Opinions on the Green vs the Red laser, on carry pistols

[gym]

Any members have any valid points as to which is better and why. We have been told that the green can be seen in Daylight far better than the red. Is it worth the sacrifice in stealth to have one on your weapon? also feel free to give your input on adding a laser/light combo, like the Veridian. I am debating on weather to purchase a pistol with a rail or one without a rail, as if I have several guns with rails I can always swap the light to another gun where you can't do that with the weapon specific models, plus it means new holsters for all the guns you plan on carrying with the new setup, thanks for your time?
PS: I used to be dead set against mounting anything on my carry gun, and many are, it's not about that it's about which is better if you are going that route.

 

[ohioshooter]

This may be a stupid question to ask but why would you need to worry about using a laser in the daylight??? I have two that came with them and when practicing I don't even turn them on. If I had to use it at night I would only turn it on if I really felt the need to use it as I don't want to give up my cover. Just sayin...

 

[Schwing]

The green lasers generally are more powerful. Having said that, I don't even bother with them anymore. This is just my .02 but, in a SD situation, it is just one more thing to worry about. I have also had discussions with folks who have used their weapons in SD and found the little light more of a distraction as it bounced around the room under the shakes caused by the stress of the situation.

If you are dead set on it, I would recommend a green laser for distance, visibility in daylight and, face it, coolness factor.

 

[gym]

Just the intimidation factor "Ohio" does wonders, also it may be an aid in making a shot where you can't expose you head, or other body part "which is one of the things they are good for, or just a verification of a difficult shot, clearing a room "indoor" shootings etc, there are many reasons you might want to engage a laser, although I have only had 2 guns with lasers in 4+ decades of carrying, and sold those guns with the lasers.
Schwing, I agree with your point, sometimes one can find themselves watching the laser instead of shooting at the target. It has to be trained out of some people, your eyes are always the primary sighting system, my gunsmith dismisses them, he says they have no place on a carry gun, but it's like anything else, half love them and half don't.
His logic is, you have to identify the target first, so why would you need a laser, if you are staring down the sights, but this is about which color and what advantage one has over the other.

 

[Speedo66]

I've read green lasers don't function well in the cold.

If your intention is to use it outside, might be something to check into depending on your local.

 

[barnbwt]

A red laser is less likely to get you in trouble, for whatever that isn't worth. Frequencies in the green range and beyond (do they have blue lasers for guns, yet?) are capable of readily blinding people/animals, are powerful enough to do so at great distances, and can even do so to the user (either suddenly by glare/reflection, or gradually by bright diffuse spots on targets at the range). Maybe they are low powered enough that these aren't real issues, but when I see the reckless levels of light put out by "tactical flashlights" I seriously doubt the laser makers limit themselves to anything the Feds will allow them.

TCB

 

[RustyShackelford]

Laser aimers....

New designs & styles have improved greatly in the last 10/15 years.
I used a Glock "white-light" on my home defense M&P compact .45acp pistol.
The accessory came free with the new .45acp when I bought it.
Green lasers are a lot better than most red styles but they will wear out faster & burn out batteries due to the power demands.
I've heard mixed reviews of the Viridin lasers/lights. Some gun owners like them others say they break or wear out quickly.
The high retail prices; $250-350.00 do not seem worth it to me.
There are other brands like Crimsontrace, Lasermax, Streamlight, and Surefire.
I like the bright strobe light units for carry or defense pistols. The flashing light can distract or disorient a aggressive subject if you need to hold them at gunpoint.
CT(crimsontrace) has a free product DVD to explain how the lasers work & what tactics work best for CCW holders or gun owners.
Lasermax has a pulsing red laser that can fit in the guide rod section. They are fast to use & can be switched out quickly without any special gunsmithing.
Id suggest a 1913 rail type pistol for defense or duty-carry. Even if you aren't using a white light or laser you can always add it later if you need it.

Rusty
www.policehq.com www.galls.com www.crimsontrace.com www.midwayusa.com www.surefire.com

PS; if you buy a add-on laser or white light get well made Li batteries. Streamlight or Surefire types are good. Some cheaper styles or off brands wear out quickly.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I've read green lasers don't function well in the cold.

I've experienced this. ^^^^^^^^^ Colder that 30 degreed or so, and good luck. Can't even see it. I suppose body heat will help on a gun kept close to the body though.

Honestly, most attacks are likely to happen at night, so a red laser will show up just fine. In the day you can see your sights anyway.

If you've been knocked down, it's likely that your attacker is right on top of you, and needing to fire from a weird position where you can't see your sights is unimportant. You'll be point shooting most likely.

The "visible at distance" argument for green is totally valid. However, in what situation would you need the laser to shoot at distance in a SD situation anyway. (legality?) If you are far enough away that you need the green laser, you probably shouldn't be shooting. Also, when you zero in a laser at a certain distance, keep at in mind that the laser point will shift depending on your distance from the target as it is not perfectly in line with the bore. So again, is the distance shooting really of any worth other than a range toy?

I've wasted a lot of money experimenting with green lasers, and have found them to be of no more use than a red, but much more expensive.

Laser bore sights are usefull to dial in iron sights. Rail mounted lasers are useful in low light situations where seeing your sights is difficult. Also, if you are awaken from a dead sleep to an intruder, your nerves will be shot and your fine motor control may be hindered. A laser can help there. They are also useful for pocket guns where the sights on the gun may suck horribly. They are also useful for dry fire trigger control training.

Based on my logic, and experimentation, I've decided that a laser has no real purpose on a carry gun, as they are largely a gimick. I do think they have application in the home, and as a training tool.

However, IF I decided to put a laser on my carry guns, I'd choose a red. The funcionality in all weather conditions (and longer battery life) make them superior to green in every way.

Good luck to you!

Also, one other thought.

Just the intimidation factor "Ohio" does wonders

My carry gun doesn't leave its holster until I am in a situation where my life is in danger. If I draw, shots are about to be fired. Your "intimidation factor" comment puzzles me. Like I said, I'm not drawing my gun until I'm going to fire for sure. If there is more than one attacker, the first gun shot and, possibly someone hitting the floor should be all the intimidation another attacker should need to realize it's time to leave.

Your statement sounds like "brandishing" gym.

So........ Intimidation

 

[Hunterdad]

I took a CCW class this past weekend and the instructor brought up an excellent point. He said "by the time you find that stupid laser on your target, I've already fired 3 rounds at my target". And I have to agree, he's right. I came home and took the laser off my LCP.

Now to answer your question....green is better for daytime.

 

[LightningMan]

I have a Viridian Green laser mounted on the rail of my XD45 and a Crimison Trace on the grip of my M&P40c. The XD was my home night stand pistol, and the M&P is my carry pistol, but not anymore. After several dead batteries in my Viridian Green laser, I quit using it for home protection, and my M&P gets double duty. The green lasers use way more juice than red lasers, and with the type of battery it used (a CR2) you could turn it on one minute and the next time you try it, its dead. I bought my Crimison Trace over a year ago, and test it every time before I holster my weapon and also when I remove it. Not to mention all the times I used it at the range, I have yet to replace the batteries. IMO, if your going to have a laser on your SD pistol, stick with red. LM

 

[Ccctennis]

Green

Green flashing viridian laser is the answer. The human eye detects green faster than any other color. And there was a thread earlier on this forum about laser vs no laser. It is a polarizing topic. The senior gun guys seem to think that lasers have no place in sd/hd. Where the younger 21st century guys think any possible tool that can give u an edge should at least be looked at. I don't want to bring up the debate with everyone regarding speed and other issues in sd/hd. The bottom line is green is quicker to see vs red.

 

[Willie Sutton]

Neither.

On a carry pistol the correct answer is "you must be kidding".


Willie

.

 

[StrawHat]

What Willie Sutton said. On a carry gun, practice, practice and practice some more. Booking for a dot on a target is not a good way to practice. Look through your sights. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to learn.

 

[Nom de Forum]

Green flashing viridian laser is the answer. The human eye detects green faster than any other color. And there was a thread earlier on this forum about laser vs no laser. It is a polarizing topic. The senior gun guys seem to think that lasers have no place in sd/hd. Where the younger 21st century guys think any possible tool that can give u an edge should at least be looked at. I don't want to bring up the debate with everyone regarding speed and other issues in sd/hd. The bottom line is green is quicker to see vs red.

I am one of those "senior guys", mid-twentieth century vintage. I have to disagree with all who think lasers have no place on a SD pistol. They have a place, it is just a small place. I have a red crimson trace on one of my Glocks. It is my bedside pistol, but I would have no problem having one on all my Glocks. In my opinion they are an auxiliary sighting system for use in a few limited situations.

Don't give Gym such a hard time about the intimidation factor. Intimidation is not the same as brandishing as long as a situation where deployment of a deadly weapon is appropriate. I don't think anyone posting here so far is planning to wait until hundredths of a second before firing to draw their pistol when it is reasonable to assume you need it in your hand to fire it in the next few seconds. A bouncing red dot on the hallway wall outside my bedroom may be just enough to make an intruder flee. In the rare situation of having to hold an assailant at gun point awaiting the police, you may be less likely to have to shoot if the assailant can see the little red dot bouncing on his chest. It is alway less legally troublesome if the intimidation factor of a gun stops the attack rather than the firing of a gun. These are just a few scenarios, there are others you can find through research where a laser may be beneficial. Sure it may not be beneficial for a laser to draw attention to your location in certain situations, but those are probably fewer than when a laser can be beneficial.

 

[herrwalther]

All my carry weapons have rails, and as such I carry them with a Viridian C5L. Lasers and lights have advantages and disadvantages. Point shooting is easier with a laser for example. But "looking for a laser" or "being lazy" is a poor excuse. Lasers have this amazing thing called an on/off button. Train using your sights and the laser. It will just make you better. That switch is also the answer to lasers giving away your position. If BG knows you are there anyway, you can use the laser. Nothing says you HAVE to use the laser all the time, unless you only use Viridian's ECR holster...which I disdain.

Yup green lasers use more power since they operate in a wavelength (532nm) that requires more energy. This is easily offset by using rechargeable batteries. You can get a charger off Amazon that will charge CR2 and CR123 batteries for less than a pack of Lithium CR2 batteries. The difference in brightness or duration is hardly noticeable but you will save money.

 

[Mopsie]

I have a Crimson Trace on my S&W Model 60. I've never had to fire the gun in self defense, so I don't know if it would slow me down or not. I have to ask those who say that lasers aren't a help or are a hindrance: if they are, why do SWAT teams and military use them?

As for green versus red, I can see both equally well, and the green lasers are usually much more expensive than red.

 

[Wil Terry]

Okay....I am red/green color blind. WHEN are they gonna come out with a bright yellow lazer sight ?

 

[astra600]

My Sig came with a laser/light. The laser is fun and adjusted to sit right above the front sight when the sights are properly aimed. The light is what I consider important. That on/off switch means taking my eyes off the threat to operate. I also don't want to show someone where I am, or that I'm onto them being in my house. The laser won't ID the supposed threat that might not be a threat. I've been told aiming a light at someone not a threat is a felony, because I'm aiming a deadly weapon at an innocent person. Same goes for the light. It seems to all depend on your immediate situation.

 

[herrwalther]

I have a Crimson Trace on my S&W Model 60. I've never had to fire the gun in self defense, so I don't know if it would slow me down or not. I have to ask those who say that lasers aren't a help or are a hindrance: if they are, why do SWAT teams and military use them?

False, to a degree. The military uses IR lasers which are invisible to the naked eye. Some of the newest PEQ devises do have visible lasers but they are rarely used. The only time I use them is when aligning my IR laser as adjusting one, adjusts the other.

As for green versus red, I can see both equally well, and the green lasers are usually much more expensive than red.

Depends on what you are looking at. Sure you can go to Walmart and get a "weapon light" off the shelf, but those are just an over glorified laser pointer attached to a rail. But if you go with Viridian, CrimsonTrace, Surefire, Streamlight or the other big names you will see quality. Unless you have several of the same type, CT won't be much help as there lasers are not very universal, at least as the grip models go. I always considered a rail accessory more cost effective since when you change weapons, the laser goes to the new one.

That on/off switch means taking my eyes off the threat to operate

Replace it. A weapon light or laser should be near instinctual to operate. I setup my Viridian so the switch is right where my trigger finger goes on the frame during draw. CT has their on switch in a similar spot for the rail models and as part of the natural grip on the wraparound models.

 

[greyghost01]

I have the red on my XD 40 sc then I found out about the green and was told it was better to see in daylight. I have one for the reason if I get up at night because I heard something I don't have to put my reading glasses on to see my sights. If I can make out a silhouette I can touch the laser on and fire. I also use it for point and shoot practice say pick out a light switch or other object you think you are pointing at touch the laser and it will tell you if you are right on or high or low etc They say the strobe mode is best same as your flashlight. On my AR I have flashlight and laser combo.I have the TC rail master

 

[stressed]

Milirary uses the green laser to point out threats and to warn foreign nationals and traffic. I never saw it attached to a weapon system, it was always handheld. PAQ4 and such are an IR laser so then enemy cannot see them when they are being aimed upon them.

greyghost, you should always have positive ID on a threat before you fire. What if you fire at said silhouette and it's a loved one or someone unarmed?

 

[Mopsie]

False, to a degree. The military uses IR lasers which are invisible to the naked eye. Some of the newest PEQ devises do have visible lasers but they are rarely used. The only time I use them is when aligning my IR laser as adjusting one, adjusts the other.

Didn't know that. Thanks.

 

[Speedo66]

New designs & styles have improved greatly in the last 10/15 years.
I used a Glock "white-light" on my home defense M&P compact .45acp pistol.
The accessory came free with the new .45acp when I bought it.
Green lasers are a lot better than most red styles but they will wear out faster & burn out batteries due to the power demands.
I've heard mixed reviews of the Viridin lasers/lights. Some gun owners like them others say they break or wear out quickly.
The high retail prices; $250-350.00 do not seem worth it to me.
There are other brands like Crimsontrace, Lasermax, Streamlight, and Surefire.
I like the bright strobe light units for carry or defense pistols. The flashing light can distract or disorient a aggressive subject if you need to hold them at gunpoint.
CT(crimsontrace) has a free product DVD to explain how the lasers work & what tactics work best for CCW holders or gun owners.
Lasermax has a pulsing red laser that can fit in the guide rod section. They are fast to use & can be switched out quickly without any special gunsmithing.
Id suggest a 1913 rail type pistol for defense or duty-carry. Even if you aren't using a white light or laser you can always add it later if you need it.

Rusty
www.policehq.com www.galls.com www.crimsontrace.com www.midwayusa.com www.surefire.com

PS; if you buy a add-on laser or white light get well made Li batteries. Streamlight or Surefire types are good. Some cheaper styles or off brands wear out quickly.

I don't feel the need for a laser. But I'd certainly never use one that replaced a critical operating part of my gun.

 

[Speedo66]

Lasermax has a pulsing red laser that can fit in the guide rod section. They are fast to use & can be switched out quickly without any special gunsmithing.

Rusty
www.policehq.com www.galls.com www.crimsontrace.com www.midwayusa.com www.surefire.com (

I feel no need for a laser sight. But I certainly would never use one that replaced a critical operating part of my gun.

 

[TreeDoc]

Have had a laser, took it off and sold it. Alot of "what ifs" or "just in case" always come to the fore front of this discussion. Was telling my buddy the other day, when I recently went to the range it looked liked a laser show was going on with all those beams dancing around.
Fundamentals don't change, practice, no shortcuts.