Handgun laser sights

[Sparx]

Originally Posted by Vince

Have one on my home defense type pistol. It's OK for that, but I don't put one on anything else. Glock laser sights are no good. Had one on my pistol and the area that it mounts to the rail cracked. Going to order a univeral type from Cheaperthandirt.

The Crimson Trace sights don't mount on the rail. They replace the existing grips and cast the laser beam from there.

[bulldog (Premo)]

When considering lasers and lights, remember to consider one additional fact...they point right back to you and give the bad guy a much better indication of exactly where you are.

Food for thought.

[Bigpops92]

Interesting responses so far. My $.02 – in a tense situation do you really think you are seeking your sights? Such as an intruder approaching you? Running towards you? If you rely on “night sights” well, you may be standing there looking for them in the dark.
Videos, self defense classes, etc all teaches these tactical exercises but the reality (usually) is that your eyes fixate on the threat. Read some police reports….enlightening information.
Quality laser sights, such as CT, serve several purposes other than home defense. They are a great tool for gaining proper trigger control, sight acquisition, proper grip, etc.
I don’t think you could go wrong. A carry gun of mine will always have them.
To add – I have had sets that went over 5 years without a battery change. (and yes they were used quite often)

[dustin]

Originally Posted by Bigpops92

Interesting responses so far. My $.02 – in a tense situation do you really think you are seeking your sights? Such as an intruder approaching you? Running towards you? If you rely on “night sights” well, you may be standing there looking for them in the dark.
Videos, self defense classes, etc all teaches these tactical exercises but the reality (usually) is that your eyes fixate on the threat. Read some police reports….enlightening information.
Quality laser sights, such as CT, serve several purposes other than home defense. They are a great tool for gaining proper trigger control, sight acquisition, proper grip, etc.
I don’t think you could go wrong. A carry gun of mine will always have them.
To add – I have had sets that went over 5 years without a battery change. (and yes they were used quite often)

It all boils down to shooter preference.

Distance to target/bad guy, closing speed/time from target/bad guy, lighting conditions, alertness level, and type of firearm (handgun/wheelgun/rifle/shotgun), firearm training level...

I personally do not like lasers. It is something else to add bulk/complexity, and if a situation where to go down I would'nt be looking for a red/green dot anyways.

I do practice with a flashlight in the off-hand, firing with one hand (FBI hold)
Handgun Flashlight Hold

A flashlight can not only disorient your target but you can positively identify that your target is indeed a threat (bump in the night scenario)

[Larry Gude (Premo)]

Originally Posted by dustin

It all boils down to shooter preference.

Distance to target/bad guy, closing speed/time from target/bad guy, lighting conditions, alertness level, and type of firearm (handgun/wheelgun/rifle/shotgun), firearm training level...

)

Bingo. If you practice with a laser, use it all the time, or, a lot, when you're under stress, you'll probably be fine. Given I don't like them to begin with, don't use them, and given how I practice, I am hoping if the need ever arises, I won't become target fixated and my practice will will take over, put the front sight on the target, target fuzzy, rear fuzzy, and be clear minded about what is behind, who I am about to shoot and if I really mean to and be deliberate about it.

[czygvtwkr]

Originally Posted by dustin

It all boils down to shooter preference.

Distance to target/bad guy, closing speed/time from target/bad guy, lighting conditions, alertness level, and type of firearm (handgun/wheelgun/rifle/shotgun), firearm training level...

I personally do not like lasers. It is something else to add bulk/complexity, and if a situation where to go down I would'nt be looking for a red/green dot anyways.

I do practice with a flashlight in the off-hand, firing with one hand (FBI hold)
Handgun Flashlight Hold

A flashlight can not only disorient your target but you can positively identify that your target is indeed a threat (bump in the night scenario)

Your also much less likely to be disarmed with that hold, especially if you have a large maglight you can use as a club if someone tries.

[dustin]

Originally Posted by czygvtwkr

Your also much less likely to be disarmed with that hold, especially if you have a large maglight you can use as a club if someone tries.

never occured to me. good point!