The Holosun Iris undergoes a marathon testing session by Regular Guy Training LLC involving 8,000 rounds of ammunition to see if it can survive more than just a weekend at the range. He notes that whilst the industry has a habit of charging small fortunes for laser units, this model aims for a middle ground by ditching bulky quick-detach systems for a sturdier bolt-in mount. It seems the goal was to create a device that stays zeroed even when the rifle is being treated with less than total tenderness.

A prominent feature is the adjustable illuminator cone, which allows users to narrow the beam to avoid lighting up every blade of grass between them and their target. This is particularly handy for avoiding location data leaks—or as most people call it, telling everyone exactly where you are standing. The unit also includes a visible laser override, a feature the reviewer defends against critics who apparently haven't tried identifying a target in a pitch-black building where night vision starts to look like a grainy bowl of oatmeal.

Whilst the laser isn't quite powerful enough to signal a passing space station, it proves adequate for standard semi-automatic use. He admits to being a bit salty about the low profile because it plays hide-and-seek with front sight bases, but ultimately concludes that this unit sets a solid benchmark for the civilian market. It turns out you don't actually need to spend a gazillion bucks to get a laser that works, provided you don't mind a little diagonal slice in your light beam courtesy of your own iron sights.