Anyone carry with a rail-mounted light/laser?

[Guest boutwell]

I am in the odd position of having one hand gun (I am new at this) that I want to use to carry and for home defense. My father-in-law suggest I get a laser to make sighting easier in case the need arises before I get trained up, or if my wife needs to use it rather than her shotgun, for whatever reason.

 

So, I got one (CT Rail Master Pro) and I like it. But find a holster that will fit it it proving difficult. Adding the fact that I want to carry IWB, I think I may just have to break down and get a second gun that is better suited for carry.

 

The gun is a full size M&P 22. Yeah, I know...I should have gotten the 9 or 40. I agree with that now. I wanted to learn on something with cheap ammo. If you know tricks for finding .22lr in Memphis, I am all ears.

[Emperor_Po]

I had a CT laserguard mounted on a Sig P938 once. It was nice for point shooting but when I lined up the sights I was always distracted by the red dot and I was more proficient with just the irons. I don't carry with them, but I can see their purpose. I would train with with irons though.

As for a holster you'll probably have to send in the CT to a custom holster maker.

[Spurholder]

OP, suggest that you take a look at the following:

 

1. Pick up a "real" fighting handgun, chambered in 9mm or better.  Since you like M&P's, the choice should be obvious.  Here's one:

 

http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=209301

 

2.  A good weaponlight > laser.  Having said that, Surefire > other light brands.  Their X3000U is the gold standard in a dedicated weaponlight:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Surefire-Ultra-Ouput-Weaponlight-Black/dp/B00999CBJ6

 

3.  For holsters, you need only look here.  Often copied, they are the originators of this design:

 

http://raven-concealment-systems1.mybigcommerce.com/smith-wesson-phantom-light-compatible-holster/

 

And an extra magazine on the belt:

 

http://raven-concealment-systems1.mybigcommerce.com/single-modular-pistol-mag-carrier/

 

4.  Don't forget a good gunbelt, either.  The polymer-lined model is awesome:

 

http://www.thewilderness.com/tactical-belts/frequent-flyer-belt/

 

Now get some training!

 

HTH, and good luck to you. 

Edited October 8, 2014 by Spurholder

[10-Ring]

Using a laser as a crutch until you get "trained up" is alarming. I'm not trying to be hateful but if you can't handle the gun without a laser on it you don't need to be handling the gun period.

[Guest boutwell]

Thanks guys.

10-Ring, I don't disagree with that line of thinking at all. My father-in-law suggested the laser knowing that me and my wife would both be using the gun for defensive purposes, possibly in the immediate future with all that is going on in the area we live in (armed break-ins half a mile from our home). We have since added a shotgun that she prefers so that is a moot point now.

Regardless, I have just about decided to take the laser off. If it wasn't for the flashlight on it, I already would have. I don't see myself using it. It just feels more natural to me to sight down the barrel. And with the trouble finding a holster...I should have just bought some more ammo instead. Edited October 8, 2014 by boutwell

[E4 No More]

Personally, I think that a LASER makes you less accurate. I also believe that it's because it changes your focal point from the weapon in your hands to the dot on the target. For me, just using the dot would cause the rounds to go everywhere whereas actually aiming not so much.