Crimson Trace laser sights

[Rufous]

I had a chance to shoot and work up a load for my dad's new Ruger LCR 38 Special this past weekend. He has a Crimson Trace laser attached within the grip. It was the first time I had shot a handgun with a laser. I found it to be pretty dang cool. My question is this: When using a Crimson Trace do you pretty much totally ignore the handguns sights and just put the red dot where you want it and pull the trigger? Thanks for any insights, Rufous.

[high country]

I try to never alter my defensive form. I shoot both eyes open and concentrate on where I want the bullet to go. I like the idea of being able to "shoot from the hip" but that aside the lazer on my gun never comes on.

[carpsniperg2]

We have several. They are a great addition to any handgun. The laser is more of a backup to the iron sights, such as in a low light situation. Or a situation in which a proper sight picture is not possible. When using a laser properly it can be a great tool in a bad situation. Never rely just on the laser a proper sight picture should always be used weather or not you have a laser   

[Rufous]

I appreciate your reply. I understand that maintaining a proper sight picture is important but the problem with me is my eyes are going with respect to close focus. I cannot focus on the front sight without glasses and I rarely wear glasses unless I know I am going to be reading. So I wonder if a laser sight might solve that problem. I recognize that a laser can fail at the moment one most needs it but I am thinking it might come in very handy 99% of the time, especially with my difficulty focusing on the front sight.

[carpsniperg2]

Yes for sure, it perfectly suited for your situation. With you not being able to focus well I would sat it is a great option for you.

[Alchase]

As said above, Lazer sights make aiming easier....but can also create horrible shooting mechanics. Plus the bad guys now know you have a gun. Which in itself could possibly be a deterrent, I personally would prefer not to inform them of my intentions, lol.

[carpsniperg2]

That's the nice thing about the crimson trace lasers. You can use the laser intermittently and not have it on constantly. The laser can also be a great tool in keeping a siruatuon from turning bad. Something about a dot glowing on someone that has bad intentions, can be enough to keep things from going bad.

[Heredoggydoggy]

That's the nice thing about the crimson trace lasers. You can use the laser intermittently and not have it on constantly. The laser can also be a great tool in keeping a siruatuon from turning bad. Something about a dot glowing on someone that has bad intentions, can be enough to keep things from going bad.

I've had a Crimson Trace laser on my Kahr P-40 for more than 2 years. Still working on the original batteries.  The red dot does get hard to see in bright sunlight, but they aren't needed at that time anyway.  As far as a deterrent, when I caught a dirtbag prowling my neighbor's storage shed, I didn't have to tell him I had a gun.  He knew the red dot on his face wasn't a pimple.

[high country]

I would focus on your shooting form, muscle memory is an amazing thing. I think you will be very surprised what you can do with your mind....not trying to talk you out of the grips at all, but when you focus on the beam you will see it go all over the place, when you focus on the target it becomes quite stable.

[Jamieb]

I love the CT laser grips on a carry pistol.

[MP123]

I would focus on your shooting form, muscle memory is an amazing thing. I think you will be very surprised what you can do with your mind....not trying to talk you out of the grips at all, but when you focus on the beam you will see it go all over the place, when you focus on the target it becomes quite stable.

Yeah, that's what I've noticed with CTs on my Sig.  At longer ranges especially that dot dances all over the place whereas the sight picture is very stable with the iron sights.  It's easy to turn on and off with the switch though.

[MuleySniper]

I have CT grips on my S&W 340 m&p. I don't notice myself ever using the laser when shooting at the range. I prefer using the open sight, but like others mention it is a great addition for low light situations or for a quick reference. Also, with larger caliber handguns I have heard they wont stay accurate and need to be frequently adjusted. I've never noticed that with my .357, but then again I don't use the laser for accuracy so I wouldn't know if recoil was affecting it after so many rounds.
MS