Probably a stupid question but.

[eighteenninetytwo]

When fitting a red laser dot sight to a handgun ( i'm considering a 9mm Springfield XP for home protection while I can still get it), how do you zero the thing. the sights I saw at the gun show last week didn't seem to have any method of adjusting windage or elevation. Is it just a case of learn that 'the bullet is 3 inches low at 7 feet and right on at 15 feet but always a bit to the right', or was I just looking at cheap assed sights. These would be fitting onto a short rail under the muzzle.

[eighteenninetytwo]

sorry also I assum taht if you buy one of these they ship them with a 10 round mag rathe rthan a 19 rounder as we're in CA.

[Bug Splat]

Don't even bother with laser sites. They will only slow you down. This isn't only coming from my testing it comes from a friend who spend years training FBI agents.

[kusanagikei]

Laser sights are for the movies. Good ol' iron sights FTW. If you want to mount something for home defense get a good light that can blind an opponent!

[eighteenninetytwo]

So the little red dot on the point of impact is really a myth rather than a more practical method for ease of targeting. Is that accepted wisdom in the LE community?

[ohsmily]

Take these poster's opinions with a grain of salt. Laser sighting devices absolutely have their place on fighting guns. They can be a tremendous aid when you are shooting where you can't see your guns sights but can see your target. For example, shooting from behind cover or a barricade. Or, if shooting from an unorthodox position, i.e. you have fallen on the ground or been wounded and are on the ground, you have but to raise your gun without looking down your sights and point and shoot. It also helps for moving fast and shooting.

I think they are most appropriate on small framed revolvers where sights are just channel sights and you may likely shoot from the hip.

You may not need the laser in every situation, but it is nice to have it there to aid a situation if needed.

Lasers aren't just for Hollywood.

And OF COURSE you can zero most models. Crimson Trace has adjustments for windage and elevation.

[EOD3]

IMHO, a laser is an excellent idea. The Crimson Trace sights are fully adjustable and reliable. They can be turned on/off easily so they're no a beacon pointing out your location. You will need to practice with them in reduced light as they DO NOT replace basic shooting skills.

[GB0]

I definitely did not buy Crimson Trace grips to try my hand at acting in Hollywood , I got them because my 1911 had no night sights and for all the other reasons that ohsmily and EOD3 mentioned.

The elevation and windage adjustments for the CT's:

[Jerkdog]

Don't forget that they also serve as a great training aid. I use the CT laser on my G19 for dry fire training....it really shows you what you're doing before, during, and after you pull the trigger. You'll see the laser jump all over the place if you're jerking the trigger.

Your hand is not as steady as you may think - ask anyone with a laser sight.

Besides, there's no mistaking how fast you can acquire, and then reacquire, a target.

[Pugster]

You have a calibrate your laser for a certain distance. Know that once you go beyond/shorter than your calibrated distance your POI will vary (for a Crimson Trace).

You should be able to calibrate your Crimson Trace as GB0 has shown. But IIRC, the lasermax can only be adjusted at the factory.

[fairfaxjim]

I'll take on any of the no laser guys in a dark room with no flashlights with my Crimson Trace equipped P226. Even with light, my tired old eyes can have trouble picking up a sight picture quickly, but I can put a full mag in the kill zone with the lazer in just a few heartbeats.

Keep in mind that not all laser sights are created equal, and they definietly don't replace having good, practiced skills. A laser isn't going to make you a shooter, but a good shooter can certainly learn to benefit from having a laser. I would say when I shoot, I probably spend 85% - 90% of my time with the irons, and maybe 10% on my laser shooting skills.

BTW, a cheap laser sight is worse than none at all - they don't work.

[EOD3]

You have a calibrate your laser for a certain distance. Know that once you go beyond/shorter than your calibrated distance your POI will vary (for a Crimson Trace).

You should be able to calibrate your Crimson Trace as GB0 has shown. But IIRC, the lasermax can only be adjusted at the factory.

This is true of ANY sight unless you can figure out a "through the barrel" method. I hold the patent on magic and/or trans-dimensional weapon sights.