Laser - Good Idea or a crutch

RockB · 03-09-2008, 10:07 AM

I am considering Crimson Trace grips for my HD weapon and CCW weapon when I decide which way to go.

Problem is there is no way I will be able to justify to the accountant (wife) procurement of said enhancement for all of the handguns.

My question for you guys that have both laser fitted weapons and non laser fitted weapons is have you noticed a decreased proficiency when using the non laser fitted weapons?

I ask because I have been taught to focus on the front site. This leaves the target kind of blurry. I'm not so sure that when it really mattered I could concentrate on not focusing on the DB that I am aiming at. With the laser I assume you will now be focusing on the target. This is a departure from conventional wisdom and if practiced that way will build a habit of focusing on the target instead of the front sight. That split second could mean the difference in walking away and being wheeled away in a bag.

ArkansasHunter · 03-09-2008, 10:14 AM

I don't see you haveing any problem switching to a laser sight, I watch the OutDoor Channel a lot on Wednesdays.
Thats the day they have several defensive training and shooting shows, the one's that use them shoot quiet well.
I guess you have to adjust them to site them in and I bet you have to get use to them but I bet they help in learning point and shoot.
I'd hate to look down and see a lazer danceing around on my chest...A.H

AKHunter · 03-09-2008, 10:24 AM

I dont own any laser sighted weapons either but I have had similar thoughts. I have a tendency to think I would be distracted by the need to locate the "red dot" on my target rather than just aquiring the sights and pulling the trigger. I suppose, like anyhting else, practice and familiarity will allow one to become accustomed to a laser just the same as iron sights. Also I think the theory is that target aquisition is faster. Part of aiming is pointing, if you "point" initialy and are accustomed to the laser ,then, target aquisition time should be improved ?

Another advantage I can imagine is say, if your are behind cover but can see your target ,yet are unable for whatever reason to actualy get behind your sights will still have the ability to aim your weapon by virtue of the red dot.

billy · 03-09-2008, 10:27 AM

i have the C.T. on a sp101 .357mag
it is my home gun.
there are two factors that make me love it.
1 the intimidation factor of having the badguy see exactly where the hole will be very soon.
2 you do not have to line up the front and rear sights to be able to put the bullet where it needs to be.
mine sits on my nightstand.
i have a clear view of my front door which is 30 feet away from my bed.
i zero'd the laser for 30 feet.

ArkansasHunter · 03-09-2008, 10:27 AM

You know I really don't think you would have to look for the dot, it would just be there and if it's where you want it to be then pull the trigger. It's plenty brite to see.
You figure ?

billy · 03-09-2008, 10:29 AM

i shoot it on a weekly basis without the laser.
AKHUNTER finding the red dot is a heluva lot easier than lining the sights up.
just look where you are pointing the weapon.
it is the only thing in the room that is REALLY bright.

it has a master switch on the bottom of the grip.
you cant see it in bright daylight.

knightRider · 03-09-2008, 11:09 AM

I shoot lots of pistols we all know that , but my two carry pistols a kimber pro carry 2 <has crimson trace laser grips> and my sig 229 also does

just my .02

RockB · 03-09-2008, 11:19 AM

My question was not really getting used to them. Like anything else it would just take time. My question was about having some weapons that are fitted with lasers and some that are not.

Once you get used to using one with a laser if you HAD to grab one that didn't would you instinctively be looking for that little red dot and have to remember OH CRAP I have to use the sights on this one.

I guess I will just have to get one and try it out.

Now I just have to find a pair that will go on a S&W 39-2. Not on the website.

nathangdad · 03-09-2008, 11:27 AM

Tell the accountant (wife), "I did it for you. You mean so
much to me I just said to hell with the cost."

If it works - hooray!

You will know if it doesn't by the laser line of light
terminating at your forehead as she prepares to launch
a Hail Mary pass with the laser. Ha - Ha and keep your
survival gear loaded as we still have some winter left.

AKHunter · 03-09-2008, 11:51 AM

HAHA ! Good one.

gregkilo · 03-09-2008, 12:05 PM

I recently shot my sons Glock 21 w/crimson trace laser. It was amazing for short range work in very low light. Target acq. was very quick, even on recoil recovery. I would recommend this laser to anybody, but not just on any gun.

GlockMeister · 03-09-2008, 02:08 PM

You can't beat a laser when it comes to self defense. To know all you have to do is aim that dot, look for that dot, which I might add some can be visible in some lighted areas, is a big plus. If you think about it, when your in a high stress self defense situation, where you have a gun, and your facing a threat, your looking at that threat, not worrying about where the front sight of your weapon is at. So in that situation the laser is unbeatable. Your looking at the threat and your seeing that dot. The dot is on the threat, you know when you pull the trigger where the shot is going to go.
I went with the Streamlight M6, laser/light combo. I put it on my firearm, put a laser boresighter in the barrel, put a target on the wall, stood about 21feet/7yds. away from it, figuring most threats will be that or closer generally, adjusted the lasers dot on top of the boresighter dot, DONE! Took it to the range and fired it and it was dead on. You get a good laser boresighter, a laser sight can be very accurate. NHO

Quote:

Originally Posted by flcaptainbill

My question was not really getting used to them. Like anything else it would just take time. My question was about having some weapons that are fitted with lasers and some that are not.
Once you get used to using one with a laser if you HAD to grab one that didn't would you instinctively be looking for that little red dot and have to remember OH CRAP I have to use the sights on this one.
I guess I will just have to get one and try it out.
Now I just have to find a pair that will go on a S&W 39-2. Not on the website.

You just have to practice with and with out it. After all, lasers aren't necessarily for day time use, so you wouldn't use it then anyhow. although some can be seen in some lighted areas. I mean if it's daytime and your in the house, trust me,you'll see it. But realistically, you'd still have to adjust to using and not using one. Same goes for a weapon that has one and one that doesn't, you practice.
You can try this site for the one you need. Quite a few S&W right on the 1st page.
Discount Hunting Gear, Discount Hunting Boots, Discount Shoes, Discount Ammunition, Discount Ammo, Discount Boots, Military Surplus, Outdoor Gear At the Sportsman's Guide

SwedeSteve · 03-09-2008, 03:37 PM

It is not hard to bounce from iron sights and back to a laser. Zero the laser so the dot just "sits" on your front sight. You will always draw the way you trained. It will always be "sitting" there!

Texan · 03-09-2008, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flcaptainbill

I am considering Crimson Trace grips for my HD weapon and CCW weapon when I decide which way to go.........

I have Crimson Trace LF-439, what they call their rubber overmold construction grips on my Sig P239 .40 S&W and love 'em. I've done several combat ranges and target acquisition is very fast and easy. The .40 is my CHL weapon. Might be a little big but I've got big hands and it's very comfortable.

I also shoot a Sig P240 with iron sights (no laser) and have no problems switching back and forth between the two different pistols.

My opinion, you can't go wrong with Crimson Trace.

o~\o

Deep13 · 03-10-2008, 03:44 PM

For home or personal defense, especially at night, lasers are the cat's meow. You can shoot even without good shooting posture. You can shoot from the hip. AND your wife can shoot too. That's why I have a laser sight on my bedside pistol. When I go to the range, I use iron sights. I prefer them. For defense, laser sights are the way to go.

03-09-2008, 10:07 AM	#1
RockB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 196	Laser - Good Idea or a crutch I am considering Crimson Trace grips for my HD weapon and CCW weapon when I decide which way to go. Problem is there is no way I will be able to justify to the accountant (wife) procurement of said enhancement for all of the handguns. My question for you guys that have both laser fitted weapons and non laser fitted weapons is have you noticed a decreased proficiency when using the non laser fitted weapons? I ask because I have been taught to focus on the front site. This leaves the target kind of blurry. I'm not so sure that when it really mattered I could concentrate on not focusing on the DB that I am aiming at. With the laser I assume you will now be focusing on the target. This is a departure from conventional wisdom and if practiced that way will build a habit of focusing on the target instead of the front sight. That split second could mean the difference in walking away and being wheeled away in a bag.

03-09-2008, 10:27 AM	#4
billy spiritual counselor Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: a secret lab on the shores of lake titicaca Posts: 11,970 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 146	i have the C.T. on a sp101 .357mag it is my home gun. there are two factors that make me love it. 1 the intimidation factor of having the badguy see exactly where the hole will be very soon. 2 you do not have to line up the front and rear sights to be able to put the bullet where it needs to be. mine sits on my nightstand. i have a clear view of my front door which is 30 feet away from my bed. i zero'd the laser for 30 feet. __________________ just leave britney ALONE! she's going thru a hard time snivel sniff....WAH

03-09-2008, 10:29 AM	#6
billy spiritual counselor Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: a secret lab on the shores of lake titicaca Posts: 11,970 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 146	i shoot it on a weekly basis without the laser. AKHUNTER finding the red dot is a heluva lot easier than lining the sights up. just look where you are pointing the weapon. it is the only thing in the room that is REALLY bright. it has a master switch on the bottom of the grip. you cant see it in bright daylight. __________________ just leave britney ALONE! she's going thru a hard time snivel sniff....WAH Last edited by billy; 03-09-2008 at 10:33 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

03-09-2008, 11:09 AM	#7
knightRider Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: you know where Posts: 2,680 Images: 19 Blog Entries: 11	I shoot lots of pistols we all know that , but my two carry pistols a kimber pro carry 2 <has crimson trace laser grips> and my sig 229 also does just my .02 __________________ I'm part kalishnakov, part heckler and Koch.

03-09-2008, 11:27 AM	#9
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,437	Dr. Phil approach Tell the accountant (wife), "I did it for you. You mean so much to me I just said to hell with the cost." If it works - hooray! You will know if it doesn't by the laser line of light terminating at your forehead as she prepares to launch a Hail Mary pass with the laser. Ha - Ha and keep your survival gear loaded as we still have some winter left.

03-09-2008, 10:14 AM	#2
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,678	I don't see you haveing any problem switching to a laser sight, I watch the OutDoor Channel a lot on Wednesdays. Thats the day they have several defensive training and shooting shows, the one's that use them shoot quiet well. I guess you have to adjust them to site them in and I bet you have to get use to them but I bet they help in learning point and shoot. I'd hate to look down and see a lazer danceing around on my chest...A.H

03-09-2008, 10:24 AM	#3
AKHunter Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 899	I dont own any laser sighted weapons either but I have had similar thoughts. I have a tendency to think I would be distracted by the need to locate the "red dot" on my target rather than just aquiring the sights and pulling the trigger. I suppose, like anyhting else, practice and familiarity will allow one to become accustomed to a laser just the same as iron sights. Also I think the theory is that target aquisition is faster. Part of aiming is pointing, if you "point" initialy and are accustomed to the laser ,then, target aquisition time should be improved ? Another advantage I can imagine is say, if your are behind cover but can see your target ,yet are unable for whatever reason to actualy get behind your sights will still have the ability to aim your weapon by virtue of the red dot.

03-09-2008, 11:19 AM	#8
RockB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 196	My question was not really getting used to them. Like anything else it would just take time. My question was about having some weapons that are fitted with lasers and some that are not. Once you get used to using one with a laser if you HAD to grab one that didn't would you instinctively be looking for that little red dot and have to remember OH CRAP I have to use the sights on this one. I guess I will just have to get one and try it out. Now I just have to find a pair that will go on a S&W 39-2. Not on the website.

03-09-2008, 11:51 AM	#10
AKHunter Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 899	HAHA ! Good one.

03-09-2008, 12:05 PM	#11
gregkilo Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cherokee Co. Alabama Posts: 67	laser I recently shot my sons Glock 21 w/crimson trace laser. It was amazing for short range work in very low light. Target acq. was very quick, even on recoil recovery. I would recommend this laser to anybody, but not just on any gun.

03-09-2008, 03:37 PM	#13
SwedeSteve Bullet Maintenance !! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: The anchor point, Alaska Posts: 10,283 Images: 1	It is not hard to bounce from iron sights and back to a laser. Zero the laser so the dot just "sits" on your front sight. You will always draw the way you trained. It will always be "sitting" there! __________________ Thank God we don't get as much Government as we pay for! -Will Rogers

03-10-2008, 03:44 PM	#15
Deep13 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 203	For home or personal defense, especially at night, lasers are the cat's meow. You can shoot even without good shooting posture. You can shoot from the hip. AND your wife can shoot too. That's why I have a laser sight on my bedside pistol. When I go to the range, I use iron sights. I prefer them. For defense, laser sights are the way to go.