A method for aligning reflective surfaces in an unstable laser resonator is provided herein. By providing the outwardly facing side of the front mirror of the resonator with a reflective positioning surface (46) having an optical axis (80) coincident with the optical axis (82) of the front mirror (44), alignment procedures are greatly simplified. The alignment method comprises the steps of fabricating a support surface having a support plate (42) and a front reflective surface (44) on its inner surface, the front reflective surface having a primary optical axis (82). A positioning reflective surface (46) is affixed to an outer surface of the support plate, the positioning reflective surface having a secondary optical axis (80) coincident with the primary optical axis. The support plate also has means for securing the support surface to the laser resonator. The method also comprises positioning a laser emitter in a predetermined orientation with the laser resonator and placing a rear reflective surface in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the laser emitter. The laser emitter transmits a laser beam, and the rear reflective surface is aligned such that the laser beam is reflected off the rear reflective surface and back upon itself. The method also comprises securing the support surface to the laser resonator and applying the laser beam from the laser emitter to the positioning reflective surface. Finally, the resonator is adjusted such that the laser beam is reflected off the positioning reflective surface back upon itself, providing alignment of both laser reflective surfaces.