At the moment I can only afford Crimson Trace sights on one of my carry guns. I carry a 642 in a pocket holster throughout the day and then trade out when I get home for my Smith 645 auto with Kholster IWB. Need some advice on which weapon would best be suited with laser sights and why...or would the money be spent better elsewhere since the lasers are pretty spendy. Thanks in advance

Laser sights are excellent for trigger control training and dry fire training. If you are going to have them, they should be on the gun that is carried most during evening hours. The laser is useless in bright daylight. You just cannot see that little red dot in bright daylight unless your target (bad guy) is only 4 or 5 feet away.

the main carry gun,because what is the point in having it if you don't have it when you need it

I would personally go with door #3.. spend the money elsewhere. Just because I'm not a fan of lasers. That's just my preference.

Between the first two options, I'd go with the 642. It's your "out and about" carry, so use all the advantages you can get. In your house.. you kind of have the home field advantage. I'm not sure about CT lasers, but I've seen em bright enough for daytime use. Outside at noon? Maybe not...

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- The Federalist #46 -

+1 on what Electraclyde said. I only have one gun with a laser; it is my main carry gun. I think it is provides an amazing advantage for certain situations (corners, for example). However, my biggest concern is training confusion, since our natural tendency is to focus on the threat (which lasers allow), whereas our training (with iron sights) stresses focus on the front sight. Switching back and forth can be problematic.

There are definite advantages to having a laser. As bubbajoe45 said; around corners, etc.
It should always be secondary to your sights however. Train with your sights and don't let your laser distract you.
If you must pick just one gun to have a laser, pick the one you will use in low light situations. Probably your J-frame. Your home defense weapon should have a light though...

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Arkdweller

The J frame, much harder to shoot than the 645.

I wasn't going to add my 2 cents here, because I was called everything but a white woman on another site, just because I said I think lasers can be an advantage. But everyone seems more civil here, and female friendly. So....I would put it on the 642. As soon as I decide which will be my main carry gun, I plan on adding CT grips. I believe that anything that can give you an advantage over bg is worth having. I've checked out the CT, and it can be seen even in daylight. Also remember, you don't have to use it. You still have the option of using the iron sights. Personally, I would rather have it and not have to use it, than need it and not have it. That extra second shaved off the time it takes to sight in on bg might save your life. Now, this is all my opinion. Some people like them, some don't. So please don't tell me to get back in the kitchen, where I belong!

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Misty

I agree with Misty. I have them on the 60LS and while I don't think laser is a substitute for training, I like having them as an optional tool.

My wife and I both have them on our J frames. I also have them on my 625 that was my night stand gun. My new night stand gun is a full size M&P 40 with a laser/light combo. I shoot expert revolver in IDPA without the dot but I would want the dot if I had to use one of my guns for serious business.

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Shoot fast & live long
Warren

You are more than welcome on this site!--- and if not on the other site---to hell with em!!!!!!!

Your input can and is valuable to those of us that think we know what is best for our spouses. I always value everyone's opinion so stay tuned and share/learn with the rest of us. By the way, I belong to this and a muzzle loading forum and have removed myself from three others because of the immature, racist and can't wait to kill someone attitude that is on most forums now. I am thankful of this site each day.

The only time a woman belongs in the kitchen is when SHE wants to be there !!!!!!!
..............................John

Well WHITE WOMAN most of us here agree with you.

Misty, your voice is appreciated here. Thanks for adding yours!

My own view is -- now I know this is not smart -- those Crimson Trace grips are just so darn ug-lee.

I like wood, I like ivory, I like antler -- I do not like rubber/plastic.

Sorry.

Unless they've announced something in the past few months I'm not aware of, Crimson Trace doesn't make laser gripss for the M645, or any other second generation S&W auto, so your only choice is the J frame.

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.............SmithNut

My wife bought a 642 and the first thing we did was add CT grips.

She can out shoot me using most any gun with regular sights, but the short sight radius of the snubbies is not conducive to quick and accurate fire for the even best marksman.

The CT's are just one more tool in utilizing a tough to shoot little sidearm in less than optimum circumstances.

My "night time" gun is a 1911 with tritium night sights AND CT grips.

I also wear a belt and suspenders!!