This comprehensive laser sight installation guide will walk you through installing your new ArmaLaser handgun laser sight.
Safety First and Tools Needed
Verify that the Firearm is Unloaded
Before beginning the process to install a laser sight on your firearm, always ensure your gun is completely unloaded. Remove the magazine, check the chamber, and place the magazine and all ammunition on a separate table. This step is critical for safety.
Gather Your Tools and Supplies
Depending on the series (TR or GTO), your laser sight package includes:
Laser sight system
Battery
Finger touch adapter (FTA) (GTO)
FTA installation/removal tool (GTO)
FDA yellow advisory label
Hex key
Locking/mounting screws
Cotton swabs
Mini Phillips screwdriver (TR)
Alcohol wipe (GTO)
Battery door
Manual
Mounting the Laser Sight on Your Handgun
Learning how to mount a laser on a handgun is straightforward. Here are the model-specific instructions. The accompanying user manual will have images and more details.
Installation for Trigger Guard Lasers
TR Series Instructions:
Separate the Housing: The TR laser sight unit consists of two halves. Begin by separating the left side (with the laser and electronics) from the right side (with the battery).
Hook the Laser Side onto the Trigger Guard: Properly position the TR sight onto the pistol, noting the key reference points. Align the TR sight with your pistol's trigger guard and press it into place; some gentle pressure may be required.
Attach the Battery Housing Side: Hook the right side of the TR into the latch and swing it shut to join the two halves together.
Secure with Locking Screws: While squeezing the halves together, use the provided hex key to tighten them. The TR unit has one of two possible hole configurations—do not force the screws.
Insert the Battery: Ensure the battery is oriented correctly, with the negative side touching the spring.
Secure the Battery Door: Hook the battery door tab into the TR unit and swing it shut. Secure the door using the included battery door screw and the supplied mini Phillips screwdriver.
Rail-Mounted Lasers Attachment
GTO Series (GripTouch™ Option) Instructions
Choose Your Activation Mode:
You'll first need to choose an activation mode to install a laser sight for the GTO series.
Finger Touch Mode: The laser turns on/off by touching the vertical gold contacts located on the side of the housing.
Grip Touch Mode: Using the optional FLX strip, the laser automatically turns on when the pistol is gripped.
For Finger Touch Mode:
Slide the GTO onto the Rail: Align the screw hole located on the right side of the GTO unit, choosing the notch closest to the trigger guard.
Insert the Mounting Screw: Place the screw through the right side of the unit and tighten it using a medium-sized flathead screwdriver.
Install the Battery: Insert the battery with the positive end facing outward. Push down on the battery door plate while sliding it until the tab clicks into place.
For Grip Touch Mode:
Prepare the Grip for FLX Installation: Use the alcohol wipe to clean the grip, trigger guard, and rail area. Let it dry before proceeding.
Remove the Finger Touch Adapter: Use the removal/installation tool to remove the Finger Touch Adapter by pressing down on the two silver contacts located on the top of the GTO. While lightly pressing down, slide the Adapter off.
Install the FLX Strip: Peel the backing from the FLX strip and secure the hard plastic end first. The lip goes against the rear edge of the correct notch in your rail. Work backward from the rail towards the grip, keeping the FLX strip positioned down the middle. Apply gentle pressure to eliminate any surface bubbles.
Slide the GTO onto the Rail: Align the screw hole with the pistol rail notch indicated on the FLX packaging.
Secure with the Mounting Screw: Insert the screw and tighten it with a medium-sized flathead screwdriver.
Install the Battery: Insert the battery with the positive end out and secure the battery door plate.
Activate Grip Touch Mode: Insert the hex key into the programming hole and push in four times until you hear four clicks. Wait a few seconds for the system to confirm the mode switch.
Tips to Avoid Over-Tightening or Misalignment
Hand-tighten the screws before fully securing them: This helps with proper alignment.
Do not over-tighten: Excessive force can strip screws or damage the mounting system.
Ensure the laser aligns with the iron sights before final tightening: This reduces the need for significant adjustments later.
Zeroing the Laser for Accuracy
After completing the laser sight installation process, the next step is zeroing the laser sight for accuracy. “Zero” is the exact distance the sights are aligned so that targeting matches the impact point. In other words, it’s the distance where the bullet will precisely be where you’re aiming.
Initial Bore-Sighting at Home
Understanding how to sight in a pistol laser begins with these steps:
Find a Flat Surface: Stand about 20 feet from a flat wall.
Align with Iron Sights: Adjust the laser dot to match your handgun's iron sights.
Use the Hex Key: Insert the hex key into the windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down) adjustment holes.
Make Minor Adjustments: Turn each screw slightly until the dot aligns with the sight image.
Adjusting Windage (Left/Right)
Insert the hex key into the windage hole.
For TR and GTO Series: Turning clockwise moves the laser dot right; counterclockwise moves it left.
Adjusting Elevation (Up/Down)
Insert the hex key into the elevation hole.
For TR and GTO Series: Turning clockwise moves the laser dot down; counterclockwise moves it up.
Note: Never turn the hex key more than one complete turn in either direction, as the laser arrives pre-sighted from the factory and will only require minor adjustments.
Live Fire Adjustment at the Range
The final step in zeroing the laser sight is live fire testing at a practice range:
Fire a Test Group: Shoot a small group of rounds at a target.
Compare Impact vs. Laser Dot: Adjust as necessary using the hex key.
Repeat Until Aligned: Continue until the laser dot matches the actual point of impact.
Optimal Zero Distance
A 10-yard zero balances close-quarters accuracy and mid-range effectiveness for most self-defense purposes. Other pistol owners may prefer shorter zero ranges, while competitive shooters will want a longer distance.
Programming an ArmaLaser Sight
TR Series Programming
Steady/Pulsing Beam: To toggle between steady and pulsing beam modes, click the gray button on the bottom of the unit two times.
Power On/Off: Press and hold the programming button for two seconds.
GTO Series Programming
Finger Touch Mode: Default factory setting.
GripTouch™ Mode: Click the programming button four times.
Steady Beam: Default factory setting.
Pulsing Beam: Click the programming button two times.
Power On/Off: Press and hold the programming button for two seconds.
To reverse any of these settings, repeat the steps taken. Note that battery removal places the laser into default factory settings.
Maintenance to Keep Your Laser on Target
After you install a laser sight and complete the zeroing laser sight process, proper maintenance is essential:
Checking Zero Regularly
Check alignment after heavy recoil sessions: Some firearms may shift slightly due to repeated firing.
Re-check zero after replacing the battery: Removing the battery can reset settings.
Perform occasional function tests: Ensure the laser activates as expected.
Clean the laser lens regularly: To remove debris, use a dry cotton swab or one moistened with rubbing alcohol.
Securing Screws and Battery
Periodically tighten the screws: Avoid over-tightening, but ensure they remain secure.
Use fresh, high-quality batteries: Duracell batteries are recommended for longevity and maintaining consistent voltage.
Laser Sight Setup Made Easy With ArmaLaser
Whether you choose the TR or GTO Series, ArmaLaser handgun laser sights are simple to install and zero. The ArmaLaser website offers additional resources, including manuals and videos.
Still deciding on a laser sight? Explore the ArmaLaser store for custom-fit options for over two dozen premium handgun brands. Professional assistance is available through customer service or by calling (800) 680-5020.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for educational purposes only and is based on correct firearm handling and lawful use. This information is not a substitute for proper training.