DesignatIR: A New VIS/IR Laser for the Civilian Market – SHOT Show 2020

in Authors, Ivan Loomis, SHOT Show 2020, SHOT Show Archives
DesignatIR: A New VIS/IR Laser for the Civilian Market - SHOT Show 2020
US Night Vision is releasing their new DesignatIR with visible and infrared aiming lasers.

To find out more, please visit US Night Vision.

As the technology around night vision equipment matures, the prices come down and high-quality gear becomes more and more available.  This year at SHOT Show 2020, US Night Vision unveiled their DesignatIR laser aiming device.  Designed specifically for civilian use, it is reputed to be the lowest cost, highest performing laser in the market.

The DesignatIR is a laser aiming device that uses both a visible green laser as well as infrared laser for use with NODs (Night Observation Device).  Both lasers are Class I and eye safe for the civilian market.  The green laser, more visible to the eye than red under most lighting conditions, is effective out to 400 meters at night, while the IR laser is good out to 200 meters.

DesignatIR: A New VIS/IR Laser for the Civilian Market - SHOT Show 2020
The DesignatIR sits low on the rail so as not to obstruct optics. Additionally, the emitter is offset to avoid any front sights.

The housing itself features a low profile unit that hugs the top rail of a rifle, with both laser lenses offset in order to clear any front sights.  The lenses are protected by a small aperture that can be closed when the unit is not in use.  Also built into the DesignatIR is an activation button that is located centerline of the unit, corresponding with 12 O’clock on the top rail.  This central location of the button allows the laser to be activated with either hand.  

DesignatIR: A New VIS/IR Laser for the Civilian Market - SHOT Show 2020
The activation button is located centerline on the top rail, making it easy to access for right and left-handed shooters.

The DesignatIR features two ports in the rear of the unit.  These can be used for a remote pressure switch as well as to connect a flashlight, such as pairing a SureFire Scout Vampire Light for visible and infrared illumination.  The unit has 5 settings for individually or in combination activating the visible laser, IR laser or illuminator.  

Zeroing the DesignatIR is made easy with both lasers moving together.  Zero the visible green laser, with 1/4 MOA adjustments, and your IR laser is automatically zeroed as well.  A single CR123 battery will power the DesignatIR for 4 hours of continuous use.  The battery can also be removed without removing the device and thereby necessitating re-zeroing.

DesignatIR: A New VIS/IR Laser for the Civilian Market - SHOT Show 2020
White and/or Infrared Illuminators can be used in conjunction with the DesignatIR.

The DesignatIR will be available Q2 with an MSRP of $895.  Also by US Night Vision will be an infrared light to be used with the DesignatIR for $145 as well as a grip that allows activation of the DesignatIR with your firing hand for $150.

To find out more, please visit US Night Vision.

Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica! All Local Sales are FREE!

About the author: Ivan Loomis has spent a lot of time outdoors, backpacking and camping as well as extensive international travel. Eventually, he landed in the Marine Corps in the late 90’s. After a hiatus from the service to race the Baja 1000 a couple times, he reenlisted with the Air Force. Departing that he wound up in a large metropolitan Police Department for a spell before landing in the Security Contracting world. One constant through these experiences was gear and weapons. Having spent time in a lot of environments and with the opportunity to field a lot of equipment, he’s grown fond of well-made gear. He now shares those experiences, adventures, and knowledge through contributing articles and videos to various publications, including his own site: www.kitbadger.com

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Dr Motown February 4, 2020, 7:45 am

    I would like to see this combined with a range finder. We haven’t had an affordable rail-mounted LRF since the Radius from Silencerco

Send this to a friend