Holosun IRIS 3 (Quick View)
| Best For | NVG-Equipped Rifles, Night Operations, Covert Targeting, Compact Builds |
| Emitters | Visible Laser (5 mW, Class 3R); IR Aiming Laser (0.7 mW VCSEL); IR Illuminator (60 mW VCSEL) |
| Housing & Weight | 7075-T6 Aluminum (43% lighter, 20% lower profile); 6.4 oz |
| Controls | Rear dual selectors, central fire button, 2-button remote with VIS override |
| Adjustments | 0.5 MOA per click; ±50 MOA travel; |
| Dimensions | 3.2 × 1.97 × 1.34 in |
| Battery | 1× CR123A |
| Durability | IPX8 Waterproof, -40 °C to 70 °C storage, 1000G vibration tolerance |
| Key Feature | Ultra-Compact Triple-Beam NVG System with Adjustable IR Flood |
Struggling to find a laser-light combo that doesn’t drain your wallet or fail under pressure? Most budget units suffer from dim lasers, weak illuminators, or controls that feel like toys.
The Holosun IRIS 3 solves all that — combining a visible green or red laser, a high-output IR laser, and a 60mW IR illuminator into a compact, rugged aluminum housing. It’s built for real-world NVG use, offering dual-switch controls and serious performance for the price
At Voodoo Firearms, we discovered the IRIS 3 performs great on suppressed ARs and night-vision-ready rifles across drills, transitions, and low-light barricade work. It holds zero, stays synced, and gives you the IR capability of much more expensive gear, without the MAWL-level price tag.
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Holosun IRIS 3 Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Laser Type | Visible Green or Red Laser + IR Laser (Class IIIA) |
| Illuminator | 60mW IR Illuminator for Night Vision (850nm) |
| Mounting System | Quick Detach Picatinny Mount |
| Activation Method | Rear Button + Remote Pressure Pad (both included) |
| Battery Type | 1× CR123A Lithium Battery |
| Runtime | Up to 2,000 hours (Laser Only) |
| Laser Visibility | Green Laser Visible in Daylight up to ~100 yards |
| Construction | 7075-T6 Aluminum, IP67 Waterproof Rated |
| Weight | ~6.6 oz (with battery) |
| Color Options | Matte Black |
| MSRP | ~$1058.81 |
| Best Use Case | Night Vision Rifle Setups / IR Drills / Tactical Training |
🆚 Comparison Table: Holosun LE117-GR vs Streamlight TLR-2 HL G vs Holosun IRIS 3
| Feature | Holosun LE117-GR (Full Review) | Holosun IRIS 3 | Streamlight TLR-2 HL G (Full Review) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser Type | Visible Green Only | Visible Green or Red + IR Laser + IR Illuminator | Visible Green + 1000 Lumen Light |
| Built-in Light? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes – 60mW IR Illuminator (No White Light) | ✅ Yes – 1000 lumens (White Light) |
| Night Vision Compatible? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes – IR Laser & Illuminator | ❌ No |
| Mount Type | Quick-Detach Picatinny | Quick-Detach Picatinny | 1913 Rail Clamp (Glock/Standard Picatinny) |
| Activation | Rear Button + Remote Pad | Rear Button + Remote Pad (Dual Control) | Ambi Rear Paddle |
| Battery Type | CR123A | CR123A | 2× CR123A |
| Battery Life | ~5,000 hrs (laser only) | Up to 2,000 hrs (laser only) | 1.25–1.5 hrs (light + laser) |
| Housing Material | 7075-T6 Aluminum | 7075-T6 Aluminum | Aircraft-Grade Aluminum |
| Zeroing Adjustments | Tool-Free (½ MOA) | Tool-Free (½ MOA) | Allen Screw Adjustments |
| Daylight Visible? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Green/Red) | ✅ Yes |
| MSRP | $359–389 | $1,058.81 | $419–469 |
| Best Use Case | Budget CQB / Home Defense | Professional IR/NVG Tactical Builds | All-in-One Light + Laser for Pistols & Rifles |
| Buy Link | 🔗 Check Price | 🔗 Check Price | 🔗 Check Price |
🛡️ Why We Like the IRIS 3
- 💥 Triple Laser Output – Combines a visible laser, IR laser, and 60mW IR illuminator in one lightweight unit
- 💥 Dual-Switch Activation – Includes rear paddles + remote port for full control on night vision setups
- 💥 NVG-Ready Housing – Built specifically for low-light and no-light applications with IR capability
- 💥 Built Like a Tank – Rugged aluminum construction with 1913 mounting and shock resistance
Bottom line: The Holosun IRIS 3 is a full-featured triple-laser unit designed for serious night vision users. You’re getting MAWL-like functionality at a fraction of the cost — no gimmicks, no fluff, just mission-ready performance.
Holosun IRIS 3 Review
Key Features:
- Triple Function Laser Unit – Combines a visible laser, an IR laser, and IR illuminator in one compact, NVG-ready housing
- Dual Activation System – Rear paddles plus remote port let you control output without repositioning your grip
- IR Illuminator Power – 60mW IR illuminator provides powerful low-light flood for full NVG visibility
- Selectable Modes – Choose visible only, IR laser only, IR illuminator, or any combination
- Rugged Construction – 7075-T6 aluminum body with sealed durability for harsh field use
- Quick-Detach Mount – Securely clamps to standard 1913 rails with repeatable zero retention
- Tactical-Grade Performance – Designed for real-world missions, not range toys or gimmicks
Most multi-laser systems are either overpriced or clunky, with frustrating switch layouts, weak illuminators, or unreliable housings.
The Holosun IRIS 3 fixes that, delivering a professional-grade laser + IR setup in a compact package that fits modern rifle builds. Whether you’re running NVGs or prepping a patrol carbine, this unit gives you serious light/laser capabilities at half the cost of a MAWL or NGAL.
The IRIS 3 has been tested in low-light drills, laser-only range use, and full dark NVG simulations. It held zero, the beam stayed tight, and the 60mW IR flood lit up full rooms. The dual-switch layout gave us options for both rapid and stealthy activation.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what we like and dislike about the Holosun IRIS 3:
✅ Pros
- Triple Laser Output – Includes visible laser, IR laser, and 60mW IR illuminator
- Dual Activation – Paddle switch + remote input for flexible control under stress
- NVG Compatibility – Full IR functionality for night ops and passive aiming
- Rugged Housing – 7075-T6 aluminum with sealed internals for real-world durability
- QD Mount Included – Locks onto 1913 rails with repeatable zero retention
- Compact Footprint – Leaves room for lights, optics, and other gear
- Professional-Grade Power – IR illuminator outperforms most civilian units
❌ Cons
- No White Light – Must pair with a dedicated weapon light for target ID
- Steep MSRP – Over $1,000 MSRP, though street prices vary
- Advanced Use Only – Not useful unless you run NVG or IR setups
Is the Holosun IRIS 3 Worth It?
If you want a battle-ready multi-laser system that handles visible and IR needs in one compact, rugged unit, the IRIS 3 is worth it.
You’re getting MAWL-like performance (visible laser, IR laser, and IR illuminator) at less than half the cost. It’s purpose-built for night vision, suppressed rifles, and professional-grade setups where tool-free activation and IR integration matter.
What Sets It Apart?
Most multi-laser systems require compromises — dim IR, poor ergonomics, or bloated price tags. The Holosun IRIS 3 avoids all that. It combines all three core aiming functions in one device, with clean switching and zero shift under recoil.
This is the IR tool to beat if you’re building a duty-grade NVG platform or running passive aiming setups with no white light required.
It’s ideal for:
- Night Vision Rifle Setups – Where IR illuminator + laser pairing is mission-critical
- Suppressed AR Builds – For low-signature aiming without white light splash
- Tactical Duty Carbines – When a single unit must replace multiple tools
Why We Like It:
The Holosun IRIS 3 isn’t some gimmicky “civilian clone” — it’s a true professional tool that brings IR capabilities to serious setups at a price most shooters can finally justify.
You’re getting:
- Triple Laser Output – IR laser, visible laser, and 60mW IR illuminator in one
- Dual Activation – Paddle + remote-ready layout works for modern rifle configs
- 7075-T6 Construction – Waterproof, zero-retaining, and duty-built
- Real NVG Performance – Pairs flawlessly with common NV setups
If you’re building an NVG-capable carbine or want the functionality of a $2,500 MAWL without the bank-breaking cost, the IRIS 3 just makes sense.
Holosun IRIS 3 Setup & Zeroing
Installing the Holosun IRIS 3 is simple, but setting it up correctly ensures laser alignment, clean IR illumination, and proper NVG function under stress. This isn’t a toy — it’s a multi-function laser platform built for live use in real environments.
Here’s how to dial it in the right way:
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Mounting: Use the included 1913 quick-detach mount and secure the IRIS 3 to a solid rail section near the front of your handguard. This gives you optimal IR flood coverage and keeps the laser stable under recoil. Confirm full lock-up and repeatable placement before zeroing.
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Laser Adjustment: Use the visible laser during daylight or the IR laser under nods to zero the unit. Windage/elevation adjustments are tool-free (½ MOA per click). Match the beam to your red dot at your chosen distance using precise, incremental turns — then confirm on target.
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Zero Distance: For visible daylight use, a 25-yard zero works great. For IR laser setups under night vision, test at 36–50 yards, depending on your specific NVG focal length and use case.
💡 Pro Tip: After high-round count drills, sling snags, or reinstallation, always recheck your zero. Even with the rugged housing and solid QD mount, small shifts can occur under pressure or impact.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy?
| Best For | NVG-Equipped Rifles, Night Operations, Covert Targeting, Compact Builds |
| Emitters | Visible Laser (5 mW, Class 3R); IR Aiming Laser (0.7 mW VCSEL); IR Illuminator (60 mW VCSEL) |
| Housing & Weight | 7075-T6 Aluminum (43% lighter, 20% lower profile); 6.4 oz |
| Controls | Rear dual selectors, central fire button, 2-button remote with VIS override |
| Adjustments | 0.5 MOA per click; ±50 MOA travel; |
| Dimensions | 3.2 × 1.97 × 1.34 in |
| Battery | 1× CR123A |
| Durability | IPX8 Waterproof, -40 °C to 70 °C storage, 1000G vibration tolerance |
| Key Feature | Ultra-Compact Triple-Beam NVG System with Adjustable IR Flood |
| Product | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holosun IRIS 3💸 Best Value | 4.7 ⭐ | 💰💰 | NVG Setups / Duty AR Platforms / CQB Rifle |
If you want a battle-ready laser system that delivers visible and IR output in one compact unit, the Holosun IRIS 3 is a top-tier option under $1,100. It’s made for night vision shooters, suppressed builds, and anyone who demands pro-tier laser performance without the MAWL price tag.
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- 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 – Holosun IRIS 3 Questions
Q: How does the Holosun IRIS 3 activate?
A: It features ambidextrous rear paddles for momentary and constant-on use, plus a remote switch port for external activation. You can run it hands-on or integrate it into a full NVG setup with your preferred pressure pad.
🧠 Tactical Insight: This dual control system is ideal for mission-configured rifles — fast for daylight drills, precise under night vision.
Q: Is it hard to mount on an AR?
A: Not at all. The IRIS 3 includes a 1913 QD rail mount for fast, tool-free attachment. It’s rock solid, repeatable, and doesn’t require any spacers or custom interfaces.
🛠️ Pro Tip: Confirm the QD tension is dialed in for your rail profile and always test for play before zeroing.
Q: Is the visible laser daylight usable?
A: Yes. The visible green laser is bright enough for outdoor use in most daylight conditions, and easily tracks past 50–100 yards. For NVG work, the IR laser handles dark environments without giving away your position.
🎯 Bonus Tip: Zero your visible and IR lasers separately if using both — even a slight offset can throw off precise shots under nods.
Q: What’s the battery type and runtime?
A: It uses 2× CR123A lithium batteries. Expect 1.25 hours of runtime when using all functions, and slightly longer if running just the laser or IR modes.
🔋 Real-World Insight: Always carry spares — dual-mode laser systems draw more power than standard lights, especially during extended night drills.
Q: Is the IRIS 3 duty-rated?
A: Absolutely. It’s built from 7075-T6 aluminum, designed for suppressed rifles, NVG integration, and live-fire abuse. IP-rated for water resistance and rugged enough for patrol rifles or hard-use SBRs.
💪 Hard Use Insight: The IRIS 3 offers capabilities typically found on $2,000+ laser units — it’s one of the most complete civilian-ready IR systems available today
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.
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