[jmr40]

Have you already installed a laser, or are you just thinking about it?.

IMO a laser is an OK secondary sighting system for close range shooting in the dark. Not a good choice for a primary sight.

But you'd zero it just like you would a scope or dot sight. Set up a target at close range. The bigger the better so you will get a bullet hole on paper. Fire a shot, then determine how far you bullet impacted from the aiming point. Adjust the laser in the direction of the aiming point.

Fire another shot and repeat until you're close enough to be happy.

I have several AR's equipped with different sight systems. I have dot sights, low powered variable scopes and variables with more magnification for different uses. If I only had one AR and wanted it to be the most versatile I'd put a 1-4X or similar scope on it.

On 1X they get on target as fast, if not faster than irons or dot sights and on 4X have enough magnification for at least 300 yards. Most people using lasers use them in addition to a scope for special purposes.