the legality of reflex sights on a duty pistol?

TheRedSkull · 04-28-2015, 06:57 AM

i work as both unarmed and armed security.

i have heard rumors that reflex sights are a no-go on one's duty pistol for police and private security, but none could show where it says that.

so my question is:
can a duty pistol use reflex sights and if not where does it say this?

RK600 · 04-28-2015, 09:32 AM

There is nothing in Oregon law dictating the sights to be used on a pistol. However, the PD may have their own policies on what can and can't be used.

Laser sights, however, are illegal. Reflex sights are not laser pointers, therefor they are legal.

TheRedSkull · 04-28-2015, 06:20 PM

lasers are illegal for duty pistols in oregon?

RK600 · 04-28-2015, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheRedSkull

lasers are illegal for duty pistols in oregon?

Kinda. Only if you point it at another cop or peace officer. This is the only thing I can find that would cause any kind of confusion over a reflex sight.

Quote:

163.709. Unlawful directing of light from a laser pointer
(1) A person commits the offense of unlawful directing of light from a laser pointer if the person knowingly directs light from a laser pointer at another person without the consent of the other person and the other person is:
(a) A peace officer as defined in ORS 161.015 who is acting in the course of official duty; or
(b) A uniformed private security professional as defined in ORS 181.870 who is on duty.
(2) The offense described in this section, unlawful directing of light from a laser pointer, is a Class A misdemeanor.
(3) As used in this section, “laser pointer” means a device that emits light amplified by the stimulated emission of radiation that is visible to the human eye.

TheRedSkull · 04-29-2015, 12:22 AM

interesting, because i use a high-powered green laser while working at frat parties to get their attention when they open their windows during any permitted event, as it's against the rules on the permits handed down from the fire marshal (noise and access violations) in my area and trying to locate what room the window is connected to is often very difficult, so the laser gets their attention and i can tell them to close it. obviously it isnt attached to a firearm, but based on that statute i may be opening myself up for prosecution. granted it is unlikely, but good to know...

but nothing about reflex sights on pistols? i have asked OFF about this and they said they know of no such law or regulation. i have also asked my local police department for clarification about this matter and DPSST as well, neither have gotten back to me yet...

RK600 · 04-29-2015, 07:24 AM

I can find absolutely nothing in the ORS pertaining to any kind of sights used on firearms.

Remember, the laser just can't be pointed at a peace officer (police) or security guard. Pointing it at civilians doesn't count.

TheRedSkull · 04-29-2015, 03:55 PM

yes, i am aware the laser pointing statute only applies to law enforcement, security and such, but you never know who is off-duty or whatnot. i also try to treat everyone as a police officer when im working as security (a similar concept as assuming you are being video taped while on duty, to avoid improprieties or questionable behavior).

update: according to my local police department; there are no such laws that they know of pertaining to such a thing. he also pointed out that some of his fellow officers prefer their reflex sights over irons.

PacTac · 05-16-2015, 09:00 PM

Nothing is illegal about red dot sights on handguns. Some depts are actually looking into it as well. Mainly SWAT teams are looking at using them.

To roll them out dept wide for some departments is more of a logistical problem than not allowing them.

Lasers on a pistol are not illegal. If you point a laser on a pistol at someone you will have ml ore to worry about than just pointing the laser at someone. If you are justified as a use of force then no big deal.

The laser pointer law was developed because folks were pointing them at police officers leading them to think folks were pointing guns at them. Don't point them at a police officer or security guard and you are good. Airplanes are also a no-go.

If you are seriously considering a RDs (Red Dot Sight) on a pistol Suarez International is the best and most reasonably priced. I'm going to hopefully start posting more on here about RDS 's as well as training with them. I've got my G19 with an SI slide on it .

04-28-2015, 06:57 AM	#1
TheRedSkull Rifleman Joined: Apr 2011 From: Corvallis, OR Posts: 225	the legality of reflex sights on a duty pistol? i work as both unarmed and armed security. i have heard rumors that reflex sights are a no-go on one's duty pistol for police and private security, but none could show where it says that. so my question is: can a duty pistol use reflex sights and if not where does it say this?

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04-28-2015, 09:32 AM	#2
RK600 Marksman Joined: Jan 2013 From: Amboy, WA Posts: 293	There is nothing in Oregon law dictating the sights to be used on a pistol. However, the PD may have their own policies on what can and can't be used. Laser sights, however, are illegal. Reflex sights are not laser pointers, therefor they are legal.

04-28-2015, 06:20 PM	#3
TheRedSkull Rifleman Joined: Apr 2011 From: Corvallis, OR Posts: 225	lasers are illegal for duty pistols in oregon?

04-29-2015, 12:22 AM	#5
TheRedSkull Rifleman Joined: Apr 2011 From: Corvallis, OR Posts: 225	interesting, because i use a high-powered green laser while working at frat parties to get their attention when they open their windows during any permitted event, as it's against the rules on the permits handed down from the fire marshal (noise and access violations) in my area and trying to locate what room the window is connected to is often very difficult, so the laser gets their attention and i can tell them to close it. obviously it isnt attached to a firearm, but based on that statute i may be opening myself up for prosecution. granted it is unlikely, but good to know... but nothing about reflex sights on pistols? i have asked OFF about this and they said they know of no such law or regulation. i have also asked my local police department for clarification about this matter and DPSST as well, neither have gotten back to me yet...

04-29-2015, 07:24 AM	#6
RK600 Marksman Joined: Jan 2013 From: Amboy, WA Posts: 293	I can find absolutely nothing in the ORS pertaining to any kind of sights used on firearms. Remember, the laser just can't be pointed at a peace officer (police) or security guard. Pointing it at civilians doesn't count.

04-29-2015, 03:55 PM	#7
TheRedSkull Rifleman Joined: Apr 2011 From: Corvallis, OR Posts: 225	yes, i am aware the laser pointing statute only applies to law enforcement, security and such, but you never know who is off-duty or whatnot. i also try to treat everyone as a police officer when im working as security (a similar concept as assuming you are being video taped while on duty, to avoid improprieties or questionable behavior). update: according to my local police department; there are no such laws that they know of pertaining to such a thing. he also pointed out that some of his fellow officers prefer their reflex sights over irons.

05-16-2015, 09:00 PM	#8
PacTac Gunslinger Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 18	Nothing is illegal about red dot sights on handguns. Some depts are actually looking into it as well. Mainly SWAT teams are looking at using them. To roll them out dept wide for some departments is more of a logistical problem than not allowing them. Lasers on a pistol are not illegal. If you point a laser on a pistol at someone you will have ml ore to worry about than just pointing the laser at someone. If you are justified as a use of force then no big deal. The laser pointer law was developed because folks were pointing them at police officers leading them to think folks were pointing guns at them. Don't point them at a police officer or security guard and you are good. Airplanes are also a no-go. If you are seriously considering a RDs (Red Dot Sight) on a pistol Suarez International is the best and most reasonably priced. I'm going to hopefully start posting more on here about RDS 's as well as training with them. I've got my G19 with an SI slide on it .