red dot vs. laser on M&P

[jbinbi]

Was looking for a laser on my M&P when I mentioned in a post in the SW15-22 section on red dots that someone said they are using a red dot on their pistol.

Just wanting to know others experiences with red dots vs. lasers on M&P, if anyone has tried both and what they thought, and what brands have worked well.

A huge problem I have is that I am very middle aged, I am near sighted to begin with, and also need reading glasses as well.

So if I am looking thru my progressive multifocal glasses, either I can sort of see the sights but need to move my glasses or the gun up and down to keep focus at arms length. I know to keep the sights in focus, but my eyes are really bad, and when looking thru the glasses, very hard to see sights and target properly. A 'pointing' device would help. thanks.

[Bigpoppa]

I Everyday Carry the S&WM&P 357Sig/40S&W with a Crimson Trace Laser Grip. Laser is built in to the replaceable backstrap and is very accurate and holds zero upon repeated firings. The Laser makes for a very quick sight picture especially in low light situations where most violent confrontations take place.

[Hook686]

If you cannot focus on your sights, what makes you will be able to see a small red dot, especially in daylight ? Try the XS tritium sight, as on the M&P 340 CT revolver. I find it a quick pickup, day, or night.

[mcracco]

Your progressive lens glasses were not designed with shooting in mind. Most likely you are tilting your head to an unnatural position to get better focus and even the front sight isn't sharp enough. Consider going back to your optometrist and tell them what you do with your eyes and what isn't working.

I had to do quite a bit of work to get a combo that worked for my aging eyes. Went from progressives to reading to contacts. Had contacts for everyday and a different prescription for shooting. Two prescriptions was silly as if I am carrying there is seldom time to change contacts before drawing. Finally found the right combo of fixed and multifocus contacts where everything works. Helps that my optometrist is a shooter and even allows his shooting clients to bring a handgun to the office (after hours) to be sure the prescription works.

Just something to think about.

[jbinbi]

mcracco: exactly, you must have my eyes;-). i went from contacts for myopia to trying multifocals when presbyopia kicked in. couldn't get a good fit trying like 4 brands. i do have to tilt my head up and down to get a good part of the glasses to see thru.

hook686: i can see the sights fine if i get the correct part of my glasses to see thru. However, if i do that, i don't see the bullseye very well (unless you have this problem, you can't really understand it. I know that you both can't be in focus, but with my eyes, a whole different story).

I will have no problem seeing a red dot at distance, that is easy.

Bigpoppa: thanks. are there any other alternatives to the crimson trace that might not cost as much as I paid for the gun itself? I was wondering about lasers that mount on the bottom rail, or red dot sight up top.