IMHO
I have been shooting handguns, rifles and shotguns since I was 8 years old, I'm now 45. I have carried a handgun for self defense most of my adult life. Until recently I have never had a laser sight on any of my weapons and would consider myself very proficient with all my weapons.
For those who call a laser sight a gimmick or toy I must disagree with your opinion. Yes, in perfect conditions you can use the iron sites to address your target and fire with precision. But what if you are not able to use your iron sights? What if the person you need to fire on is too close for you to pull out your weapon and sight the weapon with your iron sights? They charge you, or you are attacked by a dog or other animal by surprise? What if your pushed to the ground, shooting from your back or your side? If you wear glasses, what happens if your glasses are knocked off? or any of a thousand situations that will not allow you to gain a proper site picture using your iron sights? I doudt very highly you will have the presence of mind to hold your weapon like you do at the range and attain a perfect sight picture then fire.
In these and other instances the laser sight is a valuable tool in allowing you to hit your target. To aim quickly and presicely so you can end the threat as quickly as possible. And isn't that what you carry a weapon for?
Anyone that has seen "Cops" the tv program. When they have the "armed and dangerous" episodes on. Has seen seasoned officers empty an entire clip at a criminal that was only a few feet away and missed him with every bullet fired.
These are seasoned professionals that are required to train constantly with their weapons. And they miss when put in a life and death situation. So even if this laser sight gives me a one in a hundred better chance of terminating a threat to me or my family I'm going to take it.
A laser sight is a tool, just like the iron sights or the glow in the dark sights. Each one is designed to function best in certain situations. But to dismiss it as a gimmick or a toy is unfair and a bit childish.
Just as juvenile is thinking your going to scare someone with your laser sight. I was taught from day one, never point a gun at something you werent going to kill. So if your pointing your gun at someone to scare them with your laser sight, in my opinion you should not be allowed to carry a weapon.
From my training and many years of shooting, hunting, and competition shooting. I can tell you this. If my laser sight is on your chest or your head there is a bullet on its way long before you notice the red dot.
One more reason a laser sight is a good addition to a weapon is if the iron sights are all but useless even on the brightest of summer days in the best of conditions. A good example of this is my Ruger LCP .380 pistol. The Iron sights suck, period even during the day. Forget about using them even in a dimmly lit bar much less a dark alley or house.
One word of caution, if you do buy a laser sight for your weapon. Make sure it is an instant on laser that is activated when you hold the weapon normally. If you have to turn it on manually by pushing a button or sliding a slide switch your defeating the purpose. Crimson trace makes the best sights IMO. Instant on just by gripping the weapon as it should be.
With the S&W bodyguard with the built-in laser. You need to push a button on the side of the gun in front of the trigger guard to turn it on. Even under the best conditions (In the store with the sales person right there) it was not the easiest thing to turn on or off.
