Shot My First Laser Equipped Handgun Today

[semperfi71]

Actually two of them. They were both new models of Ruger semi-auto 9MMs.

The first one had a laser that was correctly sighted in. I did not have to use sights and I did not have to bring it to eye level. I just pointed the laser from the hip and the bullets went into the target exactly where the laser was pointing.

Might nifty!

The second Ruger was not properly sighted in so my rounds were striking about 4 inches low of the laser point.

This new technology is sumtin!!

But I ain't usin' it on my handguns since I have mostly older D/A and S/A revolvers and the Duke and Eastwood never used lasers and look at how many bad-guys they took out!!

 

[Fishslayer]

But I ain't usin' it on my handguns since I have mostly older D/A and S/A revolvers and the Duke and Eastwood never used lasers and look at how many bad-guys they took out!!

But you could always mount them on a shark's forehead...

 

[NE450No2]

I think the Duke and Eastwood would have used them if they were around then...

I know I like the Crimson Trace grips.

 

[kraigwy]

Remember, laser sights don't replace the orginal sights, they supplement them.

The best use for laser sights is in dry firing. It really helps with trigger control

And they are fun to play with.

Try this: Go to the range. Find a baracade. Get behind the baracade, poke a mirror around the baracade. (I carried a mechanics inspection mirror in LE for building searches).

Now poke the Laser sighted gun around the baracade. You can see the dot on the target via the mirror, Now you can engage targets without exposing yourself.

 

[brucev]

I grew up w/ iron sights. Transitioned to scopes for hunting. Now... 55 yrd. old... thinking hard about a laser on my Glock. Certainly appears it would be ideal, far superior to iron sights for HD/ etc. Realistic draw backs seem few if any.

 

[Fishslayer]

Try this: Go to the range. Find a baracade. Get behind the baracade, poke a mirror around the baracade. (I carried a mechanics inspection mirror in LE for building searches).

Now poke the Laser sighted gun around the baracade. You can see the dot on the target via the mirror, Now you can engage targets without exposing yourself.

hehehe... might add a few gray hairs to the ROs that might be observing!

 

[Fuquayvarina]

I grew up w/ iron sights. Transitioned to scopes for hunting. Now... 55 yrd. old... thinking hard about a laser on my Glock. Certainly appears it would be ideal, far superior to iron sights for HD/ etc. Realistic draw backs seem few if any.

I also grew up with old school sights..Now 73 and really appreciate laser technology.

 

[dcludwig]

Remember, laser sights don't replace the orginal sights, they supplement them.

The best use for laser sights is in dry firing. It really helps with trigger control
QUOTE]

When I purchased my 642 at the gun shop, there were "factory-installed" Crimson Trace grips with S/W logo. I would agree with the above as they are excellent for dry firing. Really made me realize trigger pull/control. But I wouldn't agree that that would be the "best" use of the laser sights.

Being I carry the 642 often as my primary CCW, I think if the day comes when I actually have to draw/fire it for self defense, the ability to place the dot and squeeze the round in a controlled fashion will become a better reason than dry firing with them. Saying that, it is the dry firing (I certainly believe) that will be in the reason in that moment of crisis, I will have much better aim and control.

No, they don't replace iron sights, but for my primary purpose for owning the 642/CT combo, I don't think iron sights will ever come into play. Still, not a bad idea to be familiar with those as well on the range.

Every year on my birthday I change the batteries on all my smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and my laser sights! They would probably last me years and years unchanged, but doing it yearly almost guarantees I won't have the infamous battery-failure that is one of the primary arguments against laser sights.

 

[sipowicz]

No, they don't replace iron sights, but for my primary purpose for owning the 642/CT combo, I don't think iron sights will ever come into play.

I doubt the laser will either at close range...looking for your sights or looking for a dot take up time...that is why point shooting practice with a snub is so important.

 

[Kanewpadle]

I doubt the laser will either at close range...looking for your sights or looking for a dot take up time...that is why point shooting practice with a snub is so important.

I worked part time at a gunshop a few years ago. Met a Viet Nam vet that lost both legs.

He saved for months to buy a Smith 340PD 357. He practiced religiously. He would move his wheel chair from side to side or turn towards his target while shooting with his right hand. Because of all the movement while sitting, he had a hard time hitting the target accurately.

I took a rental gun out to the range one day for him to try. It was an SP101 with Lasergrips. The results were immediately noticeable. Accuracy improved greatly.

He wanted a set of Lasergrips but couldn't afford them just yet. I told him to save a $100 and come see me when he had time. Month later he showed with cash in hand.

We had three Lasergrip displays. One not being used. So I sold him a slightly used j frame lasergrip for $75.00 plus tax.

Few days later the gunshop owner asks me where the lasergrips went. I told him and he says next time you see him, give him back his money.

That was 5 years ago. I no longer work thier but still shoot there once a week at least. I see the Vet from time to time. Still has the same gun with laser. When he shoots he wears a glove. He wears them anyway for his wheelchair. He shoots 50 rounds of 357 and then catches the bus home.

No, the laser does not replace the iron sights. But in the right situation, they can be a huge advantage.

 

[dcludwig]

I worked part time at a gunshop a few years ago. Met a Viet Nam vet that lost both legs.

He saved for months to buy a Smith 340PD 357. He practiced religiously. He would move his wheel chair from side to side or turn towards his target while shooting with his right hand. Because of all the movement while sitting, he had a hard time hitting the target accurately.

I took a rental gun out to the range one day for him to try. It was an SP101 with Lasergrips. The results were immediately noticeable. Accuracy improved greatly.

He wanted a set of Lasergrips but couldn't afford them just yet. I told him to save a $100 and come see me when he had time. Month later he showed with cash in hand.

We had three Lasergrip displays. One not being used. So I sold him a slightly used j frame lasergrip for $75.00 plus tax.

Few days later the gunshop owner asks me where the lasergrips went. I told him and he says next time you see him, give him back his money.

That was 5 years ago. I no longer work thier but still shoot there once a week at least. I see the Vet from time to time. Still has the same gun with laser. When he shoots he wears a glove. He wears them anyway for his wheelchair. He shoots 50 rounds of 357 and then catches the bus home.

No, the laser does not replace the iron sights. But in the right situation, they can be a huge advantage.

Good for you and good for your old boss. I love my laser grip on my 642 and just received trigger guard laser for my Taurus PT 111 Pro. Laser grips are definitely a huge advantage for that vet. Great thing you did by providing a way for him to own them. May save his life someday.

 

[fiasconva]

I think Eastwood would have used one in his movies. Think about how dramatic that " Do you feel lucky, Punk?" would have been with a red dot on his forehead.

 

[doc540]

I'm over 60 and my eyesight is poor.

I wear trifocal glasses which means I have to remember to lift my head slightly to view the front sight through the middle lens.

For matches and range I practice with irons...but for self defense all six of our (wife included) pistols have Crimson Trace lasers on them.

 

[novalty]

I have a set of Crimson Trace grips on my 5906 for home defense. The gun doesn't have night sights, and with 2 small kids in the home is reassuring to actually know where my firearm is pointing in the pitch black of night. Rarely use them at the range, just to make sure they are sighted in.

 

[Moonman]

Red Dots and Lasers = Old Men's Eyes

 

[doc540]

Red Dots and Lasers = Old Men's Eyes

I just hope the bad guys recite that daily.

 

[jbull380]

Technology is great and I use it when I can. Just remember batteries tend to go dead at the most inopportune times. Remember the rule of two, when it comes to battery powered devices one is none and two is one. When I worked nights I carried 3 flashlights. Be prepared to fight without the laser.