Laser Sights and Defense

[SalchaketJoe]

Has anyone had any experience or heard of a situation where someone used a laser in a defensive situation? I know details like that are often not discussed in media and print so anyone have with first hand experience or second hand stories want to weigh in?

I have handled a few pistols with lasers, to me it seems like one more thing you need to remember to do while in a highly stressfull situation. Simple is better in my book.

 

[9MMare]

I have not used the Crimson Trace grip-activated laser on my pistol for defensive purposes, only for training so far. However because it is grip-activated, I dont have to think of anything extra when using it and I practice with sighting with it at the range anyway, so that also becomes normal.

 

[jtheise4]

I agree with 9MMare, there is nothing to think about. I have CT laser grips on my M&P. When I squeeze the grip, the laser comes on. I don't rely only on the laser, but its a good redundant aid.

 

[CooperThunder]

I have a Veridian Green laser on my Glock and when my son was inspecting it, he called me down to the basement to tell me if I knew that I can use my laser as a defensive situation? I said I thought it was only for pointing it to where I wanted to shoot it and he asked me to put my hand in front of the laser. It is a bit hotter than the red one we use for our dog's "toy"...he said all I have to do is shine it in the eyes of my attacker. Well, that is good to know...I hope I never have to encounter a situation like that...

 

[M2 Carbine]

I have handled a few pistols with lasers, to me it seems like one more thing you need to remember to do while in a highly stressfull situation. Simple is better in my book.

I haven't had to use one seriously yet but do have (good) lasers or laser/lights on all my defense guns, where available. Handguns, rifles and shotguns.

There is probably more misinformation and wrong ideas about gun mounted lasers and laser/lights than most any subject about guns.
Most of it from the movies or what people think they know.

The laser is a sighting system for low light and dark use. It requires knowledge, skill and practice to master it.
Your statement is a good example of the normal lack of knowledge of the subject (no offense, that's about all most people know).
Did you just "handle a few pistols with iron sights" and you became an instant expert with iron sights? Why do you think you should know what you are doing by just handling a couple laser equipped pistols?
It's funny because that's just what most people think. That all there is to being competent with the laser equipped gun is pushing a switch.
I have a home range and for a number of years have practiced several evenings a week with laser and laser/light equipped guns and I'm still learning.

One thing I do know it is, that fast, accurate shots can be made using a laser that are extremely difficult to make any other way.

A quick example.

Training three (senior) ladies in basic shooting.
Their third time shooting, I introduced them to the pistol laser.
The gun, a Ruger 22/45 equipped with a Streamlight TLR 2 laser/light.
The target, the hostage target where the BG is holding the girl and pointing a gun at you.
The challenge, empty the magazine into the BG's head from 10 yards, using the laser.
All three ladies put their ten rounds in the BG's head.
The second challenge, I picked one lady and told her, "Shoot the gun out of the BG's hand, ten rounds.

Her target. Bare in mind this is only the lady's third time shooting a gun and her first time using a laser.
I told her the miss was not acceptable.



Can you quickly point shoot, left (weak) handed, in low light, with a small pistol?
I know I can't, without using the Crimson Trace laser. Heck I'd be lucky to keep a few shots COM and a few more anywhere on the paper.

 

[Elvishead]

I totally agree with the OP, because everybody is about to give there two bit opinion and clutter up the board like they do.

I have a similar question about using a light instead of a laser in the dark.

Looking forward to see what answer or of people that know what they are talking about, and not "just" opinions, but those are ok as long as they put some thought through and read all the other post's.

 

[SalchaketJoe]

Maybe my post wasnt as clear as I thought. While I know how great laser sights are at the range on paper, I was looking for any self defense first hand knowledge or second hand stories concerning the use of laser sights.

Thanks

 

[9MMare]

I totally agree with the OP, because everybody is about to give there two bit opinion and clutter up the board like they do.

I have a similar question about using a light instead of a laser in the dark.

Looking forward to see what answer or of people that know what they are talking about, and not "just" opinions, but those are ok as long as they put some thought through and read all the other post's.

Seems like most people in this thread have offered 'first-hand experience' answering this point in the OP:

I have handled a few pistols with lasers, to me it seems like one more thing you need to remember to do while in a highly stressfull situation. Simple is better in my book.

And to directly answer yours, here are 2 topics that will provide loads of opinions of all sorts.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=489937

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=489648