I played with the new Viridian for the better part of an afternoon. It held zero well, shot where it was supposed to and generally impressed me with its brightness. Again, I have extensive experience with lasers, and I’ve never seen anything that works so well in bright light against just about any background.

Overall, I really like the test unit, but I did have a few concerns. My first is with the tiny activation switch, which is difficult to operate while maintaining a shooting grip, and even then only with my trigger finger. Second, the WP22’s housing didn’t have the rock-solid feel I expected from a tactical product. Third, I was not enamored with the weapon-specific aspect.

I called Laser Aiming Systems’ Brian Hedeen to express my concerns, which proved to be a wise move, as Brian pointed out that several changes have already been made and implemented in current production models.

According to Hedeen, L.A.S. beefed up the design considerably, although it will still maintain its trim lines. Designers also incorporated a larger, ambidextrous switch that will allow users to operate the unit while maintaining a firing grip. Other changes include a low battery indicator, automatic shutoff and four modes of operation. In addition to the current constant-on setting, low, medium and high pulse modes have been added.

Hedeen also said new models are in the works. In fact, the improved WP 22 and new models for the Springfield XDs, full-size Smith & Wesson M&Ps, and Taurus’ PT 24/7 are now or will soon be available.

While L.A.S. is committed to weapon-specific models, which Hedeen likes because the approach results in a cleaner, more attractive unit, a universal model will also be available by the time this issue hits the streets.

Overall, the Viridian is a quality piece of kit. Beamshot and Aimshot make green lasers, too, but Laser Aiming Systems is the only company the author could find that makes them specifically for handguns.

[Editor’s Note: At press time we learned that Lasermax has also come out with a green laser in its Unimax line.]