Holosun LS117 Review – Green/Red/IR Options
- The Holosun LS117 series delivers budget-friendly laser aiming options for AR-15s and tactical setups — including visible Green (LS117G), Red (LS117R), and Infrared (LS117IR) models. All variants share a rugged 7075-T6 aluminum body, tool-free zeroing, and remote pressure pad activation. Whether you're running night vision or building a day-ready CQB rifle, the LS117 lineup offers pro-grade features without the high cost of full-size PEQ systems.
Holosun LS117 (Quick View)
| Product | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holosun LS117🎖️ Best Laser Under $300 | 4.7 ⭐ | 💰 | AR-15 Builds / Home Defense / Night Drills |
Struggling to find a laser that doesn’t break the bank or fall apart under recoil? Most budget lasers have dim output, flimsy mounts, or pressure switches that stop working in a month. The Holosun LS117G avoids all that — with a full 7075-T6 aluminum body, crisp green laser, red, or IR options, and rock-solid zero that holds up to real-world drills.
At Voodoo Firearms, we’ve tested dozens of laser units on ARs — and the LS117G hits a sweet spot of durability, visibility, and price that few others match. This is the standalone visible laser we’d trust on a defensive rifle without jumping into $500+ territory.
This review covers our field testing, zeroing tips, accessory compatibility, and how the LS117G compares to red and IR variants. Let’s dive in. 👇
📜 Quick Navigation
Holosun LS117 Specifications
| Feature | LS117G (Green) | LS117R (Red) | LS117IR (Infrared) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser Color | Green (Class 3R) | Red (Class 3R) | Infrared (Class 1) |
| Laser Output | <5mW | <5mW | 0.7mW (IR) |
| Battery Type | CR2 Lithium | AA Alkaline | AA Alkaline |
| Battery Life | ~5,000 hrs | ~5,000 hrs | ~5,000 hrs |
| Activation | Pressure Switch + Rear Button | Pressure Switch + Rear Button | Pressure Switch + Rear Button |
| Mount Type | 1913 Picatinny | 1913 Picatinny | 1913 Picatinny |
| Zero Adjustments | Tool-free | Tool-free | Tool-free |
| Housing Material | 7075-T6 Aluminum | 7075-T6 Aluminum | 7075-T6 Aluminum |
| Waterproof Rating | IP67 | IP67 | IP67 |
| MSRP | $269.99 | $229.99 | $229.99 |
| Best Use Case | Home Defense / Range / CQB | Budget Builds / Range Use | Night Vision Setups (NVG required) |
Mounted Holosun LS117 tactical laser on AR-15 showing remote pressure switch and low-profile housing.
🆚 Comparison Table: Crimson Trace CMR-301 vs Top AR-15 Lasers
| Feature | Viridian HS1 (Full-Review) | Crimson Trace CMR-301 (Full-Review) | Holosun LS117G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser Color | Green | Green + 1000 lumen light combo | Green |
| Mount Type | M-LOK Hand Stop | Picatinny or M-LOK | Picatinny |
| Activation | Grip 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 Wrenc | Tool-free |
| Price Range | $149–179 | $239–289 | $149–259 |
| Ideal Use Case | CQB, Home Defense, Minimalist | Tactical setups, White Light Required | Compact Tactical Precision |
| Buy Link | 🔗 Check Price | 🔗 Check Price | 🔗 Check Price |
🛡️ Why We Like the Holosun LS117 Units
- 💥 Multiple Laser Options – choose Green, Red, or Infrared to fit your setup
- 💥 Dual Activation System – pressure switch + rear button on every model
- 💥 Rugged Construction – 7075-T6 aluminum housing with IP67 waterproofing
- 💥 Tool-Free Adjustments – fast, easy zeroing with no special tools required
Bottom line: Whether you’re running visible lasers or NVG-ready infrared, the LS117 series gives you pro-grade performance in a compact, duty-ready package — without the $500+ price tag.
Holosun LS117 Review
Holosun LS117R red Class 3R laser module shown on tactical case – rugged, lightweight, and pressure-switch ready.
Key Features:
- Laser Only Platform: Simple and lightweight — no built-in white light means less bulk
- Dual Activation Controls: Rear button and remote pressure switch included on all variants
- Ultra-Long Battery Life: Up to 5,000 hours on a single CR2 or AA battery
- Tool-Free Adjustments: Dial in your zero quickly without needing special tools
- 7075-T6 Aluminum Housing: IP67 rating protects against rain, dust, and hard use
- Waterproof + Shockproof: Everything you need for fast, intuitive threat response
- Infrared (IR) Option: LS117IR variant integrates seamlessly into night vision setups
Most entry-level lasers feel like an afterthought — dim emitters, plastic housings, or unreliable buttons. The Holosun LS117 series brings professional features to budget-minded AR users with rugged construction, intuitive controls, and all-spectrum options.
We ran the LS117G and LS117IR on full-length ARs and truck guns here at Voodoo Firearms. Both held zero, gave excellent beam clarity, and worked flawlessly with the included remote pad during drills. The IR model integrates well into NVG gear, and the green laser holds visibility far past 50 yards in daylight.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what we like and dislike about the LS117 series:
✅ Pros
- Flexible Laser Options: Green, Red, or IR — choose the perfect beam for your setup
- Dual Activation: Made from 7075-T6 aluminum for serious duty use
- Rugged Housing: Eliminates the need for separate modules
- Waterproof / Shockproof: IP67 sealed and ready for hard environments
- Zero Tools Required: Elevation/windage dials adjust quickly in the field
- Easy Mounting: Picatinny clamp-on system installs in seconds
- Affordable Price: Pro-tier specs without the PEQ-level cost
❌ Cons
- No Built-In Light: Requires a separate weapon light for full visibility setups
- Limited Civilian IR Use: LS117IR is only useful if you have night vision gear
- Takes Rail Space: Not ideal for ultra-minimal builds with limited real estate
Is the Holosun LS117 Worth It?
If you want a battle-ready visible or IR laser that’s built to take abuse, holds zero, and integrates seamlessly into any AR build, the LS117 is worth it.
You’re getting a laser unit that punches well above its price class. It’s rugged, compact, and compatible with both CQB home defense rifles and night vision-equipped setups — all without paying PEQ-style prices.
What Sets It Apart?
Most budget lasers fall short — plastic housings, bad switches, weak emitters. The Holosun LS117 fixes that. It’s one of the few sub-$300 options that delivers tool-free zeroing, pro-grade housing, and dual activation controls out of the box.
You even get your pick of green, red, or infrared depending on your mission.
It’s ideal for:
- Home defense rifles where speed and simplicity matter
- Night vision users looking for a compact civilian IR solution
- Truck guns/range setups that need a simple, durable laser with no fuss
Why We Like It:
The Holosun LS117 isn’t a toy — it’s a serious laser built for real rifles and real training environments.
You’re getting:
- Tool-Free Zeroing: No more guessing with screwdrivers or cheap turrets
- Dual Controls: Rear button or remote switch — your grip, your choice
- 7075 Aluminum Body: Built like a duty optic, not a range toy
- Long Battery Life: 10,000+ hours on a single battery
If you’re running a lightweight rifle, want something that doesn’t fail under stress, and prefer a no-nonsense laser without the gimmicks, the LS117 just makes sense.
Holosun LS117G with a green laser, enabling precise tactical targeting.
Holosun LS117 Setup & Zeroing
Installing and zeroing the Holosun LS117 is simple, but doing it right ensures your laser performs when it matters. This isn’t a slap-it-on-and-send-it product — it’s a purpose-built aiming tool for real use.
Here’s how to dial it in like a pro:
Mounting: Use the included Picatinny mount and install the LS117 as far forward on your rail as comfortable. This minimizes point-of-impact shift and maximizes control with your support hand.
- Pressure Pad Setup: Route the remote switch using the provided cable clips or tape. Place the pad where your thumb naturally rests — near your grip or foregrip for fast momentary access.
Laser Adjustment: Use the windage and elevation dials to zero the laser with your optic at your preferred distance. Make small, deliberate changes and confirm with test shots.
Zero Distance: A 25-yard zero works well for most AR-style rifles. For IR use, or if running night vision/suppressors, test at 36–50 yards depending on your mission profile.
💡 Pro Tip: Always reconfirm your zero after firing 50–100 rounds. Heat, recoil, and rail flex can subtly shift alignment, especially during high-volume drills or training days..
“Tough, compact green laser built for rapid target acquisition and rugged duty use.”
Final Verdict: Should You Buy?
| Product | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holosun LS117💸 Best Under $300🟢🔴🟣 | 4.7 ⭐ | 💰 | AR-15 Builds / Home Defense / Night Drills |
If you want a battle-ready laser that installs easily, zeroes fast, and offers tool-free adjustments, the LS117 is an unbeatable option under $300. It’s ideal for real AR setups where reliability matters — with no junk switches, no gimmicks, and zero learning curve.
Whether you’re running a truck gun, home defense rifle, or night vision rig, there’s an LS117 model that fits. You get streamlined controls, aluminum durability, and true tactical specs without paying for a full PEQ system.
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 – Holosun LS117 Questions
Q: How does the LS117 activate?
A: All LS117 models offer dual activation: a pressure pad for momentary use and a rear button for constant-on. You can run the pressure switch wired for fast grip control or rely on the rear button as backup.
🧠 Tactical Insight: This dual setup lets you adapt to any rifle layout, from minimalist builds to full-size ARs with lights or IR.
Q: Is it hard to mount on an AR-15?
A: Not at all. Every LS117 variant includes a 1913 Picatinny mount, pre-installed. Just select a solid forward rail position and lock it down with the included hardware.
🛠️ Pro Tip: Add threadlocker like blue Loctite and torque the screws to spec — it stays zeroed through recoil and hard use.
Q: Can I zero the laser for daytime use?
A: Yes. Both the LS117G (green) and LS117R (red) are daylight visible up to ~100 yards. For practical use, we recommend a 25-yard zero.
🎯 Bonus Tip: Always confirm your zero on paper, especially after mounting changes or optic swaps.
Q: What’s the battery life on each model?
A: Expect ~5,000 hours of runtime on all variants. The LS117G uses CR2 lithium, while the R and IR versions use AA batteries.
🔋 Real-World Insight: Even though battery life is great, swap fresh cells before serious range sessions or night training.
Q: Is the LS117 combat-ready?
A: Yes. All models are built with 7075-T6 aluminum and are rated IP67 waterproof. They’re shockproof, zero-retaining, and designed for duty-grade performance.
💪 Hard Use Insight: The LS117 is trusted by LEOs and military users for patrol rifles, NVG work, and hard use in any weather.
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.
➡️ Learn more about our team Here.
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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.
