Tactics---Or gadgets?

[blueballet]

A combination of gadget and tactics would be very good.

 

[coloradokevin]

I didn't read all of the responses, but here's my $0.02 on most of the issues regarding "gadgets":

1) I've never seen the need for a laser on any of my guns. I'm a full-time police officer, and no one I know has ever used one.

2) A lot of people may not directly say that they want a piece of equipment to substitute for training, yet many people still buy the "extras" and expect that they'll automatically be a better shot!

3) In many cases -- mind you, not all, but many-- the extra money would be better spent on range time, etc.

As a case in point:

The very nice Eotech Holosights have become very popular with officers in my department for our patrol rifles (AR-15's). I think these sights are a great tool, and they've impressed me when I've worked with them... I can shoot faster with it, and it is of particular advantage to me (a cross eye dominant shooter) because it allows me to shoot with both eyes open.

But, herein lies the question: Is it necessary to have such a sight on your rifle? I say absolutely not! Some folks in my department have engaged me in heated debates, stating that only a fool wouldn't have one on their gun...

Yet, I consistently outshoot the most outspoken critics every time we go to the rifle range for quarterly qualification, even though I'm using the standard "iron" sights (our courses vary to include CQB type scenarios, speed drills, positional shooting, etc).

Thus, in my opinion, an item such as this sight can make a skilled shooter faster, but it certainly isn't to be thought of as a crutch to lean on! Similarly, I think a lot of folks lean on a crutch of a laser sight, rather than mastering the more critical skills of defensive shooting! Your mileage may vary, and everyone is different... But, I'm not rushing out to buy a laser any time soon

 

[Len S]

As far as professionals using them Mr. Larry Vickers was singing the praises of Crimson Trace on a history channel program on Special Forces. Mr.Vickers also implied that his old unit did indeed employ them. You can not get more professional than his old unit. I do not own one and have never used them. Personally I know two people that swear by them and one that swears at them.


Len

 

[Sir Aardvark]

A while back Preacherman did a sort of informal investigation on pocket-draw pistol/revolver shooting, and what he found was that his .38 J-frame with the laser grips was the fastest, most accurate combination going, beating all of the autos and non-lasered revolvers.

Participants were able to fire their first shot accurately just after they drew the weapon and had the barrel pointing in the right direction. They did not have to bring the weapon up to sight through it first. "Shooting from the hip" was made accurate through the use of the laser.

I have a set of Crimson Trace 405's on my J-frame and I have found that they are not just a gimmick - they have great utility and really do work as advertised!

 

[Fred Fuller]

I put a set of CT LaserGrips on my 642 after training with them for the first time at OPS' Snubby Summit. The experience was enough to make a believer out of me.

lpl ( http://www.shooting-center.org/snubby.htm )

 

[DMR]

(Material x Training)/Tactics = Mission Success

These are the three variables that you can control, weighted as I see their importance. A guy/gal with a simple snub .38 he has shot the finish off of, can beat the uber couch commando with a death star 3000 if he can't use it. Tactics can/does trump both.

Questions?

 

[CoRoMo]

Tactics---Or gadgets?

I prefer a good deal both, chosen for their usefulness and importance.

 

[Templar223]

Tactics and skill sets trump toys EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK!

You'll be much better off spending that money towards a good training class or two.

John

 

[moooose102]

i agree with bubba613, how many ccw people are out there without professonal training. A LOT! most of them really do not even shoot enough to be good with their firearm under target shooting conditions. i have no professional training, but at least i do shoot fairly often, but i have to admit that honestly, i could use some marksmanship fast fire help. i am competent at slow fire, in a target situation, but in a sd scenario, i have no clue. i really hope to never find out. if i could afford to go to frontsite, or something similar, i would do it once a year. but there is no chance in he!! that i will ever be able to afford it, once, let alone once a year. so, in the real world, for most folks, with minmal training (if any) a laser could mean the difference between surviving or not.

 

[Mr_Rogers]

Fortunately, most people with a concealed weapons permit will never see a dangerous situation so, statistically, whether they have training or not really doesn't matter. A few of the people with the permit and no training will meet a dangerous situation, then they will either get lucky or get maimed (or worse). I suppose the only question is how seriously you take your right to carry, are you going to depend on dumb luck or are you going to train to win? The one thing you can be absolutely sure of is this - that laser is not going to help you if you have not trained - either with the laser or without it.

 

[talentandskill]

i would bypass a laser and go for a red or blue spot light mount instead this will illuminate your target and allow use of your top mount sights and also not blind you like a white light would

think of a time when you used a small map light it illuminated the area were you wanted to see and you werent blinded like you would be if you were turning on your big flashlight

 

[innerpiece]

lol.
Friearm, taclight/flashlight... is really all youll need within yer home.. oh, and a phone!

some folks like to dress up their guns like they are Navy SEALs in their home..
right on to them... but in my real world, practical is tactical.

ip.