Lasers at the range...too old school?
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Fascinating, Dom. First, I would have to say that the SA XD is an excellent pistol, plastic non-removable grips or not, and many in this forum would agree. What other hateable charecteristics are you referring to?
I don't have to switch on the laser or flashlight for very long, so I don't understand why a battery life of 1.5 hours would matter. And the laser lines up very well at 7-25 yards with very little parallax variation (used a boresight to verify). As for "weakness" of the LaserLyte, please see my other post. Also, CT does make a laser for the SA XD, so the non-removable grips should not be an issue.
I am glad you like your setup, but don't feel the need to flame others. This thread had a good banter about it until now.
I don't have to switch on the laser or flashlight for very long, so I don't understand why a battery life of 1.5 hours would matter. And the laser lines up very well at 7-25 yards with very little parallax variation (used a boresight to verify). As for "weakness" of the LaserLyte, please see my other post. Also, CT does make a laser for the SA XD, so the non-removable grips should not be an issue.
I am glad you like your setup, but don't feel the need to flame others. This thread had a good banter about it until now.
I think that this is the key.
If you're going to shoot Weaver stance at the range in full light, there's no need for a laser.
However, I am forever amazed at the posts I see here that imply that people believe that their defensive shooting will resemble a Bullseye competition. People get indignant when you suggest that defensive shooting may well mean shooting in an odd position, not having the greatest sight picture, etc. They think it's some sort of insult to their shooting ability.
E.g. http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=472431 where one guy decides to take offense and reply to my post about that with "I don't wave revolvers around as a habit. I draw them and aim at targets."
Agreed, also.
Again, there are SO many posts here by people whose only priority is to save 50 friggin' bucks on a defensive gun. I like J-frame Smiths, but if you like the Taurus snubbies, that's great.
But people whose reason for buying the Taurus is that it's $400 and the Smith is $450? Give me a break. Buy the one you think is the best gun for you, after doing some research. Ditto for any pistol or revolver, as well as any sight or accessory. We're talking about your LIFE, your family's lives, and maybe the lives of others as well, here.
BTW I also like the XD45. But I wouldn't have bought it if the grips didn't fit me and the gun didn't point right, for me (which is one reason I don't own a Glock). I find the XD to be easy to shoot well, reliable, and rugged.
HOWEVER, if anyone believes otherwise, FOR THEM, they shouldn't buy one! Again, price, or what someone else finds comfortable, or what the cool kids do, shouldn't be criteria for a defensive tool.
Certainly, the trend is back towards adjustable/changeable grips, though, even with plastic fantastic pistols. And that's very good trend.
I think that, if you can, rent a gun before you even think about buying it.
HOWEVER, if anyone believes otherwise, FOR THEM, they shouldn't buy one! Again, price, or what someone else finds comfortable, or what the cool kids do, shouldn't be criteria for a defensive tool.
Certainly, the trend is back towards adjustable/changeable grips, though, even with plastic fantastic pistols. And that's very good trend.
I think that, if you can, rent a gun before you even think about buying it.
No worries, Dom. We're back to a cool, easy-going vibe again...
I agree, Bear. I can shoot the hell out of my XD and it fits me well; otherwise, I would not have bought it regardless of price. I wouldn't have sacrificed shooting comfort and proficiency for the sake of saving a few dollars. And, yes, the laser does help...
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Armed Bear -- I saw in your first post that you don't currently own a laser, but having read your comments and Dom's (and from many others), I am convinced that the laser has its place and I will develop more proficiency in using it. Are you now on the hunt for a laser of your own? If so, please let us know how you like it as well as any additional insight. I am learning a lot here...
kda
Member
I have Crimson Trace Lasers on six of the families seven pistols, including our carry weapons. (My wife claims ownership to three of these seven pistols). The only reason I don't have a CT grip on the seventh pistol is because CT doesn't make a Laser for that older model of Ruger.
At the range, we practice with iron sights in a normal stance, but towards the end of our session, I like to drop the pistol into a "close to the body hold" position just above my waist and shoot a clip using only the laser.
It won't take a shooter using a CT laser very long before putting all of the rounds into a pie plate sized pattern at 3 yards becomes quite natural. I've never had one of those lasers give me even one second's worth of trouble. They simply work, all the time, every time. I pick up the weapon and the red light is "on". [ Three yards or 21 feet is almost the maximum distance across the largest room in our house. ]
Several models of CT laser grips do have switches to turn them off if you wish. So you can (on some models) turn them off while you are doing extended practice with iron sights, but the normal practice is to leave the laser switch to on, ready to light up when you pick up the weapon. Simply put, the CT will be there when you need it.
CTs feel so natural on the weapons you won't even notice they are there until you see the red dot. And batteries are really dirt cheap when, down the road, you need to replace them.
If I ever get into a gun fight with a BG, I want everything I can muster on my side. I want the odds to be in my favor and I would not have spent the amount of money on six pair of CT lasers if my wife and I didn't honestly believe that they significantly increase the odds in our favor in low light or night situations.
I said before and repeat here. Those who would talk lasers down without ever having owned or shot with them are only hurting themselves. Whenever I've shown the CT demo CD to anyone and then let them handle or shoot with one of my CT equipped pistols or revolvers, they did, in every case acquire a CT laser for their weapon(s). The benefits are really that obvious to anyone with an open mind.
Great discussion. A great place to work through issues on stuff like this.
At the range, we practice with iron sights in a normal stance, but towards the end of our session, I like to drop the pistol into a "close to the body hold" position just above my waist and shoot a clip using only the laser.
It won't take a shooter using a CT laser very long before putting all of the rounds into a pie plate sized pattern at 3 yards becomes quite natural. I've never had one of those lasers give me even one second's worth of trouble. They simply work, all the time, every time. I pick up the weapon and the red light is "on". [ Three yards or 21 feet is almost the maximum distance across the largest room in our house. ]
Several models of CT laser grips do have switches to turn them off if you wish. So you can (on some models) turn them off while you are doing extended practice with iron sights, but the normal practice is to leave the laser switch to on, ready to light up when you pick up the weapon. Simply put, the CT will be there when you need it.
CTs feel so natural on the weapons you won't even notice they are there until you see the red dot. And batteries are really dirt cheap when, down the road, you need to replace them.
If I ever get into a gun fight with a BG, I want everything I can muster on my side. I want the odds to be in my favor and I would not have spent the amount of money on six pair of CT lasers if my wife and I didn't honestly believe that they significantly increase the odds in our favor in low light or night situations.
I said before and repeat here. Those who would talk lasers down without ever having owned or shot with them are only hurting themselves. Whenever I've shown the CT demo CD to anyone and then let them handle or shoot with one of my CT equipped pistols or revolvers, they did, in every case acquire a CT laser for their weapon(s). The benefits are really that obvious to anyone with an open mind.
Great discussion. A great place to work through issues on stuff like this.
swinokur
Member
+1.
The argument about the sound of a shotgun being racked or seeing a laser dot on a BG's chest striking fear into said BG is total Bravo Sierra IMHO.. I don't think there is much factual evidence to support those arguments, either. More Internet hype.
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