What's your opinion on laser sights?

[QuickZ06]

I'm afraid if I tried that, the next thing I knew, I'd be picked up by the cops for brandishing a firearm. Around here, all somebody has to do is report somebody holding a pistol and the next thing you know, the person is picked up for brandishing.

Free America!

 

[GunnyFreedom]

flashlight>laser sight. Save the laser for a good high powered rifle.

Um, lasers may be useful on a pistol, but they are completely useless on a high powered rifle unless used in CQB, in which case a pistol is usually superior anyway (unless facing targets with body armor).

There are pros and cons to a laser sight, but you definitely want one that can be turned on and off.

Best application for a laser is probably a short-barrel shotgun in home defense.

You couldn't pay me to put a laser on a high power rifle. Where it is useful, then you are using the wrong weapon for the job. When the high power rifle is the right weapon for the job, then the laser is useless.

The only possible exception for lasers being useful on rifles would be for carbines used in engagements of 30 yards or less. A very specific circumstance.

 

[Anti Federalist]

I'm afraid if I tried that, the next thing I knew, I'd be picked up by the cops for brandishing a firearm. Around here, all somebody has to do is report somebody holding a pistol and the next thing you know, the person is picked up for brandishing.

Yup, that is always one of the risks involved.

Or worse, some panty wetter calls 911 about "a man with a gun" and before you know it, you got 20 SWAT assholes surrounding you, screaming contradicting "orders" and just looking for the slightest excuse to light you up.

 

[Uriel999]

I am all about using IR lasers but day lasers are pointless unless it aims in your IR laser as well when you dope it in. As far as flashlights I am pro getting the brightest freaking torch you can get. If I am involved in a dynamic entry on a building I want the brightest light I can get possibly with a strobe feature. Flashlights can temporarily blind an intruder by destroying his natural night vision, or if he is utilizing nvg's it will shut off or ruin his gear. As well, if your using light during dynamic entry the enemy knows your there so light it up, doesn't matter, your team is right by your side.

If your alone defending your home....well the gear may help, but your adrenaline is going to be kicking so hard you might not be able to properly manipulate a laser or flashlight, especially if not properly trained and practiced.

 

[osan]

They can be an excellent supplemental sight. If you are not heavily trained as, say, and IPSC shooter you may not have the ingrained muscle memory response under high stress situations such as when Trayvon Martin breaks into your home. Oh wait...

With a laser all you do is point and shoot. The bullet goes where the dot is pointing. Any sort of situation where vision is compromised such that using the weapon's standard sights is not likely to produce desirable results may be precisely the circumstance where a laser takes up enough slack to save your bacon.

They are not a panacea, but as a supplement I think they are great.

 

[osan]

The only laser I'd bother with would be the infrared kind that can be seen through night vision goggles. Other than that, I prefer something like an Aimpoint T-1 red dot.

An optical laser can be a life saver if perchance you are too injured to raise the weapon properly. If all you can move is your wrist, you can still get a bead on target.

I find it best to leave open as many options as possible.

 

[TheTexan]

I have a crimson trace on my LCP because the iron sights on that thing are literally worthless. Otherwise its a fine weapon.

 

[pcosmar]

I'm afraid if I tried that, the next thing I knew, I'd be picked up by the cops for brandishing a firearm. Around here, all somebody has to do is report somebody holding a pistol and the next thing you know, the person is picked up for brandishing.

Not Brandishing,, It was never in my hand..

If it had been in my hand it would have fired (within a fraction of a second)

 

[torchbearer]

have top mount on my glock.