Lasers on handguns?

[FanGuy]

I am debating between a TLR 7 or TLR 8. I am leaning towards the 8 because the kid inside of me is screaming at how cool it would be to have a laser. I don’t know what practical use it would have though, the only real benefit I have seen is that it would help when practicing and seeing if there is flinch when pulling the trigger and smilier scenarios. Have any of you found a use for it or would recommend? Thoughts?

For those that don't know it can be programmed to not show the laser.

 

[FanGuy]

Open to other light suggestions also.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

What are you mounting it on?

IMO if I had nods I think a laser would be cool to have but if you have a RDO and light that's enough for me at least.

 

[Acer-m14]

a cutting laser would save on ammo

 

[FanGuy]

What are you mounting it on?

IMO if I had nods I think a laser would be cool to have but if you have a RDO and light that's enough for me at least.

No nods just a regular ol handgun

 

[Jem45472]

I've heard too many people claim it causes bad habits.

 

[Xae289]

I've shot a few handguns with them. I wasn't really a fan. I wouldn't say there were any big downsides to them or any big benefits.

If a target is far away, iron sights or a red dot are better as the laser dot tends to be hard to see well. If the target is up close and you aren't using sights, it doesn't do all that much better than point-shooting if you practice even occasionally. In low light, I'd rather have a weapon mounted or handheld flashlight since it lets you ID who/what is downrange.

As you said, I suppose it would be a good training aid to see how steady you keep the pistol as the trigger breaks. I think it could also be a pretty good way to train yourself at point-shooting. You point the weapon without using the sights and the laser tells you if you're on-target or not.

 

[RedBreast21]

No matter what you put or don't put on your weapons; not training sufficiently with them makes it all useless.

 

[jimc]

I used to have a laser on my nightstand handgun. It had the buckshot pattern below. I think it would be pretty intimidating for someone to see that on their chest. I took it off when I changed to a TRL-7 and red dot. I was going to go with a TRL-8 but couldn't get myself to spend the extra money. I'm happy with my choice.

 

[Robin]

I've only seen one. A guy used to show up at the range once and awhile and was very enthusiastic about it. My feeling was that it provides an excellent aiming point, for the other guy.
Robin

 

[FanGuy]

I used to have a laser on my nightstand handgun. It had the buckshot pattern below. I think it would be pretty intimidating for someone to see that on their chest. I took it off when I changed to a TRL-7 and red dot. I was going to go with a TRL-8 but couldn't get myself to spend the extra money. I'm happy with my choice.

View attachment 202360

I've only seen one. A guy used to show up at the range once and awhile and was very enthusiastic about it. My feeling was that it provides an excellent aiming point, for the other guy.
Robin

Thank you both. Made my decision much simpler