Viridian HS1 Laser (Quick View)
| Product | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viridian HS1 Hand Stop Laser💸 Best Budget | 4.2 ⭐ | 💰 | Minimalist M-LOK builds / CQB Setups / Home Defense |
Struggling to find a compact laser that doesn’t clutter your AR‑15’s rail? You’re not alone. Most laser modules are bulky, wired, or forced onto a Picatinny rail, adding bulk and snag points. That’s exactly why the Viridian HS1 was built: it combines a pressure‑activated green laser with a minimalist M‑LOK hand stop, giving you a sleek, intuitive aiming solution without the extra weight or wires.
At Voodoo Firearms, we’ve helped dozens of shooters test the HS1 on home-defense builds, range setups, and night drills. The HS1’s grip-based activation solves the common pain of unreliable switches under stress—but only if it’s zeroed and co-witnessed correctly.
This guide shows you exactly how to mount, zero, and test your HS1 for accurate, on‑demand performance when it matters most.
📜 Quick Navigation
Viridian HS1 Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Laser Type | Green laser (Class 3R) |
| Mounting System | M-LOK® compatible (direct handstop mount) |
| Activation Method | Grip-activated (auto-on pressure sensor) |
| Construction | High-strength polymer + aluminum chassis |
| Battery Type | 1/3N lithium (included) |
| Runtime | Up to 1.5 hours (continuous use) |
| Visibility Range | Daytime visible up to 100 yards |
| Weight | ~1.5 oz (very lightweight) |
| Color Options | Black or Flat Dark Earth (FDE) |
| MSRP | ~$179.99 |
🆚 Comparison Table: Viridian HS1 vs Top AR-15 Lasers
| Feature | Viridian HS1 | Crimson Trace CMR-301 | Holosun LS117G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser Color | Green | Green + 1000 lumen light combo | Green |
| Mount Type | M-LOK Hand Stop | Picatinny or M-LOK | Picatinny |
| Activation | Gridp Pressure Pad | Remote Pressure Switch + Tap On | Push Button + Remote Pad |
| Battery Life | ~1.5–2 hours | ~1.75 hours (laser/light combo) | ~5 hours |
| Built-in Light? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes – 1000 lumen tactical light | ❌ No |
| Daylight Visible? | ✅ Yes (0–50 yd) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Housing | Polymer | Aluminum | 7075-T6 Aluminum |
| Zeroing Adjustments | Tool-free | Allen Wrench | Tool-free |
| Price Range | $149–179 | $239–289 | $239–259 |
| Ideal Use Case | CQB, Home Defense, Minimalist | Tactical setups, White Light Required | Compact Tactical Precision |
| Buy Link | 🔗 Check Price | 🔗 Check Price | 🔗 Check Price |
Viridian HS1 Hand Stop Green Laser Review
Key Features:
- Green Laser Visibility: Highly visible in most lighting conditions
- Pressure Pad Activation: Grip and go, no wires, streamline dual-use
- Slim Profile: Perfect for weight-conscious setups or builds
- Cold Weather Reliable: Laser stays visible and activates even in winter conditions
- Integrated Hand Stop: Dual-purpose design eliminates the need for extra gear
- Fast Install: Mounts directly to M-LOK with minimal tools
- Budget Friendly: Great Value for under $150
Most lasers add bulk or force you into clunky Picatinny adapters. The HS1 changes that.
We mounted and tested this unit on multiple rifles at Voodoo Firearms. It integrates cleanly into your rail, feels intuitive in hand, and eliminates the need for both a separate grip and laser module.
During our stress tests, the pressure pad held up flawlessly, and the green beam stayed bright in both indoor and low-light outdoor conditions. You don’t need to fumble for activation — just grip and it’s on.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what we like and dislike about red lasers:
✅ Pros
- Built-in Grip Activation: Pressure pad turns laser on instantly when shouldered
- Green or Red Beam Options: Flexibility in capability and affordability
- No Wires or Tape Switches: Zero clutter, fully self-contained
- Affordable: Ideal for budget-minded builds or backups
- M-LOK Compatible: Direct-mounts to modern rails with minimal bulk
❌ Cons
- No Picatinny Option or Keymod: M-LOK only, won’t fit other mounting styles without an adapter
- No IR or Strobe Modes: Purely visible light spectrum and no IR or night vision compatibility
Is the HS1 Laser Worth It?
If you want a streamlined AR-15 setup, where weight, speed, and ergonomics matter, then yes, the Viridian HS1 is absolutely worth it.
It’s not just a laser. It’s a control enhancement built into your handstop. The pressure pad activation is intuitive and reliable — you grip, it beams — and the green laser makes it highly effective in both daylight and dark conditions.
What Sets It Apart?
Unlike most lasers that add clutter, wires, or unnecessary buttons, the HS1 is sleek, silent, and stress-free. You won’t need to train your fingers to find a switch — it’s all in your natural grip.
It’s one of the few tactical accessories that reduces complexity while increasing performance.
It’s ideal for:
- Home defense rifles that need instant-on without thinking
- Truck guns or CQB setups where seconds matter
- Minimalist low-profile builds
Practical Versatility You’ll Notice
The HS1 keeps your rifle lean while giving you a tactical edge.
It turns your handstop into a mission-ready aiming module, without adding anything extra to think about or fail under pressure.
No extra buttons. No extra gear. Just instinctive control, reliable performance, and faster target acquisition, all baked into one of the most unique AR accessories we’ve tested.
Why We Like It:
Whether you’re building a compact AR-15 for home defense or want to shave weight without sacrificing performance, the Viridian HS1 delivers unmatched versatility and speed.
You’re getting real innovation, not gimmicks. Here’s what makes it a standout:
- Instant Activation: Grip-based pressure pads turn the laser on the moment you present the rifle, if needed
- Red or Green Diodes: Greens thrive in all situations except extreme cold environments
- Affordable upgrade: great value without sacrificing core function
If you’re running an M-LOK handguard and care about clean builds, intuitive handling, and reduced gear clutter, the HS1 is a one-piece solution that just makes sense.
Viridian HS1 Setup & Zeroing
Installing and zeroing the Viridian HS1 is simple, but doing it right ensures your laser stays accurate under stress. This isn’t a slap-it-on-and-hope accessory. Here’s how to get the most out of it:
You’re setting it up for real-world use, so follow this:
-
Mounting: Attach directly to the underside M-LOK slots of your handguard. Push it forward to reduce wobble and tighten fully — this minimizes recoil shift.
-
Laser Adjustment: Use the windage and elevation screws to align the green beam with your red dot or iron sights at your chosen zeroing distance.
-
Zero Distance: We recommend a 25-yard zero for general use — it’s fast, flat, and accurate for home defense, indoor clearing, or CQB. If you’re pairing it with a suppressor or using night vision, test at 36–50 yards as well.
💡 Pro Tip: Always verify your point of impact after 50–100 rounds. Lasers can drift slightly depending on barrel heat or rail torque.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy?
| Product | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viridian HS1 Hand Stop Laser💸 Best Budget | 4.2 ⭐ | 💰 | Minimalist M-LOK builds / CQB Setups / Home Defense |
If you want a fast-access laser without wires or bulk, and your rail supports M-LOK, the HS1 is a no-brainer. It’s perfect for anyone running a clean, defensive AR setup and works great on short barrels, pistols, or truck guns.
It’s not fancy. It’s not tactical LARP. It’s efficient, smart, and made for shooters who care about performance without overkill.
Related AR-15 Laser Guides
Don’t forget to check out these posts to learn more about Lasers & AR-15s:
- Best Lasers for AR-15 (Ultimate 2025 Guide)
- Red vs Green Laser (Which is Best?)
- How To Choose A Laser
- Zeroing Your Laser On AR-15
❓ FAQ – Viridian HS1 Questions
Q: How does the Viridian HS1 activate?
A: The HS1 features pressure-based auto activation — as soon as you grip your rifle’s handguard, the laser turns on. There are no buttons, wires, or toggles to worry about. This design ensures instant engagement in high-stress situations without breaking your grip or shifting your stance.
💡Tactical Advantage: You don’t have to think. Grip and go. It’s that fast.
Q: Is the Viridian HS1 hard to install on an AR-15?
A: Not at all. The HS1 uses M-LOK mounting, so it’s fully compatible with most modern AR-15 handguards. You’ll just need an M-LOK slot near your desired grip point. No custom fitting, gunsmithing, or wiring needed — just tighten it on and you’re ready to go.
🔧 Pro Tip: Use thread locker (blue Loctite) on the screws to prevent any shift during recoils.
Q: Can I zero the HS1 for daytime use?
A: Yes, but visibility depends on lighting. The HS1 uses a green daylight-visible laser, which performs far better than red in outdoor conditions. For best results, zero it at 25 to 36 yards, and test visibility at full sun vs. shadow to confirm effectiveness in your setting.
🌞 Bonus Tip: If you’re running it as a primary aiming device, test it in both bright and shaded areas to ensure target contrast.
Q: How long does the HS1 battery last?
A: Expect around 1.5 hours of continuous runtime on a single CR1/3N battery. But in real-world use — where the laser only activates under grip pressure — you’ll get weeks or months of life depending on usage. It’s designed for efficiency, especially in defensive setups.
🔋 Real-World Insight: Keep a spare battery in your grip or stock compartment just in case.
Q: Is the HS1 durable enough for real combat or duty use?
A: While not mil-spec rated, the HS1 is shockproof and designed for real firearms. It holds zero on most AR-15s and stands up to recoil, weather, and rough use. However, for duty or SHTF setups, always pair it with a backup optic or irons — it’s a force multiplier, not a primary.
🛡️ Hard Use Insight: The HS1 shines in home defense, truck guns, and fast-access setups — especially where simplicity and speed matter more than battlefield abuse.
Written by the Voodoo Firearms Team
Certified instructors. Veteran-owned. Trusted by shooters of all levels. Our team combines certified instruction credentials with extensive real-world experience in firearms. While some team members maintain operational privacy due to their service backgrounds, our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through our perfect 5-star customer rating and comprehensive firearms training programs. We pride ourselves on delivering respectful, judgment-free guidance and education to shooters of all experience levels, ensuring every customer receives the personalized attention they deserve.
➡️ Check out more training tips, gear reviews, and expert insights on the Voodoo Firearms Blog.
Why You Can Trust Voodoo Firearms
Real Expertise, Not Paid Hype
- Certified instructors lead Illinois CCL training & tactical firearms courses
- Veteran-owned and operated—we walk the walk
- No paid reviews. No fluff.
What Sets Us Apart:
- 5-Star Local Reputation
- Rigorous Gear Testing
- Pro & Beginner-Friendly Content
- In-Person Help in Minooka, IL
Need expert advice:
📍 Visit us at 408 W Mondamin St, Minooka, IL 60447
📞 Call or Text our knowledgeable team at (815) 218-6620
Not sure what to get? Hit us for a quick vibe check. No pressure—just straight-up advice.
📧 Shoot our instructors an email at voodoo@voodoofirearms.com
Swing by to upgrade your setup or test gear in person—and mention this article for a free Voodoo Firearms logo sticker (while supplies last).
🛒 Visit VoodooFirearms.com to shop lasers, optics, lights, and gear trusted by real shooters.
Each laser was reviewed by a certified instructor and tested under real-world conditions.
Note: Always ensure compatibility with your firearm and adhere to local laws and regulations when installing tactical accessories.