Courtesy of a Crimson Trace LG-405 laser, newly mounted to my trusty Smith and Wesson Model 642.
Those of you who know me know that I'm a proud Luddite, slow to adopt new technology, so this is a quantum leap for me. But honestly. I can't wait to see how it works on the range.
And those of you who got on the laser bandwagon before I did, I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions.
Thanks, Keads.
Very nice indeed, and about time that you caught up to the 20th Century just in time for the 21st.
ReplyDeleteCT lasers are excellent.
Major limit on them is that bright daylight can wash the laser out and the visible range of it is not unlimited. With that said, for self-defense at night and at typical being-attacked range, which is what its designed for, they do very, very well.
Sometimes the lasergrip changes the feel of the grip by making it bigger which requires a bit of adjustment. There's occasionally issues with the laser coming on when you hold it when you'd prefer it.
Overall, its a very useful tool and I like them a lot and think they're a seriously useful addition to a carry gun.
+1 on Aaron. They excel in low light and unorthodox firing positions when you cannot get a traditional sight picture.
ReplyDeleteThe problem I see most of the time is a user thinks they have to see over the handgun to see the dot, destroying the traditional sight alignment. Adjust elevation to co-witness the laser and fixed sights.
I don't have to tell you, but I see people play "cat pointer" with them. They chase the dot on the target and when it is over the intended area they jerk the trigger. Again, an observation that I am sure will not apply to you.
Change the batteries every year when you change the smoke detector batteries. You can sign up for batteries for life on the CT Web site. Oh, wait, maybe not =).
I think lasers are indispensable on guns with minimalist sights, like J-frames and pocket guns. They make them much faster to get on target, and are also useful if you find yourself knocked to the floor, rolling around trying to avoid getting stomped, and need to get a sight picture 'on the move'.
ReplyDeleteJust make sure to zero them at a known range with your carry load (I do so at 25 yards). Knowing that, you can take head-shots out to 50 yards or more just by compensating for known bullet drop. If you do a generic alignment with the sights, but not for a specific load, there's too much margin of error.
Yes Peter, because the laser is side mounted geometry is well, geometry. I personally would not want to engage a threat at 50 yards with a snubby. For defensive ranges the error will be minimal IMHO regardless of the load.
ReplyDeleteSweet!
ReplyDeleteI put one of those on my wife's lcr. I adjusted the laser to the sights at ten yards. I found at first that I would not use the sights and would just look for the dot. I feel that this was not good practice, and I had to train myself to look down the sights. I have been shooting for 30 years but this was my first laser. So it is something to watch for. I do feel like the laser is a great tool for self defense, and it is fun to use at the range. Good luck and have fun!
ReplyDeleteI have one of those laser grips on a S&W 640-1 .357.
ReplyDeleteMainly so I can practice hip shooting at home with an unloaded gun.
The only REAL laser grips I want will have a ONE MEGAWATT LASER.
Then I won't need the gun loaded.