Lasers on EDC

[train 45]

As a spin off to NO compensators, does any one have experience with laser, Crimson Trace on edc, in particular a Kimber micro 9 Rosewood with CT?  I've read a lot of reviews about fingers getting in the way etc.  I have medium size hands with thin fingers, so I think that would be less of a problem for me.  The big thing is this, the eyes just aren't getting any better!  How well does the grip switch work?  

 

[Tom B]

To me, lasers are in the same group as compensators and  red dot optic sights, they are not needed on an EDC gun. IMO, 99% of situations are going to be close up, and probably going to happen fast, as in no time to think about anything. And this is why I dont carry anything big, with lots of rounds. A single stack 380 or 9mm is what I carry all the time. I dont see needing more than 7 rounds. Just my humble opinion of course.

[train 45]

I agree with you on the red dots.  They stick out too much. 

Same on the doulbe stack guns. I remember reading what the FBI stats were on law enforcement shootings.  Less than 3 shots fired at a distance of less than 3 yards was the majority of encounters.

On a practical note, I have had numerous occasions to use my EDC to dispatch varmints on my property coming home at night.  My Sig has night sights and have done much better with that than my Kahr, which just has white lines.  This is where I thought the laser would be a big help.

[BigK]

IMHO, the best argument for a laser is that you can't always fully extend your arms and/or get a perfect sight picture. I'm gonna rely on proper stance, grip, and sight picture as my go-to whenever possible, but I think the CT laser grip on my LCP and the TLR6 on my P365 could be difference between a hit or a miss in the dark or when shooting from retention.

[pop pop]

I have had pistols and revolvers with red Crimson Trace on them. Have a S W 642 snubbie with one mounted in the grips now. First off, the laser dot will move a bit more than one thinks and is almost shaky, if you are not careful, when firing. That is one thing that surprised me. Another is I never had no problems with hands covering or blocking my dots. Neither did I have any problem with the grip switch to activate the dot however one must get a firm grip. I just never got accustomed to the dot on the targets, but that is just me. I have a drawer full of several of them, and did not use them. I am not a fan. I just use factory mounts.

I have friends who have had sights changed to remedy your problem though. YMMV 

[BigK]

8 minutes ago, pop pop said:

First off, the laser dot will move a bit more than one thinks and is almost shaky, if you are not careful, when firing. That is one thing that surprised me.

I'm glad you mentioned this. The first thing I learned when I put a laser on a pistol was that my grip/stance was nowhere near as steady as I thought it was. LOL That immediate visual feedback helped a lot with correcting my shooting.

[chances R]

several yrs ago I spoke to Mr. Karl Rehn and he spoke in favor of lasers, especially for new shooters at close distances.  This has been addressed previously to some degree here on TGO.

 

[train 45]

Red dot shakes like Don Knotts, n Shakiest Gun In The West.

My Dad shot scopes on 3 guns in National Match Course matches.  Guys would come up and ask to hold his gun and try to sight them.  All would become frustrated with the weight of the gun, not being able to even find the target and, seeing the cross hairs dance around.  Every body would say, "How can you hit any thing with that".

The scopes in those days didn't have as much eye relief as they do now.  Not an issue in bullseye shooting.   

He worked out with weights and springs so he could handle the weight.

 

[JustEd]

Not on many new firearms now a days.  Seem to be mostly available an add on.

Would only consider one built into the grip.  Under barrel is a no go.

Can be of use at home for a inside night time threat engagement.

On the negative side, it shows the assailant exactly where you are.

 

 

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[Grayfox54]

I've never been much for hanging extra stuff on handguns. In all probability, if you have to use it, its gonna be close range and fast. You'll probably just be point shooting anyway. 

However, I do have one old S&W Model 10 with CT laser grips on it. It came to me with them. I took it to the range to check the zero and guess what? The laser is almost useless in daylight. I had to look hard at the target just to find the dot! I do like the CT setup. Just grab the grip and the laser comes on. Indoors it works just fine. So I now use this as one of my house guns. I'll never carry it, but it works well inside the house. 

[chances R]

Agree with the conditions of low light and close range can be  very useful.  For those that shoot a lot, especially from the draw, almost automatic hits under those same conditions without sights, dots, or lasers.

Edited December 1 by chances R

[peejman]

As with the others, I found the laser wiggling around to be more of a distraction than anything else. More focused on the dot than what the dot was on.  I'd imagine it would be even worse in the midst of an adrenaline dump. 

[chances R]

Maybe, but it also simplifies the shot.  Simply paint the target with a a visible dot and pull the trigger; stance, body position, sight alignment, “finding the dot in a window” don’t matter.

[Will Carry]

I went nuts on lasers when they first started coming out.  Now I only keep a laser on my bedside pistol.  The reason I stopped using them is that in daylight they are hard to see and I don't want to be looking for the red dot as the bad guy fires on me. A green laser is easier to see in daylight. If I had a choice, it would be green.

       I still have three Crimson Trace lasers, at night they are a formidable asset. 

 

Edited December 2 by Will Carry

[BigK]

At the range, the laser is not necessary. You have time to focus on the front sight and super-impose it over your target.

In a critical situation I imagine it might be too dark to see my sights and/or my target is moving and/or I can't get into a perfect position. It seems that keeping an eye on the target and painting it with a dot, like @chances R said, might be my only hope of getting a good hit.

Regardless, I like to have a laser even if I don't need it vs wishing I had one when I do need it.

[chances R]

As BigK alluded, laser and irons is not an either / or choice and can be dictated by the immediate circumstances.  

[ohell]

Not a fan of the grip switch laser, I prefer better control of when to deploy.  
I’m with BigK on the TLR-6. It’s not much of a torch, but does the job for this topic’s application.  Also no noticeable bulk to me and I’m lucky the reach is perfect for me. It’s available if needed. I’ll take this over the red dot option anytime for edc.