Abstract:
A combined reflex and laser sighting device with co-aligned iron sights is provided. In one aspect, the laser elements are co-aligned with each other, the reflex sight is co-aligned with the laser elements, and the iron sights are then co-aligned with the reflex sight and lasers, such that both the reflex sight, laser sight, and iron sights can all be calibrated or boresighted to a weapon together in a single operation. In another aspect, one or more laser elements are mounted to a laser bench and aligned with a reflex sight and iron sights attached to the laser bench. In yet another aspect, a plurality of laser elements are provided on the laser bench and are co-aligned with each other, the reflex sight, and the iron sights. In yet another aspect, an elevation adjustment apparatus for a laser sight includes selectable primary and secondary adjustment assemblies.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claim the priority benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/279,244 filed Jan. 15, 2016. The aforementioned application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to the field of projectile weapon sights and, in particular, to a combined reflex and laser sight having co-aligned iron sights. The weapon may be a rifle or other firearm, or other ballistics projectile launcher. 
         [0003]    Reflex sights are generally known in the art and typically include a battery-powered light source such as an LED or laser for projecting an illuminated reticle image, such as a red dot. Such reflex sights include a lens assembly (typically non-magnifying), e.g., employing a beam splitter or dichroic mirror allowing the user to view a target field of view. The lens assembly contains a reflective coating or film that reflects light from the light source along the viewing axis of the lens so that the viewer sees both the target field of view and projected reticle image superimposed thereon to aid the user in aiming the barrel of a firearm or other projectile weapon. Laser sights are also known and comprise one or more laser devices configured to emit a laser beam onto a target for the purpose of aiding the user in aiming the barrel of a firearm or other weapon. 
         [0004]    In each case, the alignment of the sight must be adjusted with respect to the barrel of the weapon (bore sighted) so that the position of the emitted light (i.e., the reticle image on the lens in the case of a reflex sight or the position of the laser beam on the target in the case of a laser sight) corresponds with or intersects the trajectory path of the fired projectile at the target. The process of adjusting the alignment of the sight to reconcile the point of aim with the point of impact typically involves adjusting the horizontal alignment (windage) and vertical alignment (elevation) using threaded adjustment screws. The process of adjusting the alignment of a sight relative to the barrel of a weapon must also take into account a number of factors, including the fact that the sight is offset from the axis of the barrel and the fact that a beam emitted by a laser module will travel in a straight line whereas the projectile will follow a ballistics trajectory and, thus, can be a time consuming process. In the case of multiple sights, the horizontal and vertical alignment must be performed for each sight. 
         [0005]    In addition, even when a sight has been bore sighted for a particular weapon, it may be necessary to re-bore sight for different conditions, including changes in distance to target (for example, long range vs. short range or close combat conditions), differences in muzzle velocity or projectile speed for different types of ammunition rounds), and changes in incline (e.g., level shooting vs. elevated or depressed firing position relative to target), and so forth. 
         [0006]    Iron sights refer to a system of fixed or adjustable physical or mechanical alignment markers used to assist in the aiming of a firearm and commonly include a rear sight, such as a notch or ring, mounted perpendicular to the line of sight and a front sight, such as a post, bead, or ring. Although iron sights lack the precision of a laser sight or optical sight (e.g., reflex sight or telescopic sight), iron sights may still be provided alongside other sighting devices, e.g., for backup usage. However, even when a firearm is equipped with one or more precision sights such as a laser sight and/or optical sight as well as iron sights, the iron sights are not typically co-aligned with the precision sight. Even in the case of adjustable iron sights that can be adjusted for elevation and windage, the iron sights are not typically co-aligned with the precision sights, such that the iron sights and the precision sight must be separately bore sighted to the weapon. 
         [0007]    The present disclosure contemplates a new and improved sight apparatus including a combined reflex sight and laser sight in combination with iron sights wherein the reflex sight, laser sight, and iron sights are co-aligned on a single laser bench such that all three sights can be bore sighted to the weapon together. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    An integrated sight for a weapon is provided, the weapon being of a type having a barrel for firing projectiles, the barrel defining a longitudinal bore axis. The integrated sight includes one or more lasers, a reflex sight, and iron sights on a single laser bench or suite. 
         [0009]    A laser sight assembly for a projectile weapon includes a housing for engaging a portion of the projectile weapon and a laser module for emitting a beam along an optical axis. The laser module mounted to a laser bench. A reflex sight assembly is rigidly attached to the laser bench and includes a light source for generating an aiming mark and an optical element. The aiming mark is reflected in the optical element, wherein the optical axis of the laser module and the aiming mark of the reflex sight are substantially coaligned. An elevation adjustment assembly includes an elevation adjustment screw rotatably supported on the housing, which bears against the laser bench and is operable to adjust a position of the laser bench about a horizontal axis. A windage adjustment assembly includes a windage adjustment screw rotatably supported on the housing, the windage adjustment screw bearing against the laser bench. The windage adjustment screw is operable to adjust a position of the laser bench about a vertical axis. 
         [0010]    An elevation adjustment apparatus for a laser sight for a projectile weapon, the laser sight including a housing and a laser bench movably secured with the housing, comprises a throw lever pivotally attached to the housing and movable between a first position and a second position. Aa primary adjustment assembly cooperates with the laser bench to adjust an aim point of the laser sight to a first vertical position when the throw lever is moved to the first position. A secondary adjustment assembly cooperates with the laser bench to adjust the aim point of the laser sight to a second vertical position when the throw lever is moved to the second position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The invention may take form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a combined laser and reflex aiming sight with integrated iron sights in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, taken generally from above, the front, and the right side. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the combined laser and reflex aiming sight with integrated iron sights appearing in  FIG. 1 , taken generally from above, the rear, and the left side. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the combined laser and reflex aiming sight with integrated iron sights appearing in  FIG. 1 , taken generally from below, the front, and the right side. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the combined laser and reflex aiming sight with integrated iron sights appearing in  FIG. 1 , with portions of the housing covers removed. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged, fragmentary, isometric view of the unit showing the iron sights, taken generally from above, the front, and the right side. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged isometric view of the unit showing the iron sights, taken generally from the rear and left side. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of the unit with portions of the housing covers removed, taken generally from below, the front and the right side. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view of the unit with portions of the housing covers removed, taken generally from the left side. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the unit with portions of the housing covers removed, taken generally from the front and the right side. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of the unit with portions of the housing covers removed, taken generally from the rear and the left side. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a rear view of the unit with portions of the housing covers removed. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged view of the laser bench and mounting block. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a rear view of the sight taken generally from, with the lever housing removed, illustrating the primary elevation adjustment assembly and the secondary elevation adjustment assembly. 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a fragmentary, rear, isometric view of the unit appearing in  FIG. 1 , wherein the elevation adjustment lever is moved to the left side position. 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the elevation adjustment assembly. 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a fragmentary top view of the reflex sight assembly with the reflex sight assembly base removed. 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a generally side view of the laser bench assembly. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 18 and 19  are generally rear views of the laser bench assembly. 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  is an isometric view illustrating the laser safety door. 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  is a rear view of the laser window and laser safety door. 
           [0032]      FIG. 22  is an isometric view of the adjustable front sight and the adjustable rear sight and adjustment screws. 
           [0033]      FIG. 23  is a rear view of the combined laser and reflex aiming sight with integrated iron sights appearing in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 24  is an isometric view illustrating a high power mode activation switch engaged by a lockout screw, the lower housing cover being removed for ease of exposition. 
           [0035]      FIG. 25  is a partially exploded isometric view showing the elevation adjustment assembly. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0036]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1-25  illustrate a combined aiming and reflex sight  100  with iron sights, which includes a reflex sight assembly  110  and a laser sight assembly  112 . In certain embodiments, the reflex sight assembly  110  and the laser sight assembly  112  are combined into an integrated device. 
         [0037]    For purposes of this disclosure, the relative terms left, right, front, rear, top, bottom, up, down, horizontal, vertical, etc. are based on the perspective of a person facing the front of the unit. The reflex sight and laser sight in the depicted embodiment may generally be as described in commonly-owned U.S. publication no. 2016/0102943 published Apr. 14, 2016 (application Ser. No. 14/881,779 filed Oct. 13, 2015), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0038]    The reflex sight assembly  110  includes a base  116  and a cover  164 . A light source  122  such as an LED or laser, e.g., an eye-safe laser, is received within the base  116 . The light source  122  emits light that impinges on a lens assembly  124 . The lens assembly  124  functions as a partially reflective mirror (e.g., beam splitter or dichroic mirror), for example, which may include a reflective coating or film  128  therein to reflect light from the light source  122  back toward the user. The light from the light source is preferably collimated  122 , e.g., using a collimating lens. The lens assembly  124  also allows light reflected from the target field of view to pass through, wherein the collimated light from the light source  122  appears as a superimposed aiming mark or reticle on the target field of view. The superimposed aiming mark may appear as a dot  125 , e.g., a red or green dot, viewed through a rear lens or window  127 . It will be recognized that other reticle shapes, such as rings, cross hairs, and the like, are also contemplated. 
         [0039]    A lens retainer  132  secures the reflex sight lens assembly  124  to the base  116 . A rear lens retainer  133  secures the rear lens  127  to the base  116 . In certain embodiments, the vertical position of the collimated light from the light source  122  on the lens assembly  124  is adjusted using a threaded adjustment screw  136  received through elongated opening  138  and the horizontal position of the collimated light from the light source  122  on the lens assembly  124  is adjusted using a threaded adjustment screw  140  against the bias of a spring  141  to provide elevation and windage adjustments for the reflex sight. Once the light source  122  and the lasers elements of the laser sight (described in greater detail below), have been co-aligned, screws  142  (see  FIG. 6 ) are tightened to maintain the light source  122  in its coaligned position. 
         [0040]    The base  116  is secured to a laser bench  148  via threaded fasteners  152 . The cover  164  is secured over the reflex sight assembly  110  and in certain embodiments is secured via threaded fasteners to an upper section  161  of the laser module housing  160 . 
         [0041]    In certain embodiments, and as best seen in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the laser bench  148  includes a center section  172  having a generally cylindrical opening receiving a laser tube  176   a.  In certain embodiments, the laser tube  176   a  is an infrared (IR) illuminator. Preferably, the flood laser has a fixed flood width, although focusing optics for selectively narrowing or broadening the flood beam are also contemplated. 
         [0042]    The laser bench  148  includes a rear cover  184 , which retains the laser tube  176   a  within the bench  148  and is secured to the bench with threaded fasteners  188 . The optical axis of the laser  176   a  relative to the optical bench  148  and/or the other attached lasers can be adjusted in both the vertical and horizontal directions by selectively advancing or retracting the 4 set screws  192  which are radially spaced around the optical axis of the laser  176   a,  e.g., in 90-degree intervals. 
         [0043]    A second laser tube  176   b,  which may be, for example, a visible pointing laser, is secured to one side of the laser bench. The laser tube  176   b  includes a front mounting bracket  178  and a rear mounting bracket  179 . The rear bracket is secured to the bench via a threaded fastener  181  and the front bracket is secured to the bench via a threaded fastener  182 . 
         [0044]    A third laser tube  176   c,  which may be, for example, an infrared pointing laser, is secured to the other side of the laser bench. The laser tube  176   c  includes a front mounting bracket  178  and a rear mounting bracket  179 . The rear bracket is secured to the bench via a threaded fastener  181  and the front bracket is secured to the bench via a threaded fastener  182 . 
         [0045]    One or both of the threaded fasteners  181 ,  182  may pass though elongate or oversize openings in the respective bracket to allow coalignment of the optical axis of each the lasers  176   b,    176   c  in the vertical direction with the optical bench and/or the other lasers. Selective advancement and retraction of the threaded fasteners  181 ,  182  in the transverse direction allow coalignment of the optical axis of each the lasers  176   b,    176   c  in the horizontal direction with the optical bench and/or the other lasers. 
         [0046]    Once the laser tubes  176   a,    176   b,  and  176   c  are all coaligned, a potting compound  121  may be used within the respective laser tubes to maintain the positions of the lasers  176   a,    176   b,  and  176   c  in their coaligned state. 
         [0047]    In preferred embodiments, the IR flood and the IR pointing laser are operable individually, as well as together wherein a dot of higher intensity is visible within the flooded area when using night vision equipment. 
         [0048]    A sliding laser safety door  111  is slidably received within a slot  113  formed in a base shell  117  of the housing  160 . The door  111  is slidable in the transverse direction between an open position and a closed position. The door includes apertures  180   a,    180   b,  and  180   c,  which are aligned with the beams emitted by the respective laser tubes  176   a,    176   b,  and  176   c  when the door is in the open position. The apertures  180   a ,  180   b,  and  180   c  are moved out of alignment the respective laser tubes  176   a,    176   b,  and  176   c  when the door is in the closed position. A door pull  118  attached to the door  111  is manually slidable by the user to move the door between the open and closed positions. 
         [0049]    In certain embodiments, the door is formed a material which is opaque with respect to the wavelength of light emitted by the lasers  176   a - 176   c  to thereby block laser emissions from the unit  100  when the door is in the closed position. Alternatively, as seen in  FIG. 21 , the door  111  may carry laser attenuators, e.g., optical attenuators,  119   a,    119   b,  and  119   c  which are positioned on the door  111  so as to be disposed in the optical path of the lasers  176   a - 176   c  when the door is in the closed position to reduce the output intensity of the lasers to an eye safe level, e.g., when the unit  100  is used during training exercises as described in the aforementioned publication no. 2016/0102943. In alternative embodiments, a laser safety door may be hingedly be attached to the upper housing cover  161  and pivoted out of position when not in use, e.g., as shown in the aforementioned U.S. provisional application No. 62/279,244. 
         [0050]    A laser window  120 , which is transparent to the laser wavelengths of the lasers  176   a - 176   c,  may be provided between the laser tubes and the door  111  to prevent moisture or other environmental contamination from entering the unit  100  through the apertures  180   a - 180   c.  Alternatively, the transparent window could be provided on the outer surface of the door  111 . 
         [0051]    In certain embodiments, the laser bench  148  has a mounting block  204  to provide a flexible connection between the housing and the laser bench  148 . The block  204  is secured to a forward facing surface of the bench  148  at a central position. An aperture  205  is formed in the block  204  to define an optical path for the laser  176   a.  In alternative embodiments, the mounting block may be attached to another portion of the laser bench which is not in the path of the lasers  176   a,    176   b,    176   c,  in which case the mounting block need not be provided with an aperture. The block  204  provides freedom of movement of the optical axis relative to the housing  160  in respect to at least two degrees of freedom consisting of pivotability about two orthogonal pivot axes as described in the aforementioned publication no. 2016/0102943. 
         [0052]    In certain embodiments, the block  204  includes a first portion  206  attached to a portion of the laser bench and a second portion  208  flexibly attached to the housing. The first and second portions are flexibly attached to each other to permit a range of pivoting movement of the laser bench about a horizontal axis  209  and a vertical axis  211 . In the illustrated embodiment, the block  204  includes a third portion  210  disposed between the first portion  206  and the second portion  208 . The first portion and the third portion are spaced apart and connected via one or more flexible webs or hinges  212  which allow pivoting movement of the laser bench about the horizontal axis  209 . The second portion and the third portion are spaced apart and connected via one or more flexible webs or hinges  213  which allow pivoting movement of the laser bench about the vertical axis  211 . 
         [0053]    The iron sights include a rear sight assembly  524  disposed at a rearward portion of the reflex base  116  and a front sight member  528  disposed toward the front of the reflex sight assembly  110 , e.g., incorporated into the lens retainer  132 . The front sight member includes a post  536  upstanding from a base  532  at a position that is generally centrally located between the left and right sides of the reflex sight assembly. In certain embodiments, the post  536  includes indicia (not shown), such as a dot having a contrasting color or painted with a luminescent paint. 
         [0054]    The rear sight assembly  524  includes a bracket  544  having arms  548  spaced apart transversely with respect to a firing direction of the firearm. Each of the arms  548  includes a tapped opening  552  having a set screw  556  threadably received therein. A rear sight member  560  includes a notch or aperture  564  and is disposed between the arms  548 . In certain embodiments, the rear sight member  560  includes indicia  568  such as dots having a contrasting color or painted with a luminescent paint. 
         [0055]    The rear sight member  560  has a transverse width that is less than the distance between the inside edges of the arms  548  and the set screws  556  extend from the openings  552  into the opening or gap between the arms  548  and bear against the respective side of the rear sight member  560 . By selectively advancing and retracting the set screws  556 , the rear sight member  560  can be moved to a desired horizontal position with respect to the post  536 , which, in turn, adjusts the point of impact. 
         [0056]    One or more screws  572  pass through an elongate opening  576  in the bracket  544  and engage one or more complementary threaded openings  580  in the rear sight member  560 . The screw(s)  572  are loosened to permit side-to-side adjustment of the rear sight member  560  using the set screws  556  and tightened to secure the rear sight member  560  at a desired position, i.e., after the rear sight has been coaligned with the reflex and laser sights. 
         [0057]    In certain embodiments, it is contemplated that the front sight member  536  may have a fixed height, in which case the iron sights are coaligned (e.g., at the factory) with the reflex and laser sights for windage only. In certain embodiments, the front post  536  is height adjustable, thereby also allowing the reflex sight to be coaligned (e.g., at the factory) with the reflex and laser sights for elevation. In certain embodiments, the front post  536  includes a threaded end  537  engaging a threaded opening in the base  532  and is selectively raised and lowered by rotating the post in one direction or the other. Once the iron sight has been coaligned with the reflex and laser sights, the can be permanently secured within the base  532 , e.g., using an adhesive. 
         [0058]    The unit  100  may further include an interface  114  for securing the sight  100  to a portion of the firearm or other projectile weapon. In certain embodiments, the interface  114  is adapted to fasten the sight  100  to a “Picatinny” accessory rail  128 , e.g., MIL-STD-1913, STANAG 2324, STANAG 4694 or the like. In certain embodiments, an adapter having rail clamp assembly may be provided to secure the unit  100  to an accessory rail interface. 
         [0059]    Electronic and electrical components, such as switches, connectors, circuit boards, processing or control electronics, etc., are housed within the housing  160  for controlling operation of the light sources. Power may be supplied via an electrical connector  123  which, in turn, can be electrically coupled to a power source, such as a power source associated with a powered rail system of the weapon. In certain embodiments, one or more batteries or battery packs for operating the lasers  176   a,    176   b ,  176   c,  the light source  122 , and the associated electronics for controlling operation of the light sources may be provided within the unit  100 . 
         [0060]    Once the iron sight assembly is co-aligned with the co-aligned reflex and laser sights, it is normally not necessary for the user to separately adjust the position of the rear sight  560 , light source  122 , or alignment of the laser tubes. Thus, it is contemplated that the coalignment is preferably performed, e.g., by the manufacturer, prior to shipping to the end user. In this manner, windage and elevation adjustments can be made to the laser bench as a whole to simultaneously adjust the reflex sight, iron sights, and lasers relative to the barrel of the weapon with which the unit  100  is being used. 
         [0061]    In certain embodiments, an upward vertical force is exerted on the laser bench  148  by springs, e.g., wave springs,  271  bearing against a lower surface of the bench  148 , thereby tending to urge the rearward end of the laser bench  148  upward. In certain embodiments, a primary elevation adjustment assembly  270  includes a threaded, rotatable member  274  rotatably coupled to a complementary threaded housing adjustment member  275  coaxially disposed with respect to a pivot axis  290  of the lever, wherein the threaded member  274  is rotatable in one direction to advance a plunger  288  and rotatable in the other direction to retract the plunger  288  by rotating the threaded member  274  in the opposite direction to adjust the orientation of the laser bench within the housing. The bearing member  288  is disposed on the end of the rotatable member  274 . 
         [0062]    In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing member  288  of the elevation adjustment assembly  270  bears against a horizontal surface  276  of a lever  207  attached to the bench  148  and may be advanced or retracted for selectively moving the lever arm up or down to provide an elevation adjustment of the entire unit  100 , including the coaligned laser, iron, and reflex sights, by pivoting the laser bench about the pivot axis  209 . In certain embodiments, the elevation adjustment assembly may be, for example, as described in the aforementioned publication no. 2016/0102943. 
         [0063]    Likewise, in certain embodiments, a horizontal force (e.g., rightward in the illustrated embodiment) is exerted on the laser bench  148  by a spring  272  bearing against a side surface (left side surface in the illustrated embodiment) of the lever  207 , thereby tending to urge the rearward end of the laser bench  148  in the direction of the spring force. In certain embodiments, a windage adjustment assembly  273  includes a threaded member  277  rotatably coupled to a complementary threaded member  278  affixed relative to the housing, wherein the threaded member may be selectively advanced by rotating the threaded member  277  in one direction and retracted by rotating the threaded member  277  in the opposite direction to adjust the orientation of the laser bench within the housing. In the illustrated embodiment, the windage adjustment assembly bears against a vertical side surface  279  of the lever  207 . In this manner, the windage adjustment assembly provides a windage adjustment of the entire unit  100  by pivoting the laser bench about the pivot axis  211 . In certain embodiments, the windage adjustment assembly may be, for example, as described in the aforementioned publication no. 2016/0102943. 
         [0064]    In certain embodiments, a macro elevation adjustment assembly is provided. In certain embodiments, the macro elevation adjustment assembly may be as detailed in the aforementioned publication no. 2016/0102943, e.g., to quickly adjust for different types of ammunition rounds (e.g., when switching between high velocity and subsonic rounds) and/or different shooting scenarios. 
         [0065]    In the illustrated embodiment, as best seen in  FIGS. 13, 15, and 25 , a secondary elevation adjustment assembly  280  is disposed in a lever  281  which is pivotally attached to the housing. The secondary elevation adjustment assembly  280  includes a threaded rotatable member  282  threadably received within a complementary opening  283  in the lever  281 . The end of the member  282  bears against an axially movable plunger  287 . The plunger, in turn, bears against a horizontal surface  284 . The threaded member  282  is selectively advanced by rotating the threaded member  282  in one direction and retracted by rotating the threaded member  282  in the opposite direction to adjust the axial position of the plunger  287 . A detent assembly  289  is disposed in the lever arm  207  and includes a biased detent member  292  which resiliently engages scallops  291  in the side of the member  282  to provide positive retention of the member  282  at the desired rotational position and to provide an audible and/or tactile click for each angular increment of rotation when adjusting the A 2  elevation setting. 
         [0066]    In operation, when the lever is thrown to the right, as shown, e.g., in  FIGS. 13 and 15 , the plunger  287  bears against a horizontal surface  284  on the lever  207 , which in turn, is attached to the laser bench  148 . Because the surface  284  is slightly elevated with respect to the surface  276 , when the lever is in the right-side position wherein the secondary elevation adjustment assembly  280  engages the elevated surface  284 , it pushes the lever  207  downward, thereby adjusting the aim point upward. This downward movement of the lever  207  causes the primary elevation adjustment assembly  270  to be disengaged from the surface  276 . Thus, the elevation of the aim point is raised when it engages the bearing surface  284  and can be fine-tuned by rotating the rotatable member  282 , e.g., to accommodate a particular ammunition type (e.g., a lower speed, e.g., subsonic, ammunition having a greater ballistic drop) or shooting scenario. 
         [0067]    When the lever is then rotated 180 degrees (see  FIG. 14 ), the elevation adjustment assembly  280  disengages from the lever  207  and the lever  207  is urged upward by the springs  271 , thereby lowering the aim point, until the surface  276  reengages the primary elevation adjustment assembly  270  engages the surface  276 . Thus, the elevation setting is governed by the assembly  270  and the aim point is lowered. The elevation adjustment in this lower setting is can be fine-tuned by rotating the rotatable member  274 , e.g., to a particular ammunition type (i.e., a high speed, e.g., supersonic, ammunition with lower ballistic drop) or shooting scenario. 
         [0068]    In certain embodiments, the lever is provided with indicia (e.g. A 1 , A 2 ) disposed on opposite sides of the lever  207 , such that the indicia that is visible to the user when using the sight (i.e., when the sight is viewed from the rear), indicates the ammunition type that corresponds to the current lever position. 
         [0069]    As best seen in  FIG. 23 , the rear surface of the housing  160  includes a selector switch  285  for selecting a mode of operation of the unit  100 . In certain embodiments, the selector switch includes a rotary knob although other switch types are contemplated. In the illustrated embodiment the switch  285  is rotatable from a powered “off” position as shown in  FIG. 23  to a position corresponding to the desired operation of the unit  100 , e.g., by aligning indicia  286  on the knob with indicia corresponding to a mode of operation of the unit  100 . 
         [0070]    In certain embodiments, the modes of operation include an infrared laser aiming mode which is accessed by rotating the knob  285  to the position IA. In the infrared laser aiming mode, the infrared laser  176   c  is actuated when manual actuator button  177  is depressed. 
         [0071]    In certain embodiments, another mode of operation includes a visible laser aiming mode which is accessed by rotating the knob  285  to the position VA. In the visible laser aiming mode, the visible laser  176   b  is actuated when the manual actuator button  177  is depressed. 
         [0072]    In certain embodiments, another mode of operation includes a visible flash mode which is accessed by rotating the knob  285  to the position VF. In the visible flash mode, the visible laser  176   b  is actuated in a flash or strobe pattern when the manual actuator button  177  is depressed. 
         [0073]    In certain embodiments, another mode of operation includes an IR flood mode which is accessed by rotating the knob  285  to the position IF. In the IR flood mode, the infrared illuminator laser  176   a  is actuated when the manual actuator button  177  is depressed. 
         [0074]    In certain embodiments, another mode of operation includes an IR dual mode which is accessed by rotating the knob  285  to the position ID. In the IR dual mode, the infrared illuminator laser  176   a  and the infrared aiming laser  176   c  are both actuated when the manual actuator button  177  is depressed to produce an IR spot within the center of an IR flood beam. 
         [0075]    In certain embodiments, another mode of operation includes a visible dual mode which is accessed by rotating the knob  285  to the position VD. In the visible dual mode, the infrared illuminator laser  176   a  and the visible aiming laser  176   b  are both actuated when the manual actuator button  177  is depressed to produce a visible spot within the center of an IR flood beam. 
         [0076]    In certain embodiments, another mode of operation includes a reflex only mode which is accessed by rotating the knob  285  to the position R. In the reflex only mode, the unit operates as a reflex sight, i.e., the lasers  176   a - 176   c  are inactive and only the light source  122  of the reflex sight assembly  110  is active. 
         [0077]    In certain embodiments, the actuator button  177  is a part of a key pad  183  which includes laser power increment and decrement buttons  185  and  186 , respectively, which allow the user to selectively increase or decrease the intensity of the lasers  176   a - 176   c  to a desired level. 
         [0078]    As best seen in  FIG. 24 , a threaded lockout screw  300  engages a complementary threaded opening  302  in the housing shell (omitted in  FIG. 24  for ease of illustration). Rotatably advancing the screw  300  causes a movable plunger  304  to move into engagement with a switch  306  which controls the power output of the lasers  176   a - 176   c.  In certain embodiments, when the screw  300  is fully advanced into the opening  302 , the plunger  304  closes the switch  306 , thereby enabling the lasers to operate in a high power mode and when the screw  300  is removed from the opening  302 , the switch  306  opens, thereby preventing the lasers from operating in a high power mode. 
         [0079]    The switch  306  is coupled to circuitry positioned within in the housing, for controlling the power output of the lasers  176   a - 176   c  to a level of intensity below a predetermined intensity threshold, e.g., below a threshold intensity at which permanent eye damage occurs. 
         [0080]    In certain embodiments, when the screw  300  is received within the opening  302 , it allows the user to access the high laser power levels, e.g., using the laser power increment button  185 . In alternative embodiments, other methods for selecting high laser power modes of operation are contemplated. For example, it is contemplated that the unit  100  could have a dedicated high and low power selector, wherein the high power selector is disabled unless the screw  300  is received within the opening  302 . 
         [0081]    In certain embodiments, a threaded opening  308  may be provided on the housing of the unit  100  for storing and preventing loss the screw  300  when the screw is not received in the opening  302 , i.e., when high power laser intensity levels are not intended. 
         [0082]    In certain embodiments, it is contemplated that the screw  300  has a keyed configuration such that a special key or removal tool is required for its insertion and/or removal. 
         [0083]    In alternative embodiments, the function of the threaded lockout screw  300  when it engages the complementary threaded opening  302  could be reversed, that is, the presence of the screw  300  and actuation of the switch serves to prevent operation of the lasers  176   a - 176   c  at high power levels and removal of the screw  300  from the opening  302  allows the lasers  176   a - 176   c  to be operated at high power levels. 
         [0084]    The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.