Echo9,
What I was attempting to say is that everyone has his/her own opinion about everything..
You said you thought the money that might be spent on a Crimson Trace Laser would, FOR YOU, be better spent at the range, hopefully increasing your proficiency with your firearm of choice.
For ME, I only practice from self defense range, 3 yards max for my mouseguns, and a max of 7 yards for my 9's and 45ACP... I've done this for roughly 45 years and I feel quite confident that I will be able to hit a man sized target at center mass all day long at those distances with any of my pistols/revolvers with or without a laser.
I do NOT mean any offense, I'm just telling you what works for me, and that has absolutely nothing to do with what "works for you"..
IF I were a dedicated target shooter then range time would be a bigger deal for me. But being basically a "point and shoot" person, additional range time simply doesn't mean a whole lot.
Once I determine my self defense firearms are RELIABLE, which I consider job 1 in any carry weapon, then basically, from self defense distance, I don't think a laser, or fancy sights, or additional range time mean much.
I'd be willing to bet that at any reasonable self defense range YOU would be able to hit the center mass of a target, with or without more range time..
The only thing I feel I personally have ever accomplished with more "range time" is smaller groups when I'm target shooting.. Smaller groups are fun, but for self defense purposes, once you factor in all of the variables that are bound to affect a person's accuracy under such stressful conditions, I'm thinking smaller groups will be more affected by luck than skill acquired at the range..
I bought a laser for my Ruger LCP because I think they offer value beyond just projecting a red dot on a piece of paper.. I believe, and I know my belief is not universal, but it IS becoming more popular, that having a red beam projecting from your self defense firearm may NOT deter an aggressor, but it darn sure won't hurt..
If you are confronted by a current member of a SEAL team, or other professional, the red dot won't mean squat... But for your local gang-banger, or hoodlum, or thug, or whatever, it could well be just enough to cause that person, or person's to seek easier prey elsewhere.
Again, and I say this sincerely, NO OFFENSE to you...
I believe a forum is a place where a non-confrontational,free exchange of ideas between members is the object, and that free exchange is precisely what I mean by this post...
My opinion is certainly no more valuable than yours..
Best Wishes,
jesse