The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Defense and Tactics => Topic started by: tstand on April 15, 2012, 08:47:59 PM
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Are laser sights for use on a firearm for home defense? It seems like it would be a useful tool if you are at home when someone breaks in and you need to find your target but can't line up the shot with the iron sights because of your positioning or simply nervousness.
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Thats wxactly why I have them on my guns. Instead of trying to concentrate on the front sight you actually are projecting your sight on the tatrget. In a tense situation you WILL be looking at your target and your sight will be there in the form of a red dot. I am former LEO and went thriugh a lot of training. Still the times that were potentally deadly I watched the target more than the sights. I think it a huge advantage to project your sight where your eyes will be.
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The problem with laser sights is that they move the confidence from practice and performance based to technology based. With a laser you are not only reliant on the light, switch and battery, but you are dealing with the activation based on changing grip due to situation or confrontation.
Since I can not find a decent laser sight that activates reliably with my hand and grip, and prefer to rely on instinctive shooting in low light situations. The key to instinctive shooting is trigger time, but that is a requirement of choosing a firearm for self defense anyway.
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Huh, I found an interesting video with Rob Pincus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k0mVxVM0VY
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Lasers are like any other tool, they have advantages and disadvantages.
On the plus side, they let you focus on the target, and they allow you to fire accurately in situations where the sights are useless, like as you are being knocked on your ass by an attacker.
m58 covered the minus's pretty well, moving parts and batteries add more things prone to failure.
If you are to tense to use the sights will you be able to switch the laser on ?
If the switch is big enough to manipulate under stress will it snag on the draw ?
And lastly, don't allow yourself to replace training with technology, that's what many cops do and they generally shoot like crap.
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I am pro laser. Especially on firearms with crude sights such as the Ruger LCP or Taurus TCP. It really benefits those with dominant eye issues as I have found for one of my visually impaired students in a NRA class.
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So question. How many LE agencies issue them as standard equipment?
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So question. How many LE agencies issue them as standard equipment?
I bet it's the same number who issue suppressors as safety equipment.
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Hugely useful.
Heavily recommended.
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For low light or when you are in an awkward position and cannot get in line with your sights, laser helps a lot. One problem is that red lasers are tough to see in bright light.
Lasers also help with dry fire practice. It clearly shows when you have trigger manipulation problems.
Old guys sometimes have trouble seeing sights well. Laser can help there too.
I agree, it can fail, like other things can fail. Be prepared to adapt.
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My agency does not allow them on duty except for tactical operators.
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My agency does not allow them on duty except for tactical operators.
Maybe with ammo becoming scarce, they will reconsider ;D ;D
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Get a copy of Crimson Trace's new video featuring MB. The Laser's Edge I believe is what its called. I think it's free, and I think MB has some copies. It explains how best to employ a laser, as well as talking about the limitations.
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I think they are very helpful for home defense. But you cannot just put one on your gun and think that is all you need. You also need range time. Practice having it turned on but also turn it off too. Never know when a battery will die. So you better know how to shoot if it goes belly up on you.
I have a Crimson Trace on my Kimber. When I go to the range, I will shoot a mag or two with it on, the rest of the time with it off. I think it would help me at 3am if there is a bump in the night and need that extra little bit of help with a shot or just if someone sees the red dot and hopefully has a change of heart seeing that and goes out the way they came.
Another thing to think about, if you eyes are not as good as they use to, will that red dot on the target be a little more visible if you are not wearing your glasses or contacts. What will you see better the front sight or the red dot?
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I just got a CT grip for my brand new J frame that I haven't had a chance to shoot yet. Their instinctive activation feature seems critical to me as finding the damn button should not be a priority in a reactive situation.
I like it a lot for dry fire as I have gotten better in just a week of evening sessions at keeping the dot on target as I cycle the action. Good training tool.
I see it as useful for a scenario where taking time to aim is not the best option. Shooting from retention is a part of every IDPA match and I get most of my procedural penalties for it as my reflex is to get space and extend. Nothing like competition for finding your skill gaps. I don't want to change that reflex but I do want to drill on shooting from retention so I can deliver on demand. The laser is a great way to index and build muscle memory.
BTW CT is having a 40% off sale for NRA certified instructors so the prices are more attractive. My J frame grip was $132 and well worth it to me
http://www.crimsontrace.com/company/nra-instructor-program/?utm_source=nra_instructor_program&utm_medium=email&utm_content=nra_instructor_program_hero&utm_campaign=Consumer%2BeNewsletter
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So question. How many LE agencies issue them as standard equipment?
Unfortunately not enough LEO's utilize them.
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If you do practice with your laser, do most of the practice using other than your two handed hold and stance. That is were the laser will be least useful.
If your range allows, fire from your retention position, across your belly, around your ammo bag, any odd position you are allowed to try.
Do it both strong hand and off hand.
You can almost be sure you will not be in a modified weaver stance when you are fighting.
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I am an advocate of Lasers but not to the point that they become a crutch for poor marksmanship. I like the idea that they can be used when obtaining a proper sight picture cannot be done, such as firing from a close retention position or from behind or around cover. As a training tool they are very helpful demonstrating trigger control.