical. Some hybrid units (like the GL4 Pro) let you switch between visible and IR lasers, depending on your setup.

Final Thoughts

IR lasers aren’t just cool-looking accessories. When paired with night vision, they become essential tools for communication, navigation, and fast, accurate shots in the dark. Whether you're just getting into night vision or building out your third NV-capable rifle, the right IR laser makes all the difference.

If you’re ready to explore options, we’ve put together a dedicated category here: IR Lasers at Defense Distributors. We keep stock of the best-performing civilian-legal models, including the GL4 Pro and Holosun IRIS, and we ship fast.

Whether you're prepping for a class, a range night, or real-world use, we've used this gear ourselves—and we only carry the units we'd actually run.