Laser: Yes or No & why?

[KOBO]

Greetings.

While I decide on a EDC I consider the possibility of getting one with a laser; I am extremely conscious of the fact that you want to make sure that you hit what you're pointing at and not something off to the side so, if I find myself in a confrontational & stressful situation, seeing that my aim is indeed located on the target is something I would like. And if it happens to add a hair more intimidation factor all the better.

My question then to you is: why you did or did not chose a laser for your self defense weapon.

Thanks in advance.

K

 

[Bayoutalker]

I don't have a laser. I would rather practice and make sure my aim is accurate with solid sights than a laser that might decide to not function when I need it. Lasers are a nice addition but develop muscle memory with standard sights just in case.

Cliff

 

[Louchia]

I agree. I don't have a laser either. I think is can be a nice added feature', but to rely on it exclusively, I think is a mistake.
Train for muscle memory and maybe the laser for reassurance or use in a very low light condition.
IMHO'

 

[AlHunt]

No. It adds weight, bulk and complexity to a defensive weapon which will most likely be used in close quarters and at short distances.

It also gives your enemy a target to shoot at in the dark.

 

[Wtlnrdr12]

My opinion; I recently had double shoulder replacements, and have just returned to shooting. I have been using iron sights, and my accuracy is not what I am used to. I had the opportunity to try a friends XD with a green Lazer affixed to it. To say the least, It Was Fantastic!!!!! I hit everything I shot at, and in a very tight group. Now I've been shooting a very long time( re-tired Police) so muscle memory is not a problem. But, the Lazer was fantastic. I highly recommend them!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mike campbell]

I don't need headlights at high noon. However, they are an indispensable accessory at midnite. I have an auto in the driveway....it's usefulness far outweighs the slim chance the battery may be dead when I need it.

I will always carry with a laser. I check it momentarily before I holster it....I check it momentarily when I unholster it. Over the last 8 years I've changed the batteries several times when the laser dimmed.....I've never had them go instantly, completely dead.

Lasers are a valuable training aid as well. Several new shooters I've coached have used them to learn to control a handgun during the trigger squeeze. When a beginner shoots a DA trigger, for instance, and misses the target completely, it can be very difficult to convey to them the how and why they missed. Dry firing with a laser allows them to actually SEE how the gun moves and makes it very clear how the right grip and muscle effort contributes to a center hit. The minor downside to that is the tendency to want to fixate on the dot and labor to keep it motionless. I've had no trouble getting them to quickly overcome that.

Gun nuts will figure all this stuff out for themselves. For the person whose only interest in a handgun is for self defense, "putting the dot where the bullet needs to go" may be all they need to learn.

From my experience, there is no logical, rational argument to forgo a laser...though personal bias will prevail.

 

[ralph7]

I will say this, one can hit bullseyes from the hip all day long with a laser.
That being said, I don't have a laser on my EDC, but if I did, it would be one like the Crimson Trace that comes on when you grip the gun and not the type one has to manually push a button on the side.
The Crimson Trace is on my nightstand gun, I believe in them for that application.

 

[TTSH]

Another vote against lasers. They just never worked that well for me... even when they actually worked! I could always hit my target a whole lot better using the sights. I own just one gun in the collection with a laser... just because it came that way. Wouldn't ever buy another like that. In fact, a super-great deal recently came up for a Bodyguard snubby revolver with the built-in laser. I looked... and I passed. I'd rather have a Model 442-1 (non-IL) without the laser.

I guess they're okay for the little Bodyguard .380 pocket pistol now that Crimson Trace is the laser manufacturer... but I'd never buy one like that. My Bodyguard .380 is laser-free!

 

[SaberOne]

Debated laser grips for many years and finally broke down and purchased a set (CT LG350G) for one of my snubs'. Even after they arrived I waited for about a month before installing them because I remained skeptical. Once I did I was sold on the ergonomics alone. The green laser is considerably brighter than anticipated and the integrated activation switch works quite well with my middle finger in a natural hold. With age related vision degradation I have a renewed opinion on their worthiness and it's all positive. I started carrying revolvers back in the 70s as a deputy so I have a soft spot for classic wooden grips, but there's no denying the improved handling and comfort. 'To each their own' as the tag line goes.

 

[Jingles]

My wife loves her laser grips, and I think they are pretty cool, but I just can't bring myself to rely on the laser alone. I shoot a lot so I am pretty confident I can hit my target. With a laser I worry about it getting out of alignment or some other screw up that would effect my POA. With a laser I find myself taking longer to acquire target because I am sighting with the laser and with my iron sights before I shoot. I also worry about the laser having a malfunction, premature battery failure, etc.

 

[BearBio]

No laser for carry weapons for either the wife or I==hampers concealment in our opinion. Both bedside guns do have lasers for intimidation (don't want to shoot anyone un less necessary!)

 

[Rpg]

I wouldn't have one.

I think they screw up good sd shooting.

If you're hunting for the laser, you're looking at the wrong thing. Remember? Front sight, front sight!!!

If you practice your presentation (drawing from the leather) properly, you'll find you align your sights from muscle memory: they should be on target when you see them: no adjustments necessary.

If you achieve that, you'll find that you can hit your target even when it's too dark to actually see the sights. (You still focus on the front sight, even if you can't see it: you know where it is.)

Gizmos don't replace skill achieved through disciplined practice.

 

[McE]

Depends on your idea of 'carry gun'.
Some people carry full size pistols with proper iron sights. You can fire these from the hip fairly accurately because you have a lot of control over larger guns. Lasers are not quintessential.

But when it comes to tiny guns, some without real iron sights, a laser is indispensable. It takes a whole lot of practice to shoot mouse guns accurately even with slow shots under zero pressure at the range.

I'm pro-laser for small edc guns because:
-You'll probably be shooting without a proper sight picture (like from retention position/hip)
-You'll probably be shooting in a darker environment
-The laser extends the useful range of accurate shot placement of a tiny gun
-There are no downsides. 'Giving away your position' is poppycock. You're not picking off snipers up on a mountainside with your 380 Bodyguard.

This assumes a laser that turns on automatically by grip or draw. Fiddling with switches or buttons is too much to ask when you need a quick draw and fire in a scramble.

And feel free to disregard advice from anyone who says you can simply train to not need a laser on a mouse gun. These guys who can empty a mag rapid firing a 380 mouse gun from the hip 25 yards out and make all headshots are not the norm. Just like those late night tv infomercials, results not typical.

 

[oldylocks]

My experience... lasers can be hit or miss. I added a Crimson Trace (CT) laser to my SD9VE and this is extremely accurate. I have a couple of others that also have a CT. I'm very happy with this setup. However, I recently bought a model 638 that came with CT laser grips. I just can't seem to get this thing adjusted and I am much more accurate using the iron sights (at least what passes for iron sights). I probably will remove the grips and replace with the standard J frame grips available from the S&W store. In my case this makes more sense, because I also bought this little revolver to take with me when I go fishing. Just a hunch, but water and a laser probably don't mix well.

 

[timn8er]

I've never had a laser on an EDC;I did have one on a SW40VE. I aree with Mike; the laser is a valuable training tool, showing you just how much the POA is moving around if you're not careful. I trained with mine to develop a steadier hand & better grip, & I feel this has carried over to my EDC's.

 

[Ballistic147]

I don't like them. I've tried them a couple times and to me they are very distracting. I do practice point shooting and at closer range SD type scenarios my accuracy is very good. Of course, this is my personal opinion.

 

[awmp]

Ahh, the laser question.

This is one I have been toying with for years. I have a Green Crimson Trace on my and my wife's M&P Shield, 9mm.

Why, it is a huge aid at night. The green is so bright I can id a potential threat at night in a room easily. I'm hoping that it may serve as a deterrent if (god forbid) I have to draw my pistol.

What is funny when shooting I never even see the laser as I use the sights. I have used it at night on the range and it makes you feel like your cheating because you are so accurate.

It works for dry firing as well. I used it with my wife to teach her a better trigger pull.

I don't find it an issue as taking up space or finding holsters, there are a lot of good kydex guys out there.

It is an individual choice but anything that might help, even in the slightest I think its a plus.

 

[GypsmJim]

I have shot with iron sights, red dots, scopes and a laser. I can usually hit the target always, except the laser was problematic for me. OK fine at night, but in direct sunlight I couldn't hit then broadside.

If the bad guy would agree to wait until dusk, I'll be OK. If not OMG.

My laser sits in the gun drawer.

 

[EdnAZ]

I wouldn't have one.

I think they screw up good sd shooting.

If you're hunting for the laser, you're looking at the wrong thing. Remember? Front sight, front sight!!!

If you practice your presentation (drawing from the leather) properly, you'll find you align your sights from muscle memory: they should be on target when you see them: no adjustments necessary.

If you achieve that, you'll find that you can hit your target even when it's too dark to actually see the sights. (You still focus on the front sight, even if you can't see it: you know where it is.)

Gizmos don't replace skill achieved through disciplined practice.

+1. You saved me typing.

In summary, lasers fundamentally change the way that you shoot.

A weapon mounted light is much more useful, if one has the ability to carry it.

 

[michael380]

Added the grip activated Crimson Trace laser to my 380 and love it. My eyes are still decent at my age, no glasses required, but focusing thru the 380 sights takes time for me and I do have to bring the 380 up into position in order to do so. Takes time. With the laser, it is faster to point and shoot. I did zero my 380 in with the laser and drifted both the front and rear sights to be spot on with the laser. I can go either way but it is much faster using laser sighting than the factory sights to hit your intended point of impact. Like others mentioned, I test my laser each time I pocket my weapon or remove it. I have a greater fear of a light strike than my laser malfunctioning.