what's the scoop with these lasers? how much do they run for? any info on them? I've heard it's illegal to own them but I've seen plenty in civilian hands and no one seems to really care.

It's not illegal to own these providing they are not stolen govt. property. They are however very cost prohibitive for their function. Civies do own them and sell them quite frequently. There's one on the EE board right now for sale. Prices seem to average 2 to 3K.

I have not seen a PEQ 2 for sale.  

The Paq 4 is a simple IR laser.

The PEQ 2 is IR/VIS HI-Lo beam intensity, IR illuminator equipped.

The PEQ 2 would be my choice as I have experience with PAQ 4's and they are near garbage. (the whole housing will bend and if there is a pressure exerted on the laser it will not shoot point of aim.) They do look cool though. (as if that's worth $1300 or more?)

I would not expect that problem in the Peq2

Amen.  PEQ-2's rock the free world, if you can afford one.  I'll just hang onto the one the boss lets me use, but they are good.