Why You May Want a Laser on Your EDC Pistol

[Oldmountaiman]

I hated using the Thomas Guides…better than nothing, but as you said, you should have an idea where you are going, or you are out of luck. Or in the wrong, maybe bad, area. As a cop, I had a map of my area and was expected to memorize it.

I understand what you are saying and as a Deputy Sheriff our county was the largest and we had shifts where there were only two of us to patrol and take calls. No radios on our hip just the one in the patrol car. Domestic despites no backup. When I worked for another agency and went to areas where the handheld radio was useless because of terrain and even the radio in the patrol unit was negative. Times have changed indeed but I am glad my time is done because in today's world I would not want to be the one.

 

[KillerFord1977]

I have a laser unit on a suppressed M4 SBR with IR and visible capability.
Only use is for NVG’s at night with hogs driving on the 4 wheeler.
NVG, IR light and IR laser makes for a fun time

 

[Biggfoot44]

My own personal experiences.

Never gotten lost , with primarily sense of direction , backed up with maps .

Constantly encounter Lemmings blindly staring at their phone screens leading them wrong .

 

[WellArmed]

The facts are the majority of Americans and first world countries now use GPS to navigate. Over 170 million Americans use a GPS system (not including their phones). Added to that, over 70% of smart phone users use navigational apps. The overwhelming majority of Americans no longer using paper maps, and that wouldn't be the case if GPS and map apps were as problematic as naysayers would have you believe. They are quite accurate.

This just proves my point. Like I mentioned, people from certain eras are typically stubborn, slow to change, and think the way they always have done it is the best way. I'm sure something else will succeed GPS, trigger traditional navigation apps, lasers, and red dots, and our grandchildren will be pontificating about how those new technologies are inferior because all they ever needed was GPS or a GPS app. Heck, there are still many who are anti nigh sights, polymer framed guns, and striker fired pistols primarily because that's not what they used in their lifetime.

 

[FMJ]

If more folks would practice "instinctive" shooting with their carry gun at a close range they would realize you dont need lazers or sights or any other gimiks. Me and wifey shoot @ 5,10, 15 and 20 feet. Let your brain, eyes and muscles do the aiming for you. There aint no sights on a bowling ball, softball, horse shoes or on a bow and arrow, least my bows don't. Its just things, lazer and sights you dont have to worry about ina life or death situation. Next time any of you go to the range try it out. It helps also if you put tape over both sights till you get used to not looking at them Hold the gun as if you were useing the sights. After you practice this and you wear glasses take them off and train with out them. If in a bad situation if you drop your glasses you will still be able to protect yourself. Ive shot over 2K rounds in my bersa thunder and it works for me. Wifey with her 9mm reflex needs a lil more practice but shes getting there. JMHO.

 

[Anchorite]

Thank you for posting … I have not yet adopted a laser. I do have a laser on a scandium 357 Smith (329 PD, maybe?) and all a laser has ever done for me is prove what a lousy shot I am!

I think I would do better with a RDS.

 

[Anchorite]

I could use it to drive my cat nuts

Same here!!

 

[Anchorite]

For 100 years people got to their destinations using compasses and/or paper maps. I reckon I could get where I'm going just as well using those tools, but utilizing modern technology sure makes a lot of things a lot easier and faster.

For me, red dots and lasers help with shooting from unconventional angles and with nonstandard shooting stances. It helps because my eyesight is terrible, and I can't see my sights at all (they're blurred out) when my arms are extended. It helps me get on target faster. It helps with shooting in low light while being focused on the target. It aids in seeing exactly what's going on and might need to be corrected when practicing and training at the range.

Neither laser grips nor red dot optics add much weight or bulk in my experience. The laser grips are basically the same footprint and weight as regular grips. Red dot optics typically only add an ounce or less to a gun, which isn't noticeable. "Adding 10 lb" is a bit of a stretch.

It seems more like people who have always done things one way are typically stuck in their ways and scoff at new techniques. That happens every generation from parenting, fashion, cars, types of firearms, and even firearm accessories. I'm sure that the modern "mall ninjas" will be turning up their noses at new devices and techniques that they never "needed" back in their day when they get older.

I hear ya! I am slow to adopt new tech, but I admit that RDS are going to make it easier for me over open sights. I’m not sold on lasers, yet.

 

[Talyn]

While I have a GPS unit, I rarely use it since I use hard copy maps (USGS Topo, state highway, Rand McNally, etc.) for they give me much better info when I'm out-and-about on walk-about or on a road trip. And I still use a compass.

Neither require batteries or require a signal that can be lost.

I do have a few laser units but only would use them in a limited manner.

 

[Shibadog]

I use tech some, but frankly I don’t like it too much. Way too many people rely 100% on the latest gizmo and if it messes up they are clueless. Seen it with a red dot on an AR with zero other sites. Seen it with folks navigating using gps -“shortest” route may NOT BE THE best route. I plot a course on map, I’ll the use gps en route IF it’s taking me the route I want to travel ( wife and I are in the camper, traveled 250 miles today on a route the gps did NOT want to take. Got to my destination within 15 minutes of the GPS projected arrival time and we enjoyed a scenic drive vs pounding the slap. Mama has a laser on her EZ, I’ve got one on a 642 and a dot on a Reflex. Not crazy about any of them