My first post...and it's an optics question...

[BQuiz]

Hello folks...my first post here...been lurking in the background like a little troll for awhile, but it's high time I start posting.

I'm a Kentucky guy, handgunner with several sidearms in the collection...

SO, I've got a S&W M&P 40 Pro Series...this is my home defense weapon...and I am looking for a tactical light / laser setup. I've got a couple guns with Crimson Trace Laser Grips that I like...and I'm trying to decide which direction I want to go on my M&P.

I have an Insight XL2 on a Springfield XD pistol, and I really don't care for it much at all. I have a real hard time keeping the laser aligned. It seems like there is a lot of play in the mount and it just never stays right.

I've thought about putting Crimson Trace Laser Grips on my M&P, because I like the way they stay put and stay aligned...but then I would have to also get a tac light for the rail...might add up a little in price, plus I would have rear activation on the CTR and a rocker switch of some kind on the tac light.
That just seems a little "busy" to me, especially under stress.

SO, what are some of you guys running on your home defense pistols?

Do any of you have experience with the
Streamlight TLR-2 w/Laser?

I don't think this one is available quite yet, but out in 2nd quarter, the
Viridian XL5 (Gen 2) Green Laser. I really like the looks of this one.

Thanks!
BQ

PS. I forgot, here's a picture of my new M&P. I love this gun.

 

[rbernie]

SO, what are some of you guys running on your home defense pistols?

A light but not a laser. I have no experience with the combo units.

 

[SentinelStrategic]

I used to run a Streamlight M6 way back in my military days. I actually used it for designating targets with the laser while mounted on my M16A2 DMR. It wasn't the best option, but for a unit that was not issued ANPEQs, it worked well enough.

I still have the light, and it's mounted on one of my Glocks at home. I never use laser anymore, because I personally believe that if you are using a full size handgun, you should be using the sights and not the laser. Lasers are difficult to use as a lone aiming system in moments of stress. The Taser X26 that I carry uses a laser as primary aiming method (has sights, but they suck). I have tased many people and for the people that were holding still it worked fine. I have had difficulty tasing people who are moving, however. I've never missed, but several of my partners have. It's been my observation that when using a laser, you have a tendency to become fixated on the laser, and not the target. When the target moves, your focus shifts and you watch the target and often lose track of the laser dot for up to a couple seconds.
In my own opinion, I feel that lasers are only appropriate aiming devices for smaller revolvers, or for micro-compact pistols like the Ruger LCP or a KelTec P3AT, etc. Weapons that do not have legitimate iron sights, or the ability to install tritium night sights.

If you do want a laser for the M&P, make sure that you practice and use the sights as your primary aiming point. Lasers have a problem in that they're so far below the barrel, that you have to zero them to where you want impact. If you zero at any distance, you have to know what your elevation compensation needs to be. Considering that the standard engagement occurs between 7-11yds, it might be prudent to zero in that range. However, you will then be shooting low at longer ranges, like 25yds, because the laser is actually pointing up. Again, something to think about. With sights, you can be sure you'll be spot-on at any of those ranges.

If you MUST get a laser/light combo, look into either the Streamlight TLR-2 or the SureFire X400. Those are the only two companies that I have found that make acceptable weapon lights that can handle the abuse I throw out.

 

[BQuiz]

SS,

Appreciate the post with excellent points...you've got me thinking a bit.

I wasn't too keen on lasers at first, and I agree with your point about a moving target. I have an Insight X2L on my Springfield XD9, and while shooting at a range that has moving targets, I do find myself "slower"...like it takes me just a second longer to fixate the red dot on the target after it has moved.

I put one on my LCP that I use as a CCDW, zeroed it in at 10 yards at the range, and have ran with it for awhile. I practice with it regularly. I always thought that in a stressful situation with that pistol (virtually no sights) that it would prove a major benefit as far as accuracy is concerned, and I still do. In a defensive situation outside the home with this CCDW pistol, I feel like in most cases the 10 yard range and shorter applies...as my primary focus is to avoid having to fire the weapon (retreat), and only engage when absolutely necessary to protect my life.

In the home, wielding this M&P 40...it has night sights that are very bright. I like them. A combination of lots of windows and lots of streetlights keeps the center portion of my home fairly lit at night. Considering that I am much more familiar with my home than an intruder, I am hesitant to think that I would always want to apply light/laser. My wife and I have no children, so I am of the mindset during a home invasion that I will remain in the master, under cover...she's dialing the police while I am protecting our position...and I have a lot of visibility into the center portion of our home from that position. I believe that I could identify a target without the light, and engage it from cover without "marking" my position to the threat with a light or laser beam. Yes, I could turn on the overhead lights and go make a sweep of the home when something goes bump in the night, but most home invasions around here lately have been armed....and I feel like I'm kind of leveling the playing field that way....for no reason. Everything I need to protect (me and my wife) are in the master bedroom, covered by darkness.

The laser/light for my nightstand gun is kind of a "just in case" thing....I feel like in most cases, given my situation, that I will be acquiring the target from the cover of darkness using the night sights.

This is what I "feel" would be my best approach to defending a home invasion...but I've got no training...I just read a lot. Thoughts?

Thanks again!