laser aiming

[deepsouthshooter]

I have a s&w 642 with crimson trace grips which work great but when I'm practicing I just can't seem to get used to not using the iron sights. Hitting the target isn't the problem it just seems like it takes me alot longer to squeeze off five rounds when aiming the laser. Maybe I'm concentrating on the red dot too much or something. What do you guys do?

 

[Phil DeGraves]

I don't use a laser for that very reason. It's slower than the sights for me. Lasers are okay training tools; but rather limited in their practical application.

 

[Kleanbore]

Completely forget that you have sights and don't look for a sight picture.

Concentrate on getting your shots in a several-inch circle and practice primarily at seven yards.

Practice.

Don't forget dry-fire practice.

Remember what the 642 is for and remember that defensive shooting and range shooting are distinctly different.

 

[The Bushmaster]

I have laser sights on my carry pistol and I like them, but you are right in that one should practice with iron sights as much as possible and you should put in some time with the laser sights too. You might (if possible) practice with the laser in low light situations where you can't see the iron sights. It might help you to understand the potential of the laser.

 

[jwr747]

what happens to the person, who isn't a pistol shooter,just a scared citizen with a pistol with "laser grips".they may shoot 10/12 rounds a year just for kicks .works ok,back in the night stand. bump in the night,grabs his/her trusty defense weapon meets "booger man/woman" in the hall,points "ole trusty" hey,where's the red dot,now what do I do? like mentioned,a good training aid,but lasers not for every one. train,train,train,than practice. jwr

 

[mgregg85]

I have a crimson trace laser on my P3AT and I still use the sights to bring my focus onto the laser. When I go to the range I practice with and without the laser. You'll have an easier time using a laser if you get used to point shooting and using the laser to confirm your point shooting aim.

Lasers are a great addition to a defensive weapon but they never replace good iron sights.

 

[The Bushmaster]

And regular sights are better in the dark, jwr?

 

[ZeBool]

I don't use laser sites on my carry gun(XD9 Service), as I am mostly carrying it during daylight hours(or in the house with the lights on). However, my nightstand gun(HK USP .40c) has a laser mounted on it, as I would be using it low to no light conditions.

 

[WC145]

I've got Crimson Trace grips on the snubby I carry as a BUG and I put them on so I can get rounds on target if I'm in a situation where I can't use my sights. The laser does not replace the sights but allows me to focus on the threat and hit it when I otherwise might not be able to.

 

[deepsouthshooter]

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll do some practicing in low light as suggested.

 

[jaydubya]

Kleanbore said: "Completely forget that you have sights and don't look for a sight picture.

Concentrate on getting your shots in a several-inch circle and practice primarily at seven yards."

+1 -- I have CT laser grips on three handguns, S&W 637 and 686, and my Browning t-series High Power. I practice weekly with one of the revolvers and the BHP. I still practice a bit with the iron sights, but mostly with the lasers. Reason? I'm old, and cannot see the sights without my glasses on. In a HD/SD situation, I probably would not have my glasses on, so I practice for that. I get most of my shots within the nine ring at seven yards, and that is quite good enough for me.

I won't buy a handgun for which CT does not make a set of laser grips.

Cordially, Jack

 

[franconialocal]

This helped me.....

Similar.....I've tried getting used to mine as well and found that if you can really be good about keeping both eyes open, this helps considerably. TRUST your laser sight picture and start pulling!! I just qualified (for work) on a similar sidearm, and was able to get 3-4 shots off before my partner (standing next to me) even got one off while using this technique. My grouping was better too.

Have fun!!!

 

[jaydubya]

No one has brought this up so I will, aimed at no one in particular: YES that red dot bounces around, but YOU are doing that, not the laser. Swallow your misbegotten pride and practice. If I, a bifocal geezer, can get 45 out of fifty rounds within the nine ring at seven yards, why can't you?

Cordially, Jack