BG 380 Laser: Useful or Useless? Your Thoughts

I bought the BG 380 with the Crimson Trace thinking it might be useful, especially for a very low light scenario.

But when i used it at the range:
1) found it hard to adjust the aimpoint where I wanted it to be (with respect to elevation)
2) found that the screw containing the laser assembly unscrewed after a few hundred rounds: so the next time it was useless: way low and way to the left.
3) Of course, the laser would have to be "sighted" for different distances of anticipated use: 3 meters, 5 meters, etc., but I'm thinking it will be used somewhere between the two and closer to the second.

So, I'm thinking it's not that useful, and am contemplation new sights, or painting the sights.

Your thoughts?

Thanks!

Rich

after some repairs from smith and wesson the last couple of times i used it at range its been pretty good, you will have to adjust with distance. but the way i figured it if you need to use it and you light the target , say in a self defense situation, then you have a pretty good idea that it will be close to aim-point horizontally, but may be off a little vertically. but at least you will be in the vicinity, especially if your put in a position of aim and shoot. you may not have time to turn on laser. Make sure you check hold down screw and make tight while cleaning. i put a small piece of painters tape over the hold down screw to prevent it from coming up during use and catching on slide. although tat hasnt happend but i heard its an issue if not watched. so laser is cool but you need to keep an eye on it.

(duct) tape!

Thank you, Lancef!
That's a great idea!
A dab of painter's tape. I can see that.
I'm a bit busy the next week, so won't make it to the range, but I'll see what the next few hundred rounds brings when I do.
Take care,
Rich

I used the laser at the range the 1st time and haven't used it since....my thought is that the majority of the time I won't have time to mess with it....I painted my from sight and am happy with that....good luck with yours

No Time and Hard to Engage the BG 380 Laser

jimmib said:

I used the laser at the range the 1st time and haven't used it since....my thought is that the majority of the time I won't have time to mess with it....I painted my from sight and am happy with that....good luck with yours

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Hi Jim!

Thank you for your Service, and thank you for the reply!

Yeah, I kinda agree.

And more remarks with the front sight only painting: I'm hearing that from other posters on other threads, too. I'm gathering with just the front painted there is enough contrast between front and rear.

What paint did you use, BTW?

Anyway, this is my first gun with a laser, but having the same doubts about having time to mess with it, too. I'm thinking the only reason for this BG is close, reactive, self-defense. And I practice at the range to minimize time on target (at 15 feet) yet stay in control. Definitely no time for a laser (and also keeping the safety OFF).

Maybe at a much larger distance, as a defensive warning; the laser could be turned on, but I'm thinking then one should then have more time for other options other than to pull out a gun and up the ante.

Plus...I found the BG laser button hard to activate. There doesn't seem to be a real positive "click" or feel to it.

BTW, any Fail to Fire or other problems with you BG 380?

Thanks again!

Rich

M&P Shield 40 with Crimson Trace Laser

I can't speak to the BP 380 with the CT laser, but I've had great success with the M&P Shield 40 with the CT laser:

• I have about 600 rounds using it
• The Laser sight has not moved due to use
• I have made adjustment to windage and elevation without any issues
• I have been shooting with the CT laser sight as accurrate or better than the Shield sights
• The laser sights make it much easier to observe/correct any trigger control issues
• It makes dry fire practice at home very effective

Dry Fire Practice with Laser

JMichaelTX said:

I can't speak to the BP 380 with the CT laser, but I've had great success with the M&P Shield 40 with the CT laser:

• I have about 600 rounds using it
• The Laser sight has not moved due to use
• I have made adjustment to windage and elevation without any issues
• I have been shooting with the CT laser sight as accurrate or better than the Shield sights
• The laser sights make it much easier to observe/correct any trigger control issues
• It makes dry fire practice at home very effective

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Hi J Michael

Thank you for your reply!

Good to hear your success with the Shield. I was contemplating going up to a compact 9mm, and the Shield was on the list.

I'm curious, what range and method do you like to practice. (slow timed aimed fire--one at a time, quick draw, double tap, five rapid, etc?).

Also, using the laser, do you fire once the laser is on target, or do you bring the "iron" sights to eye level with the laser, then fire?

Also, LOVE the idea of dry fire practice with the laser. You think it's okay to dry fire? (Been a while since I followed this issue, but I still tend not to like dry-firing.)

Thanks again!

rich



Thanks

RichLucky said:

Hi J Michael

Thank you for your reply!

Good to hear your success with the Shield. I was contemplating going up to a compact 9mm, and the Shield was on the list.

[1] I'm curious, what range and method do you like to practice. (slow timed aimed fire--one at a time, quick draw, double tap, five rapid, etc?).

[2] Also, using the laser, do you fire once the laser is on target, or do you bring the "iron" sights to eye level with the laser, then fire?

[3] Also, LOVE the idea of dry fire practice with the laser. You think it's okay to dry fire? (Been a while since I followed this issue, but I still tend not to like dry-firing.)

Thanks again!

rich



Thanks

Click to expand...

I added Q# in brackets [ ] to your quote to make it easier to answer.

[1] My primary range is 7 yd, but I also practice at 3, 5, 10, 25 yd.
I practice both untimed, taking my time for accuracy, and rapid fire (empty the mag on one target.
My current focus is on head shots at 7 yrd since most gunfights are 7 yrd or less. Hits in the central mass area provide no assurance that the assailant will stop coming/firing in the short term (seconds). I'm still trying to decide whether to empty my mag (7+1 rounds) on the head shot, or aim 4 for the head and then 4 for the central mass.

[2] As soon as the laser dot is on target, I pull the trigger. I don't use the iron sights at all when using the laser sights.

[3] S&W has stated that there is no harm to the gun in dry fire in pistols other than the 22, and almost all credible instructors I have read highly recommend dry fire.

Hope this helps. Please note I am a relatively new shooter, so don't treat any of my comments as anything other than ideas. I welcome feedback from all experienced, seasoned shooters.

Good Input!

JMichaelTX said:

I added Q# in brackets [ ] to your quote to make it easier to answer.

[1] "...My current focus is on head shots at 7 yrd since most gunfights are 7 yrd or less. Hits in the central mass area provide no assurance that the assailant will stop coming/firing in the short term (seconds). I'm still trying to decide whether to empty my mag (7+1 rounds) on the head shot, or aim 4 for the head and then 4 for the central mass.

[2] As soon as the laser dot is on target, I pull the trigger. I don't use the iron sights at all when using the laser sights.

[3] S&W has stated that there is no harm to the gun in dry fire..."

Hope this helps.."

Click to expand...

Hi JMichael!

Thank you for the reply

Good input!

RE (1) Center of Mass follow up with head shot: Great idea! According to Wikipedia, Jeff Cooper had developed something similar after working with a Rhodesian mercenary during a conflict in Mozambique: hence called the Mozambique technique! In summary, the mercenary was approached by a guy with an AK, so the mercenary shot twice to the body....nothing happened: the guy with the AK still advanced! So then he went for a head shot, and then the forward motion stopped after a successful shot.

I have been focusing on a quick double-tap center of mass, and like your idea of the follow up, if needed.

Thanks!

Rich