In this video, presented by Crimson Trace, Jim Staley and Brian from TacGas discuss and demonstrate one of the most prevalent myths when it comes to laser sights and why it’s important to utilize proper laser discipline. That lesson is supported by footage from a combat course that was held in an underground cave with zero natural light to show the use and effectiveness of combat lights and lasers.
The Second Rule of firearm safety states: “Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.” If your muzzle is downrange, you are already in a gunfight. Though laser (and/or light) discipline is encouraged — and should be trained — your threat’s ability to identify your position is less relevant when compared to your ability to immediately engage that target, regardless of lighting conditions, with a laser sight.
Lasers and weapon lights are wonderful tools and certainly have their place in self-defense scenarios. Likewise, going without a laser and/or combat light puts you at a disadvantage in certain self-defense scenarios. The key factor is training. Similar to any other piece of equipment, a laser is not magic. It will not compensate for a poor trigger press. The bullet does not ride the beam to the target. Just like any other sight, you need to sight-in the laser and understand the laser’s point of aim versus bullet impact for various distances to maximize accuracy and effectiveness.
All that being said, with practice, the laser can enhance accuracy—especially in a high stress situation. Lasers may provide an aim point in full, natural light scenarios when you can easily see your iron sights or optic, but they definitely provide a solid aim point in total darkness. To prove that, I participated in a combat course that was held in a cave. Night sights may have allowed me to aim, but without a light, I would not have been able to identify the target. In fact, with the tactical light illuminating the target, it was hard, if not impossible, to use the iron sights. It is a scenario such as this that make it necessary to understand your personal limitations and those of your equipment under real world conditions.
What experience do you have with weapon-mounted lasers and lights? Do you train with a laser or tactical light? What did you think of the Crimson Trace laser/light combo being tested in a cave? Share your answers in the comment section.
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I learned something there I have night sights and lasers. So it does make sense the sight would be hard to see with a tactical light. Honestly haven’t thought about it or trained with one.
Took me a while to come around to both weapon mounted lights and lasers have both now though.
I have a laser and they are neat. If I ever have a break-in at night I expect it to be useful. But otherwise how much night shooting do you do?? Might be really nice on a coon gun. But you should probably check your states rules for that.
I used only lights before thinking that it was the best way to go but after reading this it has shed a lot more light on the lasers being a great combo together
I have 2 Crimson Trace lasers and love them both. They do make a big difference in being able to aim the weapons but they definitely take some training to keep on target.
I’ve had weapon mounted lights for as long as they’ve been available, but never seen the need for a laser. I spend a lot of time practicing pointing the weapon from a muzzle down position to fire ready (point of impact.) I will check sight picture after the draw and point to confirm aprox. impact. I feel that this is a must for split second violent (self defense) encounters. I can see where a laser would be useful at longer distance, but that would be more suited to law enforcement scenarios than most civilian self defense situations.