As in my other recent thread, I just upgraded my main carry pistols to the M&P M2.0 Compact 4", and the M2.0 Shield. I’m in my 50’s and have 20/15 distance vision but have the same issue up close (presbyopia) that most do after 45, and that makes it hard to focus on my sights. This has two negative effects on shooting: it affects accuracy anywhere beyond a few yards, and even up close–especially in low light conditions–it reduces my ability to quickly get sights on target as I have to find the ‘sweet spot’ in my progressive glasses lens in order to line up the sights.
I researched options (RDS and laser sights) and tried out a couple of the rental pistols at my range that had an RDS or integrated laser sight pre-installed. I wish there had been a few more of the recent RDS to try, but long story short, I liked the laser sight option slightly better. The one I got best results with so far was the CT green laser, which has integrated versions for a lot of pistols including the M&P M2’s.
A few questions for folks who have used a laser specifically on a carry pistol (not on rifles or any other non-CCW applications):
What were the main upsides, and downsides, that you found with using a laser sight on a carry pistol?
In the end, after getting your laser zeroed and training with it, did it help? Were you able to be more accurate and get on target faster?
What laser sight did you prefer, and why?
What option did you use for a light? For instance, a integrated light/laser combo, handheld light, etc?
What were the main upsides, and downsides, that you found with using a laser sight on a carry pistol?
I can’t answer that question since I’ve never carried a pistol that was equipped with a laser, but I with what I carry now I wouldn’t want a laser. I’m currently carrying a CZ RAMI. Before that I carried a G23. I ended up buying a laser/light combo and felt that it was too bulky for CC. The main upsides for me were trigger control training. The obvious upside is that you can aim without looking down the sights.
In the end, after getting your laser zeroed and training with it, did it help? Were you able to be more accurate and get on target faster?
It did help, but not the way I thought it would. Dry fire practice with the laser really opened my eyes to how much I needed to focus on grip and the pressing of the trigger. Helped tremendously.
What laser sight did you prefer, and why?
The only laser I’ve used was a “Streamlight TLR-2s”. I chose it for the price point compared with other brands and the pretty good reputation they have.
What option did you use for a light? For instance, a integrated light/laser combo, handheld light, etc?
Streamlight TLR-2s, at the time, had very good light output. The laser feature of the combo held zero very well. I set it once and it held zero for years.
I am going to purchase a Sig P365 and will be carrying that with a Laser, the Lima Green. The LIMA is the same width of the P365 and that’s one of the reasons I would give it a chance as a carry attachment. Comfort is a big factor for me for EDC guns.
The overwhelming vast majority of situations where you have to use your EDC will require you to put a shot on target immediately. No time for sights, no time for “lazer beam” or “red dot sights” nothing. Train like you will fight.
Seven feet, three seconds.
Work on that from the draw wherever you train/practice.
I have a laser on my G43, a TLR6. I bought it for the flashlight, as I believe guns should have lights. The laser is not highly visible outdoors past maybe 10 yards. It works well out to 25 yards in indoor ranges, and is a bit more precise than the iron sights. Like a RDS. Acquisition of the laser dot at ranges it is visible at is as fast and easy as a RDS for me.
Lasers certainly have drawbacks, such as needing to be activated and with visibility decreasing with range. I also have one on my G26, and don’t really like it in that application because the activation is a bit more clumsy. I don’t carry the G26, anyway.
USING A LASER SIGHT ON A EDC IS STUPID…Learn to point shoot from the draw, immediately rotate the handgun front and practice getting rounds in center mass…
At the time I was using lasers I hadn’t shot a bunch with pistol mounted optics, so my primary complaint of spending time looking for the dot might be a component of that.
I don’t feel I have enough recent experience to address anything else.
I use an X400UH-GN with a DG switch on my handguns these days; started out with the X400 from the very beginning of my pistol shooting, and just slowly progressed. I also have a handheld light that I EDC, but that’s honestly more of utility light. My laser is co-witnessed with my RDS for POA/POI at 25 yards with my carry ammo.
IME, the laser can be useful in unorthodox positions, where your index is weaker, to either be used as a sighting method, or to help find the dot on the RDS. It can also be useful for shooting on the move, as you can lose the dot due to the small window during more rapid movement; an RDS is definitely better than irons in that respect, but IME a laser can be even better. I also think the laser can be faster, simply due to the fact that you get feedback sooner in the presentation, and you can get on the trigger faster. Probably very niche, and not great for precise targets, but for close range CoM shots, it can help, at least IME in USPSA. During some stages, I am able to start with the laser, but switch to the RDS as I transition from target to target and catch the dot during that. There is also my theory that you might be able to use it for aiming during retention shooting, although I’m not sure most of us are fast enough to use that information properly in such a scenario.
Only downsides I really see are cost and possible holster issues.
Not to be argumentative, but in a real-deal SD gun fight, 95% of the time you will be so close, all that matters is clearing the holster and getting the gun pointed at the target and getting shots off, sights are pretty much irrelevant in that kind of a situation. FWIW.
This is would be hysterically funny, if it were not so sad.
Prestonshooting is a troll account for Reverend Paul McCain, a troublemaking whiner who has been banned here more times than anyone in the history of M4C. Let that sink in.
So a never been there, can’t do that person is presuming to lecture a US Army Ranger with multiple combat deployments on how to win gunfights. Gotcha.
Paul, do you have any idea of the frequency and intensity of the combat the Ranger Regiment has engaged in over the last 18 years? If you did, you would drop to a knee and thank God that our nation has produced such men.
And just for your general font of knowledge, it’s totally possible to use your sights and get hits in a gunfight. In the words of Ron White “I know, I’ve seen me do it.”
The amount of derpitude in your posts in truly mind-boggling. You have no shame, no honor, and no respect for our country’s warriors - both military and LEO. I would be delighted to personally introduce you to some of them.
Lasers are an excellent tool. I won’t carry a J frame without one and my beside the bed gun. Took some night training in shoot houses a few years back with Vickie’s and Hackathorn and quickly learned that lasers are a Godsend when the lights get low.
Thanks, that makes sense on the drawbacks; I would wonder how far the green laser would be visible in sunlight. So with or without laser, you prefer a WML? That’s something I’m also trying to figure out, though a separate discussion.
Good input, makes me wonder if it’s better to ‘adapt’ and train for the changed vision versus getting another ‘tool’ like a laser that has downsides too, like having to be activated, running out of battery, limited visibility at distance. That’s worth thinking through.
