They are a great tool that can lead to even more -
...
They're great for range practice, point and shoot, both eyes open, and then verify POA with laser..
They're also good for using as a HD type night stand gun w/laser, again, allowing you to keep both eyes open giving you more SA (situational awareness) IF you find the need to activate it on a BG..
There is no substitute for aiming/accuracy via iron sights as a primary but, as mentioned, if you have that down then using the laser to improve point and shoot with both eyes open with the laser on or not will be an asset worth using the laser and learning how not to chase the red dot and jerk the shot vs as the dot dances on or next to desired target that is when the smooth trigger pull begins and you'll get shots on target or so close it would be a good shot..
I would say the biggest "drawback" of learning actual live round use with a laser is the fact that anyone, everyone, around you at the range will see your good shots and the bad, most being bad at first, as I said, jerking the shot while chasing the red dot as it goes over the intended target and overcoming both, "what other people may or may not be thinking along with not rushing the shots."
That is where you will need to use forced-focus via tunnel-vision (not care nor worry about what others are thinking around you) It's, after all, what you and your weapon will do for you down the road and we all have to walk down the same road for awhile before we can then start to run - with, or without, the herd
On target, very close, close, are all good shots vs "way off intended target area" and the "too much embarrassment" feelings-wise and quitting use of them is the biggest "negative" result of failing to go the_distance.. period
Like every other step in "learning" (getting accurate with one's gun) start close/walk before heading out to distance and into the running mode..
Below pics:
18ft (legal HD/SD range in my State) give or take a foot, 16ft being the first legal range to engage if no way out.
Below pioc:
Top shots are with laser, both eyes open, sides are both double taps along with right shoulder shot.
COM are no laser, both eyes open, bring gun up, point and shoot w/double taps and a few first DA pulls as first shot followed by double taps..
This is with my Beretta Px4 40 G with rail mounted Laser Max/red dot
Px4 40 G w/laser mounted and Sig P228 9mm
As mentioned, with a lot of at home, combined one eye sighting, then verifying POA with laser then being turned on and a lot of bring gun up, point and shoot, with both eyes open, again, then verifying POA by then turning on laser has been a great aid in all around gun accuracy with either type sighting methods mentioned "at close range, real world HD/SD ranges"..
And yes, the longer shots, 45ft - 63ft max at my indoor range are fun but it took a lot of practice to "understand" the red dots "dance" if in a 2 hand grip, standing position, quickly bringing gun up, activating laser, and taking the shot/s "smoothly" w/understanding from all that practice, be it humbling at first to rewarding from a certain time/moment - on
Would I win a markenship award, no..
But for HD/SD putting lead on target, quickly, yes
OMMV,
Ls