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What do you think of them as for a backup in low light ?? the reason I am asking is that I am getting older and my eyes don't work as well now days.

if you use a Laser are you asking for a problem if you have to use your gun to defend yourself ???


Has anyone every tried or used them for shooting ??


thanks


300shooter

I think laser is a great tool both in training and practical use. A laser can help you quickly sight in the target when looking at the front sight is difficult. However, in low light situation I would still ID the threat first before sending bullets down their way. It's the right thing to do because you don't want to shoot one of your own or have one of your own behind or infront of the BG. As a side effect of using a flash light is it can also light up your front sight which enables you to get a good sight picture.
Aiming and shooting with laser can possibly slow down your shots because your eyes are focused on that red dot. As you know that it is difficult for anyone to keep that red dot steady so trying to do so will only slow you down. So if do want to use a laser, may I suggest getting out of the habbit of concentrate on the red dot. That is pretty much my take on lasers. Not sure if it helps or not. lol.

I think the laser grips are okay for a backup sight. I know Ken Hackathorn recommends then.

Iron sights are quicker.

I use a flashlight in the dark and can see my iron sights pretty well with backlighting from the flashlight. But not all iron sights are the same, and some are easier to see than others.

I probably would not have them except that my wife thought they would be a neat gift.

I enjoy mine thoroughly and will not go willingly without them on my night fighter.

I was asking our local shop owner about them. His wife has the grips on her revolver. He said a certain PD implemented them and there first shot hit percentage went from 35% to 95%.

His wife practices both ways w/ and w/o and prefers with because of quicker sight acquisition.

2nd info, but still valuable I think.

-nick

thanks gang, I might have to try a set out and se how I like them.

300shooter

Paladin wrote:I think the laser grips are okay for a backup sight. I know Ken Hackathorn recommends then.

Iron sights are quicker.

I use a flashlight in the dark and can see my iron sights pretty well with backlighting from the flashlight. But not all iron sights are the same, and some are easier to see than others.

I had to chuckle when I saw this, because not too many years ago...both Ken Hackathorn and Bill Wilson were the foremost skeptics of lasers. In fact, they often derided them "in no uncertain way"! Now they love them.

Lasers persisted despite what some of the "experts" were saying about them, and serve as useful tools (IMO) these days. I believe them to be of most use in low light conditions, or at times when you are "off camber" and can not quickly gain a sight picture otherwise.

The movement of the laser upon the target can be disconcerting at first, but you learn to "clean up" your dot just before pressing the trigger. In low light conditions when you might not be able to see your sights very well, you can briefly illuminate with your flashlight (to identify), turn it off, move, and then acquire your target (with laser) very quickly. Of, course that same red beam is a "target indicator" for the BG as well (remember, it leads back to YOU).

Anyway, there are lots of pro's and con's. I like them for certain people under certain conditions.

I don't think I'd care for a single dot. Do any of the lasers offer different lenses, for bullseye, crosshair, or circle/cross beams?

Kevin

I have been discouraged by the price of laser grips!! I have never really thought about getting any, while I am sure they have their advantages, it seems that muscle memory would be a much better tool...in the light or dark. For a couple of hundred bucks, I think some ammo and a pass to the range would be a better investment.....just my opinion!

I have the Crimson LG 305 for my S7W 340PD. I love them. They have an off and on switch where the LG 205 does not. The LG 305 are a bit larger which helps because I have an extra large frame at 6'4 - 365lbs. I do not have them on any of my 1911's. I believe they give you a quick aim in low light or at night. I also think they also might be a deterrent in certain situations.

Quote: "I have the Crimson LG 305 for my S&W 340PD. I love them."

Same here. Admittedly, years ago I too was a skeptic, but am now a believer. At least in the good ones such as what Crimson Trace puts out. (There are some real junky lasers out there - and misinformation from folks who have never done any serious side-by-side testing with a timer.)

I just changed the batteries in mine tonight, only the second or maybe third time in over 4 1/2 years. Then tweaked the zero with the itty-bitty allen wrench and put another 50 rounds downrange. Crimson Trace puts out an awsome product, especially the ones with "overmoulded grip" for the snubbies.

There are two things that appeal to me about the laser grips.

1. If for some reason you can't put your eye on the sights, you can still see where you are aiming. I think this is similar to what flintknapper was meaning by "off camber."

2. They could also aid in getting on target quicker. Sometimes even the slightest advantage means the difference in life and death.

Lumberjack98 wrote: 1. If for some reason you can't put your eye on the sights, you can still see where you are aiming. I think this is similar to what flintknapper was meaning by "off camber.".

Exactly,

Any situation where you would be forced to "point shoot", or otherwise could not acquire your sights quickly, IE (knocked to ground, shooting from behind cover, even shooting on the move).

If you think about it....laser's allow you to point the weapon (anyway you can) and still know you are on target. They can be an advantage if you are forced to shoot in low light conditions (after identifying), or if your vision is weak or impaired (don't have glasses/contacts on when shooting begins).

I can think of as many "cons" as "pros", but suffice it to say: They can certainly be an effective tool if used properly.

I'm not recommending them over regular sights, but they do offer some advantages in certain situations.