Does anyone know if the laser sights only work if they're 'on'?

[Netsurfer733]

For instance, the TX-Repeater pistol for the TR - I just got a laser sight for it, but I'm not sure if I need to have its laser-light on for it to actually be more accurate. It's a bit of a giveaway to see someone with a giant beam of light coming out of their gun.

Since the reticle stays the same whether you have the laser on or off (by pressing L by default), in other words since the reticle suggests it's just as accurate one way or another... Does that mean the position-giving-away laser light is just for cosmetic purposes?

[Timealude]

Me personally, I found that turning it off doesnt change the hip fire accuracy at all, so as an infiltrator ill just run around with it off so it doesnt give away my position.