Opinions on a lazer for a J-frame for defensive carry?

This has been asked many times before, the latest being:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/550103904/m/9591069182

and many more if you try searching.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums?a=search&reqWor...orum_scope=550103904

CT grips can't be beat when in very low or no light conditions. Just put the red dot where you want it. Even us old farts can place a shot without their glasses with these grips.

While you're positioning the little red dot on me, I'm shooting at you. You may get me good, but I will get you first. The sights on these things aren't worth a crap for a reason. They're point and shoot belly guns for close range. You don't need sights. They work well by sighting, but it's not a primary consideration with a J-frame unless you have a three inch or the five inch Model 60. I'm looking forward to a six-shot, five inch Model 60 in .327 MAG.

Crimson Trace on a J frame? YES

quote:

Originally posted by casingpoint:
While you're positioning the little red dot on me, I'm shooting at you. You may get me good, but I will get you first. The sights on these things aren't worth a crap for a reason. They're point and shoot belly guns for close range. You don't need sights. They work well by sighting, but it's not a primary consideration with a J-frame unless you have a three inch or the five inch Model 60.

+1.

http://www.bobtuley.com/pointshooting.htm#defined

I have them on a 342PD and wouldn't be without them.

++1 Never leave home without them.

quote:

Originally posted by casingpoint:
While you're positioning the little red dot on me, I'm shooting at you. You may get me good, but I will get you first. The sights on these things aren't worth a crap for a reason. They're point and shoot belly guns for close range. You don't need sights. They work well by sighting, but it's not a primary consideration with a J-frame unless you have a three inch or the five inch Model 60. I'm looking forward to a six-shot, five inch Model 60 in .327 MAG.

I train with the laser on and with it off. If the danger is close up, nobody is going to use the dot - ignore it just like you say you ignore the sights. What is the difference? If the target is further away, you may miss and I will hit. If the enemy is behind a hard barrier shooting at me with only his head showing, I will hit it. Heck, if I want to hit a bunny in the head at 20 yards, I can.

Having CT grips does not keep me from shooting fast and furious up close. Just train right.

Personally I don't see the $250 dollar benefit on a J frame. As mentioned, the most likely scenario will be used within a 7 - 10 foot point and shoot situation. Not going to have time to press a button and place a dot where you want to shot. JMHO.

Mike

Mickey: The nice thing about Crimson Trace grips is that there's no change in your grip on a J-frame. You just grab the gun like you normally would, and the Laser comes on without any other mainipulation.
It'S completely instinctive.
EXCEPT, all of a sudden, there's a bright red dot on your target and that's pretty close to where the bullet is going to impact! For aging eyesight during a stressful encounter it's a big help!

I plan to put LASER sights on my 442-2 ASAP. Unsure at this moment if it will be CT or LaserMax. I've heard really good things about the CTs, but prefer the higher position of the beam of the LaserMax. Overall opinion at the moment is that I will get the CT.

quote:

Not going to have time to press a button and place a dot where you want to shot

The "button" is depressed by the normal grip on the gun, the red dot just verifies where the bullet is going to go.

This topic is one that will go on forever. Most people who criticize the use of lasers have never trained with them...or even shot a gun equipped with a laser sight. The J frame is a perfect choice for the laser because it's sight picture is instantaneous and extremely accurate within the 7-10 foot range.

I likeum. i figure if i only have five shots i'd like them to go where they're needed. does the laser preclude bellyshooting at bad breath distance?
my biggest problem was always the limited styles (one style) that they used to offer, i like the new ones so as soon as i can afford one i will get one i'll try it on my 317 so my wife can get better hits on golfballs and enjoy shooting more then move it to the M-60-10 3" and see if she can handle that after a while.
i usually carry a glock and so can for the most part spray bullets all about the countryside till i hit what i need to(LoL). as to J frames i do like my M38 in a front coat pocket in winter as it might be a while till i could get the Gword out from under my winter getup. i shoot it well enough but would like to try a CT grip on it too.
Regards,
Rich

I don't see any harm in getting one if one trains properly in their use. They should be quite handy for unusual shooting positions - such as if you're wounded and laying on your back. But, like anything else at their price point, it's a matter of priorities and budget. The same amount of money will still buy (if you shop around) about a thousand rounds of .38 special training ammunition. If the money spent to buy laser grips means that money no longer exists for training ammunition, then I'd pick more practice over a gadget any day. Others may differ in that assessment. But so long as one can afford a gadget and still practice, and is willing to use a gadget within its limitations and not treat it as a pancea, then I'd say go for it.