Why no Laser Sights?

[Menace]

I was issued the AtomicDeathLaser™
it clicks on to the bottom of the Glock, right next to my SuperDuperBlowemUp™ bazooka. The holster is kind of big, but hey.

[chewy]

I personally have had them on my own guns and am not very impressed with them. They aren't always to see in the bright sunlight and I always had a hard time getting the dot back on target after firing, it wasn't as quick as jus sights. plus, as has been stated, with several officers involved it gets damn confusing as to what light is yours. If I'm going to have anything on my weapon I would just rather have a good old M-3 flashlight.

[Samuel]

Toomire,

The discussion threads I was thinking about didn't show up when I went to search either - wonder why?

I have to run out right now. When I get back I'll try to put together a semi-comprehensive list of pros and cons...

[steelcityk9cop]

I carried a Lasermax internal on my Glock 22 for 5 years.... I loved it.

[Toomire]

Thanks Samuel, although I think a lot of these guys covered a lot of the pros / cons... from what I can see, it seems that a laser sight for some BG's can be helpful because of its intimidation factor. However on the other hand, I can understand why it would be hard to re-aim with a laser as well as get confusing with multiple LEOs on the scene.

Steel, the LaserMax is the brand I had seen being most popular, as I doubt it would interfere with your holster and such (being internal).

[Samuel]

Ok, first, I am Not part of our weapons training staff Nor am I anywhere near a subject matter expert on firearms and tactics. That being said, here is my list, IMO (all things being equal):

Pros:
extremely quick target acquisition (once laser is on), especially on follow up shots
greater inherent accuracy, especially at longer ranges
intimidation factor
excellent training aid
not necessary to have visual perfect sight alignment (e.g. can shoot from the hip, around cover, etc)
can make up for loss of visual acuity (e.g. glasses get knocked off, may not be able to see the sights but can still see the dot)

Cons:
the more complicated something is, the more chance it will fail at the wrong time
battery powered (iron sights will never disappear)
can give away position in a "cloudy" environment/atmosphere
doesn't work well (if at all) in brightly lit (e.g. daytime outdoor sunny) situations
*beam is not considered "eye safe"
**overdependence on dot, loss of front sight picture/usage
**lag time in engagement due to time to activate laser and aim
**loss of identity in a group of beams/dots

* IMunexpertO, you have to intend to damage someone's eyes with the laser in order to do so - I don't think a quick, accidental flash across the eyes will do any permanent damage
** IMO, these are more along the lines of Training issues than problems with laser sights themselves. Be proficient with and know the limitations of your equipment (e.g. you know you're in bright daylight, why are you wasting time looking for the dot; you shouldn't train Only to use the laser to sight, etc). For multiple lasers, if all your beams are on the BG, what's the problem? :p

I think laser sights are great tools. If you have one on your weapon, it's up to YOU if you want to use it or not. It's up to YOU to practice with and without the laser. Better to have it and not need it...

[mcsap]

Youi missed a con, the COST. PD's have a budget as well

[Samuel]

The LaserMax and CrimsonTrace grips are two popular laser sighting systems.

http://www.lasermax-inc.com/
http://www.crimsontrace.com/

Some differences:

LaserMax beam pulses. CrimsonTrace doesn't but is brighter.

LaserMax replaces your recoil guide rod and maybe a few more parts (springs, take down levers, etc). CrimsonTrace replaces the grips only.

LaserMax uses 4 small button watch batteries (e.g. 377 for the Beretta 92FS). CrimsonTrace uses 2 large coin batteries (e.g. similar to cr2025 size).

IIRC, LaserMax claims battery life of 2.5 hours constant on. CrimsonTrace - 4 hours.

LaserMax has a three position slide activation switch (center off, left or right on) located on the sides of the frame (inside the take down lever on the Beretta). CrimsonTrace has a momentary pressure switch in the grip.

LaserMax requires no sighting in/adjusting - the beam is directly under and parallel to the barrel. CrimsonTrace beam will be under and slightly off to one side, for LASD, it is typically sighted in for 25 yards (if you sight it in at one particular range, that means at different ranges, your rounds will impact at different locations relative to the dot).

[Samuel]

Youi missed a con, the COST. PD's have a budget as well

lol so true!