The Most Modular Laser To Date

Published on November 4, 2024
Duration: 26:42

This review of the AMMJ Penumbra laser module highlights its exceptional modularity and independent control of IR laser and illuminator power. The reviewer, a mechanical engineer with extensive laser testing experience, details its compatibility with T2 and RMR optics mounts, its reliability under recoil, and its performance in low-light conditions. The video emphasizes the importance of adjustable power settings for preserving night vision devices and provides practical comparisons to other popular laser units.

Quick Summary

The AMMJ Penumbra is a highly modular IR laser module featuring independent control of IR laser and illuminator power, crucial for preserving night vision devices. It offers T2 compatible mounting and can be adapted for RMR optics, providing significant flexibility and a reduced footprint. Reliability testing showed it held zero after extensive live-fire and heat exposure.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the AMMJ Penumbra
  2. 00:11Most Modular Laser Ever Tested
  3. 00:23Optic Mount and Base Features
  4. 00:33Independent IR Laser and Illuminator Control
  5. 00:44Bottom Line Up Front
  6. 00:53Data-Driven Review Approach
  7. 01:14Channel Sponsors: Warhammer Armament & Optics Planet
  8. 02:00AMMJ Collaboration and Discount Code
  9. 02:30Detailed Look at the Penumbra Module
  10. 02:34Samson Manufacturing Quick Detach Mount
  11. 02:57RMR Compatible Optic Mounting
  12. 03:14Weight and Footprint Savings
  13. 03:21Independent Illuminator and Laser Power Control
  14. 03:45Diffusers for Optimization
  15. 03:56Personal Preference: Illuminator High, Laser Low
  16. 04:09Risk of Damaging NVGs with High Power Lasers
  17. 04:34Three Power Settings for IR Laser
  18. 04:40Illuminator Adjustability and Diffuser
  19. 05:08Built-in Throw Lever on Illuminator
  20. 05:21Reliability Testing Overview
  21. 05:28Diode Patterning and Zero Retention
  22. 05:55500 Rounds of 5.56 and 200 Rounds of 9mm Testing
  23. 06:19Zero Retention Testing
  24. 06:35Heat Testing (120-140°F)
  25. 06:48T2 Mount Compatibility and Aftermarket Mounts
  26. 07:20Tracking Test and Turret Repeatability
  27. 08:18Controls: Tactile Feel and Audible Clicks
  28. 08:34Main Fire Actuator
  29. 08:56Armite Sponsorship for Night Vision Gear
  30. 09:12Illuminator Demo: White Wall Test
  31. 09:30Range Footage: Laser Output Settings
  32. 09:39Laser Low at 70 and 85 Yards
  33. 09:50Laser Medium at 70 and 85 Yards
  34. 09:59Laser High at 70 and 85 Yards
  35. 10:01Range Setup: Targets at 100-500 Yards
  36. 11:00No Moon Night: Illuminator Only
  37. 11:09Illuminator Low (Wide)
  38. 11:35Illuminator Low (Narrowed)
  39. 11:58Illuminator Medium (Wide)
  40. 12:24Illuminator Medium (Narrowed)
  41. 12:50Illuminator High (Wide)
  42. 13:14Illuminator High (Narrowed)
  43. 13:48Laser Demonstration with Illuminator High
  44. 14:21Illuminator with Diffuser On
  45. 14:54Comparison: Penumbra vs. DBAL-D2
  46. 16:00Comparison: Penumbra vs. Laser Speed M6
  47. 16:59Comparison: Penumbra vs. Surefire M600V Scout Light
  48. 17:30Reviewer's Opinions and Experience
  49. 18:02Hog Hunt Scenario: Penumbra in Action
  50. 19:03Positive Features: Independent Controls
  51. 19:14Illumination Power and Range
  52. 20:05Minor Complaints: Battery Door Issue
  53. 21:02Minor Complaint: Mounting Hardware
  54. 21:57Minor Complaint: RMR Optic Mounting Hardware
  55. 23:07Design Philosophy: Field Use Considerations
  56. 23:42Modularity and T2 Mount Advantage
  57. 25:24Crane Port Compatibility
  58. 26:13Discount Code and Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the AMMJ Penumbra laser module stand out from other tactical lasers?

The AMMJ Penumbra is exceptionally modular, allowing independent control of both the IR laser and illuminator power. It also features T2 compatible mounting and can be adapted for RMR optics, offering significant flexibility in configuration and reducing the overall footprint on a firearm.

How reliable is the AMMJ Penumbra laser under recoil and heat?

The Penumbra demonstrated excellent reliability during testing, enduring 500 rounds of 5.56 and over 200 rounds of 9mm without any diode shifting or loss of zero. It also maintained zero after being subjected to temperatures between 120-140°F.

What are the key advantages of the AMMJ Penumbra's adjustable power settings?

The ability to independently adjust IR laser and illuminator power is crucial for preserving night vision devices. Lowering the laser power prevents damage to expensive NVGs, while adjustable illuminator settings allow for optimal visibility at different ranges without over-saturating the image.

Does the AMMJ Penumbra laser come with all necessary mounting hardware?

While the Penumbra includes a Samson Manufacturing T2 Quick Detach mount, the hardware for mounting an RMR-style optic is not included. Users will need to source specific 3mm metric screws, as the thread pitch is less common than standard handgun mounting hardware.

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