Upgrade versus buy new

[datadr93]

Have a trivial issue. I own an original model Shield 9mm and M&P Bodyguard 380. Both without lasers.

I'm developing minor shakes (old age sucks). I'm now looking to supplement my two carry guns with lasers... mainly for practice shooting to determine adjustments in grip and technique. While I'm at it, I'll also want to upgrade Shield with Apex trigger and carry kit.

For Bodyguard, a CT laserguard (green) runs about $300. A new model with integrated (red laser) runs around $450 (both figures includes estimated tax). Is the extra $150 justified for integrated laser but also leaving original relegated to the safe.

For Shield, a green CT laserguard runs around $300. The Apex trigger/carry kit adds additional $170. I should be able to install myself. From what I can see, the m2.0 model with integrated laser runs around $650. So again, is the extra $180 justified in buying new or just upgrade my current model. And again, the original will find a home in the safe.

Factoring in another decision is the integrated laser (finger button activated) versus the add-on laserguard (grip activated). So yes, this is trivial in my mind but others may have varying opinions.

Do I really want to literally retire 2 excellent working carry guns? Do I need 2 of each pistol? Do I ignore cost to upgrade and just bite-the-bullet and upgrade what I have? Am I really just trying to justify to wife why i NEED new toys? Ughhh...

 

[sandog]

Being that new guns are relatively scarce and overpriced during all the craziness, I'd opt for keeping your already broke in, and proven reliable ones and upgrading them.

But I would consider your options as far as lasers.
Crimson Trace has had some issues with contacts going bad, not sure if things have improved since CT becoming part of S&W.
And $300 for just a green laser sounds high.

I bought a LaserMax Green laser AND 100 lumen light for $160 on Amazon. It is a very compact unit for being a light and laser.
If you desire, you can switch on the Gripsense, and as soon as your second finger touches the bottom of the trigger guard, it turns on, no manual activation needed.
I leave the Gripsense turned off, as it is very sensitive to touch, but it is there if I wanted to use it.

Green lasers are great, they are easily visible in bright sunlight, and also having a light is even better. The Lasermax has a mint green tinge to the light, green is the easiest color spectrum for the human eye to pick up, and the slightly green light isn't as harsh on your eyes when you turn it on.

 

[rwt1405]

Have a trivial issue. I own an original model Shield 9mm and M&P Bodyguard 380. Both without lasers.

I'm developing minor shakes (old age sucks). I'm now looking to supplement my two carry guns with lasers... mainly for practice shooting to determine adjustments in grip and technique. While I'm at it, I'll also want to upgrade Shield with Apex trigger and carry kit.

For Bodyguard, a CT laserguard (green) runs about $300. A new model with integrated (red laser) runs around $450 (both figures includes estimated tax). Is the extra $150 justified for integrated laser but also leaving original relegated to the safe.

For Shield, a green CT laserguard runs around $300. The Apex trigger/carry kit adds additional $170. I should be able to install myself. From what I can see, the m2.0 model with integrated laser runs around $650. So again, is the extra $180 justified in buying new or just upgrade my current model. And again, the original will find a home in the safe.

Factoring in another decision is the integrated laser (finger button activated) versus the add-on laserguard (grip activated). So yes, this is trivial in my mind but others may have varying opinions.

Do I really want to literally retire 2 excellent working carry guns? Do I need 2 of each pistol? Do I ignore cost to upgrade and just bite-the-bullet and upgrade what I have? Am I really just trying to justify to wife why i NEED new toys? Ughhh...

For me, I would purchase the new ones.

I should mention that for me, I always have a second (as close to identical as possible) handgun available, in case something happens to my primary carry handgun (problems that require it to be sent for repair, etc.).

I also understand that if you need to use your handgun in self defense, that it likely will be confiscated, so I want to have a handgun that is as close as possible to what I usually carry (same make, model, caliber, etc) available to me.

I realize that many will find this strange, and it probably is, and likely unnecessary, but that's what I do.

2 is 1, 1 is none.

 

[datadr93]

Maybe I need to perform a better search criteria... the laser I was looking at was wrong model. The Shield version runs $180... my bad.

I am looking at the different models available outside of CT. So thank you for the suggestions on LaserMax. Also looking at reviews for Streamlight and Armalaser.

Do I want to buy new versions? Why not. Do I NEED to buy new versions? Probably not... but then I refer back to Why not?

 

[ultratec00]

I have a Shield 9mm that is apexed w/ a TLR-6 laser/light. Not sure there's a hill of beans difference between a Shield 1.0 and 2.0 other than maybe the 2.0 sear.

The TLR-6 works good. Never used the laser and would just buy the light only model if doing over. I'm sure the laser would be a useful tool in some applications, but for a low light/night time encounter at short distance, simply center the light center mass and let her rip for the first shot while acquiring a sight picture for any follow on. Looking around for the laser in a high stress situation can be problematic.

My buddy bought a Shield 9mm w/ integrated laser because the price was right. Personally, I think he would have been better off buying an aftermarket, detachable, light/laser combo. If the laser ever breaks, getting it fixed becomes problematic when it's integrated with the frame.

 

[BSA1]

You are asking a two part question. First I will address the Laser.

It is a easy decision for me as I mistrust electronics and batteries especially on a self-defense gun. If the Laser dies on the built in model you are without your gun while the Laser is being repaired.

With CT add-on you still have your gun while the Laser is being repaired and replacement is easy.

The second part of your question is about upgrading your 1.0. My wife has a 1.0 with APEX Duty Trigger Kit and it has made it feel like a totally different gun. Neither one of us like the rough grip texture on the 2.0 so staying with the 1.0 with the APEX Trigger was a no brainer. In fact I have a second 1.0 (2 is 1, 1 is None) that I have not got around to adding the APEX Duty Trigger Kit too.

What is interesting is I brought my wife a Shield for conceal carry and she is happy with the trigger as it comes with from the factory.

The real question is have you tried a Laser. We have a CT Laser on a 1.0 and we are not sure how much we like it. I don't need the laser dot on the target telling me how shaky I am. If we decide we don't like it it will be easy to remove and resale.

 

[sandog]

I thought after I posted that I should have mentioned the disadvantage of the intregral laser unit, as BSA said, if there is a problem with the laser unit, you have to send the whole gun back and be without it during repair.

I agree with everything ultratec00 said in his reply, except for the "Looking around for the laser in a high stress situation can be problematic".
In my experience, looking to put the front sight on a target in a high stress situation is harder than simply putting the laser on the target.

There is nothing difficult about using a laser, shakiness of the laser on the target is not a problem with me, maybe for some it is.
Seems like some of us like having a light, or a laser, and some have opposite feelings.

My first two Shields, and my Glock 48 have a TRL-6, they are great for the money.
But now that I've had the more compact Lasermax with green laser instead of the larger TRL-6 with red laser, I'm a convert.
Well worth the extra $70.

 

[JH1951]

............
The real question is have you tried a Laser. We have a CT Laser on a 1.0 and we are not sure how much we like it. I don't need the laser dot on the target telling me how shaky I am. If we decide we don't like it it will be easy to remove and resale.

BSA1 has a good point here that I was going to bring up. I have had a couple CT lasers and was not overly impressed with them for much more than a training device at the range assisting me with grip hold and trigger squeeze. They will help you understand how much more you may need to practice to attain good shot placement. Suggestion: buy one set (perhaps even used) and see if they are of any real value to you. You can then sell it for what you have in it and decide how you feel about the arrangement overall. This will certainly help in your decision.
I know there are many other different opinions, but I thought this may be worthy of throwing in to the mix. It seems that mileage on this issue has a wide variance among users.
Good luck on your decision, and please keep us updated.

 

[CBStuard]

Well I will go for the other side. Every gun (rifle and pistol) that we have that could possibly end up used for defense has a CT laser. When I look for a defense pistol the first thing I do is look to see if CT has a laser for it. No laser = scratched off the list. I haven't looked specifically for a CT for your pistols but my suggestion is try to get a model that has a button you hit automatically when you grab the gun. Also, spend the extra for a green. Inside, and or at night the red is fine. But there is no guarantee that will be when you need the gun. For me the laser is so far better than night sights it is wonderful. I bring the gun up in a normal grip but keep it an inch or two lower than I would if using the sights. Make a paper or cardboard human shape and draw in the hands. Unload, unload, unload the gun, stand 20-25 ft away, and bring it up to use the sights. Notice that you can't see anything of the bad guy below his biceps. Does he have a gun, knife, or whatever in his hand? What is he doing with it? You have no idea because you can't see it. Try the same thing w/ a laser. W/ the laser you don't even look at the gun. You look at the bad guy and see that dot on his chest. At the least grab a laser for your existing gun. If you want a new gun and can afford it go for it. There is no such thing as too many guns especially if the upcoming election goes the wrong way.