Laser for small semi-auto, pros/cons and ...

[gunsandrockets]

Pro or con? Pro Pro Pro!

Lasers can be transformative in increased effectiveness. And the smaller the handgun the more transformative.

I have a S&W Model 637 airweight .38 Special revolver. I used the old nail polish trick to make the silver on silver sights actually useable, but even so it was a tough gun to fire accurately.

Then I affixed a Lasermax red laser sight, which I set to pulse mode and zeroed with a laser boresighter. Tried it out at the indoor range, and Holy Crap! Did it work. Headshots are a snap at 7 yards, torso hits just as easy at 25 yards.

I was a laser skeptic before this, but the proof was in the shooting. And the only reason I even tried this experiment was because of how cheap the Lasermax was.

Crimson Trace was the pioneer in practical laser sights, but they also priced their product that way, so I always assumed a laser was just an expensive gimmick. But they really work. And now there are so many competitors in the field that lasers are no more expensive than a decent set of night sights.

[rlewpolar]

That's the route I just took on my G19. I bought a brownells rmr slide, some Ameriglo suppressor sights and a Trijicon RMR06.

Obviously more expensive than a laser. This ran me $700 for everything. But I'm in love with it and now starting one on a G17 RTF2.

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Looks great!


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[sigstroker]

Good advice, just assumed I'd be able to see enough. There have been times on the show "Alone" people had no idea what was out there.

I don't remember "LC9 with laser" being on the list of items they can take out there.

[Friesland]

As you are already aware it's just an example, a very good example.

I don't remember "LC9 with laser" being on the list of items they can take out there.

[Rivers]

I have a red laser on both my LC9s Pro and HK USPf .45, used for different purposes.

The LC9s Pro is an EDC option for me, using a Remora holster that easily accommodates the CT laser. Since it's a defensive weapon, it's unlikely that I'd shoot it at more than 10-15 yards, outside of playing at the range. The laser is sighted to "agree" with the POI at 7-10 yards. Realistically, I don't need to use the sights to make a stopping shot on an aggressor at less than 5 yards, ever. More than that and I'd use the sights anyway. What I WOULD use the laser sight for is as a potential warning to an aggressor to stop, as a deterrent so I wouldn't have to shoot. Being able to safely avoid having to pull the trigger would save a crapload of hassle and potential liability (this is CA we're talking about...) As for the visibility of the red dot, not a worry. In bright daylight, you won't be looking for it. Indoors or even in the shade of the afternoon sun, no problem seeing it up to 10 or more yards away. At night, it's a no-brainer that the red dot is more visible than your eyes can discern in the darkness without a flashlight. Even in the beam of a flashlight, you can see the red dot.

On my HK USPf .45, the Streamlite TLR-2 HL is a flashlight with a red dot, three modes using each separately or combined, with a rear switch on the unit, forward of the trigger guard. This is my HD nightstand gun. Since I also need to escort my dogs outdoors at night (coyote territory), I'm very familiar with the performance. The red dot is visible to me well beyond 50 yards. I have it sighted in for 15 yards. At 50 yards, the red dot is about a foot higher than the HK's sights would indicate. In any case, if needed, the red dot is simply an assist and not the whole ballgame. At night if I had to deal with a potential threat, I'd also have my 4000+ lumen flashlight that turns night into day. While the HK is a formidable weapon, that flashlight makes it blindingly impossible for anyone to look into the beam. If anyone was to shoot at me, since I'd be holding that light, those shots would be unaimed. Mine however would be well illuminated and much more likely to be on target. No need for any red dot, etc. then.

About the holster issue. After years of using a Crossbreed Supertuck for IWB with my P2000sk, I got a couple Remora holsters. They don't use clamps, brackets, belt loops, hooks or anything else. The material is a non-slip that is impressively effective. And its shape will fit numerous like-sized handguns without having to be a perfect match. After using the Remoras for many months, they're still in my rotation and often before the Supertuck (which is also a very good holster but more complex to put into use.)

[newbie1234]

Pros/Cons ?
CONS. I do not like to shoot the gun with both eyes open and not aiming through the sight.
Had one around 5 or 6 years ago, after tried one session at the range to zero the laser, sold the laser to a friend with a very cheap price.

[teflondog]

I have a laser and light on my bedside gun. I only have the laser in case I ever have to shoot from cover and I can't get a good sight picture.

[Friesland]

around obstacles

that would be a plus, being able to shoot from behind an obstacle

I have a laser and light on my bedside gun. I only have the laser in case I ever have to shoot from cover and I can't get a good sight picture.

[dozer wright]

I have Surefire Tlr 2 green light and Green Laser on my Glock 20 . Works excellent.
I have a Crimson Trace Red laser grips om My Glock 29.
I have poor Eyesite up close without glasses . I can identify targets no problems but seeing Handgun sites clearly and Crisply can be a problem. The Laser for Home/wood/boat gun make Sense and work Excellent.

[rlewpolar]

I have a red laser on both my LC9s Pro and HK USPf .45, used for different purposes.

The LC9s Pro is an EDC option for me, using a Remora holster that easily accommodates the CT laser. Since it's a defensive weapon, it's unlikely that I'd shoot it at more than 10-15 yards, outside of playing at the range. The laser is sighted to "agree" with the POI at 7-10 yards. Realistically, I don't need to use the sights to make a stopping shot on an aggressor at less than 5 yards, ever. More than that and I'd use the sights anyway. What I WOULD use the laser sight for is as a potential warning to an aggressor to stop, as a deterrent so I wouldn't have to shoot. Being able to safely avoid having to pull the trigger would save a crapload of hassle and potential liability (this is CA we're talking about...) As for the visibility of the red dot, not a worry. In bright daylight, you won't be looking for it. Indoors or even in the shade of the afternoon sun, no problem seeing it up to 10 or more yards away. At night, it's a no-brainer that the red dot is more visible than your eyes can discern in the darkness without a flashlight. Even in the beam of a flashlight, you can see the red dot.

On my HK USPf .45, the Streamlite TLR-2 HL is a flashlight with a red dot, three modes using each separately or combined, with a rear switch on the unit, forward of the trigger guard. This is my HD nightstand gun. Since I also need to escort my dogs outdoors at night (coyote territory), I'm very familiar with the performance. The red dot is visible to me well beyond 50 yards. I have it sighted in for 15 yards. At 50 yards, the red dot is about a foot higher than the HK's sights would indicate. In any case, if needed, the red dot is simply an assist and not the whole ballgame. At night if I had to deal with a potential threat, I'd also have my 4000+ lumen flashlight that turns night into day. While the HK is a formidable weapon, that flashlight makes it blindingly impossible for anyone to look into the beam. If anyone was to shoot at me, since I'd be holding that light, those shots would be unaimed. Mine however would be well illuminated and much more likely to be on target. No need for any red dot, etc. then.

About the holster issue. After years of using a Crossbreed Supertuck for IWB with my P2000sk, I got a couple Remora holsters. They don't use clamps, brackets, belt loops, hooks or anything else. The material is a non-slip that is impressively effective. And its shape will fit numerous like-sized handguns without having to be a perfect match. After using the Remoras for many months, they're still in my rotation and often before the Supertuck (which is also a very good holster but more complex to put into use.)

4000 lumen light? Who makes it?


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[Rivers]

4000 lumen light? Who makes it?

Fenix TK75. Mine is the original, actually 4,200 lumen rating. Their 2018 version is rated at 5,100 lumens.

Regardless of any actual numbers, my flashlight on full power mode, even on a summer day outside, will cause temporary blindness, at least for 20-30 seconds but still "big green spots" in one's vision. At night, it's really impossible to look at it. That makes it a semi-offensive tool that gives the home defender a big advantage.

My older version has green, red and blue LEDs also, including a fun-filled red+blue strobe that's way too similar to official red+blue strobe lights... That's probably why the new version doesn't include the colors. My TK75 is very well made, a bit "fat" but understandable considering the light output, and is easy for me to recommend.

[rlewpolar]

Fenix TK75. Mine is the original, actually 4,200 lumen rating. Their 2018 version is rated at 5,100 lumens.



Regardless of any actual numbers, my flashlight on full power mode, even on a summer day outside, will cause temporary blindness, at least for 20-30 seconds but still "big green spots" in one's vision. At night, it's really impossible to look at it. That makes it a semi-offensive tool that gives the home defender a big advantage.



My older version has green, red and blue LEDs also, including a fun-filled red+blue strobe that's way too similar to official red+blue strobe lights... That's probably why the new version doesn't include the colors. My TK75 is very well made, a bit "fat" but understandable considering the light output, and is easy for me to recommend.

[ilikeguns]

Usually they are bulky, but with crimson trace grips it makes sense. Trying to get quick sight pic on small autos is tough.

[demonbacker56]

I'm with the people who think that using a laser is not a good idea. In my opinion I think that training with the firearm without the use of a laser is more beneficial. I feel that a laser is a crutch. The only real application I can think of for one is with night vision and an infrared laser since it's hard to aim down rifle sights with NVGs. Maybe if someone has a sight impairment it can help as well. Having a little carry flash light and a weapon mounted light is the way I like to train and carry. I wouldn't invest in a laser. That's my worthless two cents.

[autoduel]

The laser is a crutch if you rely on it as a replacement.
I see the laser as a backup sight if for some reason you can't use the primary sights.
I use a light/laser combo for my bedside gun.